2025 Annual Conference

April 28-29, 2025 in Washington D.C at the
Doubletree Hotel, 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202

Annual Conference 2025

Conference Overview
Speakers
Presentations

2025 Conference Overview:

Overview

This year’s 2025 ParentChild+ Conference’s overarching theme is Innovating Toward an Equitable Future.

Stay tuned for more details about programming!
Refresher Training and Quality Assurance Session offered on Wednesday, April 30th
ParentChild+ will offer a one-day refresher training and quality assurance session to Coordinators from sites who wish to start the certification process in 2025. This training will address some program enhancements for both the One-on-One and HBCC models to ensure your site is on the path to operating the model with fidelity.

Cost for attending this extra session is $75 per person and can be included as part of your conference registration.

Who: This is for sites with veteran Coordinators who have been at ParentChild+ for over four years and are interested in obtaining feedback on their site’s implementation of the ParentChild+ model. Some sites in the network are required to participate in a fidelity process by their funders.

When: Wednesday, April 30th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (lunch included)

Why certification? The goal of Certification is to engage in a process of continuous quality improvement. This is a process where programs assess their ability to meet the needs of families, child care providers, and children through the ParentChild+ models.

Quality improvement is a strength-based process that relies on teamwork to not only assess overall fidelity to the model but also to understand how a program might individuate or stretch the model to meet the needs of your community. It is an ongoing cycle of collecting information or data, implementing solutions, learning from them, and revising the solutions. A key aspect of continuous quality improvement is to identify strength-based approaches to support home visiting staff and their ability to work with families in an effective and meaningful way.

Agenda (TBC): In preparation for your Site Certification, here is the content for the one-day training offered by the National Center:
- Developmental parenting
- Goal setting, reflection records, and coaching families
- Best Practice Principles and video feedback
- An introduction to practice-based coaching
Questions? If you have an interest in Certification or questions about what this one-day of training entails, please email Jessica Faith at jfaith@parentchildplus.org
VENDORS: Your registration link is inside!

Register here to vend at the Conference!

ParentChild+ sites order multiples of children’s picture books and educational toys for children ages 18 months – 4 years old. Our sites make their own buying decisions based on the National Center’s guidelines. Of particular interest are books that represent the families we serve, books available in multiple languages, small motor manipulative toys, large motor toys appropriate for use in the home, and art materials. For further information, please contact Michele Morrison mmorrison@parentchildplus.org.

Fees to vend are $200 for vendors who joined us in 2024’s Expo Hall, and $300 for all other vendors.

**Paying by card will incur an additional 2.9% + $0.30 processing fee.

Attendees can Register Here!

Accepting proposals to present a workshop or be on a discussion panel.

Call for proposals can be found here.

We can’t wait to read what you have to share!

We are thrilled to share this expert line-up of speakers and presenters!

Alycia Hardy

Bio:

Alycia Hardy is a dynamic leader with a passion for developing equitable, inclusive, and community driven policy solutions to advance systems change. As the VP of Policy & Research at the National Black Child Development Institute, she shapes the research and policy agendas using an Afrofuturist lens, systems thinking, liberatory research, and intersectional data. Her innovative thinking, unique perspective, and heart for service leads her commitment to dismantle systems rooted in anti-Blackness. Her leadership drives research and policy advocacy towards reimagined systems that support every Black child from 0-8 and their families being healthy, well, and to thrive. Prior to NBCDI, she was a Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for Law and Social Policy and served on the DC Public School’s Head Start Parent Policy Executive Council. Alycia received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Morgan State University and her Master of Public Administration from American University.

Angela Rau

Bio:

Angela Rau is the owner of ACTT consulting. Her professional focus is on home visiting, family engagement, workforce development, and coaching. She informed the Parent as Teachers (PAT) relational approach to home visiting. The first virtual home visiting program, Parents as Teachers @ USC Telehealth, was co-designed by Ms. Rau. This program was selected as the winner of the Gary Community Investments/OpenIDEO Early Childhood Innovations Prize. As PAT Director of Program Innovations and Professional Development, Ms. Rau led training design and the professional development of national trainers. During her term, she drove transitions into virtual training and home visiting. She is an active consultant for The Rapid Response–Virtual Home Visiting (RR-VHV) collaborative. She actively participates in the Start Early Communities of Practice–Professional Development: Pathways to promoting home visitors’ competence through coaching.

Atiba Wise

Bio:

Atiba Wise II is a dedicated law enforcement professional, military service member, and nonprofit leader with a passion for justice, family advocacy, and community empowerment. He currently serves as a Maritime Enforcement Specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard, where he plays a critical role in maritime security, law enforcement operations, and national defense initiatives.

Since 2017, Atiba has also been a police officer with the Baltimore City Police Department, specializing in investigations, proactive patrols, emergency response, and crime suppression. His extensive experience in law enforcement has deepened his understanding of local government operations and strengthened his commitment to community engagement.

Before his career in policing and military service, Atiba gained valuable experience in the retail, insurance, and security industries. A Randallstown High School graduate who attended Sojourner Douglass College and the Community College for Baltimore County, he developed a strong work ethic and adaptability that continue to serve him well in his various professional roles.

Beyond his law enforcement and military duties, Atiba is the co-founder of The Foundation for Fathers, a 501(c)3 that focuses on addressing the psychological impact of custody battles, securing financial assistance for child access, and promoting life balance. By encouraging unity and positive co-parenting, he strives to create a healthier environment for children and families.

Additionally, Atiba is actively developing programs and offering volunteer opportunities with the potential for compensation as grant funding becomes available. His dedication to mentorship, advocacy, and service continues to drive his mission of creating lasting, positive change.

César Zuñiga

Director of Research and Evaluation, ParentChild+ National Center

César Zuñiga

Director of Research and Evaluation, ParentChild+ National Center

czuniga@parentchildplus.org

César oversees data collection, quality assurance, and research projects. He coordinates the National Center’s efforts to support replication sites’ capacities to plan and conduct research and evaluation projects on the short and long-term value of ParentChild+ for children and families. He is responsible for the implementation of DAISY, ParentChild+’s Management Information System (MIS), including designing, updating, and providing training to Site Coordinators and Early Learning Specialists. Before coming to ParentChild+, César worked as a project associate at the Equity Assistance Center (EAC) at, New York University. César also served as a Board Member of the Passaic Public Schools in New Jersey. He has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Developmental Psychology.

Charlyn Harper Browne, PhD

Bio:

Charlyn Harper Browne, PhD is a former Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of Social Policy where, for 16 years, she was responsible for contributing to the research, theoretical, and training components of projects related to young children and their families. Dr. Browne has expertise in child and adolescent development and advancing racial and ethnic equity. Previously, Dr. Browne served as a college and university administrator and professor in departments of psychology and counseling. Currently, she is focused on developing resources designed to promote the healthy development and well-being of children, youth, and parents.

Christa Haring, PhD

Bio:

Dr. Haring has served as a practitioner and researcher in the field of education for more than 20 years. For the past 13 years, she has collaborated on federally funded grants measuring the impact of coaching and related interventions on outcomes for educators, students, home visitors, and families. As National Director of Education and Research for one of the nation’s home visiting models, she oversaw professional development and supported staff for more than 120 home visiting chapters across the country. In this role she was primarily responsible for evaluating the efficacy, effectiveness, and feasibility of early language and literacy interventions implemented to improve interactions between children and caregivers. She also oversaw the identification and implementation of assessment tools to capture changes in attitudes, beliefs, and practices of parents, children, and childcare providers.

Dr. Haring currently supports and trains regional literacy coaches who support more than 60,000 teachers across the state of Virginia. Prior to coming to the University of Virginia, she served as a speech-language pathologist, special educator, curriculum writer, research scientist, and university professor. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education with an emphasis in learning disabilities and behavior disorders from The University of Texas. As a mother who benefited from home visiting, she believes strongly in programs that support children and families and the potential these programs have for strengthening families and communities.

Christina Josling

Bio:

Christina believes the Home-Based Child Care model creates a solid foundation for academic success and breaks the cycle of educational disparities. She joined ParentChild+ National Center team after working for over ten years as a middle school science teacher. She has her New York State teaching certification in Biology and General Science, grades 7-12 with a grade 5-6 extension. She earned a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in Secondary Science Education at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Christy Jalbert

Bio:

Christy Jalbert has been the Coordinator of the ParentChild+ site in Amarillo, Texas since it began in 2015. A part of Mission Amarillo, the site currently serves mostly refugee families from Myanmar/Burma, Afghanistan, and Sudan. Christy draws on her experience as a public school educator and parent of a child on the spectrum in her Coordinator role and also sees families as an Early Learning Specialist. She lives in Amarillo, Texas with her husband and loves to visit with her two adult sons as often as possible.

Dominique Martinez

Bio:

Dominique N. Martinez is a research analyst at Child Trends, specializing in population-focused research. They graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020 with a BA in neuroscience. Dominique previously worked as a post-baccalaureate research assistant at UNC-Chapel Hill, studying how life experiences like deprivation and threat impact child development and behavior. Their research interests include early childhood development, resilience, and protective communities and assets, with a focus on equity-driven projects.

Gracie Idzal

Bio:

Gracie is an Early Learning Specialist and Group Facilitator with the Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham. She came to ECAF with a background as a preschool and kindergarten teacher. She loves working individually with families in the ParentChild+ Program, as well as with groups of families in the Play, Learn & Grow Together groups. She believes that sharing in this special time of development with families of young children is a privilege and a pleasure. Gracie lives in Framingham with her husband, three daughters, and an exuberant chocolate labrador retriever. Coincidentally, chocolate is one of her favorite foods.

Jane Cohen

Bio:

Jane is the Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham and Parent Child + Program Coordinator for the Framingham Public Schools. Her educational and professional background is in early education, special education, and social work. For over 30+ years, she has been dedicated to children, families, and communities with a focus on prevention, strength-based practices, and program development. Her passion is contagious as she builds collaborative relationships to achieve the shared community goal of strengthening families right from the start while creating pathways for future success! Jane enjoys traveling, photography, ballet, and discovering new places to dine. She loves spending time with her two daughters and Cat, her favorite feline.

Jeanette Lake

Bio:

Jeanette is an Early Learning Specialist with the ParentChild+ Program and a Play, Learn, and Grow Together Group Facilitator specializing in preparing families for preschool and Kindergarten for the Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham. She received her degree in Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership in graduate school. Prior to coming to Framingham, she taught Kindergarten in the Boston Public Schools until retirement. She loves meeting young children and their families in the playgroups and watching them have new experiences, develop skills, and form relationships. Her favorite pastimes are reading, theater, and long walks with her dogs.

Jessica Faith

Bio:

Jessica joined ParentChild+ to support implementation, training and quality assurance for the Core Model. Prior to joining ParentChild+, Jessica worked for Montefiore Medical Center’s Group Attachment Based Intervention (GABI), where she assisted with dyadic and play therapy in addition to managing clinical assessments. She is also a certified early childhood consultant through Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE®). In this role, she facilitated parent-infant guidance courses, nanny training courses, and conducted home consultations. Before working in the early childhood education sphere, she held various roles in development; in her last position, she served as the Director of Development for the Boys & Girls Club of Newark.

Jessica holds a master’s degree in psychology with an emphasis on research. During her studies, she was a Research Assistant in Miriam and Howard Steele’s Attachment Lab, where she consensus coded parent-child interactions using Dr. Ruth Feldman’s Coding Interactive Behavior global scale.

Jessica Hyland, M. Ed.

Bio:

Jessica Hyland, M.Ed. – Jessica Hyland is in her second year of doctoral study in School Psychology at Lehigh University. She has experience aimed towards promoting family-centered, culturally responsive intervention and the integration of health, developmental and educational service delivery for infants and toddlers facing socioeconomic disadvantage. She has also engaged in research to enhance family involvement in integrated early childhood programs, particularly for populations engaged with the child welfare system. After earning her B.A. in Psychology and Public Health, Jessica worked with young children and their families participating in infant brain development research studies at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She has been partnered with ParentChild+ as a research and data consultant since June 2024. She also serves as a technical assistant (TA) coach to ParentChild+ sites to facilitate routine assessments and connect data to site’s program goals.

Jon Law

Bio:

Jon Law has ten years of experience in strategic planning, organizational development, and program management. He is a collaborative learner focused on cultivating strong communities based on values of democracy, liberation, and social justice. As the Director of Fellowships and Convenings at NBCDI, his work is focused on strategies and initiatives that bring national and local experts and communities together to envision and create the world Black children deserve. His professional and volunteer work has centered on understanding the complex and historical roots of oppression in order to uproot them and build new ways of living, and he brings these approaches to his work at NBCDI.

Junlei Li, PhD

How Do We Know We Are Enough?

Junlei Li, PhD

How Do We Know We Are Enough?

Dr. Junlei Li,

Harvard Graduate School of Education

SESSION TITLE

How Do We Know We Are Enough?

SESSION DESCRIPTION

What makes any of us “enough”? Whether we teach children directly, or support families and educators, we invest ourselves in building developmental relationships with human beings. Often, no matter what we do or how much we do, it seems that early childhood professionals work in a “never enough” environment. This presentation is intended as a reflection and a reminder that the simple, ordinary things we do with other human beings do in fact matter. They matter in ways that can be seen and felt in moments when we really show up for others, and in ways that can be measured over the long run even if we are not there to see or hear it ourselves.

Katherine Lopez, M. Ed.

Bio:

Katherine Lopez earned her M.Ed. from the College of Education at Lehigh University and her B.A. from The Pennsylvania State University. She is currently completing her third year of doctoral study in School Psychology at Lehigh University. She has research experience aimed toward advancing family-centered early community-based services for young children who experience socioeconomic obstacles. Additionally, she is developing a research program focused on the relationship between parent involvement and early child development outcomes. She has been partnered with ParentChild+ as a research and data consultant since June 2024. Additionally, she serves as a technical assistance (TA) coach to individual sites to facilitate routine assessments and apply data to site’s program goals.

Kathy Westin, M. Ed.

Bio:

Kathy Westin has dedicated nearly 20 years to the ParentChild+ program in Lynn, Massachusetts, serving as Site Coordinator for the past 13 years and previously as an Early Learning Specialist since 2005. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Simmons University and a Master of Education in Early Childhood from Gordon College. Prior to her work with ParentChild+, Kathy worked with diverse populations as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for many years. She also ran a family childcare, allowing her to stay home with her first son. Her focus on play as a path to learning, coupled with her love of children’s literature, drew her to the ParentChild+ program. A lifelong resident of Lynn, Kathy continues to reside there with her husband and two grown sons.

Kayla Tucker

Bio:

Kayla Tucker, SSP, NCSP is a nationally certified school psychologist, parent coach, and founder of Whole School Psych, a platform dedicated to supporting families of young children with learning and behavior challenges. With nearly a decade of experience in education, child development, and special education, she helps parents and professionals better understand neurodivergent children and implement effective, research-based strategies at home and in early learning settings. Kayla is passionate about making developmental support accessible to all families, particularly those who face systemic barriers to early intervention. Through Whole School Psych, she works closely with parents, educators, and community organizations to bridge the gap between home and school, equipping caregivers with the confidence and tools they need to support their child’s growth.

Kristen Paul

Bio:

Kristen Paul has devoted over two decades to various roles serving children and their families. Her career includes working as high school science teacher, Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at NASA, STEM Coordinator at Salisbury University, and in family support for Birth to Five Programs (St. Mary’s County Public Schools). In addition to her current role as the Director of Early Childhood Programs at The Parents’ Place of Maryland (PPMD) – Maryland’s Parent Training Information and Family-to-Family Health Information Center – Kristen currently serves as Maryland’s Ambassador for both the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. and DEC/ECTA’s Recommended Practices programs. Her work at PPMD includes managing early childhood initiatives including the Baby LEADers family training program.

Kristen serves on numerous statewide committees, working groups, and other collaborative efforts to improve the outcomes of Maryland’s youngest residents and their families. She is the Vice-Chair of the State Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers (SICC) and was recently appointed to the State Early Childhood Advisory Council. She is a graduate of the Maryland Early Childhood Leadership Program (MECLP), which develops and supports leaders who are catalyzing change in order to improve school readiness and related outcomes for early learners. In March, she will present her capstone project on eliminating exclusionary discipline in early childhood settings and serve as a panelist along with national and state experts as part of the MECLP Spring Webinar Series.

Kristen resides in St. Mary’s County, Maryland with her husband and young son, the latter of whom has multiple disabilities and inspires and motivates her in her efforts toward ensuring equitable outcomes for all of Maryland’s children.

Kwame Rose

Bio:

Kwame Rose is a social activist, artist and writer. Rose was originally known for having boldly held mainstream media, particularly Geraldo Rivera of Fox News, accountable for its inaccurate representation of protestors during the Baltimore Uprising. Called “an Unapologetic Voice for Change” by NBC News, Kwame has spent his entire adult life advocating and creating change around the world. His passion for public speaking once earned him a full scholarship to the University of Texas at San Antonio as a member of the Debate team. Deteriorating social conditions in his hometown of Baltimore prompted the return of the young activist with a firm commitment to improve and serve his community.Kwame’s Story is told in the award winning HBO documentary “Baltimore Rising”. After writing an article critiquing the Presidential Candidate Senator Bernie Sander’s lack of engagement with young change agents, Senator Sanders reached out to Kwame about how to reach young people. Kwame then served as a surrogate for Senator Sanders’ campaign during the 2016 Election. During the COVID-19 Pandemic Kwame helped develop World Central Kitchen’s #ChefsForAmerica program. Kwame continues to use his platform to bring about tangible and equitable changes to communities globally. In 2023 Kwame co-founded The Foundation for Fathers, a 501(c)3 non-profit with the mission to foster a positive and nurturing bond between fathers and their children, with the ultimate goal of promoting long-term stability and the well-being of the child.

Language Lizard

Language Lizard Website

Lauren Wright

Bio:

Lauren Wright is currently pursuing a doctorate in School Psychology at Lehigh University. She holds a B.A. in psychology from The Ohio State University where she was involved in research focusing on social cognitive development in early childhood, with a particular emphasis on language and literacy acquisition. At Lehigh, she is developing a research program focused on developmental screening and early learning service coordination for children who experience socioeconomic disadvantage. She has been partnered with ParentChild+ since July 2024 as a research and data consultant that includes collaborating with individual sites to support the technical assistance and consultation model.

Lola Rooney

Bio:

Lola M. Grove Rooney is a 25-year retired veteran of the School District of Philadelphia, being one of the founding teachers of an iconic Alternative Program known as G.A.M.P. (Girard Academic Music Program). A freak accident in her classroom, caused this Mathematics and English teacher to retire from the district, because injury to her back and pinched nerves prevented her from writing on the board unless an aide was available to assist.

Part of her therapy required her to attend water classes at the YMCA where once the administration learned of her background, through volunteering, she was hired to implement and oversee a new grant the Y received from the Pew Charitable Trusts – a program that became widely known as the YMCA Family Child Care Network – recruiting and supporting individuals to become licensed, certified family child care practitioners; launching them in business and helping to establish developmentally enhanced learning environments. Promotion soon followed. She retired from the Y at the end of 28 yrs in 2019, as the Senior Director of Child Care Compliance overseeing the Network, all Greater Philadelphia YMCA Child Care Centers and Afterschool programs (18 ECE centers and 22 SACC programs); also facilitating participation of the Y Association in PreK Counts and Philly PreK – one the Pennsylvania state free programming for 3-4 yr olds and the other using funds from the sugar tax instituted in Philadelphia – for the same age group- but Philadelphia specific. The Greater Philadelphia association encompassed 5 counties – known as the Lehigh Valley.

While at the Y, she became involved with NBCDI – involving the Y’s urban branches in NBCDI Activities and programs. In 2011, she was elected as the President and Executive Director of BCDI – Philadelphia & Vicinity. And because of her work in the Y and continued work in the community, BCDI- Philadelphia & Vic. partnered with ParentChild+ Philadelphia, as NBCDI’s was launching its revised and upgraded version of the ’ ‘Family Engagement’ curricula and programming.

Lucia Fernandez

Bio:
Lucia is a ParentChild+ Early Learning Specialist/Family Ambassador in Framingham, MA.

Marcella Taylor

Bio:

Marcella Taylor’s introduction to early learning came with the birth of her daughter, Taylor-Corrine, in 2002. She has over 16 years of ParentChild+ experience – after completing the Parent-Child Home Program (now ParentChild+), Marcella was invited to join Atlantic Street Center’s team as a home visitor and later became a program coordinator. Her motivation for working with children and families is rooted in the knowledge that home visiting programs can and do change lives. After all, ParentChild+ changed hers.

Mavis Sanders, PhD

Promoting Black Children’s Positive Identity Development 70 Years After Brown v. Board

Mavis Sanders, PhD

Promoting Black Children’s Positive Identity Development 70 Years After Brown v. Board

Bio:

Mavis Sanders, senior research scholar of Black children and families at Child Trends, leads an applied research agenda that advances racial equity and social justice. Before joining Child Trends in 2021, Dr. Sanders served as professor of education and affiliate professor in the doctoral program in language, literacy, and culture at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). She also served as the inaugural director of UMBC’s Sherman Center for Early Learning in Urban Communities from 2017 to 2021, working closely with families, educators, and community partners to develop best practices for early childhood education in urban contexts. Specializing in qualitative and mixed methods research on school, family, and community partnerships, Dr. Sanders has authored over 60 publications, including five books, on family and community engagement in schools and the effects of home, school, and community collaboration on students’ school success.

Mollie Ostrow

Bio:

Mollie Ostrow is an Early Learning Specialist and Summer Family Recruitment Specialist for ParentChild+ at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis. JFCS introduced ParentChild+ to Minnesota in 2006, starting with 18 children. This year, they are serving 387 children. Through JFCS’s partnership, ParentChild+ operates in five locations across Minnesota.

Mollie has been with ParentChild+ for three years and is excited to attend her first ParentChild+ conference as both a participant and a panel speaker. She lives in the suburbs of Minneapolis with her husband, Todd, their 15-year-old son, Michael, and their 11-year-old daughter, Violet.

Monica Allison

Bio:

Monica Allison is an accomplished educator, passionate advocate, and dedicated community leader with over two decades of service to the city of Philadelphia. As the author of three children’s books, Monica’s commitment to literacy is reflected not only in her writing but also in her extensive work with families and children. She has been an active member of various civic engagement boards, focusing on initiatives that uplift and empower her community.

Monica currently serves on several prominent boards in Philadelphia, including Mill Creek Urban Farms, Ardella’s House, Community Solutions CDC, Tustin Recreation Center, Calvary Center for Culture and Community, and the Friends of Blanche A. Nixon Cobbs Creek Library. She is also a past member of the University of Pennsylvania’s Netter Center for Community Partnerships Advisory Board. In addition to her board service, Monica is a committed public servant, acting as a committeeperson in her neighborhood.

Her deep passion for literacy and education has driven Monica to serve as a Reading Captain in West Philadelphia, where she coaches parents in the Science of Reading, empowering them to support their children’s academic growth. Monica’s dedication to early childhood education is further demonstrated by her previous 20 years as a home-based childcare provider, her role as a tutor, and her current work as a Site Coordinator at ParentChild+ under PHMC, where she has been serving the West Philadelphia community for the past seven years.

With a heart dedicated to service and a mind focused on impact, Monica continues to be a tireless advocate for the development and empowerment of her community.

Natasha Cabrera, PhD

Bio:

Natasha J. Cabrera, PhD, is Professor of Human Development at the University of Maryland. Dr. Cabrera’s research focuses on mothering and fathering behaviors and children’s social and cognitive development; adaptive and maladaptive factors related to parenting and cultural variation in ethnic minority families; and, the mechanisms linking early experiences to children’s school readiness. Dr. Cabrera has published in peer-reviewed journals on policy, methodology, theory and the implications of fathering and mothering behaviors on child development in low-income minority families. She is the co-editor of the Handbook of Father Involvement: Multidisciplinary Perspectives, 2nd Edition (Taylor & Francis, 2013) and Latina/o Child Psychology and Mental Health: Vol 1 and 2 (Praeger, 2011). Dr. Cabrera is the Editor-in-chief of SRCD Monographs and the recipient of the National Council and Family Relations award for Best Research Article regarding men in families in 2009. She was appointed to the National Academy of Sciences committee on parents of young children, was a Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholar; and, and a visiting scholar, University of Ruhr, Germany. She is co-PI at the National Center for Research on Hispanic Families and Children.

Nnenna Franciamore, PhD

Bio:

Dr. Nnenna Franciamore has been an educator for over two decades. She embraces a wholistic approach to early childhood education and care that focuses on coaching the adults in the lives of young people to implement the best practices that lead to the overall growth and positive development of young children. She presently works with the HBCC model at ParentChild+, and as a mom of three, is immersed in journeying with her children as they grow and change.

Pamela Williams

Washington State Director, ParentChild+

Pamela Williams

Washington State Director, ParentChild+

Bio:

Pamela currently serves as the ParentChild+ Washington State Director and is a member of the Home Visiting Services Account (HVSA) HUB team within Washington. Formerly she was the Family Literacy Program Manager for the School District of Philadelphia Office of Early Childhood where she managed ParentChild+ in Philadelphia from 2005 -2013 and the Even Start Family Literacy Program for over 10 years. Ms. Williams has worked in the field of family literacy for over 20 years and holds a BA from Temple University and a MS from Drexel University.

Patti Manz, PhD

Parent Involvement in Toddlers’ learning: The Essential Ingredient for Optimizing Children’s Development

Patti Manz, PhD

Parent Involvement in Toddlers’ learning: The Essential Ingredient for Optimizing Children’s Development

Bio:

Patricia H. Manz, Ph.D., Professor of School Psychology, earned her Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. She has extensive research experience aimed towards advancing family-centered, early intervention for young children who experience socioeconomic disadvantage. Her research addresses the integration of child development service systems to promote health among infants and toddlers who experience in socioeconomic disadvantage. She has developed the Little Talks program, a comprehensive, culturally responsive approach to fostering language-rich parent interactions with infants and toddlers. Designed for use in home visiting, Little Talks also includes implementation supports for home visitors. Dr. Manz has led several federally- and foundation-funded research projects in addition to authoring numerous publications that are focused on early intervention for low-income children.

Shana Rochester, PhD

Bio:

Shana E. Rochester is a research scientist in the early childhood area at Child Trends. Her research explores how schools and family-based educational programs can positively affect the academic and social development of young children, ages birth to eight, from historically underrepresented communities. Specifically, Shana examines how children’s cultural knowledge and out-of-school experiences can be leveraged in ways that support their learning, and her work considers the role of family members and classroom teachers in shaping children’s academic and social development. She has expertise (1) designing, implementing, and evaluating programs related to literacy engagement and instruction; (2) using large and administrative datasets; and (3) validating early childhood observation tools and surveys. Prior to joining Child Trends, Shana was a postdoctoral research associate at Boston University and the assistant director of Sherman Center for Early Learning in Urban Communities at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She earned her BA in psychology from Spelman College and her PhD in education and psychology from the University of Michigan.

Tamara Joy Harper, MS

Bio:

Tamara Joy Harper started her clinical work in early intervention as a developmental specialist where she developed a deep commitment to young learners. To meet the needs of children when dysregulated, Joy has studied dysregulation cues in newborns and infants with the University of California, San Francisco -Newborn Individual Development Care & Assessment Program, practiced with New York City Bureau of Early Intervention Embedded Coaching series for clinicians and parents, and most recently completed a fellowship with Massachusetts General Hospital ThinkKids: Collaborative Problem Solving -a trauma informed approach addressing dysregulation and stress cues in children and adults.

Currently, she leads the Cambridge Public Schools Home Based Early Childhood Program. Her goals and work will always include supporting educators who hold Black children, adolescents and young adults as they navigate public systems.

Tiffany Ferrette

Bio:

Tiffany Ferrette is an education and social policy professional, who is currently a Senior Consultant on the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI)’s Policy and Research team and a Part-Time Professor in The Catholic University’s School of Professional Studies Department of Education. Tiffany has previously held roles at the Center for Law and Social Policy, the National Governors Association, and the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools. She has worked in the classroom, in research, and curriculum development. Her expertise spans educational practice, research, social policy and governance, racial equity, and international education. She is also a contributing author and editor of the “Handbook of Research on Innovative Approaches to Childhood Development and School Readiness.”

Tiffany’s work focuses on racial identity formation within policy and governance structures, particularly in the early years and through families. Tiffany received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and Spanish from Villanova University and earned a master’s degree in education policy from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Vidya Ragoo

In the summer of 2021, Vidya joined the ParentChild+ National Center team. As Home-Based Child Care (HBCC) Director, Vidya supports the implementation and expansion of our HBCC model across the nation. Vidya believes in parent choice in child care and knows that the best environment for young children are small family-like settings that are reflective of the home culture and language. Prior to working at ParentChild+, Vidya worked on the NYS QUALITYstarsNY team to develop and establish the State’s Quality Rating and Improvement System for child care programs. She has been a community activist in her work around child care program development and the essential role it plays in improving life outcomes for children in the most vulnerable communities that face multiple toxic stressors.

Take a look at our line-up so far!

Monday, April 28, 2025
KEYNOTE-The Power of Picture Books to Advance Equity: Bridging Research and Practice

April 28, 2025

9:00-10:00

KEYNOTE-The Power of Picture Books to Advance Equity: Bridging Research and Practice

April 28, 2025

9:00-10:00

This keynote will provide a research overview on how picture books support child development, with a particular emphasis on multicultural picture books. In this one-hour session, the speaker will (a) discuss seminal and current research on multicultural picture books for infants and toddlers, (b) highlight examples of equitable practices using these texts in home-based settings, and (c) highlight how shared reading with multicultural picture books can affirm children (and families) from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. The keynote will be followed by a Q&A session.

Speaker

Shana Rochester, PhD

Bio:

Shana E. Rochester is a research scientist in the early childhood area at Child Trends. Her research explores how schools and family-based educational programs can positively affect the academic and social development of young children, ages birth to eight, from historically underrepresented communities. Specifically, Shana examines how children’s cultural knowledge and out-of-school experiences can be leveraged in ways that support their learning, and her work considers the role of family members and classroom teachers in shaping children’s academic and social development. She has expertise (1) designing, implementing, and evaluating programs related to literacy engagement and instruction; (2) using large and administrative datasets; and (3) validating early childhood observation tools and surveys. Prior to joining Child Trends, Shana was a postdoctoral research associate at Boston University and the assistant director of Sherman Center for Early Learning in Urban Communities at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She earned her BA in psychology from Spelman College and her PhD in education and psychology from the University of Michigan.

ParentChild+ Reimagined: Equity, Quality Assurance, and Innovations in Early Childhood Parenting Support

April 28, 2025

10:15 – 11:45
ParentChild+ Reimagined: Equity, Quality Assurance, and Innovations in Early Childhood Parenting Support

April 28, 2025

10:15 – 11:45

Join us for an engaging and interactive session as we explore the transformative steps and innovations that are shaping ParentChild+’s approach to equity and quality assurance. This workshop will provide an in-depth look at the development of an Equity-Centered Quality Assurance Framework, the integration of culturally responsive practices, and how innovative tools like video coding for evaluation and professional development can support this work.

Designed for practitioners across our network, this session will offer a chance to engage with the National Center’s fidelity, quality, and equity goals and discuss the “one program, two models” framework. We will address the challenges and opportunities this work brings and discuss the critical role that practitioners play in its success.

Attendees will leave with:

A clear understanding of the goals for an updated framework, including their purpose and impact on families, home visitors, and early childhood education.

Insights into the lessons learned from implementing the HBCC model, how it aligns with the Family model, and how this work supports “the one program, two models” vision.

Practical strategies for work within their local sites.

This session is an opportunity to engage in a candid conversation about equity, innovation, and how we manage change together, ensuring we move forward as a unified network dedicated to serving families and communities.

Speakers

César Zuñiga

Director of Research and Evaluation, ParentChild+ National Center

César oversees data collection, quality assurance, and research projects. He coordinates the National Center’s efforts to support replication sites’ capacities to plan and conduct research and evaluation projects on the short and long-term value of ParentChild+ for children and families. He is responsible for the implementation of DAISY, ParentChild+’s Management Information System (MIS), including designing, updating, and providing training to Site Coordinators and Early Learning Specialists. Before coming to ParentChild+, César worked as a project associate at the Equity Assistance Center (EAC) at, New York University. César also served as a Board Member of the Passaic Public Schools in New Jersey. He has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Developmental Psychology.

Vidya Ragoo

In the summer of 2021, Vidya joined the ParentChild+ National Center team. As Home-Based Child Care (HBCC) Director, Vidya supports the implementation and expansion of our HBCC model across the nation. Vidya believes in parent choice in child care and knows that the best environment for young children are small family-like settings that are reflective of the home culture and language. Prior to working at ParentChild+, Vidya worked on the NYS QUALITYstarsNY team to develop and establish the State’s Quality Rating and Improvement System for child care programs. She has been a community activist in her work around child care program development and the essential role it plays in improving life outcomes for children in the most vulnerable communities that face multiple toxic stressors.

Jessica Faith

Bio:

Jessica joined ParentChild+ to support implementation, training and quality assurance for the Core Model. Prior to joining ParentChild+, Jessica worked for Montefiore Medical Center’s Group Attachment Based Intervention (GABI), where she assisted with dyadic and play therapy in addition to managing clinical assessments. She is also a certified early childhood consultant through Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE®). In this role, she facilitated parent-infant guidance courses, nanny training courses, and conducted home consultations. Before working in the early childhood education sphere, she held various roles in development; in her last position, she served as the Director of Development for the Boys & Girls Club of Newark.

Jessica holds a master’s degree in psychology with an emphasis on research. During her studies, she was a Research Assistant in Miriam and Howard Steele’s Attachment Lab, where she consensus coded parent-child interactions using Dr. Ruth Feldman’s Coding Interactive Behavior global scale.
Exploring the Impact of Diverse Books on Parent-Child Relationships

April 28, 2025

10:15 – 11:45

Exploring the Impact of Diverse Books on Parent-Child Relationships

April 28, 2025

10:15 – 11:45

First Book is dedicated to ensuring that all children, regardless of their background or zip code, can succeed, by removing barriers to equitable education. We reach 6.5 million kids each year in low-income communities across North America, providing books and resources through a network of educators, professionals and volunteers. We are a founding member of the Diverse Books for All Coalition (as is ParentChild+), a national consortium of nonprofit organizations and networks working together to increase access to affordable, high quality children’s books by and about diverse races, cultures, identities, and abilities.

First Book Research & Insights recently conducted a nationwide study to understand the impacts of increasing access to diverse and representative reading materials for children. First Book and our Diverse Books for All Coalition will host a dialogue to discuss the study findings and the importance of diverse books in early literacy and building relationships between parents, caregivers, and children. Join us to learn about how to utilize these resources and develop connections with young children through diverse books.

Empowering Diversity: Innovative Approaches to Professional Growth

April 28, 2025

10:15 – 11:45

Empowering Diversity: Innovative Approaches to Professional Growth

April 28, 2025

10:15 – 11:45

This workshop aims to showcase innovative professional development strategies developed over several years. Emphasizing cultural contexts and intersectionality, the strategies integrate creativity while supporting infant and early childhood mental health.

The workshop will highlight key sessions and initiatives from recent years, emphasizing adaptability, resourcefulness, and advocacy. It will share innovative and inclusive virtual and face-to-face professional development strategies, enhancing support for diverse workforce teams and services to families. Participants will engage in interactive activities and brainstorming sessions to practically apply these skills.

Speakers

Pamela Williams

Washington State Director, ParentChild+

Bio:

Pamela currently serves as the ParentChild+ Washington State Director and is a member of the Home Visiting Services Account (HVSA) HUB team within Washington. Formerly she was the Family Literacy Program Manager for the School District of Philadelphia Office of Early Childhood where she managed ParentChild+ in Philadelphia from 2005 -2013 and the Even Start Family Literacy Program for over 10 years. Ms. Williams has worked in the field of family literacy for over 20 years and holds a BA from Temple University and a MS from Drexel University.

Marcella Taylor

Bio:

Marcella Taylor’s introduction to early learning came with the birth of her daughter, Taylor-Corrine, in 2002. She has over 16 years of ParentChild+ experience – after completing the Parent-Child Home Program (now ParentChild+), Marcella was invited to join Atlantic Street Center’s team as a home visitor and later became a program coordinator. Her motivation for working with children and families is rooted in the knowledge that home visiting programs can and do change lives. After all, ParentChild+ changed hers.

Strengthening Families, HOPE and ParentChild+ Principles: The Crosswalk and Implementation into Practice

April 28, 2025

10:15-11:45

Strengthening Families, HOPE and ParentChild+ Principles: The Crosswalk and Implementation into Practice

April 28, 2025

10:15-11:45

The presenters, the ParentChild+ Framingham team, will provide an overview of Strengthening Families, HOPE Healthy Outcome for Positive Experiences, and ParentChild+ Principles. They will share a crosswalk of these frameworks and how they complement and build off each other. They will conclude by connecting these frameworks into the everyday work of ParentChild+: training Early Learning Specialists; embedding in home visits; and using the PIEL and Home Visit Reflection. The session will highlight the impact of a strength-based vs a deficit-based medical model in our work, and will include a presentation, video, breakout groups, and group discussion.

Speakers

Jane Cohen

Bio:

Jane is the Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham and Parent Child + Program Coordinator for the Framingham Public Schools. Her educational and professional background is in early education, special education, and social work. For over 30+ years, she has been dedicated to children, families, and communities with a focus on prevention, strength-based practices, and program development. Her passion is contagious as she builds collaborative relationships to achieve the shared community goal of strengthening families right from the start while creating pathways for future success! Jane enjoys traveling, photography, ballet, and discovering new places to dine. She loves spending time with her two daughters and Cat, her favorite feline.

Gracie Idzal

Bio:

Gracie is an Early Learning Specialist and Group Facilitator with the Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham. She came to ECAF with a background as a preschool and kindergarten teacher. She loves working individually with families in the ParentChild+ Program, as well as with groups of families in the Play, Learn & Grow Together groups. She believes that sharing in this special time of development with families of young children is a privilege and a pleasure. Gracie lives in Framingham with her husband, three daughters, and an exuberant chocolate labrador retriever. Coincidentally, chocolate is one of her favorite foods.

Jeanette Lake

Bio:

Jeanette is an Early Learning Specialist with the ParentChild+ Program and a Play, Learn, and Grow Together Group Facilitator specializing in preparing families for preschool and Kindergarten for the Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham. She received her degree in Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership in graduate school. Prior to coming to Framingham, she taught Kindergarten in the Boston Public Schools until retirement. She loves meeting young children and their families in the playgroups and watching them have new experiences, develop skills, and form relationships. Her favorite pastimes are reading, theater, and long walks with her dogs.

Lucia Fernandez

Bio:
Lucia is a ParentChild+ Early Learning Specialist/Family Ambassador in Framingham, MA.

Bridging to Diverse Communities

April 28, 2025

1:30 - 3:00

Bridging to Diverse Communities

April 28, 2025

1:30 - 3:00

Join us for a moderated discussion, led by three ParentChild+ site staff members, from three communities: Amarillo, Texas; Lynn, Massachusetts; and Minneapolis, Minnesota. We will discuss strategies that we’ve used at every phase of implementation – outreach and recruitment, particularly to immigrant and refugee families; connecting with other community agencies; challenges in hiring; variations on guide sheets that have helped families with a low level of literacy in their own languages; and assisting families who might be distrustful in accessing community resources (such as Early Intervention) and school systems. We will share how we have built trusting relationships across multiple cultures, sometimes amid shifting demographics. We will also briefly discuss how we are identifying and addressing some of the child development issues we are encountering, whether it be through staff professional development or adapting the curriculum. There will be time for workshop participants to share how they have bridged across cultures in their own communities. Let’s all brainstorm and learn from one another!

Speakers

Christy Jalbert

Bio:

Christy Jalbert has been the Coordinator of the ParentChild+ site in Amarillo, Texas since it began in 2015. A part of Mission Amarillo, the site currently serves mostly refugee families from Myanmar/Burma, Afghanistan, and Sudan. Christy draws on her experience as a public school educator and parent of a child on the spectrum in her Coordinator role and also sees families as an Early Learning Specialist. She lives in Amarillo, Texas with her husband and loves to visit with her two adult sons as often as possible.

Kathy Westin, M. Ed.

Bio:

Kathy Westin has dedicated nearly 20 years to the ParentChild+ program in Lynn, Massachusetts, serving as Site Coordinator for the past 13 years and previously as an Early Learning Specialist since 2005. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Simmons University and a Master of Education in Early Childhood from Gordon College. Prior to her work with ParentChild+, Kathy worked with diverse populations as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for many years. She also ran a family childcare, allowing her to stay home with her first son. Her focus on play as a path to learning, coupled with her love of children’s literature, drew her to the ParentChild+ program. A lifelong resident of Lynn, Kathy continues to reside there with her husband and two grown sons.

Mollie Ostrow

Bio:

Mollie Ostrow is an Early Learning Specialist and Summer Family Recruitment Specialist for ParentChild+ at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis. JFCS introduced ParentChild+ to Minnesota in 2006, starting with 18 children. This year, they are serving 387 children. Through JFCS’s partnership, ParentChild+ operates in five locations across Minnesota.

Mollie has been with ParentChild+ for three years and is excited to attend her first ParentChild+ conference as both a participant and a panel speaker. She lives in the suburbs of Minneapolis with her husband, Todd, their 15-year-old son, Michael, and their 11-year-old daughter, Violet.

Using a Parallel Process of Coaching to Support Home Visitors and Families

April 28, 2025

1:30-3:00

Using a Parallel Process of Coaching to Support Home Visitors and Families

April 28, 2025

1:30-3:00

A growing body of research substantiates what early care and education professionals have always known: Nothing is as important as relationships between caregivers, children, and families. Our experiences during the most challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic only underscored the necessity of supportive connections. During this challenging period, representatives from various home visiting models collaborated to determine the most effective ways to support families from diverse backgrounds with unique needs. A significant issue from these discussions was the need for effective training for home visitors, coaches, and supervisors across different models. The result of these discussions coalesced in a new book, Coaching in Home Visiting: Supporting Better Outcomes for Professionals and Families.

In this session, Christa and Angela will discuss the parallel process of coaching in home visiting and how working collaboratively improves outcomes for families.

Speakers

Christa Haring, PhD

Bio:

Dr. Haring has served as a practitioner and researcher in the field of education for more than 20 years. For the past 13 years, she has collaborated on federally funded grants measuring the impact of coaching and related interventions on outcomes for educators, students, home visitors, and families. As National Director of Education and Research for one of the nation’s home visiting models, she oversaw professional development and supported staff for more than 120 home visiting chapters across the country. In this role she was primarily responsible for evaluating the efficacy, effectiveness, and feasibility of early language and literacy interventions implemented to improve interactions between children and caregivers. She also oversaw the identification and implementation of assessment tools to capture changes in attitudes, beliefs, and practices of parents, children, and childcare providers.

Dr. Haring currently supports and trains regional literacy coaches who support more than 60,000 teachers across the state of Virginia. Prior to coming to the University of Virginia, she served as a speech-language pathologist, special educator, curriculum writer, research scientist, and university professor. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education with an emphasis in learning disabilities and behavior disorders from The University of Texas. As a mother who benefited from home visiting, she believes strongly in programs that support children and families and the potential these programs have for strengthening families and communities.

Angela Rau

Bio:

Angela Rau is the owner of ACTT consulting. Her professional focus is on home visiting, family engagement, workforce development, and coaching. She informed the Parent as Teachers (PAT) relational approach to home visiting. The first virtual home visiting program, Parents as Teachers @ USC Telehealth, was co-designed by Ms. Rau. This program was selected as the winner of the Gary Community Investments/OpenIDEO Early Childhood Innovations Prize. As PAT Director of Program Innovations and Professional Development, Ms. Rau led training design and the professional development of national trainers. During her term, she drove transitions into virtual training and home visiting. She is an active consultant for The Rapid Response–Virtual Home Visiting (RR-VHV) collaborative. She actively participates in the Start Early Communities of Practice–Professional Development: Pathways to promoting home visitors’ competence through coaching.

Supporting Children with Disabilities: Resources for Engaging and Meeting Families Where They Are

April 28, 2025

1:30-3:00

Supporting Children with Disabilities: Resources for Engaging and Meeting Families Where They Are

April 28, 2025

1:30-3:00

While an estimated 15% of children in the US have at least one developmental delay – and 1 in 36 have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – less than one fifth of those children receive early intervention services before three years of age. When a child qualifies for early intervention, there may be a delay in receiving services and those services are often not at a frequency or intensity that leaves families prepared to meet the needs of their child. With often-lengthy waitlists for services beyond those provided by early intervention programs, families often struggle with how to support their children. In this workshop, you will learn about resources available to support you in supporting the families that you serve, and practical tips and strategies for helping families understand their child’s suspected/diagnosed disabilities and learn to incorporate low-to-no cost family-led interventions into their everyday lives.

Speaker

Kristen Paul

Bio:

Kristen Paul has devoted over two decades to various roles serving children and their families. Her career includes working as high school science teacher, Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at NASA, STEM Coordinator at Salisbury University, and in family support for Birth to Five Programs (St. Mary’s County Public Schools). In addition to her current role as the Director of Early Childhood Programs at The Parents’ Place of Maryland (PPMD) – Maryland’s Parent Training Information and Family-to-Family Health Information Center – Kristen currently serves as Maryland’s Ambassador for both the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. and DEC/ECTA’s Recommended Practices programs. Her work at PPMD includes managing early childhood initiatives including the Baby LEADers family training program.

Kristen serves on numerous statewide committees, working groups, and other collaborative efforts to improve the outcomes of Maryland’s youngest residents and their families. She is the Vice-Chair of the State Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers (SICC) and was recently appointed to the State Early Childhood Advisory Council. She is a graduate of the Maryland Early Childhood Leadership Program (MECLP), which develops and supports leaders who are catalyzing change in order to improve school readiness and related outcomes for early learners. In March, she will present her capstone project on eliminating exclusionary discipline in early childhood settings and serve as a panelist along with national and state experts as part of the MECLP Spring Webinar Series.

Kristen resides in St. Mary’s County, Maryland with her husband and young son, the latter of whom has multiple disabilities and inspires and motivates her in her efforts toward ensuring equitable outcomes for all of Maryland’s children.

Comprehensive Coaching for Home Visitors in Child Development Practices

April 29, 2025

1:30-3:00

Comprehensive Coaching for Home Visitors in Child Development Practices

April 29, 2025

1:30-3:00

Home visitors have the distinct professional responsibility to facilitate parents’ interactions with their children to optimize child development. With minimal preservice training opportunities available, practice-focused coaching can enhance home visitor competencies for promoting child development via parent-child interactions. This workshop will inform attendees about the evidence-based Little Talks program, a parent-mediated intervention to promote children’s communication and language growth. Experimental evaluation has demonstrated Little Talks effectiveness in enhancing home visiting quality, parents’ engagement of children, and their wellbeing, as well as in fostering communication and language growth in young children. Additionally, Little Talks professional development has been shown to effectively prepare home visitors to deliver the intervention in collaboration with parents. Attendees will learn about coaching strategies for supporting home visitors as well as home visitors’ practices for facilitating parents’ use of Little Talks with children.

Speakers

Patti Manz, PhD

Parent Involvement in Toddlers’ learning: The Essential Ingredient for Optimizing Children’s Development

Bio:

Patricia H. Manz, Ph.D., Professor of School Psychology, earned her Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. She has extensive research experience aimed towards advancing family-centered, early intervention for young children who experience socioeconomic disadvantage. Her research addresses the integration of child development service systems to promote health among infants and toddlers who experience in socioeconomic disadvantage. She has developed the Little Talks program, a comprehensive, culturally responsive approach to fostering language-rich parent interactions with infants and toddlers. Designed for use in home visiting, Little Talks also includes implementation supports for home visitors. Dr. Manz has led several federally- and foundation-funded research projects in addition to authoring numerous publications that are focused on early intervention for low-income children.

Katherine Lopez, M. Ed.

Bio:

Katherine Lopez earned her M.Ed. from the College of Education at Lehigh University and her B.A. from The Pennsylvania State University. She is currently completing her third year of doctoral study in School Psychology at Lehigh University. She has research experience aimed toward advancing family-centered early community-based services for young children who experience socioeconomic obstacles. Additionally, she is developing a research program focused on the relationship between parent involvement and early child development outcomes. She has been partnered with ParentChild+ as a research and data consultant since June 2024. Additionally, she serves as a technical assistance (TA) coach to individual sites to facilitate routine assessments and apply data to site’s program goals.

Jessica Hyland, M. Ed.

Bio:

Jessica Hyland, M.Ed. – Jessica Hyland is in her second year of doctoral study in School Psychology at Lehigh University. She has experience aimed towards promoting family-centered, culturally responsive intervention and the integration of health, developmental and educational service delivery for infants and toddlers facing socioeconomic disadvantage. She has also engaged in research to enhance family involvement in integrated early childhood programs, particularly for populations engaged with the child welfare system. After earning her B.A. in Psychology and Public Health, Jessica worked with young children and their families participating in infant brain development research studies at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She has been partnered with ParentChild+ as a research and data consultant since June 2024. She also serves as a technical assistant (TA) coach to ParentChild+ sites to facilitate routine assessments and connect data to site’s program goals.

Lauren Wright

Bio:

Lauren Wright is currently pursuing a doctorate in School Psychology at Lehigh University. She holds a B.A. in psychology from The Ohio State University where she was involved in research focusing on social cognitive development in early childhood, with a particular emphasis on language and literacy acquisition. At Lehigh, she is developing a research program focused on developmental screening and early learning service coordination for children who experience socioeconomic disadvantage. She has been partnered with ParentChild+ since July 2024 as a research and data consultant that includes collaborating with individual sites to support the technical assistance and consultation model.

HBCC + Family Model Coordinators Present Best Practices for Today’s Challenges During Home Visits

April 28, 2025

3:30-5:00

HBCC + Family Model Coordinators Present Best Practices for Today’s Challenges During Home Visits

April 28, 2025

3:30-5:00

In this conference session, coordinators who lead both the Family and Home-Based Child Care models will highlight practical solutions to common challenges in home visiting. Coordinators gathered and asked each other what they want to know and what they want to share with the larger group of ParentChild+ practitioners. Together, they came up with three questions that we will address in this interactive session.

The reluctant adult: How do we encourage parents/providers to lead activities?
The shoestring budget: How do we plan VISM materials for low or no-cost activities that meet the requirements for VISM distribution?
The last good-bye song: How do we encourage parents/providers to continue school-readiness activities with their children after we complete our last visit?
Using video, audience members will be prompted to share approaches with each other and coordinators will describe creative practices they have used to mediate barriers. Join us for a chance to share ideas with colleagues and walk away with some ideas that you can bring through the doors of your next home visit.

Speakers

Vidya Ragoo

In the summer of 2021, Vidya joined the ParentChild+ National Center team. As Home-Based Child Care (HBCC) Director, Vidya supports the implementation and expansion of our HBCC model across the nation. Vidya believes in parent choice in child care and knows that the best environment for young children are small family-like settings that are reflective of the home culture and language. Prior to working at ParentChild+, Vidya worked on the NYS QUALITYstarsNY team to develop and establish the State’s Quality Rating and Improvement System for child care programs. She has been a community activist in her work around child care program development and the essential role it plays in improving life outcomes for children in the most vulnerable communities that face multiple toxic stressors.

Christina Josling

Bio:

Christina believes the Home-Based Child Care model creates a solid foundation for academic success and breaks the cycle of educational disparities. She joined ParentChild+ National Center team after working for over ten years as a middle school science teacher. She has her New York State teaching certification in Biology and General Science, grades 7-12 with a grade 5-6 extension. She earned a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in Secondary Science Education at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Coaching Practices

April 28, 2025

3:30-5:00

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Coaching Practices

April 28, 2025

3:30-5:00

As supervisors and home visitors, we all try to be sensitive and supportive of the cultural perspectives of the families we serve. Some of us have facilitated or participated in exercises that are designed to help us be more culturally responsive. But, learning to truly see another individual or family through the lens of their own experience is a lifelong process and best occurs through a reciprocal relationship. This workshop will discuss the coaching mindset and practices, talking points and reflective processes that can help a home visitor or supervisor better support diverse families. Presenters will discuss processes and practices that occur before, during, and after a visit that helps us highlight the strengths found in diversity.

Speakers

Christa Haring, PhD

Bio:

Dr. Haring has served as a practitioner and researcher in the field of education for more than 20 years. For the past 13 years, she has collaborated on federally funded grants measuring the impact of coaching and related interventions on outcomes for educators, students, home visitors, and families. As National Director of Education and Research for one of the nation’s home visiting models, she oversaw professional development and supported staff for more than 120 home visiting chapters across the country. In this role she was primarily responsible for evaluating the efficacy, effectiveness, and feasibility of early language and literacy interventions implemented to improve interactions between children and caregivers. She also oversaw the identification and implementation of assessment tools to capture changes in attitudes, beliefs, and practices of parents, children, and childcare providers.

Dr. Haring currently supports and trains regional literacy coaches who support more than 60,000 teachers across the state of Virginia. Prior to coming to the University of Virginia, she served as a speech-language pathologist, special educator, curriculum writer, research scientist, and university professor. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education with an emphasis in learning disabilities and behavior disorders from The University of Texas. As a mother who benefited from home visiting, she believes strongly in programs that support children and families and the potential these programs have for strengthening families and communities.

Angela Rau

Bio:

Angela Rau is the owner of ACTT consulting. Her professional focus is on home visiting, family engagement, workforce development, and coaching. She informed the Parent as Teachers (PAT) relational approach to home visiting. The first virtual home visiting program, Parents as Teachers @ USC Telehealth, was co-designed by Ms. Rau. This program was selected as the winner of the Gary Community Investments/OpenIDEO Early Childhood Innovations Prize. As PAT Director of Program Innovations and Professional Development, Ms. Rau led training design and the professional development of national trainers. During her term, she drove transitions into virtual training and home visiting. She is an active consultant for The Rapid Response–Virtual Home Visiting (RR-VHV) collaborative. She actively participates in the Start Early Communities of Practice–Professional Development: Pathways to promoting home visitors’ competence through coaching.

Introduction to Creative Problem Solving

April 28, 2025

3:30-5:00

Introduction to Creative Problem Solving

April 28, 2025

3:30-5:00

Behavior charts, rewards, and punishments don’t work, and we know why. Traditional discipline is broken. It doesn’t result in improved behavior or improved relationships between adults and children. The Collaborative Problem Solving® approach is an effective form of relational discipline that reduces concerning behavior and parent stress while building thinking skills, empathy, and relationships between adults and children. The goal of Joy’s work is to interrupt the Preschool to Prison Pipeline and enrich public systems that serve young children.

Speaker

Tamara Joy Harper, MS

Bio:

Tamara Joy Harper started her clinical work in early intervention as a developmental specialist where she developed a deep commitment to young learners. To meet the needs of children when dysregulated, Joy has studied dysregulation cues in newborns and infants with the University of California, San Francisco -Newborn Individual Development Care & Assessment Program, practiced with New York City Bureau of Early Intervention Embedded Coaching series for clinicians and parents, and most recently completed a fellowship with Massachusetts General Hospital ThinkKids: Collaborative Problem Solving -a trauma informed approach addressing dysregulation and stress cues in children and adults.

Currently, she leads the Cambridge Public Schools Home Based Early Childhood Program. Her goals and work will always include supporting educators who hold Black children, adolescents and young adults as they navigate public systems.

Empowering Fathers: Strengthening Parent-Child Bonds through Equitable Parental Rights

April 28, 2025

3:30-5:00

Empowering Fathers: Strengthening Parent-Child Bonds through Equitable Parental Rights

April 28, 2025

3:30-5:00

Fathers are essential to the healthy development of children, yet systemic barriers, biases, and inequitable policies often limit their ability to fully engage in their children’s lives. This breakout session, led by The Foundation for Fathers, will explore how equitable parental rights and father-inclusive practices can transform outcomes for children, families, and communities. Through a combination of lived experiences, data-driven insights, and interactive dialogue, this session will challenge traditional narratives, highlight the importance of father involvement, and provide actionable strategies for creating more inclusive, equitable family support systems.

Speakers

Kwame Rose

Bio:

Kwame Rose is a social activist, artist and writer. Rose was originally known for having boldly held mainstream media, particularly Geraldo Rivera of Fox News, accountable for its inaccurate representation of protestors during the Baltimore Uprising. Called “an Unapologetic Voice for Change” by NBC News, Kwame has spent his entire adult life advocating and creating change around the world. His passion for public speaking once earned him a full scholarship to the University of Texas at San Antonio as a member of the Debate team. Deteriorating social conditions in his hometown of Baltimore prompted the return of the young activist with a firm commitment to improve and serve his community.Kwame’s Story is told in the award winning HBO documentary “Baltimore Rising”. After writing an article critiquing the Presidential Candidate Senator Bernie Sander’s lack of engagement with young change agents, Senator Sanders reached out to Kwame about how to reach young people. Kwame then served as a surrogate for Senator Sanders’ campaign during the 2016 Election. During the COVID-19 Pandemic Kwame helped develop World Central Kitchen’s #ChefsForAmerica program. Kwame continues to use his platform to bring about tangible and equitable changes to communities globally. In 2023 Kwame co-founded The Foundation for Fathers, a 501(c)3 non-profit with the mission to foster a positive and nurturing bond between fathers and their children, with the ultimate goal of promoting long-term stability and the well-being of the child.

Atiba Wise

Bio:

Atiba Wise II is a dedicated law enforcement professional, military service member, and nonprofit leader with a passion for justice, family advocacy, and community empowerment. He currently serves as a Maritime Enforcement Specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard, where he plays a critical role in maritime security, law enforcement operations, and national defense initiatives.

Since 2017, Atiba has also been a police officer with the Baltimore City Police Department, specializing in investigations, proactive patrols, emergency response, and crime suppression. His extensive experience in law enforcement has deepened his understanding of local government operations and strengthened his commitment to community engagement.

Before his career in policing and military service, Atiba gained valuable experience in the retail, insurance, and security industries. A Randallstown High School graduate who attended Sojourner Douglass College and the Community College for Baltimore County, he developed a strong work ethic and adaptability that continue to serve him well in his various professional roles.

Beyond his law enforcement and military duties, Atiba is the co-founder of The Foundation for Fathers, a 501(c)3 that focuses on addressing the psychological impact of custody battles, securing financial assistance for child access, and promoting life balance. By encouraging unity and positive co-parenting, he strives to create a healthier environment for children and families.

Additionally, Atiba is actively developing programs and offering volunteer opportunities with the potential for compensation as grant funding becomes available. His dedication to mentorship, advocacy, and service continues to drive his mission of creating lasting, positive change.
Tuesday, April 29, 2025

KEYNOTE – Identifying and Investing in the Strengths of Latino Families

April 29, 2025

9:00-10:00

KEYNOTE – Identifying and Investing in the Strengths of Latino Families

April 29, 2025

9:00-10:00

Understanding the cultural context of Latinx families and focusing on their strengths is essential so we can best serve them. What are those strengths and how do they support child development? And what does research tell us about the unique role of fathers? This talk will take a close look specifically at Latinx families, but also at the importance of identifying strengths of all families within a cultural context. The talk will close with a summary and then recommendations that can apply to all our work.

Speaker

Natasha Cabrera, PhD

Bio:

Natasha J. Cabrera, PhD, is Professor of Human Development at the University of Maryland. Dr. Cabrera’s research focuses on mothering and fathering behaviors and children’s social and cognitive development; adaptive and maladaptive factors related to parenting and cultural variation in ethnic minority families; and, the mechanisms linking early experiences to children’s school readiness. Dr. Cabrera has published in peer-reviewed journals on policy, methodology, theory and the implications of fathering and mothering behaviors on child development in low-income minority families. She is the co-editor of the Handbook of Father Involvement: Multidisciplinary Perspectives, 2nd Edition (Taylor & Francis, 2013) and Latina/o Child Psychology and Mental Health: Vol 1 and 2 (Praeger, 2011). Dr. Cabrera is the Editor-in-chief of SRCD Monographs and the recipient of the National Council and Family Relations award for Best Research Article regarding men in families in 2009. She was appointed to the National Academy of Sciences committee on parents of young children, was a Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholar; and, and a visiting scholar, University of Ruhr, Germany. She is co-PI at the National Center for Research on Hispanic Families and Children.

How Programs can Capitalize on the Strengths of Latino Families

April 29, 2025

10:15-11:45

How Programs can Capitalize on the Strengths of Latino Families

April 29, 2025

10:15-11:45

To effectively tailor programs’ approaches and strategies to the specific characteristics and dynamics of Latino families, programs should know more about Latino participants’ relationships as couples and co-parents, their relationships with their children, and their financial self-sufficiency. In this workshop, We will focus on: couple and co-parenting relationships; parenting; and self-sufficiency (i.e., education, household income, and employment) to highlight the strengths of these families, and provide specific examples of how programs can provide services to promote and support families’ strengths. The focus is on the early childhood years (infancy to kindergarten) because this period is critical for development and poses heightened demands on parents’ time and resources.

Speaker

Natasha Cabrera, PhD

Bio:

Natasha J. Cabrera, PhD, is Professor of Human Development at the University of Maryland. Dr. Cabrera’s research focuses on mothering and fathering behaviors and children’s social and cognitive development; adaptive and maladaptive factors related to parenting and cultural variation in ethnic minority families; and, the mechanisms linking early experiences to children’s school readiness. Dr. Cabrera has published in peer-reviewed journals on policy, methodology, theory and the implications of fathering and mothering behaviors on child development in low-income minority families. She is the co-editor of the Handbook of Father Involvement: Multidisciplinary Perspectives, 2nd Edition (Taylor & Francis, 2013) and Latina/o Child Psychology and Mental Health: Vol 1 and 2 (Praeger, 2011). Dr. Cabrera is the Editor-in-chief of SRCD Monographs and the recipient of the National Council and Family Relations award for Best Research Article regarding men in families in 2009. She was appointed to the National Academy of Sciences committee on parents of young children, was a Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholar; and, and a visiting scholar, University of Ruhr, Germany. She is co-PI at the National Center for Research on Hispanic Families and Children.

Reimagining National Black Child Development Institute’s Family Empowerment Program to Advance Systems Change

April 29, 2025

10:15-11:45

Reimagining National Black Child Development Institute’s Family Empowerment Program to Advance Systems Change

April 29, 2025

10:15-11:45

This session will be a workshop-style presentation that will detail NBCDI’s work in its Family Empowerment Program, insight on how the program has been implemented from an affiliate in NBCDI’s National Village Network, and current efforts to reimagine the program with a systems change approach toward family empowerment. The program is employed by NBCDI’s National Village Network, comprised of 23 affiliates across the country, and aims to support Black families through workshops, advocacy activities, and other community programming. The latest iteration of the program at the national level includes a partnership with ParentChild+ to reimagine how the program is structured and delivered. The session will provide participants with an overview of NBCDI’s work broadly and how we’re partnering with ParentChild+ and others to reimagine the program. Following that overview, we will shift to a workshop-style format to gather insights that can support strategies to improve the Family Empowerment Program to best work for and with families and communities.

Speakers

Alycia Hardy

Bio:

Alycia Hardy is a dynamic leader with a passion for developing equitable, inclusive, and community driven policy solutions to advance systems change. As the VP of Policy & Research at the National Black Child Development Institute, she shapes the research and policy agendas using an Afrofuturist lens, systems thinking, liberatory research, and intersectional data. Her innovative thinking, unique perspective, and heart for service leads her commitment to dismantle systems rooted in anti-Blackness. Her leadership drives research and policy advocacy towards reimagined systems that support every Black child from 0-8 and their families being healthy, well, and to thrive. Prior to NBCDI, she was a Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for Law and Social Policy and served on the DC Public School’s Head Start Parent Policy Executive Council. Alycia received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Morgan State University and her Master of Public Administration from American University.

Tiffany Ferrette

Bio:

Tiffany Ferrette is an education and social policy professional, who is currently a Senior Consultant on the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI)’s Policy and Research team and a Part-Time Professor in The Catholic University’s School of Professional Studies Department of Education. Tiffany has previously held roles at the Center for Law and Social Policy, the National Governors Association, and the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools. She has worked in the classroom, in research, and curriculum development. Her expertise spans educational practice, research, social policy and governance, racial equity, and international education. She is also a contributing author and editor of the “Handbook of Research on Innovative Approaches to Childhood Development and School Readiness.”

Tiffany’s work focuses on racial identity formation within policy and governance structures, particularly in the early years and through families. Tiffany received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and Spanish from Villanova University and earned a master’s degree in education policy from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Lola Rooney

Bio:

Lola M. Grove Rooney is a 25-year retired veteran of the School District of Philadelphia, being one of the founding teachers of an iconic Alternative Program known as G.A.M.P. (Girard Academic Music Program). A freak accident in her classroom, caused this Mathematics and English teacher to retire from the district, because injury to her back and pinched nerves prevented her from writing on the board unless an aide was available to assist.

Part of her therapy required her to attend water classes at the YMCA where once the administration learned of her background, through volunteering, she was hired to implement and oversee a new grant the Y received from the Pew Charitable Trusts – a program that became widely known as the YMCA Family Child Care Network – recruiting and supporting individuals to become licensed, certified family child care practitioners; launching them in business and helping to establish developmentally enhanced learning environments. Promotion soon followed. She retired from the Y at the end of 28 yrs in 2019, as the Senior Director of Child Care Compliance overseeing the Network, all Greater Philadelphia YMCA Child Care Centers and Afterschool programs (18 ECE centers and 22 SACC programs); also facilitating participation of the Y Association in PreK Counts and Philly PreK – one the Pennsylvania state free programming for 3-4 yr olds and the other using funds from the sugar tax instituted in Philadelphia – for the same age group- but Philadelphia specific. The Greater Philadelphia association encompassed 5 counties – known as the Lehigh Valley.

While at the Y, she became involved with NBCDI – involving the Y’s urban branches in NBCDI Activities and programs. In 2011, she was elected as the President and Executive Director of BCDI – Philadelphia & Vicinity. And because of her work in the Y and continued work in the community, BCDI- Philadelphia & Vic. partnered with ParentChild+ Philadelphia, as NBCDI’s was launching its revised and upgraded version of the ’ ‘Family Engagement’ curricula and programming.

Jon Law

Bio:

Jon Law has ten years of experience in strategic planning, organizational development, and program management. He is a collaborative learner focused on cultivating strong communities based on values of democracy, liberation, and social justice. As the Director of Fellowships and Convenings at NBCDI, his work is focused on strategies and initiatives that bring national and local experts and communities together to envision and create the world Black children deserve. His professional and volunteer work has centered on understanding the complex and historical roots of oppression in order to uproot them and build new ways of living, and he brings these approaches to his work at NBCDI.

Engaging Young Children and Parents in Environmental Awareness Through Storytelling: Using Books to Foster a Love for the Planet

April 28, 2025

10:15-11:45

Engaging Young Children and Parents in Environmental Awareness Through Storytelling: Using Books to Foster a Love for the Planet

April 28, 2025

10:15-11:45

This presentation will offer an engaging and practical approach to introducing children ages 2-4 years old and their families to concepts of environmental stewardship, climate change, and caring for the planet. Focusing on three popular children’s books—The Earth Book by Todd Parr, Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar series by Eric Carle—this session will provide home visitors with the tools they need to help parents spark meaningful environmental conversations with their young children. Through storytelling, hands-on activities, and practical tips, this presentation will help bridge the gap between abstract environmental concepts and the everyday lives of children and their families, particularly those living in urban settings.

Speaker

Monica Allison

Bio:

Monica Allison is an accomplished educator, passionate advocate, and dedicated community leader with over two decades of service to the city of Philadelphia. As the author of three children’s books, Monica’s commitment to literacy is reflected not only in her writing but also in her extensive work with families and children. She has been an active member of various civic engagement boards, focusing on initiatives that uplift and empower her community.

Monica currently serves on several prominent boards in Philadelphia, including Mill Creek Urban Farms, Ardella’s House, Community Solutions CDC, Tustin Recreation Center, Calvary Center for Culture and Community, and the Friends of Blanche A. Nixon Cobbs Creek Library. She is also a past member of the University of Pennsylvania’s Netter Center for Community Partnerships Advisory Board. In addition to her board service, Monica is a committed public servant, acting as a committeeperson in her neighborhood.

Her deep passion for literacy and education has driven Monica to serve as a Reading Captain in West Philadelphia, where she coaches parents in the Science of Reading, empowering them to support their children’s academic growth. Monica’s dedication to early childhood education is further demonstrated by her previous 20 years as a home-based childcare provider, her role as a tutor, and her current work as a Site Coordinator at ParentChild+ under PHMC, where she has been serving the West Philadelphia community for the past seven years.

With a heart dedicated to service and a mind focused on impact, Monica continues to be a tireless advocate for the development and empowerment of her community.

Demystifying Difficult Behaviors in Young Children

April 29, 2025

10:15-11:45

Demystifying Difficult Behaviors in Young Children

April 29, 2025

10:15-11:45

In this session participants will consider ways to address challenging behaviors in young children by being responsive to their needs and skill levels rather than being reactive when difficult behaviors arise. Young children are learning and growing rapidly. Being attuned to their behaviors provides many opportunities for their caregivers to support them in reaching healthy social and emotional milestones. Participants will learn to identify children’s needs when their behavior is difficult, as well as consider ways to model the social-emotional skills needed for self-regulation and co-regulation.

Speaker

Nnenna Franciamore, PhD

Bio:

Dr. Nnenna Franciamore has been an educator for over two decades. She embraces a wholistic approach to early childhood education and care that focuses on coaching the adults in the lives of young people to implement the best practices that lead to the overall growth and positive development of young children. She presently works with the HBCC model at ParentChild+, and as a mom of three, is immersed in journeying with her children as they grow and change.

KEYNOTE-Expanding Our Understanding of the Strengthening Families Protective Factors

April 29, 2025

1:30-2:30

KEYNOTE-Expanding Our Understanding of the Strengthening Families Protective Factors

April 29, 2025

1:30-2:30

An expanded understanding of the Strengthening Families protective factors emphasizes the need to integrate a set of core values into practice designed to build the five protective factors. These core values are essential because they emphasize the need to address community and societal conditions—in addition to individual and family circumstances—that impact the lives of children, parents, and families and help to build or undermine optimal development and well-being.

Speaker

Charlyn Harper Browne, PhD

Bio:

Charlyn Harper Browne, PhD is a former Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of Social Policy where, for 16 years, she was responsible for contributing to the research, theoretical, and training components of projects related to young children and their families. Dr. Browne has expertise in child and adolescent development and advancing racial and ethnic equity. Previously, Dr. Browne served as a college and university administrator and professor in departments of psychology and counseling. Currently, she is focused on developing resources designed to promote the healthy development and well-being of children, youth, and parents.

Strengthening Families and the HOPE Framework

April 29, 2025

3:00-4:30

Strengthening Families and the HOPE Framework

April 29, 2025

3:00-4:30

Strengthening Families and HOPE — Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences — are two frameworks that have significantly contributed to a shift in both perspectives and practice within child- and family-serving fields. This workshop will address the value of Strengthening Families and HOPE as complementary approaches that promote the healthy development and well-being of young children and their families and reduce the impact of adversity they may face.

Speaker

Charlyn Harper Browne, PhD

Bio:

Charlyn Harper Browne, PhD is a former Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of Social Policy where, for 16 years, she was responsible for contributing to the research, theoretical, and training components of projects related to young children and their families. Dr. Browne has expertise in child and adolescent development and advancing racial and ethnic equity. Previously, Dr. Browne served as a college and university administrator and professor in departments of psychology and counseling. Currently, she is focused on developing resources designed to promote the healthy development and well-being of children, youth, and parents.

Promoting Black Children’s Positive Identity Development 70 Years After Brown v. Board

April 29, 2025

3:00-4:30

Promoting Black Children’s Positive Identity Development 70 Years After Brown v. Board

April 29, 2025

3:00-4:30

In this interactive session, participants will explore the landmark “dolls study” that influenced the Supreme Court’s historic 1954 decision to end de jure segregation in the United States. The session will examine how these studies revealed the profound impact of racial bias on children’s self-perception and identity, as well as the protective factors that shielded some children from its harmful effects. Participants will also learn how more recent dolls studies continue to shape our understanding of identity development in Black children today.

Through reflective discussion, participants will have the opportunity to connect this research to their own work with children and families. The session will provide practical, age-appropriate strategies and tools that can be shared with families and child care providers to help counteract the effects of racial bias and support the development of positive self-concepts in Black children and other children of color. Whether working as home visitors, caregivers, or advocates, participants will leave with new insights and actionable resources to help foster healthier, more resilient identities in children of all backgrounds.

Speakers

Mavis Sanders, PhD

Promoting Black Children’s Positive Identity Development 70 Years After Brown v. Board

Bio:

Mavis Sanders, senior research scholar of Black children and families at Child Trends, leads an applied research agenda that advances racial equity and social justice. Before joining Child Trends in 2021, Dr. Sanders served as professor of education and affiliate professor in the doctoral program in language, literacy, and culture at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). She also served as the inaugural director of UMBC’s Sherman Center for Early Learning in Urban Communities from 2017 to 2021, working closely with families, educators, and community partners to develop best practices for early childhood education in urban contexts. Specializing in qualitative and mixed methods research on school, family, and community partnerships, Dr. Sanders has authored over 60 publications, including five books, on family and community engagement in schools and the effects of home, school, and community collaboration on students’ school success.

Dominique Martinez

Bio:

Dominique N. Martinez is a research analyst at Child Trends, specializing in population-focused research. They graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020 with a BA in neuroscience. Dominique previously worked as a post-baccalaureate research assistant at UNC-Chapel Hill, studying how life experiences like deprivation and threat impact child development and behavior. Their research interests include early childhood development, resilience, and protective communities and assets, with a focus on equity-driven projects.

Empowering Parents of Neurodivergent Kids: Tools for Confidence and Clarity in Early Childhood

April 29, 2025

3:00-4:30

Empowering Parents of Neurodivergent Kids: Tools for Confidence and Clarity in Early Childhood

April 29, 2025

3:00-4:30

Navigating the early years of parenting a neurodivergent child—whether it’s ADHD, autism, or emerging learning and behavior challenges—can be overwhelming. This session will provide early childhood professionals with practical tools to build confidence and clarity during this critical stage.

Drawing from her experience as a school psychologist and parent coach, the presenter will introduce simple, adaptable strategies that help families recognize their child’s unique strengths and needs while offering guidance on how to take the next steps in supporting development both at home and in partnership with educators. Attendees will leave with actionable resources that foster a stronger parent-child connection and create a supportive foundation for lifelong learning and growth.

Speaker

Kayla Tucker

Bio:

Kayla Tucker, SSP, NCSP is a nationally certified school psychologist, parent coach, and founder of Whole School Psych, a platform dedicated to supporting families of young children with learning and behavior challenges. With nearly a decade of experience in education, child development, and special education, she helps parents and professionals better understand neurodivergent children and implement effective, research-based strategies at home and in early learning settings. Kayla is passionate about making developmental support accessible to all families, particularly those who face systemic barriers to early intervention. Through Whole School Psych, she works closely with parents, educators, and community organizations to bridge the gap between home and school, equipping caregivers with the confidence and tools they need to support their child’s growth.

Registration is now live!

Please make sure before proceeding:

You know how you plan to pay for registration. If you would like to pay with a card, have that information ready. You can also elect to be invoiced or receive a quote and use alternate payment methods: ACH, Zelle, or check.
You have names, titles, emails, and dietary needs for people on your team who you plan to attend the conference. We want the conference to be safe and comfortable for everyone, and it’s important this information is complete!

If you are a vendor click here. Your registration is separate from attendees.

For those wishing to attend the training on April 30th, you can include that in your conference registration.

Registration Dates and Fee Structure for Attendees:

Regular Rate (AFTER December 5, 2024):

First person attending: $375
Additional people attending: $345

Important Dates:

Registration Closes and payment must be received by: April 14, 2025.
Refund Policy: No refunds for cancellations after April 10, 2025.
Transfer Policy: Registrations may be transferred to a different person by contacting Michele Morrison at mmorrison@parentchildplus.org by April 27, 2025, with no penalty.

Book your hotel room here. Please make sure the reservation matches the name on the credit card used for payment!

*Please note that the conference rate for hotel rooms is available starting on Saturday, April 26, 2025, for those who wish to arrive early and enjoy the weekend in Washington, DC. Make sure to secure your spot and book your accommodations early! As of January 2025, rooms were going fast!

Attendees Register here!

* Note that for this year's in-person conference fees are per attendee.

Conference FAQs

When is the Conference?

April 28-29, 2025
Attendee Fees
Early Bird Rate (must have registered and paid by December 5, 2024):
- First person attending: $350
- Additional people attending: $320
Regular Rate (AFTER November 1, 2024):
- First person attending: $375
- Additional people attending: $345
Fees include meals. Rooms must be booked separately
How can I pay?

After you register, a confirmation email will be sent to the contact person.

New this year: confirmation emails will also serve as receipts or invoices, depending on when you pay for your registration.

ParentChild+ accepts ACH, check, Zelle, or credit card payments. Check and ACH payments must be coordinated by emailing Shannalee Levy at SLevy@parentchildplus.org.
What is the On-Site Post-Conference Training on April 30th?
WHAT?

ParentChild+ will offer a one-day training and quality assurance session for veteran Coordinators from sites that wish to be certified or recertified in 2025-26. This training will address program enhancements for both the Family (One-on-One) and HBCC models to ensure your site is on the path to operating the model with fidelity.

WHO?

This is for sites with veteran Coordinators who have been at ParentChild+ for over four years and are interested in obtaining feedback on their site’s implementation of the ParentChild+ model and beginning the certification process. This will be the first step in meeting funders’ requirements that sites be certified as demonstrating fidelity to the model.

WHEN?

April 30th from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Lunch will be included in your registration.

WHY?

The goal of Certification is to assess fidelity to model and support continuous quality improvement. This is a process where programs assess how they are meeting the needs of families, child care providers, and children through the ParentChild+ models.

Draft Training Agenda:

A One-Day Training to Prepare for Site Certification:
- Developmental parenting
- Goal setting, reflection records, and coaching families
- Best Practice Principles and video feedback
- An introduction to practice-based coaching
QUESTIONS?

If you have an interest in Certification or questions about what this one-day of training entails, please email Jessica Faith at jfaith@parentchildplus.org.

Important Reminders

Booking Rooms

The ParentChild+ 2025 Annual In-Person Conference, will take place on April 28-29, 2025, at the Doubletree Hotel, 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA. Hotel rooms are now available at the conference rate of $239/night. Reserve your room here.

2025 Annual Conference

Annual Conference 2025

2025 Conference Overview:

Accepting proposals to present a workshop or be on a discussion panel. Call for proposals can be found here. We can’t wait to read what you have to share!

We are thrilled to share this expert line-up of speakers and presenters!

Alycia Hardy

Alycia Hardy

Bio:

Angela Rau

Angela Rau

Bio:

Atiba Wise

Atiba Wise

Bio:

César Zuñiga

César Zuñiga

Charlyn Harper Browne, PhD

Charlyn Harper Browne, PhD

Bio:

Christa Haring, PhD

Christa Haring, PhD

Bio:

Christina Josling

Christina Josling

Bio:

Christy Jalbert

Christy Jalbert

Bio:

Dominique Martinez

Dominique Martinez

Bio:

Gracie Idzal

Gracie Idzal

Bio:

Jane Cohen

Jane Cohen

Jeanette Lake

Jeanette Lake

Bio:

Jessica Faith

Jessica Faith

Bio:

Jessica Hyland, M. Ed.

Jessica Hyland, M. Ed.

Bio:

Jon Law

Jon Law

Bio:

Junlei Li, PhD

Junlei Li, PhD

Katherine Lopez, M. Ed.

Katherine Lopez, M. Ed.

Bio:

Kathy Westin, M. Ed.

Kathy Westin, M. Ed.

Bio:

Kayla Tucker

Kayla Tucker

Bio:

Kristen Paul

Kristen Paul

Bio:

Kwame Rose

Kwame Rose

Bio:

Language Lizard

Language Lizard

Lauren Wright

Lauren Wright

Bio:

Lola Rooney

Lola Rooney

Bio:

Lucia Fernandez

Lucia Fernandez

Bio: Lucia is a ParentChild+ Early Learning Specialist/Family Ambassador in Framingham, MA.

Marcella Taylor

Marcella Taylor

Bio:

Mavis Sanders, PhD

Accepting proposals to present a workshop or be on a discussion panel.

Call for proposals can be found here.

We can’t wait to read what you have to share!

Bio:
Lucia is a ParentChild+ Early Learning Specialist/Family Ambassador in Framingham, MA.

Bio:
Lucia is a ParentChild+ Early Learning Specialist/Family Ambassador in Framingham, MA.