The National Smart Start Conference is the nation’s largest conference devoted to early education systems and strategies. The conference provides advanced professional development for early education leaders committed to improving the quality of and access to early childhood services for all children ages birth to five. It is intended for professionals who support families, for professionals who support those who work with children, and professionals engaging in early care and education systems change.
Although we greatly value our early childhood workforce, content is not designed for those working directly with children. The 2019 Conference features a full day of preconference sessions followed by three days of workshops and networking opportunities. Workshop focus areas include Early Care and Education; Early Childhood Health and Development; Family Support and Engagement; Public Engagement, Fundraising, and Nonprofit Management; and Early Childhood Systems and Leadership. The conference also includes an opening keynote presentation, a flex block session, and a closing keynote and luncheon.