Conference Experience Helps ECE Students Grow as Future Educators

As part of the Nicolet College Early Childhood Education program, students had a special opportunity to attend the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) Conference last fall, one of the state’s largest gatherings for early learning professionals.

Thanks to WECA scholarship support, students were able to participate in this enriching experience and bring back valuable insights to share with our college community. Throughout the conference, students engaged in sessions focused on play-based learning, inclusion, self-regulation in the classroom, and the importance of teamwork. Many returned feeling both inspired and affirmed in their career choice. 

As one student reflected, “Something that really stuck with me was the Acorn Affirmation. If we view our impact as generational, we empower ourselves to make decisions that positively affect the children in our care. This is so powerful.” 

This key takeaway reinforces a key idea that we, as early childhood educators, are changing the world, one child at a time. Through a shared Padlet, students posted their “aha moments” including key ideas, quotes, or reflections that sparked new thinking. 

One student wrote, “My mind was stretched in various ways from the sessions we attended, from how to source local food for your center, building resilience in our students, and staying calm in the chaos that can be our classroom, at times. 

This experience was deepened by sharing it with my Nicolet classmates. We were able to strengthen our connection to each other in a way unavailable in the classroom.” 

The energy and insights from the WECA Conference are already inspiring classroom discussions and future professional goals within the ECE program. We are proud of our students’ dedication and grateful for the scholarship opportunities that made this transformative experience possible.