Save the date! The Research Institute (TRI) will be hosting the 2026 Leadership Conference at the Salem Convention Center on June 23-24th, 2026. Primarily sponsored by The Department of Early Learning and Care as well as The Ford Family Foundation, this two-day event is a professional learning and networking opportunity for Child Care Resource & Referral professionals and partner agencies. Our theme is Leading Together: Growing Oregon’s Early Learning Community. This conference offers space for all participants to reconnect with each other, with focus on collaboration, innovation, and envisioning a better future for the early learning system. The sessions are rooted in equity, building collaborative partnerships, innovative teaching and learning practices, and resilience and well-being.
Central Coordination of Child Care Resource and Referral (CCCCR&R) is administered by The Research Institute at Western Oregon University under the direction of the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). This conference is funded in part by the Department of Early Learning and Care.
Our Keynote Speaker
Chris Amirault, Ph.D. served for two decades as the director of NAEYC-accredited Early Head Start, preschool, and state PK programs in RI and OK. He was president for several years of the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children and has also served in many national leadership capacities, including as Chair of the Council for NAEYC Accreditation, a member of the NAEYC Affiliate Advisory Council, a founding facilitator of NAEYC’s Diversity & Equity Interest Forum, and on the NAEYC working groups for developmentally appropriate practice and equity. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in early childhood education at Brown University, the Community College of Rhode Island, the University of Oklahoma, and elsewhere, and he served as Director of the Institute for Elementary and Secondary Education at Brown. The author of the book “Sparking Learning in Young Children: Classroom Best Practices” and co-author (with Christine Snyder) of “Finding Your Way Through Conflict: Strategies for Early Childhood Educators,” he has published articles in several early childhood journals and has presented many times at state and national early childhood conferences. His new book, “Instructional Coaching Essentials: Partnerships, Principles, and Practices” will be published in fall 2026. He has a PhD in cultural studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Our Featured Speaker
Amy King, PhD, is the founder of Dr. Amy, LLC and a licensed psychologist who provides training, consultation and education to professionals and organizations. She specializes in trauma-responsive work and resilience building via relational health. Dr. King advises organizations around wellness, staff vitality and creating trauma-responsive spaces. Her specialties include working with professionals to help create resilient children, patients, and thriving families, guiding them to heal their stress and trauma through relational health & connected relationships. Dr. King has served as a statewide and national trainer for various organizations including child welfare, Prevent Child Abuse Oregon, National Head Start, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Health Alliance. Her current work is promoting relational health by training professionals who work with children and families, through partnership and collaboration. Dr. Amy & her team serve folks who aim to be champions in connected spaces. When she’s not working to promote resilience, you can find her with her family enjoying the sunshine in Central Oregon.
Sessions
Use the tabs below to see all of the sessions, their locations, and their descriptions.
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Session Title Session Room
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Presenter Agency
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The Evolution of Spark Santiam 2/3
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What’s Next? Navigating NAEYC Together Santiam 4/5
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Kendall Simmons, Jasmin Rivera & Kate Randall ELSI & OCCD
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Stipends and Reimbursements Available to Licensed and License Exempt Child Care Providers Croisan B
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Jazming Prado TRI
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What is an Essential Fellowship? Croisan A
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CaSandra Zeller TRI
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Oregon ELMS is going live! Santiam 1
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Dawn Taylor DELC
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Session Title Session Room
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Presenter Agency
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Let’s Talk TA: A Q&A with DELC PLSO and State-Funded TA Santiam 4/5
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Dr. April Westermann DELC
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Essential Fellowship (Adjourning the 2025-2026 Cohort) Santiam 2/3
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CaSandra Zeller TRI
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New Staff Croisan A
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Trixia Herrera TRI
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FCCN Pilot Santiam 1
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Alyssa Geoffroy & Sierra Hake TRI & DELC
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Infant and Toddler Croisan C
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Elizabeth Zinter DELC
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Lodging Information
Two room blocks are available for attendees of the conference:
- The Grand Hotel: 503-540-7800
– Attached to the Salem Convention Center - The Hotel Salem: 503-588-9220
– 9 minute drive between Hotel Salem and the Salem Convention Center
📣 When calling, please state you will be attending the Western Oregon University Leadership Conference.
Salem Convention Center Map & Directions
On-site free conference parking is available in the parking garage at the Salem Convention Center. In addition, complimentary parking is one block from the convention center located on the top level of the Pringle Parkade.
View all maps and resources on the Salem Convention Center website.
