Trying Together, in partnership with Hosanna House, will host UnConference: Ordinary Moments, Meaningful Connections on Monday, October 12 at Hosanna House.
The foundation of quality in early learning settings begins with the everyday interactions that we share with one another. These simple and ordinary moments that take place during daily routines form the very foundation of learning and connection for young children and adults alike.
Focusing on the belief that meaningful learning happens within everyday moments, this UnConference highlights how connection, reciprocity, inclusion, and opportunities for growth emerge through adult-child interactions.
This UnConference is designed to support educators in cultivating classrooms where every child—and every adult—feels seen, heard, and valued. The event will include a keynote presentation by Dr. Junlei Li, Saul Zaentz Chair in Early Childhood Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education and creator of the Simple Interactions Tool. Dynamic morning and afternoon sessions will follow (see below for workshop descriptions). A light breakfast with coffee and tea and a boxed lunch will be provided.
A total of 4.5 PQAS and Act 48 credit hours are available. Those interested in attending should register by September 28.
Register now
Details
UnConference: Ordinary Moments, Meaningful Connections
- Monday, October 12
- 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Hosanna House (807 Wallace Avenue)
- $25
- Register
Sessions
Building Rapport & Play Skills with Early Learners with Autism
Presented by: Katie Hirsh, Better View Counseling
In this session, attendees will learn about practical strategies to effectively engage with young children who present with minimal expressive communication and toy use. Topics within this session are informed by child development milestones, Autism research, pivotal response training, and applied behavioral analysis.
Seen, Heard, and Valued: Building Educator Resilience to Create More Connected Classrooms
Presented by: Alichia Parker, A PAR EDU
Meaningful connections begin with educators who feel supported, valued, and grounded in their own identity. This interactive workshop explores how educator well-being, self-awareness, and resilience shape daily interactions with children and families. Drawing from qualitative research and nearly two decades of facilitation experience, participants will reflect on personal experiences, examine how organizational culture influences classroom relationships, and develop practical strategies for creating environments where both adults and children feel seen, heard, and valued.
Reducing Hidden Effort: Building Classrooms Where Diverse Learners Can Thrive
Presented by: Dana Pettygrove, System 1-2-3
Many children expend significant energy navigating the complex demands of classrooms, in ways that may be invisible to the adults around them. What children experience internally may look different from what they communicate through behavior. Rather than focusing on identifying which children are neurodivergent, this interactive workshop explores how educators can reduce hidden effort by creating classroom environments that foster belonging and accessible participation. Through reflection, case examples, and practical, sustainable strategies, participants will learn how everyday interactions and environmental supports can reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and help diverse learners thrive without requiring a diagnosis to benefit from these supports.
Read-Alouds as a Bridge to Inclusion and Belonging: A Disability Case Example
Presented by: Jennifer Briggs and Caitlin Spear, University of Pittsburgh School of Education Office of Child Development
In this session, we will explore culturally informed read-alouds as a tool for creating meaningful connections that promote inclusion and belonging in practice. We will share data from a recent study exploring read aloud practices, honing in on how teachers can use read-alouds to co-construct learning experiences and build strong relationships. We will then work with one anchor text, Tiffany Hammonds’ “A Day with No Words”, to co-create a read-aloud that (a) aligns with culturally responsive early literacy approaches, (b) strengthens relationships and dialogue, and (c) model ways to support inclusion and belonging around disability.
Creating Classrooms Where Everyone Belongs: Fostering Connection, Inclusion, and Student Growth
Presented by: Khari Hicks, Hosanna House
This engaging, hands-on session emphasizes the importance of building inclusive learning communities where all voices are heard, students feel accepted, and every learner has the opportunity to participate and thrive. In addition to strengthening students’ social, emotional, and academic growth, this session offers educators opportunities to grow their own skills in creating meaningful connections, cultivating belonging, and reflecting on practices that positively impact classroom culture. Participants will leave with an Individual Success Plan, renewed confidence, and practical ideas for creating safe, welcoming classrooms where every student experiences a genuine sense of value and belonging.
Building Relationships Through Fred Rogers’ Six Fundamentals of Learning and Growing
Presented by: Annie White, Fred Rogers Institute
Fred Rogers reminded us that the “deep and simple is far more essential than the shallow and complex.” In this session, we will explore how Fred Rogers’ six fundamentals of learning and growing (self-worth, trust, curiosity, looking and listening carefully, play, and solitude) can support relationships in our practice. Participants will engage with artifacts from the Fred Rogers Archive and watch videos of real practice highlighting these six fundamentals. We will facilitate activities for participants to develop their own practical takeaways integrating these six into their work to support relationships with children, colleagues, and families.
About UnConference
The UnConference is an innovative, hands-on professional development training format in which a deeper experience is provided around a particular theme. Local and national speakers are invited to present and participants are encouraged to engage hands on in the workshops.
The day concludes with a roundtable discussion on how to apply these experiences and ideas in the early childhood environment and share ideas on how to partner with new colleagues.
Thank You To Our Sponsors and Partners
A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great and partner Hosanna House.
