Early Childhood Days of Play June 2025: Full Schedule

10:15am CDT

Messy Minds: The Magic of Mud Play

Friday June 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am CDT

Let's celebrate International Mud Day (June 29) early! Learn to get comfortable with manageable and valuable messes that can support a variety of learning, including age-appropriate books about mud!

Speakers

Cheryl Potemkin

Learning Manager, Early Childhood Programs, Botanical Research Institute of Texas

At Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Cheryl is dedicated to implementing early childhood programs and professional development, teaching science thinking concepts through quality children’s literature and hands-on Environmental-STEM activities. Her work includes nature-based family story... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:30am CDT
Create A

Book Talk

12:45pm CDT

Messy Minds: The Magic of Mud Play

Friday June 20, 2025 12:45pm - 2:00pm CDT

Create A

Let's celebrate International Mud Day (June 29) early! Learn to get comfortable with manageable and valuable messes that can support a variety of learning, including age-appropriate books about mud!

Speakers

Cheryl Potemkin

Learning Manager, Early Childhood Programs, Botanical Research Institute of Texas

Friday June 20, 2025 12:45pm - 2:00pm CDT
Create A

Book Talk

2:15pm CDT

Building Bright Futures: The Power of Play & Planning

Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CDT

Create A

Future planning starts early! This session will explore practical strategies to help young children with disabilities and their families build strong foundations for lifelong success. Participants will learn how to foster independence at home and school, nurture self-determination and self-advocacy skills, and establish essential agency connections. We will also discuss developmentally appropriate ways to introduce early career exploration and independent living skills--all through the power of play. Join us to discover how intentional, engaging experiences can empower children to become confident, capable learners ready to navigate their futures!

Speakers

Lydia Evans

Transition Specialist, Education Service Center Region 11

Lydia Evans is passionate about preparing students with disabilities for fulfilling adult lives and believes it’s never too early to start future planning. She has served as a Transition Counselor for Texas Workforce Vocational Rehabilitation, worked as a district-level Transition... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CDT
Create A

Playground

about Lydia Evans is passionate about preparing students with disabilities for fulfilling adult lives and believes it’s never too early to start future planning. She has served as a Transition Counselor for Texas Workforce Vocational Rehabilitation, worked as a district-level Transition Specialist, and helped create the ENGAGE program at the University of North Texas–which supports neurodivergent students navigate university life and prepare for meaningful careers.