Conferences
Birth Through Eight Across the State: Maine’s Statewide
Early Childhood Education Conference
Join us for Maine’s premier event for early childhood professionals! This two-day conference, happening October 24-25, 2025, at the Holiday Inn By The Bay in Portland, brings together educators, administrators, and advocates to explore innovative strategies, share best practices, and inspire excellence in early childhood education.
Through dynamic workshops, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, attendees will gain valuable insights to address today’s challenges and enhance their impact on young learners. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this conference offers something for everyone.
Thank you to our Conference Partners!!
Meet the Keynote Presenters
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Saturday October 25th 2025
Dan Wouri
Recognized internationally as an expert in early childhood development and policy, Dan is an accomplished author, public speaker, and policy advisor to the nation’s governors, state lawmakers and other senior state elected and administrative officials.
Friday October 24th 2025
Lisa Murphy
Lisa is the founder and CEO of Ooey Gooey, Inc. where her mission is to assist in the transformation of the profession (read: get back to play!) by providing relevant & meaningful workshops, getting the necessary materials & resources into the hands of people in the profession who wish to do the same
Daily Schedule
8:00am-9:00am Registration and Networking
8:00am-8:30 Networking and Breakfast
8:30am-10:00 am Breakout Session #1
10:30-12:00 Keynote
12:00-1:00 Lunch and Networking
1:00-2:00 Breakout session 2
2:15-4:15 Breakout Session #3
Learn more about sessions!
Vendor & Sponsorships
Showcase your organization, products, or services to hundreds of early childhood professionals at Maine’s Statewide Annual ECE Conference. As a vendor, you'll have the opportunity to connect directly with educators, advocates, and decision-makers who are passionate about supporting young children and families. Join us in creating a vibrant, engaging conference experience while expanding your reach across Maine’s early childhood community.
Support Maine’s early childhood educators and elevate your brand by becoming a sponsor of the Statewide Annual ECE Conference. Sponsorship offers meaningful visibility among a statewide network of professionals dedicated to the well-being of young children and families. Your contribution helps us provide high-quality professional development while demonstrating your commitment to early childhood education.
Child Care Business Summit
This day is designed to help you take your child care business to the next level. Whether you’re looking for strategies to grow your business, improve your operations, or stay ahead of industry trends, the conference will provide valuable insights, actionable tips, and incredible networking opportunities.
MaineAEYC’s Play Date Conference
Registration opens July 1st!!
Session selection via the Whova App opens July 28th!
Come party with MaineAEYC as we throw a bash to celebrate our 20th Anniversary with our very first Play Date! This fantastic event is a jam-packed day-long conference dedicated to all the awesome folks caring for and teaching young ones. Get ready for workshops that dive into the magic of play-based learning in the early years and how us educators can sprinkle some playfulness into children's lives while nurturing their growth.
$150 Nonmembers
$125 MaineAEYC and FCCAM Members
Registration will include a continental breakfast, a keynote address by Kristen Peterson, a selection of morning workshops, lunch, afternoon workshops, as well as vendors, exhibitors, raffles, scavenger hunts, and ample networking and connecting opportunities with fellow early childhood educators.
Schedule of the Day
8:00-9:00am Registration opens, continental breakfast and networking
9:00am-10:15am Kristen Peterson’s Keynote Address “Trust the Children and Your Cape”
10:30am-11:45am Morning Workshops
11:45am-1pm Lunch and networking
1:15-3:45pm Afternoon Workshops
How to Get Involved…
Connecting Early Childhood Education
Connecting Early Childhood Education; Birth through Eight Across the State is an opportunity for educators of young children to re-connect in person, share best practices, build up our communities, learn from one another and advocate for early childhood education.
Join early childhood professionals from all over the state for the largest early childhood conference in Maine! With countless opportunities to connect, engage, and learn, the 2023 Birth Through Eight Across the State has sessions and content for a variety of roles in the early childhood field and early childhood professionals at various stages in their career.