GAEYC 2026 Annual Conference Rise Together: Advocacy, Strength, and the Future of Early Childhood
October 2–3, 2026 · Phase Events, Alpharetta, GA
This is the conference you've been waiting for — two full days built entirely around you, the people who show up every single day for young children, families, and the profession that makes it all possible.
The GAEYC 2026 Annual Conference is more than a professional development event. It's a gathering of early childhood educators, program leaders, coaches, and advocates who believe that when we rise together, we change what's possible for children across Georgia and beyond. Whether you're in the classroom, leading a program, driving policy, or supporting the people who do — there is a place for you here.
For the first time, GAEYC's Annual Conference expands to two full days — more sessions, more connection, and more time to go deep on what matters most to you and your work.
Four learning tracks — choose your path
Every session belongs to one of four tracks designed to meet you where you are:
Across both days you'll experience keynote plenaries, five concurrent breakout sessions each block, facilitated Table Talk lunches, a featured Advocacy Panel, an Evening Reception, and intentional wellness breaks woven throughout — because we practice what we preach.
Learn more about the conference
Friday, October 2, 2026
Start your morning fueled and connected. Breakfast is served before sessions begin, giving you time to settle in, meet fellow attendees, and ease into the day with intention.
Experience the Council Table Podcast Live and be immersed in a dynamic discussion featuring Council for Professional Recognition CEO, Dr. Calvin E. Moore Jr. and some of Georgia's leading voices. This is a session you won't want to miss!
A built-in moment to breathe, move, and reset. Because sustainable learning starts with taking care of yourself.
Keep the momentum going. A second round of concurrent breakout sessions gives you another opportunity to choose the learning experience that speaks most to your role and goals.
Lunch with a purpose. Facilitated table discussions invite you to connect with peers around shared challenges, ideas, and experiences. Come hungry for food and conversation.
Your third session block of the day. With five concurrent tracks to choose from, you'll leave with a full toolkit of strategies, tools, and inspiration you can put to work immediately.
Recharge before the final stretch. Grab a snack, connect with an exhibitor, or take a few minutes for yourself before the day's closing program.
An optional documentary screening to close out the afternoon before the evening program begins. Details to be confirmed.
Celebrate the start of two days together. The GAEYC STARS Reception is your chance to connect with colleagues, sponsors, and new friends in a relaxed setting after an energizing first day.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Dive into your second day of work. Continue from four concurrent breakout sessions across the S.T.A.R. tracks — Stronger, Together, Advocacy, and Resilience — each designed to deepen your practice and expand your perspective.
A built-in moment to reset and re-energize. Because sustainable learning starts with taking care of yourself.
Another day of lunch with a purpose. Facilitated table discussions invite you to connect with peers around shared challenges, ideas, and experiences. Come hungry for food and conversation.
We end the way we began — together. The Closing Plenary brings the full conference community back into one room to reflect, celebrate, and carry the spirit of Rise Together back into our work and communities.
As a GAEYC member, you've invested in this community — and this conference is built for you. The member rate reflects our commitment to making professional growth accessible to the educators and leaders who are already showing up for this work.
Join us for two days of learning, connection, and advocacy. All are welcome at the GAEYC Annual Conference. Interested in saving on registration and accessing year-round member benefits? Learn more about GAEYC membership before you register.
This option is for those who are working directly with children and are unable to attend both days of the conference. If you are able to attend both days or do not work directly with children, we ask that you do not register using this option.
This option is specifically for Sheltering Arms Group Registration. Please use the provided discount code.
This is for the session-pass only.
GAEYC STARs Reception
Add the GAEYC STARs Reception to your one-day registration if you would like to attend. It is a simple way to include the reception in your Annual Conference 2026 experience.
Optional: Knowing the ethnicity, age, and gender of the professionals we serve helps us seek funding to offset the costs of future professional development.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
By registering for this event, you agree to the collection of contact and demographic information. Your data will be collected and utilized by GAEYC, organizers of this event, to allow you access to the event, as well as digital resources. Refund Policy: Notice of cancellation must be received in writing by GAEYC at least seven (7) working days prior to the training. No refunds or credits can be made after that date under any circumstance. If you cannot attend, you may send another participant in your place. Should you choose to cancel your registration, you may receive full credit for another GAEYC training program or a refund minus a $10 handling charge per registration.
GENERAL CONSENT AND RELEASE FOR USE OF IMAGE
Registration and attendance at, or participation in, GAEYC meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement for GAEYC, or anyone authorized by GAEYC, to record and use, as GAEYC may desire in its sole and absolute discretion, all recording and reproductions or depictions of such exhibitor’s or attendee’s name, likeness, voice, persona, words, actions, and/or biography, which GAEYC may make, including without limitation, the right for GAEYC, or anyone authorized by GAEYC, to use such recordings, reproductions, or depictions in or in connection with any legitimate purposes, including for advertising, publicity, trade, and editorial purposes, at any time in the future in all media now known or hereafter developed, throughout the world.
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