Explore Our 2026 LEARN Conference Speakers

We pride ourselves on having one of the best, most diverse lineups of any early childhood conference — and our roster is setting up to be one for the books!

From early childhood’s everyday heroes to the familiar faces you know and love, this year’s speaker lineup showcases some of early childhood’s most inspiring thinkers, leaders, researchers and doers.

Practice Plenary

What Comes Into Focus When We Center Relationships? The Safe Babies Lens

Early childhood and child welfare systems are complex and often shaped by transactional and hierarchical relationships. This Practice Plenary explores what comes into focus when relationships lead through the Safe Babies lens.  

speakers
Delaney Jones_learn

Delaney Jones

Crystal Hallok_learn

Crystal Hallock

Darneshia_learn

Darneshia Allen

Research/Science Plenary

Seeing What Matters: Rethinking Development in Complex Times

This session invites participants to deepen how they understand their work. By strengthening their ability to interpret complexity, participants will be better equipped to make thoughtful decisions, respond with intention, and stay grounded in their role.

As the conference turns toward broader systems and structures, this plenary offers a foundation for seeing both practice and policy with greater depth and insight. 

speaker
Cynthia Garrick Coll_learn

Cynthia García Coll, PhD

Policy Plenary

Shaping AI Before It Shapes Them: Policy for the First Three Years

AI is already shaping the world young children are growing up in. In this session, you’ll explore what that means for babies, families, and the adults who care for them. From supporting caregivers and improving access to services to protecting the secure relationships children need to thrive, this conversation focuses on how policy can help you maximize the promise of AI while reducing the risks during the first three years of life.

speakers
2026 Conference Headshots (12)

Dana Suskind

2026 Conference Headshots (13)

Melissa Boteach

See All Speakers

Not a member? Register with an Early Childhood Conference Plus ticket to add a one-year membership to your order and save $100 on your registration fees. 

Need help with your registration? 
Get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or calling us at (202) 624-1754.
We would be happy to assist you. 

Don't miss out!

Connect with like-minded peers, refuel  your passion and LEARN from the best!

Want to stay in the know?

Sign up for updates on ZERO TO THREE LEARN Conference speakers, sessions and pricing specials.

Related Resources