The NAEYC Annual Conference offers a rich mix of research-based and practical sessions focused on early learning, innovation and evidence-based practices. ZERO TO THREE is proud to be a long-time partner and looks forward to contributing through presentations, exhibits and meaningful connections with early childhood professionals from across the country.
The Best Early Childhood Conferences of 2026-2027
5 Reasons to Attend Early Childhood Conferences
We asked experts for their top early childhood conferences, and here are the ones that stood out.
Professionals dedicated to early childhood development, education, and mental health can choose from a robust lineup of conferences and events to further their professional development.
Attending early childhood conferences is important for staying updated with research, methods, policies, and networking with peers. And earning early childhood CEUs!
Early childhood conferences unite educators, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers aiming to enhance early child development.
October 27-29, 2026 | Portland, OR
The ZERO TO THREE LEARN Conference is renowned for its focus on the comprehensive development of infants and toddlers. This early childhood development conference brings together professionals from various disciplines to share knowledge, research and best practices in early childhood mental health, development and learning.
ZERO TO THREE’s conference boasts dozens of sessions on early childhood topics you won’t find anywhere else. Early bird pricing enables attendees to save hundreds by registering in advance.
- Screen Door: Savor Southern comfort food made with local Northwest ingredients. Crowd favorites include the “Chicken & Waffles” and “Shrimp and Grits”.
- Nong’s Khao Man Gai: Enjoy the famous Thai-style poached chicken and rice served in a minimalist spot with big flavor. Try the signature “Khao Man Gai” with their house-made sauce.
- Pine Street Market: Taste your way through this lively food hall featuring local favorites like “Marukin Ramen” and “Killer Burger” under one roof.
- Grassa: Dive into handmade pasta dishes served in a casual, modern setting. Fan favorites include the “Cacio e Pepe” and “Carbonara”.
- Le Pigeon: Dine on French-inspired cuisine with a Portland twist in an intimate, eclectic space. Don’t miss the “Beef Cheek Bourguignon” and “Foie Gras Profiteroles”.
- Powell’s City of Books: Get lost in the world’s largest independent bookstore—an iconic Portland experience with nine color-coded rooms.
- Portland Japanese Garden: Wander through serene, landscaped gardens offering a peaceful retreat and beautiful views of Mt. Hood.
- Voodoo Doughnut: Snap a pic and taste quirky creations like the “Bacon Maple Bar” and “Voodoo Doll” at this cult-favorite doughnut shop.
- Forest Park: Hike or bike over 80 miles of trails in one of the largest urban forests in the U.S., just minutes from downtown.
- OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry): Explore hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and a real submarine at this interactive science museum for all ages.
October 2-6, 2026 | Toronto, Canada
This important global conference is about the mental health and growth of babies and young children. Experts from all over the world will talk about the newest research, treatments, and policies in infant mental health.
Several of ZERO TO THREE’s staff have attended and presented with WAIMH and attest to the many benefits of networking and learning alongside global infant mental health colleagues.
The Rec Room: Enjoy a variety of comfort food options like burgers, poutine, and tacos in a vibrant entertainment complex that features arcade games, live music, and virtual reality experiences.
El Catrin: Savor modern Mexican cuisine in a lively, artsy setting with a stunning mural and heated patio. Don’t miss their “Tacos al Pastor” and extensive tequila selection.
Miku Toronto: Experience high-end Japanese cuisine with a focus on Aburi (sear-flamed) sushi, offering stunning waterfront views and a chic, contemporary ambiance.
Amsterdam BrewHouse: Feast on hearty pub fare like beer-battered fish and chips and house-smoked BBQ while enjoying craft beers brewed on-site and a scenic lakefront patio.
Rasta Pasta: Delight in a unique fusion of Italian and Jamaican flavors, featuring dishes like “Jerk Chicken Alfredo” and “Oxtail Ragu,” served in a cozy and colorful atmosphere.
CN Tower: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck, or for the adventurous, try the EdgeWalk, a thrilling hands-free walk around the tower’s exterior ledge.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Explore one of the largest museums in North America, featuring fascinating exhibits on natural history, world cultures, and art, including dinosaur skeletons and ancient artifacts.
St. Lawrence Market: Discover a food lover’s paradise with a variety of vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and international delicacies.
Toronto Islands: Take a ferry ride to these picturesque islands just off the city’s shore, offering beautiful beaches, bike rentals, picnic spots, and stunning views of the Toronto skyline.
Distillery District: Wander through this historic district known for its cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, art galleries, and an array of dining options.
October 5-6, 2026 | Kansas City, MO
This early childhood education conference brings together innovative thought leaders in child care to approach problems with exciting solutions.
- Q39: Savor chef-driven Kansas City barbecue cooked over wood-fired grills. Crowd favorites include the “Certified Angus Beef Brisket and Burnt Ends” plate. Visit website
- Stroud’s: Settle in for traditional Midwestern comfort food at this longtime Kansas City favorite. Try the signature “Pan-Fried Chicken”. Visit website
- Town Topic Hamburgers: Step back in time at this classic diner serving burgers since 1937. Order the “Double Cheeseburger” and a “Hand Dipped Chocolate Shake”. View the menu
- Grünauer: Enjoy authentic Austrian and Central European cuisine inside a historic freight house. Don’t miss the “Ungarisches Rindsgulasch”. Visit website
- Lidia’s Kansas City: Dine on rustic Italian cuisine in a beautiful former railroad building. Try “Lidia’s Pasta Tasting Trio” or the house-made “Gnocchi”. View the menu
- National WWI Museum and Memorial: Explore galleries filled with World War I artifacts and ride to the top of Liberty Memorial Tower for skyline views. Plan your visit
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Discover more than 5,000 years of art before strolling through the sculpture park. Plan your visit
- Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: Follow the history of African American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America. Plan your visit
- Union Station and Science City: Admire the grand architecture of Kansas City’s historic railway station and explore science interactive exhibits, including a planetarium. Explore Union Station
- City Market: Browse fresh produce, handcrafted goods, specialty shops and international flavors at this historic market. Visit website
October 26-29, 2026 | Omaha, NE
The DEC Annual International Conference focuses on early intervention, early childhood special education, and inclusive practices for young children with disabilities and their families.
The event offers workshops, research-based sessions, networking with practitioners, researchers, and families, plus exhibit halls featuring resources and tools to support professionals working in early childhood and special education.
Block 16: Try creative, globally inspired street food in a casual, fast-paced setting—locals rave about the Croque Garçon burger.
The Grey Plume: Dine on seasonal, farm-to-table fare with a fine-dining twist in one of Omaha’s most sustainable restaurants.
Coneflower Creamery: Indulge in small-batch ice cream made from locally sourced ingredients with unique flavors like Honey Lavender and Cornbread.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill: Enjoy fresh sushi and inventive rolls with vegan options in a vibrant, modern atmosphere.
Twisted Fork: Taste comfort food with a Southwestern flair in a lively, cowboy-chic setting in the historic Old Market district.
Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium: Visit one of the top-rated zoos in the world with massive indoor exhibits like the Desert Dome and Lied Jungle.
Old Market District: Wander cobblestone streets filled with local shops, galleries, and restaurants in Omaha’s historic downtown.
Joslyn Art Museum: Explore a wide-ranging collection of art from ancient to contemporary—all in a stunning pink marble building (note: reopening in 2024–2025 after renovations).
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge: Walk or bike across this curving bridge that spans the Missouri River—and stand in two states at once.
Durham Museum: Step inside Omaha’s beautifully restored Union Station to learn about the region’s history through engaging exhibits and preserved architecture.
- Ben’s Chili Bowl: Bite into DC’s iconic “Half-Smoke” sausage smothered in chili at this historic U Street landmark.
- Le Diplomate: Enjoy classic French bistro fare in a stylish, bustling atmosphere. Try the “Steak Frites” and “Onion Soup Gratinée”.
- Call Your Mother Deli: Savor creative, wood-fired bagel sandwiches in a playful, pastel-colored café. Favorites include the “Sun City” and “Shyne” sandwiches.
- Old Ebbitt Grill: Dine like a DC insider at this historic saloon near the White House. Don’t miss the “Oyster Happy Hour” and “Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes”.
- Ambar: Feast on modern Balkan small plates with an endless tasting menu option. Highlights include the “Lamb Lasagna” and “Cheese Pie”.
- Smithsonian Museums: Explore world-class museums like the Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History—all free to visit.
- The National Mall: Stroll past monuments, memorials, and the Capitol on DC’s iconic open-air promenade.
- International Spy Museum: Go undercover and test your spy skills through interactive exhibits and secret missions.
- Union Market: Sample local eats, sip craft cocktails, and browse indie shops in this trendy food hall and marketplace.
- Tidal Basin Paddle Boats: Float past cherry trees and memorials with a paddle boat ride in this scenic part of the city.
March 10-13, 2027 | Columbus, OH
The CEC Convention & Expo is an annual gathering of educators, researchers, and specialists focused on special education. The conference includes sessions on a wide range of topics, including early childhood special education, and serves as a space for sharing research, practices, and resources. It’s considered a key early childhood conference for professionals working across the special education field.
- North Market Downtown: Explore this historic public market near the convention center, featuring cuisines from around the world. At Momo Ghar, try the “Jhol Momo”. North Market
- Lindey’s: Enjoy refined American cuisine in a German Village setting known for its picturesque patio. Try the “Lobster Bisque” and a “Lindey’s Post Mortem” for dessert. Lindey’s menu
- Schmidt’s Sausage Haus: Experience traditional German-American food in the heart of historic German Village. Their award-winning dish “Bahama Mama” is a must. Schmidt’s
- Katzinger’s Delicatessen: Choose from an extensive selection of deli sandwiches, salads, soups, and traditional Jewish specialties. Highlights include the “Katzinger’s Reuben”. Katzinger’s menu
- Pistacia Vera: Stop for coffee and French pastries at this polished German Village bakery. Favorites include the “Pistachio Macaron” and “Almond Croissants”. Pistacia Vera menu
- COSI: Explore more than 300 interactive science experiences and exhibitions, including Ohio’s largest planetarium. COSI
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Wander through award-winning gardens and compelling art exhibits. Franklin Park Conservatory
- Short North Arts District: Browse galleries, public art, boutiques, restaurants, and locally owned businesses along High Street. Short North Arts District
- German Village and the Book Loft: Walk the historic neighborhood’s brick-lined streets, visit local shops, and explore The Book Loft, an independent bookstore known for its maze of rooms. German Village and The Book Loft
- Scioto Mile: Enjoy downtown riverfront parks, walking and biking paths, fountains, skyline views, and convenient access to nearby attractions. Experience Columbus
April 8-10, 2027 | Nashville, TN
The AELL Annual National Conference, is the premier event tailored for early learning administrators. It offers over 35 educational sessions on leadership, administration, finance, marketing, legal matters, and program quality, all presented by national experts.
- Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Turn up the heat with Nashville’s signature fried chicken. Try the “Hot Chicken Sandwich”. Menu
- Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint: Dig into slow-smoked, West Tennessee-style whole-hog barbecue in a lively setting. Don’t miss the “RedNeck Taco”. Menu
- Biscuit Love: Start your day with scratch-made Southern biscuits and creative brunch dishes. Favorites include “East Nasty” and “Bonuts”. Menu
- Peg Leg Porker: Savor authentic Tennessee barbecue, including dry-rubbed ribs, pulled pork and classic Southern sides. For something different, try the “Memphis Sushi”. Menu
- Assembly Food Hall: Taste your way through this sprawling downtown food hall featuring more than 20 eateries and bars. Stop at The Pharmacy Burger for its signature “Pharmacy Burger”. Assembly Food Hall and The Pharmacy menu
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Trace the story of country music through historic instruments, stage costumes, recordings and memorabilia from legendary performers. Plan your visit
- Ryman Auditorium: Step inside the “Mother Church” of country music, a 130-year-old landmark venue that helped shape Nashville’s musical identity. Ryman tours
- Grand Ole Opry: Experience the live radio show that made country music famous. A backstage tour offers access to dressing rooms, memorabilia and the iconic wooden circle on the Opry stage. Grand Ole Opry and backstage tours
- National Museum of African American Music: Discover the profound influence of African American artists through interactive galleries, artifacts and changing exhibitions. Museum exhibits
- The Parthenon: Visit Nashville’s full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon, complete with an art museum and towering statue of Athena. The Parthenon
May 3-6, 2027 | Pittsburgh, PA
Organized by the National Head Start Association (NHSA), this event is a key platform for Head Start and Early Head Start communities to discuss innovations and challenges in early childhood education.
- Primanti Bros.: Bite into a Pittsburgh institution known for towering sandwiches. Try the classic “Pitts-Burger and Cheese”. Primanti Bros.
- Pamela’s Diner: Start your morning with hearty diner favorites and the restaurant’s famously thin, crepe-style hotcakes. Order the “Strawberry Hotcakes”. Pamela’s Diner
- Gaucho Parrilla Argentina: Enjoy wood-fired Argentine meats in a lively Downtown setting. Favorites include the “Parrillada Mixta” or “House-Cut Vacio Steak”. Gaucho Parrilla Argentina
- DiAnoia’s Eatery: Settle into this welcoming Italian restaurant in the Strip District for house-made pasta and comforting family recipes. Don’t miss the “Gnocchi Sorrentina Bread Bowl”. DiAnoia’s Eatery
- Apteka: Discover creative vegan interpretations of Central and Eastern European cuisine in a relaxed, modern space. Highlights include the “Smażone Pierogi” or “Gołąbki”. Apteka
- Duquesne Incline: Ride a historic red cable car up Mount Washington and take in sweeping views. Be prepared to pay your fare in cash. Duquesne Incline
- The Andy Warhol Museum: Explore seven floors devoted to Pittsburgh-born pop-art icon Andy Warhol. The Andy Warhol Museum
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Wander through a magnificent 1893 glasshouse and gardens with innovative sustainable architecture. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Heinz History Center: Discover more than 250 years of Western Pennsylvania history across six floors of exhibits. Heinz History Center
- Point State Park: Stroll along the riverfront and visit the historic landmark fountain for memorable views of the city. Point State Park
May 19-21, 2027 | Schaumburg, IL
Hosted by the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood, Leadership Connections™ is a national conference for leaders and decision-makers in early childhood education. It offers early childhood training through keynote talks, a public policy forum, and skill-building sessions.
- Shaw’s Crab House: Feast on fresh seafood and classic steakhouse fare in a timeless setting. Popular picks include the “Alaskan King Crab Legs” and “Oyster Sampler”.
- Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe: Start your day with upscale breakfast and brunch favorites. Don’t miss the “Signature Berry Bliss Pancakes” and “Chorizo Benedict”.
- Yu’s Mandarin: Enjoy authentic Northern Chinese dishes with hand-pulled noodles and an open kitchen view. Try the “Spicy Chicken” and “Beef Noodle Soup”.
- Chicago Prime Steakhouse: Dine in style with dry-aged steaks and live jazz on weekends. Local favorites include the “Bone-In Ribeye” and “Crab Cake Appetizer”.
- Kura Revolving Sushi Bar: Pick your plates from a rotating sushi belt in a high-tech, family-friendly atmosphere. Fan favorites include “Spicy Garlic Tuna” and “Tamago Nigiri”.
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center: Build, play, and explore interactive exhibits and rides perfect for kids and LEGO lovers of all ages.
- Woodfield Mall: Shop one of the largest malls in the U.S., featuring over 300 stores, dining options, and entertainment venues.
- Spring Valley Nature Center: Walk scenic trails through forest, prairie, and marshland while visiting heritage farm buildings and spotting local wildlife.
- Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club: Catch a hilarious live show featuring stand-up, improv, and open mic nights in an intimate club setting.
- Topgolf Schaumburg: Swing, sip, and snack at this high-energy driving range with climate-controlled bays and games for all skill levels.
July 15-17, 2027 | Jacksonville, FL
The NAFCC National Conference is an annual gathering for family child care educators, advocates and early childhood professionals. It includes dozens of workshops and presentations, opportunities for networking, and continuing education units.
- Safe Harbor Seafood: Enjoy fresh local seafood beside the docks in historic Mayport Village. Try the locally caught “Mayport Shrimp”. Visit website
- Maple Street Biscuit Company: Dig into Southern comfort food at this popular breakfast spot founded in Jacksonville. Order “The Squawking Goat” and “Smashbrowns”. View the menu
- The Bearded Pig: Feast on Southern-style barbecue in a casual, family-friendly setting. Try the “Frito Pie”. Visit website
- Restaurant Orsay: Experience French bistro classics with a touch of Southern influence in an upscale atmosphere. Don’t miss the “Steak Frites”. Visit website
- TacoLu: Relax at this colorful Jacksonville Beach favorite known for inventive tacos. Try the “Bangin’ Shrimp” taco and “The $10 Taco”. Visit website
- Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens: Explore artwork spanning centuries before strolling through beautiful historic gardens. Learn more
- Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens: Discover more than 2,000 animals alongside lush botanical gardens throughout the zoo. Plan your visit
- Southbank Riverwalk and Friendship Fountain: Walk along the St. Johns River while enjoying the views. Visit after sunset to see the Friendship Fountain musical light shows. Learn more
- Riverside Arts Market: This riverfront market takes place every Saturday, rain or shine, and often features live music and entertainment. Visit website
- Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve: Experience thousands of years of history, including Ft. Caroline and Kingsley Plantation, while visiting this National Park. Plan your visit
Save the Date: November 2-3, 2027 – Washington, DC
Mark your calendars now to join thousands of early childhood professionals for our future gatherings focused on the development, mental health and well-being of infants and toddlers.
Whether you work in health, mental health, early education, child welfare or policy—LEARN is where disciplines meet, ideas connect, and practical strategies take shape.
✔ Dozens of sessions you won’t find anywhere else
✔ Leading voices in infant and toddler development
✔ Real-world insights rooted in the latest research
✔ Opportunities to connect across fields and systems
Make early childhood professional development a priority
Attending early childhood conferences is an investment in your future and the children and families you serve.
Each of these early childhood conferences offer opportunities for professional growth, networking, and access to the latest in the field of early childhood education, development, and mental health. These events not only help professionals earn continuing education credits (CEUs), they also highlight innovative research and practices and encourage collaboration among professionals.
Whether your focus is on classroom teaching, mental health, policy, or leveraging technology for learning, attending these conferences can significantly impact your professional development and the lives of the children you serve.
