he Los Angeles County Office of Education's Head Start and Early Learning Division hosted the “ECEvolution: Shaping the Future of Early Education Conference” to empower caregivers, educators and families with the latest knowledge and resources to nurture Los Angeles County’s youngest learners. The three-day conference was segmented with curated presentations, speakers and workshops tailored for all the key players in early education; Day 1 was Administrators Day, Day 2 was Parents and Caregivers Day and Day 3 was Educators Day.

“We are bringing people together, incorporating all areas of early childhood education, including all the different providers and districts, to help them so they can do the important work they do every day in supporting our children and families,” said the Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Debra Duardo.

Champions of early education including the Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Debra Duardo, and the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, kicked off this exciting event with warm welcomes to all attendees.

The conference included an insightful panel, “The Landscape of Mixed Delivery Universal PreKindergarten (UPK),” which showcased leaders and experts from the federal Office of Head Start, California Department of Education, National Association for the Education of Young Children and LA County Office for the Advancement of Early Care and Education as they discussed opportunities and expectations of UPK.

“We want to make sure that we are building opportunities for all the different [early education] providers to partner and work together so families have the best opportunity to connect to the program that makes the most sense for their children,” said Luis Bautista, executive director of LACOE’s Head Start and Early Learning Division.

The conference included a variety of immersive experiences, such as fun, nutritious cooking demos to foster healthy eating habits, indoor and outdoor learning models reimagining a classroom space for young learners, wellness activities such as massages, yoga, sound baths and more, as well as documentary screenings followed by discussion panels. 

The ECEvolution conference also covered a variety of early education topics, such as early literacy, parent and family engagement, play-based learning strategies, health and safety tips, supporting multilingual learners, using artificial intelligence to increase productivity, creating equitable and inclusive learning environments, supporting homeless children and advocating for children with disabilities.

About Los Angeles County’s Head Start and Early Learning

LACOE’s Head Start and Early Learning Division offers a comprehensive prenatal-to-five early learning program. The division partners with families, communities, and providers to give children of all abilities the skills to succeed in school and life. LACOE’s Head Start and Early Learning program understands that a lifetime of success begins with a healthy educational foundation in early childhood. That’s why they provide early childhood education programs and services for low-income children, from birth to age five, and their families. Since 1979, LACOE has focused on the needs of the whole child—from early learning skills and literacy to support for the entire family’s health and well-being. These programs help get kids ready for school and strengthen families for successful futures.