KAECE - Kentucky Association For Early Childhood Education

🎉 Registration is NOW OPEN for KAECECON 2026! 🎉

This year’s conference theme, *“Rise Up & Discover: Creating Spaces Where Every Child Belongs,”* is all about empowering educators and leaders to build inclusive, engaging learning environments for every child.

Join us on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the BCTC Newtown Campus in Lexington for a full day of professional development featuring:

⭐ 6 ECE-TRIS training credit hours
⭐ 5 workshop sessions
⭐ Keynote speaker Dr. Judy Prine, President of SECA
⭐ Vendor exhibitors & conference swag
⭐ Networking with ECE professionals from across the state

🆕 NEW for 2026:
Choose the track that best fits your role!
🍎 Traditional Track for Teachers
📋 Administrative Track for Directors & Program Administrators

💲 Cost: $65 per registrant
💙 KAECE Members save $20!

Make plans now to join us for an exciting day of inspiration, learning, and discovery!

Go to https://www.mykaece.org/kaececon to learn more and register today!

Today, on Child Care Provider Day, KAECE proudly celebrates the incredible early childhood educators and child care professionals who make a lasting difference in the lives of Kentucky’s children and families every single day. 💙

During National Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to especially recognize the dedication, compassion, patience, and expertise you bring to your classrooms and programs. You are more than educators — you are nurturers, advocates, mentors, and the foundation of life.

During National Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to especially recognize the dedication, compassion, patience, and expertise you bring to your classrooms and programs. You are more than educators — you are nurturers, advocates, mentors, and the foundation of lif learning.

Because of you, children feel safe, supported, encouraged, and inspired to grow. Because of you, families can work, learn, and thrive knowing their children are in caring hands.

Thank you for the immeasurable impact you make in shaping strong futures for Kentucky’s youngest learners. Your work matters, your commitment matters, and YOU matter.

Please join us in celebrating and thanking the early childhood professionals who help our communities flourish every day!

📣 **Now Seeking Exhibitors for KAECECON 2026!**

The Kentucky Association for Early Childhood Education (KAECE) is excited to announce that exhibitor applications are now open for **KAECECON 2026** — our annual early childhood education conference!

🗓 **Date:** September 19, 2026
📍 **Location:** Bluegrass Community & Technical College – Newtown Campus (Lexington, KY) ([KY Assoc. for Early Childhood Education][1])

KAECECON brings together early childhood educators, leaders, and professionals from across Kentucky for a full day of learning, networking, and inspiration. As an exhibitor, you’ll have the opportunity to:

✨ Showcase your products, services, and resources
✨ Connect directly with early childhood professionals
✨ Build relationships and expand your reach in the ECE community

Exhibitor tables are positioned throughout high-traffic areas of the conference venue, giving you valuable visibility and engagement with attendees.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this impactful event supporting those who shape the future of young children and families across Kentucky.

👉 Apply today: https://www.mykaece.org/kaececon/exhibitor2026

📣 Save the Date for KAECECON 2026! 📣
We’re excited to announce that KAECECON 2026 is happening on September 19, 2026 at the BCTC Newtown Campus in Lexington, KY!

This one-day conference is designed for early childhood educators who are passionate about making a difference. Join us for a day filled with inspiration, connection, and practical learning opportunities.

🌟 This year’s theme:
Rise Up & Discover: Creating Spaces Where Every Child Belongs
Together, we’ll explore ways to build inclusive, engaging environments where every child can thrive.

🗓️ Be sure to mark your calendar—registration opens soon!

🔗 Learn more: mykaece.org/kaececon

Are you an Early Childhood Education Trainer looking to inspire ECE professionals? KAECE is looking for you to present at the KAECECON One-Day Training Event September 19, 2026 at BCTC Newtown Campus. Learn more and find the link to begin your proposal application at

KAECE Now Accepting Presentation Proposals for KAECECON 2026 Attention ECE Trainers! The Kentucky Association for Early Childhood Education (KAECE) is excited to announce that presentation proposals are now being accepted for the upcoming KAECECON 2026 One-Day Early Childhood Educators Conference, taking place in Lexington, Kentucky.Now entering its fifth yea...

🌟 ATTENTION ECE TRAINERS - CALL FOR PROPOSALS – KAECECON 2026 🌟

RISE UP & Discover: Creating Spaces Where Every Child Belongs

The Kentucky Association for Early Childhood Education is excited to announce the official Call for Proposals for our upcoming KAECECON 2026 Conference!

🗓 Saturday, September 19, 2025
⏰ 8:00am – 4:15pm (Registration opens at 7:30am)
📍 Bluegrass Community & Technical College
Newtown Campus – 500 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40508

This one-day, multi-track educational event brings together early childhood professionals for meaningful training, career-building opportunities, and transfer pathway information—all designed to support professional and personal growth.

We are seeking dynamic presenters to share:
✨ Innovative, practical experiences
✨ Applied recommended practices
✨ Current research and information
✨ Strategies for serving children ages birth–5 and their families

Sessions should align, when possible, with the Core Content Areas outlined in Kentucky’s Early Childhood Professional Development Framework, supporting the knowledge and competencies needed to work effectively with young children and families.

📌 Please review the Rubric for Classifying Levels of Training when preparing your proposal.
📌 KAECE will submit this event for conference approval—all contact hours will count toward participants' training requirements.

This year’s theme challenges us to RISE UP—to create inclusive, responsive, and empowering spaces where every child truly belongs.

Are you ready to inspire, equip, and uplift fellow educators?

👉 Submit your proposal and be part of the movement shaping early childhood education in Kentucky!
Go to mykaece.org/cfp2026 today to submit your proposal.

We are so excited to announce the brand new KAECE Mini-Grant Program launching today! Early Childhood Educators may apply for grants of up to $500 to be used for classroom enhancement, family support and community outreach. Click the link below to learn more.

mykaece.org/mini-grant

🎄✨ Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! ✨🎄

Wishing all of our friends, partners, and advocates at the Kentucky Association for Early Childhood Education a joyful Christmas season and a bright, hopeful New Year.

As we step into a new year, may it be filled with renewed purpose, fresh inspiration, and continued commitment to nurturing young learners across Kentucky. Your passion, dedication, and belief in the power of early childhood education make a lasting difference in the lives of children, families, and communities every single day.

Thank you for the work you do and the hearts you bring to it. Here’s to a new year of growth, collaboration, and possibility! 🌟📚💛

Brittany of Burlington says, "Being part of KAECE reminds me that my work matters to children and my community."

Join with Brittany and a community that supports, advocates and uplifts early childhood educators to make an impact that reaches kids in the classroom and beyond.

Join now - December 31 and get your first year of membership for 20% off the original price.

Learn more at mykaece.org/membership

🎉 Announcing the KAECE Officers for 2026 🎉

KAECE is excited to announce ourKAECE is excited to announce our Officers for 2026:
• Karen Thompson, Vice President
• Susan Allen, returning for a second term as Vice President of Programs
• Jean Schirtzinger, Secretary

We are grateful for these dedicated leaders who are stepping forward to serve and support early childhood education across Kentucky.

👏 Congratulations to each of these women, and thank you to every KAECE member who took the time to vote. Your participation helps shape the future of our association.

We’re looking forward to a strong, collaborative, and impactful 2026!