Not Just Cute - Intentional Whole Child Development

On my way to Houston soon! I'd love to see you there!

https://esc4.net/event/ecsecc/

So excited to be a part of Connecticut's conference this year!

We are thrilled to introduce Amanda Morgan as the keynote speaker for the Saturday Conference on September 26, at the 2026 CTAEYC Annual Conference!

Amanda Morgan is the creator of Not Just Cute, author of the newly released book Not Just Cute: How Powerful Play Drives Development in Early Childhood, and a passionate advocate for intentional, whole-child development. For more than 15 years, Amanda has inspired early childhood educators across the U.S. and Canada through her engaging presentations, podcast, writing, and practical strategies grounded in child development research.

Her keynote, Not Just Cute: How Powerful Play Drives Development in Early Childhood, will remind educators why play is not just fun, it is essential for learning, growth, relationships, and healthy development. Through brain science, storytelling, and real classroom insight, Amanda will leave attendees feeling energized, affirmed, and empowered to protect and advocate for play in early childhood settings.

Amanda will also present TWO breakout sessions during the conference:
• The Key Ingredient: Intentional Interactions
• Powerful Play Everyday

This is a day full of inspiration, practical strategies, and meaningful learning that you will not want to miss!

The full brochure will be coming soon... keep an eye out!

I'd love to see you there!

🎉 Save the Date! 🎉

We're excited to announce our 10th Annual Early Learning Conference keynote - Amanda Morgan from Not Just Cute - Intentional Whole Child Development.

She will be leading engaging sessions on play, developmentally appropriate practice, meaningful interactions, and bringing more joy into early childhood work.

📅 Date: Saturday, Nov 14th
📍 Location: Florian Gardens Conference Center | Eau Claire, WI

✨ Registration opens June 1st! ✨

Mark your calendars and get ready for a meaningful day filled with practical ideas, encouragement, and connection with others who share your passion for children and families.

"The new guidance, published Monday in the journal Pediatrics, is similar to the previous policy statement but cites the latest research on why these breaks are essential for kids’ academic success and mental, physical, social and emotional growth."

(Psst: And play's not just at recess.😉)

Pediatrics group issues new guidance on recess for the first time in 13 years For the first time in more than a decade, a leading pediatricians group has put out new guidance about recess, saying it’s crucial for good health and good grades and should be part of the school day for students of all ages.

It’s my book’s birthday today!🎉🎂

I’m sharing a few reviews from Amazon and Goodreads that made me smile over the past year. If you’ve shared a review, or passed the book along to someone: Thank you so much!

And if you haven’t had a chance to leave a review yet, I’d be so grateful if you did!

What an amazing year full of opportunities to share this work with so many advocates of early childhood education in so many different places! It’s truly been an honor and a pleasure working alongside you. I’m inspired by the work you’re doing.

Looking forward to meeting even more of you soon!

An amazing experience last month keynoting at the Brazos Valley chapter of ! Watching them hand my book to each participant as they checked in was a little surreal.
I’m passionate about getting educators and stakeholders on the same page with the science around early learning and development and play. Watching that happen right in front of my eyes is really exciting!
A million thank yous to Sharon Jackson and her team for putting on an amazing event and allowing me to be a part of it!
And to the many attendees who came (on a Saturday!) and engaged in thoughtful conversations about the really important work they’re doing: Thank you for coming. You are truly remarkable!