UWF Educational Research Center for Child Development and Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County to host conference for early childhood educators

August 12, 2025 | UWF Newsroom

The University of West Florida’s Educational Research Center for Child Development, in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County, will host an early learning conference called “Empower Early Educators Conference: Passion, Purpose, and Practice.”

Designed to address the ongoing childcare crisis and support the professional development of early childhood educators, the conference will provide attendees with inspiration, practical tools and opportunities to deepen their impact on young learners.

The conference will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the UWF Conference Center on the Pensacola campus. The cost to attend is $35 and includes lunch. Participants will be eligible to earn six in-service hours and select continuing education credits toward professional advancement. Registration is open now and will close on Sept. 5 or earlier once maximum registration capacity is reached.

Through powerful keynotes, hands-on workshops and meaningful networking opportunities, the conference will allow attendees to reignite their dedication to the field and get equipped with fresh tools and strategies to support young learners. The programming will be tailored to a wide range of early childhood professionals, from teachers and administrators to support staff and advocates.

“When we come together to inspire, share and learn, we don’t just shape classrooms—we shape futures,” said Kaley Dawkins, director of the ERCCD. “We hope to see you at the conference on September 27.”

For more information about the conference and to register, visit the Early Learning Conference website.

For more information about UWF’s Educational Research Center for Child Development, visit uwf.edu/childdev.