How can early childhood educators integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their classrooms meaningfully and efficiently? That’s the focus of the 39th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference (ECWC) on Jan. 25. While relatively new and consistently evolving, AI can support differentiated instruction, develop emergent reading, writing and language skills and help with classroom schedules and grading workflow. Approximately 500 early childhood educators will gather at the Kingdom Builder’s Center to gain these skills and more.  

Additionally, attendees will hear from some of the most thoughtful and skilled education leaders in the field, from
"BIG" author and illustrator Vashti Harrison and founding director of the Charlotte Sharp Children’s Center, Dr. Vicki Gibson, to pediatrician and health communicator Dr. Laura Jana. Back by popular demand are also speakers Mary Jo Huff and Dr. Gilberto Soto, whose sessions will incorporate music, movement, and story-play strategies for young children. LJ Henderson’s session will offer hands-on fun while participants discover how to conduct student-focused experiments using common household objects and author Emily Kate Moon will demonstrate how to break down big scientific concepts – like the water cycle and photosynthesis – into little bits that children can understand.  

Hosted by HCDE’s Center for Educator Success (CES), the ECWC offers an educational and enjoyable learning experience. The event will include numerous breakout sessions discussing growth and development, dual-language learners, strategies to enhance early literacy skills, family and adult engagement, mental health and more.  

Don’t forget our social media hashtag: #ECWC2025. We want to hear from you!

Canceled or Full Sessions:

• Last-minute cancelations will be posted outside the session rooms.
• Use this program to decide on a second choice, since some sessions will be full.
• Remember that sitting on the floor in full sessions violates fire codes.

Lunch:

• Lunch will be served continuously from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Gymnatorium
• Lunches are not allowed in session rooms.

Help Desk / Lost and Found: 

• Visit the help desk if you have a question, need help or have lost an item.
• Items found during the conference and not claimed will be taken to:
  
  Harris County Department of Education
  6300 Irvington Blvd.
  Houston, TX 77022
  
  Found items will be kept for one week.