North Dakota Early Childhood Conference

Cari Ebert, M.S., Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1993 and her master’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1995. Cari is a therapist, consultant, author, product developer, and nationally recognized speaker who gets paid to do what she loves most—TALK! She has an animated personality, and this translates to a high-energy speaking style. Join Cari as she discusses important issues regarding early child development...you'll be glad you took the time!

Ron Shuali, MEd, has been called the “Messiah of the Mind,” “Behavior Master,” and “Bad Boy of Early Childhood.” His laughter-filled keynotes, workshops and assemblies are always full of eye-opening experiences as audiences have multiple “Ah-HA!” moments. He is the creator of the internationally acclaimed Yogarate and Behavior Mastery systems. Ron holds a master’s degree in education specializing in early childhood, is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, and most importantly…He is funny. His background in martial arts, yoga, reiki, professional wrestling and improv creates hilarious and educational experiences focusing on mindfulness and connecting with fellow humans and their inner child.

View a special keynote message from Ron!

Dr. Kelli Odden, EdD is the dean and division chair of the Division of Education at Mayville State University. Dr. Odden has 33 years and counting of teaching experience in elementary, special education, early childhood, and as an administrator. She teaches diversity, special education, and early childhood courses at Mayville State University. Dr. Odden is actively involved in the National Association for Early Childhood Teacher Educators as the organization’s president-elect. Her research interests focus on social and emotional guidance in early childhood, adult mental health, educational leadership, humor as a teaching strategy, and relationship building as a teaching tool. Working with professionals in the field and pre-service teachers daily is an absolute joy! 

Click here to view the agenda and breakout sessions.

Registration is Now Closed.  The event is at capacity and no onsite registration will be available

Graduate Credit

• Conference attendees who wish to earn a graduate credit for the 2025 ND Early Childhood Conference must complete a total of 15 hours of professional learning, including both in-person and online components. To qualify, attendees must participate in conference sessions on both Friday and Saturday, attending the sessions approved for graduate credit. After the conference, participants have two weeks (due May 5, 2025) to submit their session attendance form along with their required online components. A $50 fee is required for graduate credit to be paid to the University of North Dakota. 
• Contact Jordan Anderson with any questions joaanderson@nd.gov.

Growing Futures Credits

• Up to 10 hours of Growing Futures credits are available throughout the conference (five hours Friday and five hours Saturday). Participants will register for hours at each individual session through a unique QR code. Certificates for each session attended will be available in the participant’s Growing Futures accounts within one week of the event. 
• Contact Jordan Anderson with any questions joaanderson@nd.gov.

Bismarck Event Center
315 S. Fifth St.
Bismarck, ND 58504

Waterford Upstart Early Learning Program

Teaching Strategies

Community Options

UND Early Childhood Education

Vendor applications for the 2025 conference have closed.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the North Dakota Early Childhood Conference, complete the online vendor application by Feb. 1, 2025. You will receive confirmation within 30 days of submission. Booth priority will be given to early childhood-related organizations. Retail booths will be put on a waiting list and may not be given space if max capacity is met. Vendor booths are 10’x10’ space and include access to 110-volt power if available (power is limited in the upper lobby), one uncovered 8’x30” table and chairs, and a Wi-Fi code (good for use on one device).