2nd Annual Preschool Conference 2026 - Advocates for Children of New Jersey

Posted on July 17, 2026

On October 8, preschool providers and early childhood professionals from across New Jersey came together for ACNJ's 2nd Annual Preschool Community-Based Private Provider Professional Development Conference. Centered on this year's theme, Partnerships Power Public Preschool: Connecting Systems to Support Children & Families, the conference offered a valuable opportunity to share experiences, exchange ideas, strengthen connections, and explore ways to support high-quality public preschool. From an inspiring keynote and a wide range of professional development workshops to meaningful networking and resource sharing, the day was filled with learning, collaboration, and fresh perspectives. Explore some of the highlights and revisit the moments that made this year's conference special!

Welcome address by Assistant Commissioner of the Early Childhood Services Division and Chief Early Childhood Educator Officer, Katrina McCombs set the tone for the day.
Keynote speaker Darryl Bellamy, Founder of FearLESS Inside, spoke on turning fear into fuel for bold leadership and change.
Attendees were able to choose up to 3 sessions from 26 workshop options to build a day focused on what mattered most to them. See some of the presentations below.
Attendees had the opportunity to network and leave with new relationships, not just new notes.
We had more sessions, more takeaways, more inspiration to strengthen your programs and support New Jersey families.
A certificate of attendance was awarded to all attendees.

Feel the vibe as you view some of the memories captured from the conference in the photo flipbook below.

If you registered but couldn't attend, we missed you! We’re sharing the conference materials so everyone can benefit from the information and resources. Download presentations: