The Conference on the Young Years offers many opportunities for early childhood professionals in Missouri and beyond. Conference attendees can:

• Gather with over 1,800 early childhood professionals from around the state to connect, collaborate, and learn together.
• Choose from over 120 presentations based on interest area, applicable age group, and target audience.
• Learn from National and Missouri-based speakers, along with practitioners who will be presenting on topics relevant to early childhood professionals.
• Explore information about the resources available to early childhood professionals from vendors in the exhibitor hall.
• Connect with the Office of Childhood Staff and the MOPD Navigators in the DESE Learning Lounge.
• Network with peers in early childhood professions.

The CYY typically attracts more than 1,800 early childhood professionals including child care providers, classroom teachers, home visitors, caregivers, directors, and administrators working with children from birth to third grade. They work in various settings including public schools, private programs, Head Start, Early Head Start, early childhood home visiting programs, parent education programs, early intervention programs, after school programs, and other agencies or programs that work with early childhood. 

Presentations have been chosen specifically for early childhood professionals working in a variety of settings and with a range of ages. Please note the session key in the brochure when making session choices. 
 

Keynote Speakers

Jessica Cabeen is the principal of Alternative Educational Programs and Austin Online Academy in Austin, Minnesota. She is also the author of the books Hacking Early Learning, Balance Like a Pirate, Unconventional Leadership, Lead with Grace: Leaning into the Soft Skills of Leadership, and Principal in Balance. A NAESP Middle-Level Fellow and Future Ready Principal, Jessica previously was the principal at Ellis Middle School and Woodson Kindergarten Center. Jessica’s commitment earned her the NAESP/VINCI Digital Leader of Early Learning Award in 2016. In 2017 she was named Minnesota National Distinguished Principal, then was the 2021 Dive Principal of the year. Learn more at Jessica’s website.

Jill Molli is the Director of Development for Conscious Discipline. In her role, Jill facilitates school districts in improving school culture, unity, and communication and increasing resiliency, wellness, and achievement throughout every level of the district. Helping administrators and teachers achieve lasting, transformational change for themselves and the children and families in their care is her life’s mission. The Conscious Discipline events, trainings, educational tools, coaching, and resources Jill shares empowers her to live that mission to the fullest. Conscious Development utilizes a trauma-informed, evidence-based philosophy that encompasses self-regulation, discipline, and safe problem-solving.  To learn visit Conscious Discipline and to contact Jill email transformation@consciousdiscipline.com.

Steve Spangler is a best-selling author, Hall of Fame Professional Speaker, and an Emmy-award winning television personality. He is known for his Mentos Diet Coke Experiment that captivated the internet. Recognized as a leader in STEM education, Steve's approach was named the #1 Best Program in the World for Education in 2025 by Global Gurus. As the STEM Educator in Residence at High Point University, Steve is shaping the next generation of scientists and engineers while continuing to inspire audiences with his hands-on, high-energy approach to leadership and engagement. For more information on science activities to use in the classroom, visit Steve Spangler Science. 

Meet 'Quirky Kid' Amy Nelson, an autistic advocate and award-winning author of the heartwarming children's book Every Bunny Can Learn: A Tail of Inclusion. With firsthand experience as an autistic professional and extensive expertise as a Play Therapist and social-emotional learning coach, Amy shares her unique perspective to inspire educators to embrace neurodiversity and reimagine inclusion. As a Play Therapist, ECSE Clinical Social Worker, and celebrated keynote speaker, Amy champions neurodiversity and inclusion with unmatched expertise and authenticity. Her engaging storytelling and passion for helping children thrive make her a sought-after speaker at conferences and events nationwide. Join Amy in embracing the power of diverse minds. Learn more at Emotional Milestones.

Anne Meeker Watson is a music therapist who specializes in helping young children. She is the founder of the sing.play.love. program, used all over the country and across the globe for the benefits of music and play in supporting early learning. She has passionately created an extensive library of fun songs for children, winning the NAPPA and Parent’s Choice Honor awards in music, including the Baby Sing & Sign series. Her research on music to support early language was published in the International Journal for Research in Music Education. Learn more about the sing.play.love early learning program.

2026 Conference on the Young Years Schedule

All attendees will need to register for the conference with the following information:

1. MOPD ID
2. MOPD First and Last Name
3. MOPD Email address

All three of these must match exactly what is in the MOPD system. You must register with accurate information to ensure you will receive clock hours.

• If you need documentation of attendance and live or work in Missouri, you will need to create an account in MOPD before registering for the conference. See the MOPD website for instructions. Certificates will not be provided.
• If you need documentation of attendance and live and work outside of Missouri, please contact Custom Meeting Planners before registering.
• All attendees must be scanned in and out of each session with their conference QR code on their name badge to track attendance. Any discrepancies or attendance concerns must be reported in writing 30 days after the conference.
• If there are substitutions for registration, Custom Meeting Planners must be notified before the conference or upon arrival at the conference to ensure the attendee receives clock hour credit.

Clock hours are available as follows:

• Day 1 (up to 7 hours)
• Day 2 (up to 7 hours)
• Day 3 (up to 3.5 hours)

Name Badge

Your name badge identifies you as a CYY attendee and must be worn at all times during the conference, including provided meals. If you do not have a valid name badge, you will not be allowed into the presentations or meals.

Attendees must have their name badge scanned by a planning committee member upon entrance and exit of each presentation (including keynotes) to verify attendance.

Attendees must have their name badge scanned for provided meals.

Attendees are expected to arrive on time and remain for the duration of the session to receive clock hours.

If you DO NOT need proof of attendance, you DO NOT need to have your badge scanned when you exit a session.

After the conference, attendees who provided valid MOPD information and scanned in/out of sessions on time will have their attendance uploaded to the Missouri Professional Development System (MOPD). Certificates will not be provided.

Conference Registration is now open!

Please review the brochure to select the presentations you would like to attend prior to beginning the online registration process.

You may download and print a copy of the Registration Worksheet to assist you in selecting presentations and registering large groups.

Explanation of Registration Types:

Participant Registration: Anyone wanting to attend Day 1 and/or Days 2 and 3 of the CYY conference.

Presenter Registration: If you are presenting during the conference you will register under this link. If you are a planning committee member who is also presenting, please register as a planning committee member and not a presenter.

Planning Committee Registration: Is ONLY for planning committee members. Even if you are presenting and you are a planning committee member you will register under planning committee.

A confirmation email of your registration and presentation selections will be sent to you immediately after the completion of online registration.

If you do not receive a confirmation email or have questions about registration, please send us an email or call 573-445-2965.

Pricing

Early Bird (By January 31, 2026)

• $125 for Day 1 and $200 for Days 2 and 3. If you attend all three days of the conference you receive a discounted rate of $300.

Standard Registration (After January 31, 2026)

• If your registration is received after January 31, 2026, your registration rate will be $135 for Day 1, $220 for Days 2 and 3 and $320 for all three days.

The conference does not offer a rate for Thursday and Friday attendance. If you wish to attend Thursday and Friday, you will need to register for the Full Conference.

Payment of fees may be made by credit card, purchase order or check.

A purchase order must be emailed within five business days of receipt of the online registration confirmation to jamie@custommeetingplanners.com.

If you prefer to pay by check, your check must be received within five business days of your confirmed online registration.

Make Checks Payable To:

Custom Meeting Planners

P.O. Box 30785

Columbia, MO 65205

Refund Policy

Submit your refund request here.

Registration fees may be refunded if a written request is received no later than January 31, 2026.

No refunds will be authorized after this date, but substitutions will be permitted. Full payment of fees will be expected from registrants who are unable to attend the conference but fail to submit a refund request by January 31, 2026.

Click here to register

If you have any other questions, please contact Jamie Schieber

Phone: 573-445-2965

Email: jamie@custommeetingplanners.com

Registration will close on February 12, 2026, or prior if we meet capacity.

2026 Conference on the Young Years Fees

The Conference will be held at Tan-Tar-A Conference Center.

To make a reservation, click here.

Enter your arrival and departure dates and click “Check Availability.”

Or call 800-826-8272 and identify yourself as an attendee of CYY with group discount “YNGY”

The discounted rate is available until February 3rd or based on availability.

Location:

Tan-Tar-A Conference Center

494 Tan Tar A Drive

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Group Room Rate:

Use code YNGY when booking your room.

Single Room: $145.20 per night

Double Room: $145.20 per night

One Bedroom Suite: $231.13 per night

Two Bedroom Suite: $348.96 per night

Children

The Conference on the Young Years is specifically planned and available to meet the professional development needs of adults in the field of Early Childhood. In order for all presenters to have the full and undivided attention of the participants, we ask those attending with children to not bring them into the sessions.

Lactation Room

For individuals needing a space, please visit the CYY registration table, and they will give you access to the room reserved for your needs. 

Meals

The conference fee includes lunch on Thursday and Friday and breakfast on Saturday. All other meals are on your own.

All vendors interested in exhibiting at CYY must complete the vendor application by December 5, 2025. This helps us understand the purpose of each exhibitor and ensures a diverse selection of vendors for attendees.

If selected, you will receive a link to complete your vendor registration. Once notified, you will have until January 15, 2026, to reserve and pay for your booth. Payment is due within 14 days of registration. If you do not register by the deadline, your spot will be offered to the next vendor on the list. There are only 50 booths available.

Click here to read more about vendors and exhibitors. 

Click here for vendor application.

BOOTH INFORMATION 
Booth Price: $425, additional booths will be $375

*Booth prices include one 8’ x 10’ pipe and draped space with one 6’ skirted table and two chairs. Lunch on Thursday and Friday are also included for two people.

Exhibitors may purchase electricity, internet, extra chairs, or tables directly from Tan-Tar-A Conference Center. You will need to contact Tan-Tar-A to arrange this before the conference.

EXHIBIT HOURS 
Exhibits hours will be as follows:

• Exhibit Installation: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• Day 1: Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 11:20 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Day 2: Friday, March 6, 2026, from 11:20 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Exhibit Teardown: Friday, March 6, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. (exhibits must remain in place until 3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 6.)

Dismantling early could result in your company not being allowed to exhibit at future CYY conferences.

REGISTRATION/CANCELLATION

Registration must be completed online, and payment can be made by credit card or check for the full amount within 14 days of completing registration. If paying by check, make checks payable to Custom Meeting Planners and mail them to:

Custom Meeting Planners 
Conference on the Young Years
PO Box 30785 
Columbia, MO 65205

Cancellations must be confirmed in writing and postmarked by February 1, 2026, to be accepted for a refund, which will be issued after the conference. Requests postmarked after February 1, 2026, will not be refunded.

If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Jamie Schieber, Custom Meeting Planners at 573-445-2965 or at Jamie@custommeetingplanners.com.

We offer a variety of sponsorship options to help you showcase your company to CYY attendees. Opportunities are available at multiple price points and include items such as note pads, fidgets, pens, and more.

Have a unique idea? We’re happy to collaborate and create a customized sponsorship that aligns with your goals.

Read more about sponsorship opportunities. 

If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Jamie Schieber, Custom Meeting Planners, at 573-445-2965 or at Jamie@custommeetingplanners.com.

We have several styles of CYY shirts available for purchase directly from Queen B Custom Graphics, a local graphic design vendor serving the Mid-Missouri area. Queen B will take preorders that will be available at CYY for pickup; They will also have a limited number of short sleeve shirts for purchase at the conference at her booth in the exhibitor hall. No shirts will be shipped.

Website coming soon.

CYY receives no profits from the sale of these items. You are purchasing directly from the vendor. 

Contact: Professional Development Team
Email: MOPD@dese.mo.gov
Phone: 573-526-8273

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