COZAD, Neb. – Child care professionals from across Nebraska are invited to attend the 5th Annual Child Care Professionals Renewal Summit, taking place August 28–29, 2026, at Camp Comeca near Cozad, Nebraska. The two-day event is designed to support the well-being and professional growth of those who care for young children while providing practical strategies they can immediately apply in their classrooms and programs.
Participants can earn 8 hours of Nebraska training credit while engaging in interactive sessions focused on educator wellness, social-emotional learning, positive workplace culture, and effective strategies for supporting children and families. Meals and overnight lodging are included with full registration.
This year’s featured presenters include:
- Josh Arias, who will lead an engaging workshop on using creative expression and art to promote social-emotional health for both children and caregivers.
- Hayley Jackson Perez, who will present sessions on Adult-First Intervention, Positive School Culture, and Working with Challenging Adults, offering practical tools for managing stress, improving workplace relationships, and creating supportive learning environments.
The summit is open to child care center staff, family child care providers, preschool teachers, Head Start staff, and other early childhood professionals.
Registration options include:
- Friday & Saturday: $90
- Saturday only: $65
The registration fee includes meals, lodging (for overnight attendees while rooms are available), and all training sessions. Spanish interpreter services will also be available to support participation by Spanish-speaking providers.
The Child Care Professionals Renewal Summit is hosted by the Childcare Professionals Advisory Team in partnership with the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Developmental Movement and Wellbeing Lab and is made possible through the support of numerous early childhood partners and sponsors.
Organizers hope the summit provides an opportunity for early childhood professionals to step away from their daily responsibilities, connect with colleagues from across the state, and return to their programs feeling refreshed, inspired, and equipped with practical ideas they can implement immediately.
