Connections Network: Plant, Taste, Learn: A Farm to Early Childhood Mini-Conference 2026

Join early childhood educators from across the region for Plant, Taste, Learn: A Farm to Early Childhood Mini-Conference, a day of hands on professional learning focused on bringing food, farms, and nature into early childhood education. Through interactive workshops and shared conversations, participants will explore practical ways to connect young children with the land, local food systems, and meaningful learning experiences. Breakfast, door prizes, and opportunities to connect with fellow educators will be included throughout the day. Hosted by the Vermont Early Childhood Network: Hartford - Connections. The day will begin with a warm welcome, a brief overview of the schedule and logistics, and appreciation for the partners who helped make this gathering possible. Participants will then take part in a short interactive activity designed to spark conversation and begin building the connections that will grow throughout the day as attendees plant ideas, taste new perspectives, and learn together. The conference will close with a guided reflection activity designed to help participants 'harvest' their learning from the event. Through brief partner conversations and thoughtful prompts, educators will reflect on key takeaways and identify small next steps for bringing farm to early childhood ideas into their programs. Door prizes will follow this closing activity.