- Save the Date
- Keynote/Presenters
- Schedule
- Registration
- Hotel/Travel
- Exibitors/Sponsors
- Photo Gallery
- Shining Star Award
- Special Events
- Other Information
Save the Date
The Love of Learning, Through the Eyes of a Child
Plan to join us this October 8-9, 2010 in beautiful downtown Jacksonville, FL!
CDEA's 17th Annual Conference will be the first of a three-year emphasis on The Love of Learning. This year we will take an in depth look Through the Eyes of a Child and be ever reminded to keep our focus on the unique way God has designed children to learn and the critical role teachers and administrators play in a child’s multi-faceted development.
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.
- I Corinthians 13:11
Keynote
Suzanne Adinolfi
Early Childhood Specialist
Early Learning Coalition of NW Florida
Adjunct Faculty, FSU
B.S. in Psychology, PBAU
B.S.in Special Ed, FSU
M.S., in Special Education FSU
Suzanne is a popular early childhood trainer and has provided training and technical assistance to five Early Learning Coalitions in an eighteen county area with the implementation of VPK. She has also collaborated with local agencies serving the four and five year olds as well as agencies and educational institutes which provide professional development for early childhood educators. Suzanne continues to serve as a consultant for Special Education students and is an advocate for developmentally appropriate practice with an emphasis on social and emotional development.
Musical Keynote
Peter Stewart is back by popular demand! He is a multi-faceted teacher, composer, author and performer. He has led people in song for over 35 years all across America. His blend of music, humor and interaction with the audience make him a much sought out motivational speaker.
Presenters
Suzanne has always been one of CDEA's most dynamic, entertaining, and knowledgeable conference presenters. This year we are thrilled to feature her as our Keynote Speaker to share what she knows backwards and forwards to be 'The Love of Learning, Through the Eyes of a Child.' Be sure to join Suzanne Adinolfi and the other truly engaging presenters such as:
- Donna Whitaker
- Julie Hendry
- Jumora Cooper
- Vivian Marshall
- Kimberly Wood
- Ginger Lee
Schedule
Based on new requirements from GRCMA, our CEU issuing agency, we are excited to offer all conference sessions in 2 hour blocks. Session titles and times are available in the 2010 Conference Brochure. The following schedule will be revised to include specific session titles and session leaders as the information becomes available. Please check back frequently for updates.
Thursday
5:30 - 9:00 Networking Dinner @ Chart House for Early Bird Dining
| Friday 8:00 - 10:00 Session 1 10:15-12:15 Session 2 12:15 - 1:45 Lunch & Vendors 1:45 - 3:45 Session 3 3:45 - 5:00 Break & Vendors 5:00 - 6:30 Dinner 6:30 - 7:00 Orientation 7:00 - 9:00 Keynote |
Saturday 7:30 - 9:30 Session 1 9:45 - 11:45 Keynote and Music 11:45 - 1:15 Lunch & Vendors 1:15 - 3:15 Keynote and Music 3:30 - 5:30 Session 2 |
Registration
Register early and SAVE! Early Bird pricing is available only through August 20th. Don’t delay, Register today!
Additional Membership Discounts apply for current CDEA Members. Join now to take advantage of CDEA Member Benefits including additional savings on conference registration. Also, please include a link to the Registration Form .pdf somewhere standing alone on that page either above the text or below the text.
Take advantage of additional savings by becoming a CDEA Member now.
You can download the 2010 Conference Registration Form here.
Hotel/Travel

CDEA will return once again to the beautiful Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk for our conference and guest rooms. To receive discounted pricing of $89 per night, be sure to make your reservation under the 'CDEA Guest Block' before September 1, 2010.
Please visit the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk website for a Hotel Overview, Guest Accommodations, Travel Information as well as a Map and Driving Directions.
Call 904-396-5100 or 877.999.3223 for reservations or for more information about the hotels amenities visit http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/JAXHT/main.wnt|
Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk 1515 Prudential Drive Jacksonville, FL 32207 Phone 904.396.5100 Reservations 877.999.3223 Local Airport JAX - Jacksonville International Airport Distance : 13 miles |
Daily Parking Rates $10 - Overnight Guests (billed to room) $5 - Local Conference Parking at the Wyndham (cash only) Transportation Costs Taxi $40.00 (One Way) |
Exibitors/Sponsors
CDEA is pleased to highlight exhibitors every year who promote the latest educational products & services to nearly 450 conferees.
Exhibitors represent wonderful companies such as:
- Smart Horizons
- Kaplan
- School Aids
- Blue Chair World
- Lakeshore
Check back soon for a complete list of CDEA's 2010 Exhibitors.
Exhibitors have opportunity to become a Corporate Sponsor and take advantage of CDEA’s Corporate Sponsorship Benefits. Four levels of sponsorship have been customized for all types of Corporate Sponsors.

If you are interested in joining us as an Exhibitor, Sponsor, or Advertiser to nearly 450 conferees, please complete the Application, and Fax or Email it to CDEA at 904.573.8839 or training@cdealliance.org. Applications must be received before August 13, 2010. We look forward to visiting with you in October!
Photo Gallery
Last year we had a blast singing during Musical Moments with Ralph Estevez! All of us left the conference feeling inspired and motivated to never lose sight of the impact we can have on the families we work with.
Thank you Lynn Eldridge for captivating us with the stories God laid on your heart to share. We learned just a little bit about the powerful experiences God prepares each and every one of us to live out if we will just allow it.
What a great time!
Shining Star Award
Each year at our annual conference CDEA acknowledges an individual or child care program for noticeable contributions to parents or other early childhood professionals through service, events, or other quality initiatives.
If you are or know of a particular individual or child care program that has made such contributions, you are eligible to submit a Shining Star Award Nomination. Please help CDEA recognize efforts of individuals and programs as an encouragement to all of us.
The Shining Star Award will be presented at conference. The Individual recipient of the Shining Star Award receives free conference registration for 2011. The Program recipient of the Shining Star Award receives generously donated gifts.
Congratulations to our 2009 Shining Star Award winners:
- Individual Shining Star Award – Pat Edwards, Virginia
- Program Shining Star Award - United Methodist Children’s Village, Florida
Please enjoy this testimonial from one of the staff of Methodist Children’s Village, Jacksonville, FL, who was the recipient of last year’s Shining Star Award.
"Our teachers and staff greatly appreciated the opportunity to hold our Christmas Party/Retreat at the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk compliments of the Wyndham. On the evening of Friday, December 4th we enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared and served at the center and then we all headed downtown to the Wyndham Conference Room for dessert and fellowship time. The hotel staff was very friendly and helpful; the conference room was large with tables arranged to accommodate our group of 22; a private restroom and an area to store our luggage was adjacent to the conference room. We enjoyed cookies, brownies, chips and dip that we had brought with us and then we played several games - a Christmas word-search game, a "White Elephant Gift Exchange" game, bingo, and a 'make-up a song' game. The White Elephant exchange was lots of fun and there was lots of laughter with the 'make-up a song' game. It was a great, relaxing get-away for all of us who spend so much time everyday with little children and family responsibilities. Not everyone took advantage of staying overnight, but those who did found the rooms very clean and the beds very comfortable. Some of the younger teachers stayed up late, eating cookies and other goodies and talking. Others watched TV and got a good night's rest. The next morning a big group went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast together. This retreat helped us to get to know each other better and to just have fun with our fellow co-workers. Thanks again to the CDEA for nominating us as the winner of the Shining Star Award, and thanks to the Wyndham Hotel and Staff for being so gracious and helpful in making the arrangements."Jeanne Welch
Methodist Children's Village
Resource Coordinator
Many thanks to the Wyndham for such generous recognition of our Shining Star!
Special Events
WEE Learn, Train the Trainer
Led by Kristin Bernard
This 8 hour session is designed for, and may only be used by, Administrators who want to train their own staff in the concepts and use of WEE Learn curricula. It covers the full eight hours of materials needed to train others. A notebook with a teaching outline and master copy of handout materials is included in the cost. Bring your WEE Learn guide or purchase it at the conference. You must be registered for the conference to attend this training.
Cost $50.00
Making Connections with WEE Learn
Led by Julie Hendry
This training is designed for individuals who wish to contract with the CDEA to teach Making Connections with WEE Learn curricula in Florida and throughout the nation. This class covers 18 hours of material. The fee covers the cost of specialized training and the training outline. It is payable after your application has been approved. If you wish to attend, fax your completed WEE Learn Instructor Application to CDEA at 904.573.8839. Experience using WEE Learn is required. You must be registered for the conference to attend this training.
Cost $50.00
Area Coordinator Training
Led by Brook Hicks
A unique session planned for those who wish to share their expertise in early childhood by contracting with the CDEA to observe Credential Candidates. If you are already an Area Coordinator and have not attending this training or if you would like to become an Area Coordinator, plan to join us! The fee covers the cost of the specialized training and the Area Coordinator Handbook and is payable after your application has been approved. New Paragraph - We are specifically in need of Area Coordinators from anywhere in the US and in the following parts of Florida: Naples, Ft. Myers, Sarasota, Cape Coral, Port St. Lucie, Ft. Lauderdale, Avon Park, Live Oak, Jennings, Ocala, Leesburg, Titusville, Pensacola, St. Augustine and Palatka. New Paragraph - Requirements are outlined in the Area Coordinator Application. If you are interested in becoming an Area Coordinator, please fax your completed application to CDEA at 904.573.8839. Conference registration is not required to attend this training, but pre-registration is required.
Cost $50.00
Other Information
Food
Friday Lunch – 1 ½ hours is allotted for you to head over to the Jacksonville Landing or enjoy the Soup & Salad Bar at the hotel. Friday lunch is not included in the cost of your registration. The Soup & Salad Bar requires a reservation with your registration.
$12.00 Soup & Salad Bar Lunch Option
Friday Dinner – A delicious Pasta Bar will be available for your enjoyment Friday evening. Make sure to reserve your place at the dinner table with us by indicating it on your conference registration form.
$2.00 Reservation Fee Required
Saturday Lunch – A delightful Croissant Sandwich Boxed Lunch is included in the cost of your registration for Saturday. Cost included with registration
CDEA Spirit Shirts
Friday, October 8th, is CDEA Spirit Day at this year’s conference. Wear any of our 3 types of CDEA Spirit Shirts on Friday and receive a FREE CDEA Water Bottle. Choose from our light pink golf shirt, our long sleeve tailored burgundy shirt, or the newest version of our pink hoodie. All shirts affordably priced at just $30 each. Fax the CDEA Spirit Shirt Order Form to order your shirt today. Visit the CDEA Sales Table to pick up your shirt when you arrive at the conference.
Don’t forget to wear your CDEA Spirit Shirt on Friday to receive a free CDEA Water Bottle.
Show your CDEA Spirit!
CDEA Water Bottle
CDEA Water Bottles will be available to purchase at the CDEA Sales Table for an extremely affordable price. These super-sized squeezable water bottles are made from BPA-free plastic with a contoured body and tapered base to fit most auto cup-holders. CDEA Water Bottles will also be our gift to anyone who becomes a CDEA Member at the conference.



