Philadelphia, PA (March 17, 2025) – On April 25 and 26, 2025, early childhood educators, administrators, and industry professionals will come together for the highly anticipated First Up Conference “Beyond the Classroom: Inspiring Lifelong Learning and Development” at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue. This two-day event offers a transformative experience designed to elevate teaching strategies, foster professional growth, and strengthen the early childhood education (ECE) community. The Conference is designed to help early educators to reflect, recharge and reimagine their role both in and beyond the classroom by participating in engaging workshops, listening to an insightful keynote speech on each day, and connecting with their peers. They will also find specialized programming aimed at strengthening leadership within the field. To ensure accessibility, select workshops will be offered in Spanish. The conference runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and doors open at 7 a.m. for registration. Guests can attend either day or both days. Registration can be found at https://www.firstup.org/fupac/.
“This is the only opportunity that ECE educators from the Greater Philadelphia region have to come together to connect with their colleagues, to learn from one another and to learn from experts,” said Carol Austin, Executive Director at First Up. “It is a space to be nurtured, and we ensure that happens, with food for the body, soul and mind. ECE educators deserve this opportunity to grow personally, in their teaching, in their leadership and to do so in an environment that is structured just for them.”
One of the most anticipated aspects of the conference is the lineup of expert speakers who will share their knowledge and inspire meaningful discussions. On Friday, April 25, 2025, keynote speaker Dr. Denisha Jones will take the stage to explore the power of play in early childhood education and how educators can embrace it more fully in their classrooms. With 20 years of experience preparing teachers, Dr. Jones believes that play is essential for children’s learning and development but understands that many educators face challenges in making space for it due to structured curricula and system requirements. Through her keynote, she hopes to encourage teachers to reflect on their current practices, consider new approaches, and feel validated in the importance of play. “Not everyone is going to conduct research or read research articles, but it’s my job to get that information out into the public,” she explains. “Sometimes it’s about affirming what educators already know, and other times it’s about pushing them to try something new—but it always starts with a commitment to doing something.” With her engaging approach, Dr. Jones will inspire educators to integrate play in meaningful ways, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn through exploration and discovery.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, keynote speaker Josh Robinson will take the stage to inspire educators with his unique approach to inclusive learning and creative engagement. As a seasoned percussionist and educator, Robinson has spent years using the power of rhythm to foster connection, expression, and learning in diverse classroom settings. At the First Up Conference, he aims to demonstrate how music and hands-on experiences can break barriers in education, helping young learners of all abilities build confidence and find their voice. Through his interactive keynote, Robinson will show attendees how rhythm and movement can be powerful tools for engagement, emotional expression, and collaboration among students. “Music has the ability to reach children in ways words sometimes cannot,” Robinson shares. “My goal is to equip educators with creative, accessible strategies that make learning more inclusive, joyful, and impactful.”
In addition to these keynote speakers, attendees will have the opportunity to take a deep dive into essential topics through featured presentations. Dr. Veirdre Jackson will address the importance of a sense of belonging in education, while Essence Allen Presley will lead a thought-provoking session on early intervention strategies. These sessions and more will provide educators with practical tools and fresh perspectives to bring back to their classrooms and organizations.
Beyond the learning sessions, the First Up Conference is designed to foster meaningful connections. Educators will have the chance to network with peers, exchange ideas, and build relationships that extend beyond the conference itself. Whether reconnecting with long-term colleagues or forming new professional connections, attendees will leave feeling reinvigorated and supported by a strong community.
Participants will have the opportunity to earn professional development credits. Each day of attendance will provide seven PQAS credits, allowing attendees to accumulate up to 14 credits over the course of the conference. Additionally, ACT 48 credit can be processed for those who require it.
The conference will take place at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue, located at 4200 City Avenue in Philadelphia. Sessions will run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day, with registration opening at 7:00 a.m. For those driving to the venue, self-parking is available for $8 per day, with valet parking offered at $15 per day. Public transportation is also a convenient option, with the Overbrook Train Station just half a mile away and Bus 34 stopping nearby.
To register and learn more about the First Up Conference, visit https://www.firstup.org/fupac/