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The challenges posed by COVID-19 may have been hurtles for the �ͽ�Ů�� Early Education Department, but they were not stumbling blocks. Responding quickly and creatively, the committed team reorganized content and was able to provide five early educator conferences virtually. 

Nearly 1,000 early educators joined online from across the globe to collaborate and hear from keynote speaker, Dr. Milt Uecker, on how to cultivate a flourishing classroom. Educators expressed their deepest gratitude for the reminder to care for themselves so that they may better shepherd children.

"This was my first �ͽ�Ů�� conference as a Christian educator and I liked the aspect to freely talk and incorporate the love of God in the conversation with teaching,” a conference participant said. 

The ideas of collaboration with peers and biblical worldview integration have helped frame the creation of a new �ͽ�Ů�� event — the EE Leader Connect.  

EE Leader Connects are monthly opportunities for EE leaders in each of the three U.S. divisions to virtually meet, connect and collaborate. With a focus on school flourishing, these networking events will encourage discussion around relevant topics affecting early education.

�ͽ�Ů�� Director of Early Education, Sara Jo Dillard, believes these connect events will truly benefit leaders and will serve as a helpful resource. 

“We’ve heard from our members about their desire to connect with each other,” she said. “The EE Leader Connects will allow them to share ideas and network in their division so they can build strong, Christ-centered communities.”