Childcare Professionals Renewal Summit at Camp Comeca

Upcoming Childcare Professionals Renewal Summit Set for August 2025

COZAD, NE—The University of Nebraska at Omaha, in collaboration with the Central Region Early Learning Connection, is set to host the 2025 Childcare Professionals Renewal Summit on August 8th and 9th at Camp Comeca, located near Cozad. This event aims to bring together childcare professionals dedicated to serving children aged 0 to 8, providing valuable opportunities for networking, professional development, and renewal.

The summit will feature a robust agenda that includes two keynote speakers, alongside four informative sessions spread over the two days. On the first day, renowned educator Colleen Schmit will lead a session on foundational principles, encouraging attendees to reconnect with their core values and mission within the childcare field. The following day will see a trio of sessions led by Elijah and Sarah Landell of Rising Tide Leadership, focusing on practical strategies for prioritizing work-life balance, fostering employee engagement, and building a strong values-based organizational culture.

A key emphasis of this year’s summit is the critical role that early childhood educators play in the developmental trajectories of young children. Dr. Danae Dinkel, an associate professor of health and kinesiology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, underscores the importance of creating a supportive community for childcare professionals. She notes that gathering such individuals in one space not only offers a chance for professional growth but also helps participants feel valued and reinvigorated for their essential work in education.

The impetus for hosting this summit cannot be overstated, particularly in light of recent statistics indicating that over 72% of children under the age of six in Nebraska reside in households with employed adults—significantly higher than the national average. This rise in dual-income households highlights a pressing demand for reliable and high-quality childcare, which is critically needed to support working families and bolster the state’s economy. A 2023 study revealed that the lack of dependable childcare options results in an estimated annual economic loss of nearly 5 million for Nebraska.

The summit represents a vital opportunity for professional development as well as an avenue for addressing these challenges. Registration for the event is competitively priced at for both days or for attendance on Saturday alone, with costs including meals and lodging. Interested participants can secure their spot by registering online here.

This summit not only aims to educate but also serves as an essential platform to advocate for the wellbeing and professional growth of those who are entrusted with the upbringing and education of the state’s youngest residents. Through collective efforts such as these, the importance of early childhood education continues to gain recognition, ultimately benefiting families, children, and the broader community.