Loading…
2026 DFSS PreService
Welcome to the 2026 3-Day DFSS PreService

đź“ŤPalmer House Chicago
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603
 
Breakfast and Registration open at 8:00am
Conference programming from 9:00am -4:10pm
Type: Teachstone clear filter
Tuesday, August 4
 

9:20am CDT

Getting Started with CLASS (Eng)
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 7
Limited Capacity seats available
Designed for educators who are newer to CLASS concepts,
this session offers CLASS basics and describes how educators,
leaders, and coaches can use them to develop better, more
meaningful interactions with children."
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Liana Ondra

Liana Ondra

CLASS Specialist, Teachstone
Liana has over 10 years of experience working in Early Childhood. She earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and has worked in classrooms in both private and public ECE programs. She has also worked as an Instructional Coach with Head Start and... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 7
  Teachstone

9:20am CDT

Getting Started with CLASS (Sp)
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 6
Limited Capacity seats available
Designed for educators who are newer to CLASS concepts,
this session offers CLASS basics and describes how educators,
leaders, and coaches can use them to develop better, more
meaningful interactions with children.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Monica Barrera

Monica Barrera

Teachstone
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 6
  Teachstone

11:10am CDT

Family Fun: Enhancing Play with Your Involvement
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Salon 3
Limited Capacity seats available
This session is for everyone to highlight the importance of being fully present to communicate children’s importance and
strengthen the parent-child bond. Engaging in play supports social, emotional, and cognitive development,
allowing children to express themselves while feeling connected and safe.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Wilhelm

Melissa Wilhelm

Teachstone
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Salon 3
  Teachstone

11:10am CDT

Making the Most of Transitions
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Salon 6
Limited Capacity seats available
This session builds on what educators already know to make transitions
as comfortable and as smooth as possible while also finding and
nurturing learning opportunities.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Liana Ondra

Liana Ondra

CLASS Specialist, Teachstone
Liana has over 10 years of experience working in Early Childhood. She earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and has worked in classrooms in both private and public ECE programs. She has also worked as an Instructional Coach with Head Start and... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Salon 6
  Teachstone

1:20pm CDT

Strategies for Supporting Educators Well Being
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon 2
Limited Capacity seats available
Providing emotional support to educators is essential for promoting a healthy, responsive learning environment.
This session will offer CLASS-based strategies and proactive tips for supporting educators’ well-being.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Monica Barrera

Monica Barrera

Teachstone
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon 2
  Teachstone

1:20pm CDT

Supporting Interactions to Enhance Literacy Development
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon 10
Limited Capacity seats available
The process of learning words, sounds, and language is enhanced by the meaningful interactions children
have with the adults and children around them. This session focuses on how educators can develop early
literacy skills and ensure each child is a valued conversational partner through intentional daily interactions
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Wilhelm

Melissa Wilhelm

Teachstone
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon 10
  Teachstone

3:10pm CDT

Family Fun: Following your Child's Lead During Play
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT
Salon 3
Limited Capacity seats available
This session highlights the importance of being fully present with your child, even if only for 10 minutes a day,
to communicate their value and deepen your connection. By eliminating distractions and giving undivided
attention, parents can make their children feel important and enhance the parent-child bond.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Liana Ondra

Liana Ondra

CLASS Specialist, Teachstone
Liana has over 10 years of experience working in Early Childhood. She earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and has worked in classrooms in both private and public ECE programs. She has also worked as an Instructional Coach with Head Start and... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT
Salon 3
  Teachstone

3:10pm CDT

Supporting Interactions to Enhance Math Development
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT
Salon 10
Limited Capacity seats available
It is important for educators to understand how educator-child interactions can impact the way children think
and learn about mathematics. This session focuses on supporting educators in promoting early childhood
math concepts through intentional interactions during activities, conversations, and play.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Monica Barrera

Monica Barrera

Teachstone
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT
Salon 10
  Teachstone
 
Wednesday, August 5
 

9:20am CDT

Interactions that Support Students with Learning Differences
FULL
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 10
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
A warm, supportive learning environment is of the utmost importance
for every child. This session takes special care to share strategies for
acknowledging learning differences and responding to meet the needs
of every child.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Wilhelm

Melissa Wilhelm

Teachstone
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 10
  Teachstone

9:20am CDT

Making the Most of Transitions
LIMITED
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 7
Limited Capacity seats available
This session builds on what educators already know to make transitions
as comfortable and as smooth as possible while also finding and
nurturing learning opportunities.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Liana Ondra

Liana Ondra

CLASS Specialist, Teachstone
Liana has over 10 years of experience working in Early Childhood. She earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and has worked in classrooms in both private and public ECE programs. She has also worked as an Instructional Coach with Head Start and... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 7
  Teachstone

11:00am CDT

Focusing on the Purpose During Center Time
LIMITED
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 10
Limited Capacity seats available
Educators offer robust learning experiences when they invite active engagement. This session
focuses on ways to offer clear objectives and facilitate purposeful and engaged learning
during center time.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Wilhelm

Melissa Wilhelm

Teachstone
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 10
  Teachstone

11:00am CDT

Using Data to Inform Professional Development
LIMITED
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 7
Limited Capacity seats available
Data can identify which educators or age levels are seeing success in specific skills and where extra support
may be needed. This session will explore ways to collect and analyze data to ensure professional development
goals are grounded in current teaching practice and clearly identify a strengths-based approach to growth.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Monica Barrera

Monica Barrera

Teachstone
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 7
  Teachstone

2:10pm CDT

Redirecting and Reframing Misbehavior
FULL
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
Salon 12
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
We’ve all had students who push limits, struggle to manage their feelings,
or constantly demand attention. This session provides a variety of tools
and strategies for proactive responses, misbehavior prevention, and
modeling desired behaviors.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Wilhelm

Melissa Wilhelm

Teachstone
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
Salon 12
  Teachstone

2:10pm CDT

Why Interactions Matter (Eng)
LIMITED
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
Salon 2
Limited Capacity seats available
In this session, participants will further their understanding of
Early Childhood Education and Developmentally Appropriate
Practice. Educators, principals, and instructional leaders will
learn to identify and communicate the impact of effective
educator-child interactions.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Liana Ondra

Liana Ondra

CLASS Specialist, Teachstone
Liana has over 10 years of experience working in Early Childhood. She earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and has worked in classrooms in both private and public ECE programs. She has also worked as an Instructional Coach with Head Start and... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
Salon 2
  Teachstone

3:20pm CDT

Strategies to Support Dual Language Learners (Eng)
LIMITED
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Salon 2
Limited Capacity seats available
Global perspectives provide an invaluable opportunity to encourage
children’s linguistic and intellectual development. This session stresses
the power of using rich, high-quality language with children and provides
concrete strategies for promoting bilingualism in classrooms.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Liana Ondra

Liana Ondra

CLASS Specialist, Teachstone
Liana has over 10 years of experience working in Early Childhood. She earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and has worked in classrooms in both private and public ECE programs. She has also worked as an Instructional Coach with Head Start and... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Salon 2
  Teachstone

3:20pm CDT

Strategies to Support Dual Language Learners (Sp)
LIMITED
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Salon 4
Limited Capacity seats available
Global perspectives provide an invaluable opportunity to encourage
children’s linguistic and intellectual development. This session stresses
the power of using rich, high-quality language with children and provides
concrete strategies for promoting bilingualism in classrooms.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Monica Barrera

Monica Barrera

Teachstone
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Salon 4
  Teachstone
 
Thursday, August 6
 

9:20am CDT

Getting Started with CLASS (Eng)
LIMITED
Thursday August 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 10
Limited Capacity seats available
Designed for educators who are newer to CLASS concepts,
this session offers CLASS basics and describes how educators,
leaders, and coaches can use them to develop better, more
meaningful interactions with children
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Liana Ondra

Liana Ondra

CLASS Specialist, Teachstone
Liana has over 10 years of experience working in Early Childhood. She earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and has worked in classrooms in both private and public ECE programs. She has also worked as an Instructional Coach with Head Start and... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 10
  Teachstone

9:20am CDT

Getting Started with CLASS (Span)
LIMITED
Thursday August 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 9
Limited Capacity seats available
Designed for educators who are newer to CLASS concepts,
this session offers CLASS basics and describes how educators,
leaders, and coaches can use them to develop better, more
meaningful interactions with children
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Monica Barrera

Monica Barrera

Teachstone
Thursday August 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 9
  Teachstone

11:10am CDT

Redirecting and Reframing Misbehavior
FILLING
Thursday August 6, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Salon 6
Limited Capacity filling up
We’ve all had students who push limits, struggle to manage their feelings,
or constantly demand attention. This session provides a variety of tools
and strategies for proactive responses, misbehavior prevention, and
modeling desired behaviors.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Wilhelm

Melissa Wilhelm

Teachstone
Thursday August 6, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Salon 6
  Teachstone

11:10am CDT

Strategies for Supporting Educators Well Being
LIMITED
Thursday August 6, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Salon 2
Limited Capacity seats available
Providing emotional support to educators is essential for promoting a healthy, responsive learning environment.
This session will offer CLASS-based strategies and proactive tips for supporting educators’ well-being.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Monica Barrera

Monica Barrera

Teachstone
Thursday August 6, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Salon 2
  Teachstone

1:20pm CDT

Focusing on the Purpose During Center Time
LIMITED
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon 7
Limited Capacity seats available
Educators offer robust learning experiences when they invite active engagement. This session
focuses on ways to offer clear objectives and facilitate purposeful and engaged learning
during center time
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Wilhelm

Melissa Wilhelm

Teachstone
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon 7
  Teachstone

1:20pm CDT

Supporting Interactions to Enhance Math Development
LIMITED
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon 8
Limited Capacity seats available
It is important for educators to understand how educator-child interactions can impact the way children think
and learn about mathematics. This session focuses on supporting educators in promoting early childhood
math concepts through intentional interactions during activities, conversations, and play.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Monica Barrera

Monica Barrera

Teachstone
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon 8
  Teachstone

3:10pm CDT

Family Engagement and Connection
FILLING
Thursday August 6, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT
Salon 2
Limited Capacity filling up
This session focuses on meaningful ways to engage with
families. Attendees will learn about effective classroom
practices and concrete strategies for promoting connection
and communication with families
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Liana Ondra

Liana Ondra

CLASS Specialist, Teachstone
Liana has over 10 years of experience working in Early Childhood. She earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and has worked in classrooms in both private and public ECE programs. She has also worked as an Instructional Coach with Head Start and... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT
Salon 2
  Teachstone

3:10pm CDT

Supporting Interactions to Enhance Literacy Development
LIMITED
Thursday August 6, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT
Salon 7
Limited Capacity seats available
The process of learning words, sounds, and language is enhanced by the meaningful interactions children
have with the adults and children around them. This session focuses on how educators can develop early
literacy skills and ensure each child is a valued conversational partner through intentional daily interactions.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Wilhelm

Melissa Wilhelm

Teachstone
Thursday August 6, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT
Salon 7
  Teachstone
 

Get help with the event

Contact event planner Event login
View support guides Find upcoming events
Create an event you'd love to attend!
Explore why organizers choose Sched • Success stories
Event App • Event scheduling • Event registration • Event ticketing • Sched forms • Call for papers • Badges • Conferences
© 2026. SCHED LLC - All rights reserved - Helping events since 2008
Conference Scheduling Software • Privacy • Terms
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Tuesday, August 4
Wednesday, August 5
Thursday, August 6
Ballroom
Exhibit Hall
Salon 1
Salon 10
Salon 12
Salon 2
Salon 3
Salon 4
Salon 5
Salon 6
Salon 7
Salon 8
Salon 9
  • Bright Scholars Academy
  • CELWS
  • CFL
  • Christopher House
  • City of Chicago
  • Claridigm
  • CLS Comprehensive Services
  • CPS-DFSS Disabilities Liaison
  • Department of Water Management
  • DFSS
  • Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
  • Erikson Institute
  • Globetrotters Engineering Corporation
  • INCCRRA
  • LLC
  • McCormick Institute for Early Childhood at National Louis University
  • Nutrition Consultant
  • SEIU
  • SEIU Healthcare Illinois (SEIU HCII)
  • SGA Youth and Family Services
  • Start Early
  • Teaching Stategies
  • Teaching Strategies
  • Teachstone
  • Popular