About the REST Conference
Welcome to REST 2025, the annual conference hosted by the Early Childhood Leaders of Color Collaborative (EC LOC Collaborative).
Set in the culturally rich city of New Orleans, our annual conference is dedicated to fostering a transformative experience for leaders who are pivotal to shaping the landscape of early childhood development. This conference is more than an event; it's a movement toward Restoration, Enlightenment, Solidarity, and Transformation.
Our Mission
The EC LOC Collaborative is committed to increasing the sustainability, social capital, and power of leaders of color in early childhood development.
We recognize the unique challenges and opportunities in this essential sector, encompassing not just education but all aspects of child, family, and community well-being. The 2025 REST Conference supports leaders in early childhood by providing a space to recharge, connect, learn, and grow together.
Our Funding Partners
What to Expect at REST 2025
REST 2025 offers a program meticulously crafted to include:
Restorative Practices: Participate in activities focused on well-being and self-care to recharge and build resilience.
Enlightening Workshops: Engage in sessions that deliver practical strategies and insights to enhance your skills across various facets of early childhood development.
Solidarity Building: Strengthen community bonds and collective advocacy through affinity groups and collaborative dialogues.
Transformational Opportunities: Leave the conference with a concrete action plan designed to foster equity and inclusivity within your organizations and communities.
Why REST?
REST is more than just a conference; it's a crucial part of our strategy to empower early childhood development leaders. By participating in REST, you join a community committed to:
Deepening Connections: Forge lasting relationships with peers who share similar interests and experiences in fostering early childhood development.
Enhancing Understanding: Gain deeper insights into how various identities influence and impact work in early childhood development.
Empowerment through Learning: Acquire new tools and strategies that you can apply immediately to enhance your advocacy and professional practices.
Celebrating Community: Experience the power of a supportive network that values, respects, and uplifts the diverse tapestry of identities within the early childhood development field.
