Frequently Asked Questions

  • Click Here Watch the Recap Video for the 2024 REST Conference!

    What attendees said:

    “It’s rare to feel belonging in early childhood, and it often finds ways to exit folks who need to stay in this work. People of color with lived experiences in early childhood are the ones that can transform systems. Therefore we need belonging…and social capital to do systems change work. Without the connections to folks doing and thinking differently we cannot collectively transform.” - Payal Seth, Jeremiah Program

    “The entire thing reminds me that I am not alone and that together we can transform the systems that hold us back.” - Kai-ama Hamer, ParentCorps

    “It is necessary to have a village to rest and move the work forward and I feel like I found my village.” - Binal Patel, Neighborhood Villages

    “The sip and storytelling, the origin storytelling and the sense of community and connection the conversations and stories shared from both those events generated contributed to my sustainability. I also really really appreciated that when I felt overstimulated/tapped out I was encouraged and allowed space and time to rest without pressure to keep going. That made it feel real.” - Erin Backus, Black Mamas ATX

  • No, you do not have to pay to come to the REST conference. We cover all major expenses for members to attend including airfare, lodging, food and beverage, and activities.

    The one expense we are not able to cover at this time are shuttles from the airport to the hotel, and vice versa. Attendees should prepare to budget for the rideshare/taxi or transit expense.

  • The 2025 REST conference will be hosted in New Orleans.

  • We’re actively crafting our agenda with our REST Co-Creation Committee and through co-creation sessions and polls we share on Mighty Networks.

    See a working draft of our agenda on the page here.

  • Over 150 Early Childhood Leaders of Color from all over the country! Meet collaborative members making impact in birth equity, early health, careforce compensation, childcare quality and access, support for differing abilities and more.

  • Visit us on Mighty Networks! We’ll share updates and create a space just for attendees.

    https://early-childhood-leaders-of-color-collab.mn.co/

  • We ask that you do not share this link with any leaders outside the Collaborative.

    This event is open to onboarded members of the EC LOC Collaborative. Please direct any potential attendees who are non-members to first join the EC LOC collaborative by completing the onboarding process. This includes completing the intake form then scheduling and completing the welcome call. Once they’ve completed these steps, they’ll officially join our Collaborative! They’ll be able to access event registration and attend.

  • Yourself! Your presence is the most important thing. Also, bring anything that you need to be comfortable during your stay. Double-check for your essentials that you won’t be able to easily access in New Orleans. You can also bring items to contribute to elements of our programming.

  • Family are welcome to share the hotel room we book on your behalf. However, we’re not able to cover additional expenses for family to participate such as travel, meals, and experiences.

    We are not able to provide childcare at this time.

  • We work with a travel partner, Diversity Travel, to book travel. Our team will work directly with the hotel to book your accommodations.

    When you complete the registration form, you’ll be asked to submit all necessary information. Our travel partner will reach out to you to confirm flight preference.

  • We have included a question in the registration form to request specific accommodations. You can also email ecloc@promisestudio.org. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met so you can engage fully in the conference experience

  • That’s okay! We understand you may have other obligations. We welcome to you attend for whatever duration you are able to and trust that you will make the most of your experience at the REST conference.

  • Yes. The following meals are included:

    Tuesday, April 29th - Dinner

    Wednesday, April 30th - Breakfast, Morning Snack, Lunch, Afternoon Snack, and Dinner

    Thursday, May 1st - Breakfast, Morning Snack, Lunch

  • Please let us know if you plan to arrive early via the mighty networks groups for attendees.

    We have a few pre-event activities planned. We’ll announce these as we get closer to the date.

    You’re also encouraged to connect with other attendees, explore the city, and eat some of the many delicious cuisines New Orleans has to offer.