#United States #Portland #early childhood #Parents as Teachers #PATCON26

International Conference on Family Support in Portland

The 2026 Parents as Teachers International Conference (PATCON26) is set to take place from October 5th to 8th, 2026, in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon. This year’s theme, “Navigate,” reflects the necessity for family support professionals to explore new paths and strategies in the realm of early childhood education.

A Gathering of Innovators

This highly anticipated event will gather around 2,500 home visiting professionals, early childhood educators, and advocates from around the nation. These attendees will benefit from a series of workshops and sessions designed to enhance their skills and knowledge surrounding evidence-based practices in home visiting. This year’s conference highlights the importance of innovative approaches to family engagement and child development in changing social landscapes.

Keynote Speakers

Expect to be inspired by a diverse lineup of speakers. The opening keynote will be delivered by Will Maurer, noted TEDx speaker and Executive Director of the Children's Media Research and Reform Lab. Maurer will give insights into the intersections of early childhood development and modern screen use, offering guidance on how to approach technology use in children's lives responsibly.

The closing keynote will be presented by Orv Kimbrough, Chairman and CEO of Midwest BankCentre. Kimbrough’s powerful stories of resilience and leadership will emphasize the significant impact of personal narratives and community strength in fostering effective family support practices.

Learning Opportunities

The conference aims to focus heavily on professional development. With dozens of sessions planned, attendees can delve into topics covering:

• - Evidence-based practices in home visiting
• - Innovations in early childhood education
• - Networking events designed to foster collaboration among practitioners
• - Strategies for effective family engagement
• - Challenges and solutions for program administrators and policymakers

These sessions aim to not only enhance professional knowledge but also encourage practical application in the educational setting.

Target Audience

This conference is particularly relevant for:

• - Home visiting professionals seeking to enhance their skills
• - Early childhood educators and family engagement specialists
• - Program administrators interested in policy implementation
• - Researchers and community advocates looking to connect with practitioners

Registration Information

Registration is presently open and will continue until October. Attendees will have the opportunity to select additional experiences, including exclusive events with keynote speakers during the registration process. Those interested in attending can find more information about registration and specific event details on the conference website.

The PATCON26 presents a unique chance for professionals dedicated to family support and early childhood education to gather, learn, and innovate together in the beautiful city of Portland. Join your fellow advocates in exploring groundbreaking methods to better serve families and children across the nation.

For press inquiries, please contact Jennifer Peters at [email protected].