Join us for a transformative conference centered on renewing the mind, body, and soul and reconnecting with joy. This immersive gathering creates space for restoration, reflection, and community, offering wellness-focused workshops, inspiring speakers, and interactive experiences designed to support mental clarity, physical well-being, and spiritual renewal. Together, we will pause, reconnect, and find joy in the work, the community, and ourselves.
Conference
Charlotte, NC!
April 30 – May 2, 2026!
The First 40 registrants for WAVE will receive a free conference + WAVE
This event is non-refundable.
Through expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and community-building opportunities, attendees will gain the tools and inspiration needed to sustain their work and well-being.
Register Now and invest in yourself—mind, body, and soul.
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Registration for
The Renewing the Body, Mind, and Soul — Finding Your Joy Conference
The Renewing the Body, Mind, and Soul — Finding Your Joy Conference
The Renewing the Body, Mind, and Soul — Finding Your Joy Conference brings together early childhood educators from across the United States for a powerful, retreat style experience. This gathering feels like a family reunion—filled with laughter, tears, shared stories, and the beauty of many languages and cultures coming together.
Event Details
Dates:
April 30 – May 2, 2026
Location:
4800 South Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28217
Audience:
Family child care educators, early childhood professionals, advocates, and leaders.
Pre-Conference Day
Date:
April 30, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Details
8:30 Registration for Wave BootCamp
Jahi Davis, MBA (Craft) Wave Bootcamp Space is limited to 50 attendants.
Thursday, April 30 – Pre‑Conference & Kickoff Lunch is included
10-3 pm National Parent Leadership Institute
For Parents of the FCCH providers (15 seats available)
4 pm- 6 pm NAFCC Accreditation Kick off
This class is filled, Taking applications for the fall 2027 cohort
NC Collaborative Team and Shine Early Learning, introducing their team to the cohort.
FCCEF Conference
Kick Off @ 7 p.m. April 30, 2026
Details
Conference Registration: Open 12:00pm-6:00pm.
Meet & Greet for all conference attendees. Dress to impress fashion show! (Come and participate)
- Fashion Show
- Meet & Greet
- Light hors d’oeuvres
Run of the Show
*Registration opens 8:00am-9:00am
(Dress in athletic wear/yoga pants)
Welcome/Officials/Open with Meditation
- 8:30 a.m. Doors Open
- 9:00 a.m. Welcome
- Pelvic Floor with Toni Curtis
- QRIS Overview with Ms. Candace Witherspoon, Division Director of Child Development and Early Education@NCDHHS & Team
Q&A with DCDEE - Shawn Brown
- FCCEF’s Trailblazer Award
- Lunch (NAFCC & NC Policy Team Panel)
- Wellness Breakout Sessions: (30 mins each)
- Zumba
- Yoga
- Sip and Paint
- Movement
- Line Dancing
- Lemon/Honey Love Scrub
- Sematic Healing
- 4:00 PM – Break & Relax
- 5 p.m.– 6:30 p.m. Social Hour @ Bar ( 2 Complimentary Drinks)
- 6:15 p.m. – Doors Open
- 6:30 p.m. Formal Gala Evening: Regal Theme “Queen’s Celebration” No T-Shirts, Pants, tennis shoes or shorts”
- Featured Speaker: Jerletha McDonald “The Childcare Boss”, Founder & CEO of ADFW Family Childcare Network
- Awards
- Dance the night away
(Dress in athletic wear/yoga pants)
- Group Mediation
- Breath Work
- Rainbow Ribbons
- Performance by E.Gwynn Dancers from Greensboro, NC
- Dr Carl Smart Lunch
- Performance by E.Gwynn Dancers from Greensboro NC
- Wellness Sessions:
- Tai Chi
- Reiki
- Sematic Healing
- Sound Healing Capoeira
- Relaxation Space
- Massage Therapy
- 3:30 p.m – On your Own until 5 p.m.
- 5:00 p.m. All participants meet in lobby (gathering for the tour)
- 5:30 p.m. Bus will Leaves
- Queen City Bus Tour
- Top Golf Experience Speaker – Jay Foster, Vice President & General Parter Rustenburk Capital
Hotel Information
At reservation, the hotel will charge a deposit equal to one night’s room rate plus tax. This will be applied to your room at check-in.
A $50.00 per night incidental hold will also be placed on your card and reimbursed after checkout, pending no additional charges.
Code of Conduct
FCCEF is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and uplifting environment for all attendees.
- Professionalism — Engage with kindness, respect, and integrity.
- Respect & Dignity — Honor diverse identities and experiences.
- Harassment-Free Environment — No harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.
- Responsible Participation — Avoid disruptive behavior; violations may result in removal.
- Compliance — Follow all venue rules, safety guidelines, and staff instructions.
These expectations ensure a positive, restorative, and empowering experience for everyone.
Conference Disclaimer
- Assumption of Risk — Participation may involve inherent risks.
- Release of Liability — FCCEF and partners are not liable for injuries or damages.
- Medical Authorization — Emergency medical care may be provided if needed.
- Personal Property — Attendees are responsible for their belongings.
- Rules & Conduct — All attendees must follow event guidelines.
All ticket sales are NONREFUNDABLE and NONTRANSFERABLE.