Megan Gretona, Early Education Manager for Kern County Superintendent of Schools, teaches a course to conference attendees.
On February 21, 2026, Quality Counts, an initiative of the San Luis Obispo County Early Care & Education Planning Council, brought together over 200 educators and community partners at Cuesta College for a mini-conference dedicated to “Inclusion in Early Care and Education.” The event served as a powerful hub for professional development, networking, and a shared commitment to ensuring every child in San Luis Obispo County feels a true sense of belonging.
Rooted in Our “Why”
The day began with a moving keynote by Melanie Hertig from the California Early Childhood Special Education Network (CALECSE). Hertig challenged attendees to reconnect with their personal “why”—the driving force that leads them to work with children and families.
“Our ‘why’ grounds us, especially on the busy or challenging days, and reminds us of the purpose behind everything we do,” Hertig shared. She emphasized that while inclusion requires the “willingness and effort of a team,” the result is “so beautiful” when it successfully comes together.
Kym Riner, Inclusive Early Education Coordinator, noted that this focus on personal connection set the stage for a day of “Building Bridges to Belonging” across diverse professional networks.
Conference participants in a break-out session.
Collaborative Learning and Expert Insights
The conference featured three blocks of workshops designed to provide practical strategies for classroom and home settings. Highlights included:
- Early Intervention & Communication: Sessions led by experts like Megan Gretona (KCSOS) and local speech pathologists focused on communicating developmental concerns and trauma-informed care. Gretona encouraged educators to approach difficult conversations with empathy: “Pretend this is your child… that is the easiest way to remember what it feels like to be on the other side of this conversation.”
- Behavioral Support: Several presenters led workshops on supporting challenging behaviors. Lauren Handley and Molly Myers (SLOCOE/Quality Counts) both led workshops reminding educators that behavior is a form of communication. They provided tools for teachers to respond to behavior in ways that build trusting relationships and support the child’s social emotional development. Additionally, Felix Toribio (DSP Health) led a workshop utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Toribio highlighted that ABA in early childhood is about “functional communications, transitions, independence, and autonomy,” always tailored to the individual child.led workshops on supporting challenging behaviors and utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Toribio highlighted that ABA in early childhood is about “functional communications, transitions, independence, and autonomy,” always tailored to the individual child.
- Spanish-Language Programming: To ensure accessibility, the event featured a dedicated strand of professional development in Spanish, covering developmental milestones and inclusive environments.
- Systemic Transitions: A panel featuring Tri-Counties Regional Center, SELPA, and School Districts guided providers through the complexities of transitioning from first concerns to eligibility for IFSP/IEPs.
A Community of Support
For Quality Counts, the event was about more than just data; it was about making educators feel “seen, heard, and valued.” Lauren Handley emphasized that the early learning stage is the most critical time to build these bridges, as children’s brains are developing rapidly from ages zero to five, and research continues to emphasize that high quality educational experiences and early intervention are key to later success in both school and life.
As the day concluded with closing remarks and an opportunity drawing, the message was clear: inclusion in San Luis Obispo County is a collective effort. By providing educators with the right tools and a supportive community, Quality Counts, as an initiative of the San Luis Obispo County Early Care & Education Planning Council, continues to ensure that every child—regardless of their needs—has a place where they belong.
