United for Every Child: Inclusion and the Pyramid Model in Action

Jordyn Zimmerman

Jordyn Zimmerman is our featured speaker for Early Childhood Inclusion on Thursday, 9/24.

Jordyn is a passionate educator and disability advocate. After being diagnosed as autistic at a young age, she did not receive access to augmentative communication, via iPad, until the age of 18. She now thrives on boldly showing up and redefining what is possible in learning spaces and throughout the broader community — and has personal experience challenging the status quo, which is featured in the documentary, This Is Not About Me. 

Jordyn collaborates with schools and organizations around the world, is Board Chair of the national nonprofit CommunicationFIRST, and was named to the inaugural 2025 Forbes Accessibility 100 List as a top accessibility innovator and impact-maker. She previously earned her Bachelor's degree in Education Policy from Ohio University, her Master's of Education at Boston College, and her Master's of Business Administration from Quantic School of Business and Technology. 

 

Belonging Begins with Belief: Rethinking What's Possible in Inclusive Learning 

Jordyn Zimmerman will share her experiences and highlight the power of presuming competence and investing in innovative and evidence-based supports. Through stories, she'll highlight how low expectations, barriers to communication, and limited access to accessible tools can restrict opportunities for children with disabilities. Encouraging you to make change in your own communities, this session is grounded in practices that promote the healthy development of each and every young child. Early childhood leaders and educators across South Carolina are invited to come together—United for Every Child—to rethink what is possible when all children are believed in, and supported to belong and thrive in inclusive learning environments. Time will be reserved for audience questions.

Dr. Rosemarie Allen

Dr. Rosemarie Allen is our featured speaker for The Champion's Path on Friday, 9/25.

Dr. Rosemarie Allen is a nationally recognized early childhood education expert, professor, and organizational leader with more than 40 years of experience strengthening teaching practices and improving outcomes for young children. She is the Founder and President of IREE, an organization dedicated to advancing high-quality instruction, effective leadership, and strong family partnerships in early learning settings across the country.

Dr. Allen’s work focuses on increasing teacher effectiveness, supporting positive child development, and helping programs build sustainable systems that promote excellence for all children and families. She partners with schools, community organizations, and government agencies to enhance instructional practices, align policies with research, and ensure educators are equipped with practical tools that support children’s success.

A respected professor and national speaker, Dr. Allen has designed and led professional development initiatives, policy fellowships, and leadership institutes to improve workforce preparation and advance best practices in early childhood education. Her expertise includes teacher coaching, responsive teaching practices, early childhood mental health, licensing systems, and leadership development.

Dr. Allen is also a regular media contributor, offering insights on child development, education trends, and strategies that help families and educators support children from birth through age eight. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and results-driven improvement that benefits children, families, and communities.

She remains committed to strengthening the early childhood workforce and ensuring every child has access to high-quality learning experiences that prepare them for lifelong success.

 

Joy Is Not Optional: Ensuring Full Participation of Every Child

Young children are being suspended and expelled at alarming rates — often for behaviors that reflect unmet needs, stress, or developmental challenges. Early childhood programs must be safe spaces for all children. It is a daily commitment to see children clearly, respond thoughtfully, and refuse to give up on them. When we protect joy, we protect childhood.

In this keynote, early childhood professionals will be encouraged to connect to the heart of the work: protecting joy, strengthening relationships, and responding to behavior with skill and understanding. Participants will explore practical strategies for supporting emotional regulation, maintaining positive regard, and creating classrooms where every child is supported to thrive.