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Hurry, Space Is Limited!
Join Ohio AEYC for to rediscover your purpose and passion through powerful keynotes, collaborative learning, and joyful connection!
A fantabulous day designed for early childhood professionals working with infant-toddlers, preschool, and school-age children in all settings!
Friday, October 24th | Columbus, OH
The 2025 Fall Fantabulous:
Responding to Behavior, Building Resilience, and Caring for Ourselves
Location:
The Columbus State Conference Center
315 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Earn Up to 5.5 hours of Ohio Approved Credit!*
Proudly Sponsored By
Featuring
Rachel Giannini
Early Childhood Specialist | Educator | Advocate | Keynote Speaker
Rachel Giannini is a nationally recognized early childhood expert, speaker, and advocate with a passion for elevating the importance of play, relationships, and joyful learning. With over a decade of experience as a preschool educator and museum teacher, Rachel brings heart, humor, and authenticity to every stage she steps on.
Rachel is best known as the star of the documentary No Small Matter and for her work with Chicago Children’s Museum, Teachstone, and Early Childhood Investigations Webinars. Her dynamic storytelling, heartfelt insights, and research-backed strategies empower educators to rediscover the magic and meaning in their daily work.
When Rachel speaks, audiences laugh, cry, reflect—and leave feeling seen, recharged, and ready to change the world, one child at a time.
"She should have her own TV show" | "My absolute favorite presenter!" | "So Much FUN!" | "Awesome"
Patrick McKelvey
Behavior Specialist | Speaker | Trainer | Advocate for Children and Educators
Patrick McKelvey is a sought-after speaker, educator, and behavior specialist known for his practical, down-to-earth approach to supporting children with challenging behaviors. With more than 15 years of experience in early childhood and special education, Patrick brings a trauma-informed lens and a deep respect for both children and the adults who care for them.
Patrick has worked in classrooms, therapeutic programs, and as a trainer for educators across the country. His engaging sessions blend humor, real-world examples, and research-based strategies that educators can apply immediately. Whether he's helping teachers understand the “why” behind behavior or equipping them with tools for self-care and emotional regulation, Patrick’s message is clear: behavior is communication—and connection is the key.
Audiences consistently leave his sessions feeling empowered, validated, and better equipped to support every child—especially the ones who need us most.
Patrick holds several advanced degrees and certifications, including MS, LPCC-S, ECMHC, OIMHP-III, NCC, Clinical Lead Supervisor for IECMH Consultation and Training at Nationwide Children's Hospital
"Fantastic" | "I learned so much!" | "His energy is amzaing!" | "I gained many helpful techniques!"
4 Key Takeaways
Reignite Your Passion
Leave burnout behind. Get reconnected to the real reason you do this work—and walk away energized and inspired.
Master the “Why” Behind Behavior
Gain tools and trauma-informed insights to confidently handle even the most challenging classroom moments.
Build Real Resilience
Stress happens. Learn how to turn it into a strength—with in-the-moment strategies that actually work in real life.
Refuel Your Spirit
This isn’t just professional development—it’s personal. You’ll reflect, laugh, maybe even cry—and leave feeling whole, grounded, and ready.
Schedule:
Friday, October 24th
9:00AM-10:00AM
Every Moment Matters (Opening Keynote)
Rachel Giannini
1 Ohio Approved Hour
Over one million brain connections form every second in a young child—proof that every moment matters.
What You’ll Experience:
🔹 Discover the science – Understand the power of early brain development and why your role is so critical.
🔹 Feel the impact – Be moved by powerful videos and stories that connect straight to the heart.
🔹 Reflect and reconnect – Take time to reflect on your “why” and reignite your passion for this work.
🔹 Leave with tools – Walk away with practical, real-world strategies you can use immediately.
🔹 Refuel your purpose – This session is more than a keynote—it’s a reminder of the difference you make every day.
Come ready to laugh, reflect, maybe shed a tear, and walk out with a full heart and a fresh fire.
10:00AM-10:15AM: Break
10:15AM-11:45PM
Is That Supposed to Happen!? Supporting Young Children Exhibiting Challenging Behavior
Patrick McKelvey
1.5 Ohio Approved Hours
If you’ve ever found yourself asking “Is that supposed to happen?!”—you’re not alone. Challenging behaviors can leave even the most experienced educators feeling overwhelmed and uncertain.
Explore behavior as communication – Learn what children are really trying to express!
Leave with these new skills:
🔹 Unpack knowledge, skill, and ability – Understand how gaps in these areas show up as behavior.
🔹 Gain trauma-informed perspectives – Shift how you view and respond to challenging moments.
🔹 Leave with practical tools – Walk away with real strategies you can use right away in your classroom.
🔹 Feel seen and supported – You’re not alone in this. Let’s grow together.
This session is packed with insights, validation, and actionable tools to help you better support the children who need it most.
11:45-12:45: Lunch (On Own or Purchase Boxed Lunch)
12:45PM-2:45PM
Learning to Lean In: A Conversation in Rethinking Taking Care of Ourselves and Others
Patrick McKelvey
2 Ohio Approved Hours
What if stress wasn’t something to avoid—but something to embrace?
We all know self-care is important, but it takes more than bubble baths and hydration to truly sustain ourselves in this work. This isn’t your typical self-care session—it’s a mindset shift.
You’ll learn how to reframe stress, recognize its impact on yourself and those you serve, and walk away with powerful, real-time strategies to support your well-being in the moments that matter most.
What You’ll Gain:
🔹A fresh perspective on stress – Learn how to work with stress, not against it.
🔹Beyond bubble baths – Explore what true self-care really means in the field of early childhood.
🔹Real-time tools – Practice practical strategies to manage difficult moments as they happen.
🔹Build emotional stamina – Learn ways to prevent burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma.
🔹Strengthen your impact – Use stress as a tool to deepen your work with children and families.
Leave with a stronger sense of self, new tools for the tough days, and the understanding that stress doesn’t have to break you—it can build you.
2:45PM-3:00PM: Break
3:00PM-4:00PM
Love and Resilience: You've Got This!
Rachel Giannini
1 Ohio Approved Hours
We’ve all been stretched, challenged, and changed—and through it all, we’ve learned. This keynote invites you to slow down, reflect, and recognize the strength, love, and everyday wins that keep you going.
Using literacy-inspired prompts and the principles of resilience, you’ll take a heartfelt look at the incredible work you do—and the powerful ways you keep showing up.
What You’ll Experience:
🔹Reflect with purpose – Use thoughtful prompts to pause and honor your journey.
🔹Celebrate small victories – Recognize the “little wins” that carry you through each day.
🔹Rediscover your strength – Explore how love and resilience have shaped your work.
🔹Reconnect with your why – Step back and see the impact of what you do through a new lens.
🔹Leave recharged – This session is a gentle reset for your heart and your spirit.
It’s not about adding more—it’s about seeing what’s already there. You’ve got this!
Cost:
Normal Registration Rate $179
🔹Groups of 10+ Only $49*
Contact Laura Richards for more information on group registration: admin@oaeyc.org
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Discounted Early Bird Rates: Register Before September 13!
🔹Ohio AEYC Member Discounted Registration Rate Only $59!
🔹Non-Member Discounted Registration Rate Only $69
Not a current Ohio AEYC/NAEYC member? Become a member and save!
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Regular Rates: Register After September 13
🔹Ohio AEYC Member Registration Rate Only $69!
🔹Non-Member Registration Rate Only $79
Not a current Ohio AEYC/NAEYC member? Become a member and save!
BEST DEAL!
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* Group Discounts Not Eligible For Early Bird Discounts. Group must be from one program and use one payment.
Credit
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Up to 5.5 hours of Ohio Approved Credit/Certificate!
Lunch:
Add a boxed lunch to your registration for only $15!
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Sandwich boxed lunch
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Sandwich
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Chips
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Whole Fruit
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Cookie
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Drink
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*Ohio Approved credit is available for each session. A total of 5.5 hours is available.
Credit:
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The new Ohio Department of Children and Youth (ODCY) incorporates programs from six other Cabinet agencies: the Departments of Job and Family Services, Health, Developmental Disabilities, Education, Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Development.
Note: Beginning July 1, 2016, professionals are no longer able to take an Ohio Approved class for PD credit more than once in a 6-year period. Trainings repeated within the six-year timeframe can be used to meet the child care licensing training requirements, but will not be applied to the 20 hours of PD required for SUTQ.
Payment Method: Credit Card, Check and Purchase Order.
For Check or PO payment, please contact Laura Richards before registering: admin@oaeyc.org or 419-946-6693, option 6.
Payment is required regardless of attendance. Payment must be received prior to the event date. Any payment that has not been received may result in canceled registration. Ohio Approved credit will be processed within 30 days of the event.
Need to register a group or make other payment arrangements? Contact us here!
Refund Policy: Fantabulous event payments are non-refundable. Any amount due must be paid before the start of the event. If you would like to send a substitute in place of the original registrant, please email admin@oaeyc.org.
Hotel Information
Click Here For Hotel Options
We would like to sincerely thank our sponsor for making this event possible!
