Jump Start 2026: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

arrow_back View All Dates

1:30pm MDT

Saturday October 10, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how confidence, self-esteem, self-care, and connection can impact learning, resilience, relationships, and a child’s ability to thrive. This engaging session will give after-school professionals practical strategies for creating environments where children feel valued, capable, and connected. We’ll also explore the importance of caring for ourselves while caring for others, because you can’t pour from an empty cup. No magic wand required, just compassion, connection, and understanding that one caring adult can make a lasting difference in a child’s learning by improving confidence and self-esteem.

Speakers

Donna Hortin

Therapist, LCSW

Donna Hortin has a Masters Degree from the University of Utah and has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist for over 20 years. She has worked in hospice, substance abuse, domestic violence, children's mental health, crisis response, and individual and couples counseling... Read More →

Saturday October 10, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Ballroom 3

Youth Development, Child/Youth Observation and Assessment

STRAND Youth Development
Program Serving Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Child/Youth Growth and Development
NAA Core Knowledge Skills & Co... Relationships and Interactions with Children and Youth

2:45pm MDT

Strategies for Supporting Growing Brains

LIMITED

Saturday October 10, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT

Meeting Room 101

Limited Capacity seats available

90% of brain development happens before age 5. The remaining 10% is mostly what we see developing in the kids we work with. This session will cover specific strategies for supporting that remaining growth in an intentional, fun, and meaningful way. Participants will walk away with new considerations as they build lesson plans of their own and can incorporate brain based strategies for learning.

Speakers

Angie Toone

School-Age Child Care Specialist, Utah Afterschool Network

Angie Toone is a school age childcare specialist with the Utah Afterschool Network. Angie completed her master's degree in Human Development and Social Policy at the University of Utah. She is passionate about creating safe spaces for young people to explore the world and finding... Read More →

Saturday October 10, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Meeting Room 101

Developing High Quality Programs, Child/Youth Growth and Development

Program Serving Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Child/Youth Growth and Development

Jump Start 2026

1:30pm MDT

Donna Hortin

2:45pm MDT

Angie Toone

Get help with the event