The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), hosted a two-day Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) Conference that drew more than 1,600 LAUSD early learning educators and administrators in August in Anaheim.

Building on the momentum of LACOE’s quarterly UPK Institutes, this expanded preservice offered a robust and immersive professional learning experience. The conference opened with a vibrant drumming session, led by Norman Jones, a leading innovator in the early education space, combining music and creativity for classroom engagement. This opening set the tone for the two-day preservice event, foreshadowing the message that playful learning works to engage students and educators under the theme “Brains at Play, Minds at Work,”

Each morning started with a riveting keynote. Thursday featured Dr. Wendy Murawski on Universal Design for Learning; on Friday, CharacterStrong founder Houston Kraft introduced the key to kindness. Attendees explored a wide range of breakout sessions and engaged with model classrooms set up on-site to simulate real-world learning environments.

The event emphasized hands-on learning, collaboration and practical strategies to support high-quality UPK implementation. Educators left energized and equipped with new tools to foster inclusive, developmentally appropriate classrooms that prepare young learners for long-term success.

“This conference was a celebration of what makes early childhood education so powerful, joyful, hands-on learning that invites children to explore, create and discover. Our educators left with new strategies, resources and a renewed sense of purpose. When we center play and curiosity in our classrooms, we nurture the academic growth and life skills that will carry our young learners far beyond the classroom,” said Luis Bautista, Head Start and Early Learning Division Executive Director.

The event also marked a significant milestone in Los Angeles Unified’s commitment to expanding access to early education and ensuring that every child enters kindergarten ready to thrive.

For more information about future UPK professional development opportunities, visit prekkid.org/

View a photo recap of the events here

View a video message from the event here