Upcoming Events
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2026 Oakland Early Learning Symposium
Demystifying Early Literacy for Children Ages 0-5
Saturday, January 31, 2026 Doors open: 8:30 AM | Program: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Merritt College, Oakland Register at: https://bit.ly/2026OaklandELS
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Join us for an inspiring day dedicated to nurturing the literacy journey of our youngest learners! This symposium brings together Oakland early care and education professionals to explore the critical foundations of early literacy for children ages 0-5.
What You'll Gain:
View the agenda here.
- Expert Insights – Learn about emergent literacy concepts and how young children develop language and reading skills
- Practical Resources – Discover locally designed early literacy tools and materials you can implement immediately in your classroom or program
- Community Connection – Network and collaborate with fellow Oakland educators in a joyful, supportive environment that celebrates our shared commitment to early learning
View the agenda here.
Register at: https://bit.ly/2026OaklandELS
Registration fee: $25*
Breakfast and lunch provided
Raffles & giveaways!
THIS IS AN IN-PERSON EVENT
Registration fee: $25*
Breakfast and lunch provided
Raffles & giveaways!
THIS IS AN IN-PERSON EVENT
Language interpretation for Spanish and Cantonese available.
Professional development credits available.
Due to limited capacity, Oakland providers will be prioritized in registration.
*Limited scholarships for the registration fee are available for those in need. Complete the scholarship form here.
OUSD teachers and staff: Contact Lawrence Gotanco at [email protected] before registering to arrange possible fee coverage. Note: You must contact him first; refunds cannot be issued after registration.
Professional development credits available.
Due to limited capacity, Oakland providers will be prioritized in registration.
*Limited scholarships for the registration fee are available for those in need. Complete the scholarship form here.
OUSD teachers and staff: Contact Lawrence Gotanco at [email protected] before registering to arrange possible fee coverage. Note: You must contact him first; refunds cannot be issued after registration.
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Champion Level Sponsors and Supporters
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Community Level Sponsors and Supporters
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Contributing Financial Partners
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Frequently Asked Questions
Registration Fee
The registration fee includes registration materials, continental breakfast, and lunch on Saturday. This is an in-person event and will not be recorded.
The registration fee includes registration materials, continental breakfast, and lunch on Saturday. This is an in-person event and will not be recorded.
Scholarships
Limited scholarships for the registration fee are available for those in need. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Complete the scholarship form here.
Limited scholarships for the registration fee are available for those in need. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Complete the scholarship form here.
Language Interpretation
Language interpretation for Spanish and Cantonese available. Please indicate which language you need when registering for the symposium.
Language interpretation for Spanish and Cantonese available. Please indicate which language you need when registering for the symposium.
Professional Development Credits
Digital certificates provided via email within 5 business days of the date of the symposium.
Digital certificates provided via email within 5 business days of the date of the symposium.
Refund Policy
We are unable to grant refunds for tickets purchased. In the event of an extenuating circumstance on the day of the event, such as illness, refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests must be submitted in writing and will be reviewed by the team at [email protected].
We are unable to grant refunds for tickets purchased. In the event of an extenuating circumstance on the day of the event, such as illness, refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests must be submitted in writing and will be reviewed by the team at [email protected].
Transfer Policy
Registration may be transferred to another person up to the close of business on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Contact [email protected] to request a transfer by Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 5 pm. Original registrant remains responsible for payment.
Registration may be transferred to another person up to the close of business on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Contact [email protected] to request a transfer by Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 5 pm. Original registrant remains responsible for payment.
Location and Parking
Merritt College is located at 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland, CA 94619. The Newton/Seele Conference Room is located in Building R. Parking is available in Lot C. A copy of the campus map can be found here.
Merritt College is located at 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland, CA 94619. The Newton/Seele Conference Room is located in Building R. Parking is available in Lot C. A copy of the campus map can be found here.
Past Events
Baby Steps: Shifting to Care for Younger Children
November 13, 2024
Agenda | Event Video | Book List
Healing-Centered and Trauma-Responsive Early Learning Environments
May 1, 2024
Agenda | Event Video | Book List
Child Development in the New Now
November 8, 2023
Agenda | Event Video | Book List
Building Community with LGBTQ+ Families
April 26, 2023
Agenda | Event Video | Book List
Partnering with Families of Children with Special Needs
November 9, 2022
Agenda | Event video | Resources | Book List
Celebrating Multilingual Learners in ECE
May 4, 2022
Agenda | Event video
Fostering Social-Emotional Skills through Books
November 17, 2021
Event video | Presentation | Book List
Navigating the New Now: Child Care During Covid-19
Click here for information on this four part online series
November 13, 2024
Agenda | Event Video | Book List
Healing-Centered and Trauma-Responsive Early Learning Environments
May 1, 2024
Agenda | Event Video | Book List
Child Development in the New Now
November 8, 2023
Agenda | Event Video | Book List
Building Community with LGBTQ+ Families
April 26, 2023
Agenda | Event Video | Book List
Partnering with Families of Children with Special Needs
November 9, 2022
Agenda | Event video | Resources | Book List
Celebrating Multilingual Learners in ECE
May 4, 2022
Agenda | Event video
Fostering Social-Emotional Skills through Books
November 17, 2021
Event video | Presentation | Book List
Navigating the New Now: Child Care During Covid-19
Click here for information on this four part online series
Let's Talk Early Learning
2024-2025 Let's Talk Early Learning
English Flyer | Spanish Flyer
Fall 2023 Let's Talk Early Learning
English Flyer | Spanish Flyer
COVID-19 Basics and ECE Safety from UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
March 31, 2021
Event Video | Presentation | Key Takeaways and Resources
English Flyer | Spanish Flyer
Fall 2023 Let's Talk Early Learning
English Flyer | Spanish Flyer
COVID-19 Basics and ECE Safety from UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
March 31, 2021
Event Video | Presentation | Key Takeaways and Resources
Task Force Meetings
The Changing ECE Landscape in Oakland
April 30, 2025
Updates and OUSD Kinder Transition Practices
April 23, 2020
Task Force Meeting
December 18, 2019
Task Force Meeting
April 24, 2019
April 30, 2025
Updates and OUSD Kinder Transition Practices
April 23, 2020
Task Force Meeting
December 18, 2019
Task Force Meeting
April 24, 2019
Other Events
Early Development Instrument Special Event
December 18, 2023
2023 Early Development Instrument (EDI) Data Dashboard
No One is Coming to Save Us Live Podcast (Live at KDOL-TV)
June 15, 2023
Flyer | Podcast
Screening of Clarissa's Battle
March 18, 2023
Flyer | Handout
Centering Young Black Children in Oakland
March 16, 2021
Event Video | Background on Panelists | Q&A and Resources
December 18, 2023
2023 Early Development Instrument (EDI) Data Dashboard
No One is Coming to Save Us Live Podcast (Live at KDOL-TV)
June 15, 2023
Flyer | Podcast
Screening of Clarissa's Battle
March 18, 2023
Flyer | Handout
Centering Young Black Children in Oakland
March 16, 2021
Event Video | Background on Panelists | Q&A and Resources