Event: 2025 Fall Conference: Rooted in Care

E03: Creating Classrooms that Work: Strategies for Success & "You're Not the Boss of Me": The Science of Resistance in Kids

Morning Session: Creating Classrooms that Works: Strategies for Success with Ana Valle Rivera Classroom management can be challenging for many Early Childhood Educators. Sometimes it feels like nothing is working, and burnout is coming for us. In this engaging and practical workshop, Early Childhood Educators explore the many aspects of classroom management and the effective strategies to set up classrooms for success. “Creating Classrooms that Work” focuses on empowering and inspiring educators with tools to support inclusive environments where all children can participate to the best of their abilities. In this session, educators will learn: Establishing clear expectations with children and families Setting children up for success with predictable and smooth routines Meeting children’s needs with adaptations and modifications Afternoon Session: “You’re Not the Boss of Me”: The Science of Resistance in Kids with Dr. Deborah MacNamara From toddler tantrums to teenage defiance, resistance is one of the most challenging behaviors adults face. Yet this instinct to oppose — what developmental science calls counterwill — is a normal, even healthy, part of growing up. In this workshop, Dr. Deborah MacNamara unpacks the roots of resistance, why children are driven to push back, and how adults can respond in ways that preserve connection while guiding growth.

Date: November 7, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Morning Session: Murphy\\'s Community Centre
Afternoon Session: Confederation Centre