2026 Migrant Education Program State Conference: August 12 (EL Pre-Conference); August 13–14 (Main Conference)
2026 Migrant Education Program State Conference: August 12 (EL Pre-Conference); August 13–14 (Main Conference)
Education Without Borders: Reaching Every Learner
Presenters
- Sonia Aguilar
- Olga Alvarado
- Kathryn Anderson
- Elsa Aranda
- Veronica Avila
- Mike Batali
- Monika Bustamante
- Sandra Capi
- Cindy Cholico
- Angelica Cisneros
- Mayra Cortes
- Valerea Cruz
- Connie De La Cruz
- Kenia Diaz
- Gaby Fernandez
- Claudia Figueroa Dominguez
- Mariana Gamino
- Miladys Garcia
- Heather Garcia-Mendoza
- Oscar Godinez
- Josh Guajardo
- Theresa Hernandez
- Angelica Hernandez
- Lucas Jaeger
- Geoff La Brant
- Sharon Loudon
- Maria Lucero
- Fabiola Macedonio
- Viviana Magallon
- Faviola Martinez Bautista
- Maggie Mendoza
- Lupe Mota
- Nancy Navarro-Ortiz
- MIGUEL PUENTE
- Aida Rodriguez
- Travis Ruhter
- Ricardo Ruiz
- Maira Ruiz
- Cecilia Segura
- Chelsea Stone
- Laura Valencia
- Maria Valencia
- Valeria Villa
- Steven Yager
- Sandie Zugner
Description
The Washington State Migrant Education Program (MEP) Conference is a statewide professional development and networking event designed to support educators, administrators, and partners who serve migratory students and families. The conference brings together state, regional ESD, and local school district staff—including Federal Program Directors, Recruiters, Records Clerks, Migrant Graduation Specialists/Advocates, early learning providers, and other education professionals—from across Washington State.
Under the theme “Education Without Borders: Reaching Every Learner,” participants will engage in sessions aligned with current program priorities and federal and state guidance. Topics include instructional strategies, student advocacy, graduation support, identification and recruitment, data reporting, culturally responsive practices, and family engagement.
The conference also features a dedicated Early Learning Preconference strand that elevates school readiness as a critical component of long-term academic success. This strand supports staff serving young migratory learners (ages birth–5) and focuses on strengthening foundational skills in language, literacy, early mathematics, social-emotional development, and approaches to learning. Sessions highlight developmentally appropriate practices, alignment to Washington’s early learning standards and kindergarten readiness expectations, strategies for engaging families as partners in early education, and effective transitions from preschool into kindergarten.
The Early Learning strand also emphasizes collaboration between recruiters, district early learning teams, community-based providers, and family engagement staff to ensure timely identification and coordinated service delivery. Through interactive sessions, participants will examine promising practices in home-based services, summer readiness programming, bilingual family outreach, and culturally responsive early childhood instruction tailored to migratory communities.
Attendees will have opportunities to connect, collaborate across regions, and share best practices. The event also includes an awards recognition ceremony honoring outstanding MEP staff and students for their service, achievements, and impact.
Event Notes
The Migrant Education Program State Conference will use the Whova event app, allowing participants to connect before, during, and after the conference. The app also provides access to the program, breakout sessions, and keynote speaker bios.
Registration Instructions:
- Event mobile App
- Computer or tablet access
- Access before, during and after the conference
- Personalize own schedule
- Floor map of facilities
- Agenda
- Sessions
- Exhibits
- Announcements
- Interactive networking and one on one messaging
- Community board
WHOVA INVITATION CODE: WASTMEP2026
Location
Dates
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2026 Migrant Education Program State Conference
August 12-14 20268:00 AM - 4:00 PMThe Washington State Migrant Education Program (MEP) Conference is a statewide professional development and networking event designed to support educators, administrators, and partners who serve migratory students and families. The conference brings together state, regional ESD, and local school district staff—including Federal Program Directors, Recruiters, Records Clerks, Migrant Graduation Specialists/Advocates, early learning providers, and other education professionals—from across Washington State.
Under the theme “Education Without Borders: Reaching Every Learner,” participants will engage in sessions aligned with current program priorities and federal and state guidance. Topics include instructional strategies, student advocacy, graduation support, identification and recruitment, data reporting, culturally responsive practices, and family engagement.
The conference also features a dedicated Early Learning Preconference strand that elevates school readiness as a critical component of long-term academic success. This strand supports staff serving young migratory learners (ages birth–5) and focuses on strengthening foundational skills in language, literacy, early mathematics, social-emotional development, and approaches to learning. Sessions highlight developmentally appropriate practices, alignment to Washington’s early learning standards and kindergarten readiness expectations, strategies for engaging families as partners in early education, and effective transitions from preschool into kindergarten.
The Early Learning strand also emphasizes collaboration between recruiters, district early learning teams, community-based providers, and family engagement staff to ensure timely identification and coordinated service delivery. Through interactive sessions, participants will examine promising practices in home-based services, summer readiness programming, bilingual family outreach, and culturally responsive early childhood instruction tailored to migratory communities.
Attendees will have opportunities to connect, collaborate across regions, and share best practices. The event also includes an awards recognition ceremony honoring outstanding MEP staff and students for their service, achievements, and impact.
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Early Learning Pre-Conference
Wed, August 12 20269:00 AM - 3:30 PMCheck-In: 8:30 AMYakima Convention and Event CenterThe Early Learning Preconference elevates school readiness as a critical component of long-term academic success. This strand supports staff serving young migratory learners (ages birth–5) and focuses on strengthening foundational skills in language, literacy, early mathematics, social-emotional development, and approaches to learning. Sessions highlight developmentally appropriate practices, alignment to Washington’s early learning standards and kindergarten readiness expectations, strategies for engaging families as partners in early education, and effective transitions from preschool into kindergarten.
The Early Learning strands also emphasize collaboration between recruiters, district early learning teams, community-based providers, and family engagement staff to ensure timely identification and coordinated service delivery. Through interactive sessions, participants will examine promising practices in home-based services, summer readiness programming, bilingual family outreach, and culturally responsive early childhood instruction tailored to migratory communities.
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MEP Conference: Day 1
Thu, August 13 20268:00 AM - 4:00 PMCheck-In: 7:30 AMYakima Convention and Event CenterDay 1
Day 1 of the Washington State Migrant Education Program (MEP) Conference is a statewide professional development and networking event designed to support educators, administrators, and partners who serve migratory students and families. The conference brings together state, regional ESD, and local school district staff—including Federal Program Directors, Recruiters, Records Clerks, Migrant Graduation Specialists/Advocates, early learning providers, and other education professionals—from across Washington State.
Under the theme “Education Without Borders: Reaching Every Learner,” participants will engage in sessions aligned with current program priorities and federal and state guidance. Topics include instructional strategies, student advocacy, graduation support, identification and recruitment, data reporting, culturally responsive practices, and family engagement.
Day 1 features a continental breakfast during the opening ceremony and morning Keynote Speaker. Three breakout sessions throughout the day will engage participants in topics relevant to migratory students and the Title I Part C Migrant Education Program. A catered awards luncheon will highlight staff and students dedicated to supporting and leading the MEP. The day will close with a General Session featuring a keynote speaker and closing ceremony.
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MEP State Conference: Day 2
Fri, August 14 20268:00 AM - 12:00 PMCheck-In: 7:30 AMYakima Convention and Event CenterDay 2
Day 2 of our conference begins with a continental breakfast, networking, and a morning opportunity to visit the exhibits. At 8:30 am, the first breakout session begins. The final breakout session of the conference follows from 9:45 - 10:45 am. The conference will end back in the main hall with a general session keynote speaker and a closing ceremony of the 2026 MEP State Conference.
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Registration
Event # 203693
- Price
- Free
- Registered
- 21 / 300
- Registration Ends
- Tuesday Aug 4, 2026 5:00 PM
EL Preconference Attendees: For STARS points, please bring your MERIT/STARS ID.
Professional Hours
Clock Hour Number: X0030| 8.00 | Clock Hours |