Annual CHEER conference to honor local early educators
When childcare is not available, parents cannot go to work. Early childhood educators make it possible for families to participate in the workforce. The Columbus-Lowndes County community will recognize those educators during the fifth annual Celebrating and Highlighting Early Education Respect (CHEER) Conference at Mississippi University for Women on Saturday, April 18, in the Pope Banquet Room.
“Early childhood educators are doing some of the most important work in our community, yet they are often the least recognized,” said Penny Mansell, director of the Center for Education Support in The W’s School of Education. “CHEER is our way of saying thank you while also investing in the professional growth of the educators who support our children and families every day.”
The CHEER conference will welcome approximately 175 educators who work with children from birth to 5-years-old in licensed childcare and early learning centers across Columbus and Lowndes County.
The full-day event provides professional development sessions, meals and door prizes at no cost to attendees.
Sessions throughout the conference will focus on practical classroom strategies, early intervention guidance and tools that help educators strengthen learning environments for young children.
“When parents know their children are safe and learning, they are able to stay in the workforce,” Mansell said. “The work these educators do provides that stability for families. In turn, it allows our community’s employers to maintain a reliable workforce and supports the long-term economic strength of our region.”
The annual conference, which is offered at no cost to attending educators, is once again made possible by Dr. Bonnie Camp and the Wise Start project, along with numerous local businesses and organizations that support early childhood educators. The Wise Start Project was launched in April 2025 with the initiative to strengthen communities by equipping families and educators with the tools, resources and support needed to ensure every child from birth to 5-years-old gets the strong start they deserve.
The event will also include recognition of outstanding early childhood educators serving local childcare and early learning centers in Columbus and Lowndes County.
About the Center for Education Support
The Center for Education Support (CES) in The W’s School of Education connects the university with schools, educators and community partners through professional learning, special programs and regional initiatives. CES supports teacher recruitment, lifelong learning and community partnerships that strengthen education across Mississippi.
About The W
Located in historic Columbus, Mississippi, The W was founded in 1884 as the first state-supported college for women in the United States. Today, the university is home to 2,371 students in more than 70 majors and concentrations and has educated men for 40 years. The university is nationally recognized for low student debt, community and social mobility which empowers students to BE BOLD.