Concord, NC – On Saturday, June 14, 2025, P.U.R.E. Excellence hosted the 2025 Self-Care Conference for Early Childhood Professionals at The Collective in Concord, North Carolina. At no cost, this event welcomed early childhood educators for a morning focused on connection, restoration, and practical strategies for prioritizing personal wellbeing.
From the light breakfast that greeted participants to the closing moments of encouragement, the event carried one central message.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.”
In Cabarrus County, early childhood educators play a crucial role in nurturing and guiding children during their most formative years. While the work is gratifying, it often comes with high levels of stress, long hours, and the risk of burnout. The Self-Care Conference was designed to provide these professionals with an opportunity to recharge and prioritize their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. The overarching goal for this event was for each participant to leave with renewed energy, practical tools, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Beyond a single day of professional development, the conference offered four focused breakout sessions designed to holistically support educator well-being. "Creating a Healthier You for You" with Juicing With Shananigans provided practical advice on nutrition and its effect on energy and overall health. The "Closet Castaways" pop-up boutique offered a unique experience, allowing educators to choose new-to-them clothing and accessories. This session highlighted how investing in one's self-image and feeling confident can positively influence a person's mindset and daily outlook.
The final two sessions continued this focus on personal rejuvenation. "Carry Confidence, Carry Style" was a hands-on workshop that tapped into the power of creativity and personal expression, guiding attendees as they crafted their own custom clutches. Rounding out the sessions, LMSW, Certified Conscious Discipline Instructor, Bibi Herran's "Mental Health is a Priority, Not a Pity" offered crucial strategies for self-awareness and emotional regulation. This workshop equipped educators with the tools to recognize and manage their emotional triggers, reinforcing the message that prioritizing mental wellness is essential for a sustainable career in education.
In her keynote, Bibi Herran shared practical tools for building emotional resilience and regulating responses in challenging situations. Her expertise in Conscious Discipline provided valuable, real-world strategies that educators could apply to their classrooms and daily routines.
The conference included a special tribute to Cabarrus Teacher on Call participants. A slideshow and recognition ceremony honored these substitute educators for their dedication and the essential role they play in maintaining high-quality early childhood education.
The Self-Care Conference reflects P.U.R.E. Excellence’s ongoing mission to equip, train, and support early childhood professionals in Cabarrus County. By offering events that promote well-being and foster professional growth, the organization helps educators stay balanced, motivated, and prepared to bring their best to the children they serve.
P.U.R.E. Excellence recruits, trains, and equips a job-ready pool of qualified early educators for substitute teaching roles in child care centers across Cabarrus County, NC. Through training, coaching, modeling, and community support, the organization empowers educators to thrive both personally and professionally.
For more information, visit pure-excellence.org or email admin@pureexcellenceedu.org.