2026 Children Come First Conference
Every child deserves someone in their corner who understands. Someone equipped with both compassion and competence. Someone connected to resources and community.
The Children Come First Conference equips you to be that difference-maker.
While CCFC maintains its family-centered roots, we’ve evolved to meet the needs of the diverse professionals who make up 85% of our attendees:
Mental health clinicians exploring evidence-based interventions
Educators building supportive school environments
Healthcare providers developing integrated approaches
Researchers sharing emerging best practices
Families navigating complex systems
Monday, November 16, 2026 – Kilimanjaro Ballroom
Join parent and advocate Kate Swenson as she reflects on her family’s journey through a childhood disability diagnosis into the teenage years, and the emotional toll these experiences can take on a family. Drawing from her personal story while recognizing the shared experiences of many families raising children with disabilities, she will explore the transformation she experienced not only as a parent, but as a person. She will also discuss the support families need from professionals, extended family members, educators, and their communities to navigate each stage of the journey. This presentation will evoke laughter, bring tears, and ultimately remind attendees that joy, resilience, and connection can be found even in life’s most challenging seasons.
Don’t Miss These Additional Opportunities with Kate Swenson (included in all full conference passes)!
November 17: Featured breakout session
