Hi! I’m Cara & Here’s What I Believe…

Too much of early childhood is still adult-led instead of child-led. We tell children what to do, how to do it, and even what they should be learning, when we should be inviting them to show us what they know, tell us how they feel, and discover what they are capable of.

Studying linguists, American Sign Language, and early childhood development unlocked a core belief: children thrive with adults who are willing to listen, invite, and learn alongside them.

 Signature Keynote:

The Language of Play - Whole Child Development through Responsive Conversations

Play based conversations are powerful opportunities for whole-child development. In The Language of Play, Cara invites educators to rethink the role of language in child-led play and discover how responsive conversations  nurture connection, confidence, communication, creativity, and lifelong learning.   

Drawing from more than 25 years of working with young children and educators, Cara introduces four 'conversation conditions' children need to experience to become lifelong learners paired with four simple sentences adults can use to create those conditions.

Through storytelling, humor, music, movement, and plenty of audience participation, Cara brings the room to life while challenging educators to think differently about the words they use in the moments that matter most.

This is more than a keynote about how to talk to children. It’s an invitation to see the extraordinary potential of everyday interactions and rediscover the joy, purpose, and possibility in the work of teaching young children.

 Additional Keynotes:

• Let's Talk Toddler! What to Say to Turn a "No Way!" into an "Okay!" 

Ever looked at a little one in full meltdown mode and thought, What on earth are they thinking? Infants and toddlers communicate long before they have the words to tell us what they need. In this engaging, interactive keynote, Cara flips the script on how we talk to and with young children, helping audiences see the world through a toddler’s eyes and hear what infants are saying through their cries, cues, and behavior. Get ready to make silly faces, play with funny voices,  and body language, as you explore The Talking Triangle, Cara’s relationship-based communication framework to turn a toddler's “NO WAY!” into connection, cooperation, and a crinkle-eyed “okay.”

• 🎶Sing it!  🤟Sign it!  🗣️Say it!  - Whole Language Communication Strategies for Multi-Lingual Classrooms

Pre-verbal kids are multimodal. Some infants need to hear it. Some toddlers need to see it. Some need to move with it. The most effective communicators know that when a message isn't landing, the answer isn't to say it louder. It is to say it differently. Learn how to choose songs, ASL signs, gestures, facial expressions, and intentional language so bi-lingual children feel seen, heard, and understood, inclusive of their native language and the primary language of the classroom.    

• Stop Praising. Start Prompting.  Cultivating Confidence Through Creative Expression  

Moving beyond traditional discussions of process-based praise, the audience discovers the power of pronoun-based communication and how the words we choose shape children's self-awareness, self-worth, and intrinsic motivation. Through research, storytelling, and video examples, you will learn how to replace approval-seeking actions with reflective prompts that help children recognize their own accomplishments, develop authentic pride, and build confidence from the inside out.

• The 5 C's of Collaborative Discipline: Transforming Power Struggles into Problem-Solving Partnerships

Setting a boundary is the easy part. Holding it is hard. Suddenly, you’re negotiating, repeating yourself, and in a power struggle over limit you just set. Cara’s Collaborative Discipline framework empowers educators with a relationship-centered framework for moving from control and conflict toward connection, cooperation, and shared problem-solving. Through real-life video examples, practical strategies, and plenty of “aha!” moments, educators discover a whole new way to partner with young children as they navigate the everyday challenges of early childhood.

“Cara, you are simply amazing!! I will always follow, enlist, and share your wealth of information.

You have THE BEST way of phrasing & communicating ~ there is no need to reinvent the wheel, I just share your name, address, and links with my families! 

I know that you are bridging the gaps in their parenting journey and I am merely a transmitter...I am grateful for you and all that you teach. Thank you!! “

- Jill Yarasheski, Parent Educator with Parents As Teachers 

Professional Development & Breakout Sessions

🗣️ How to Talk to Infants and Toddlers While They Play - Intentional Language that Fosters Connection, Confidence, and Creativity

🗣️ How to Talk to Kids Before they Can Talk Back: Words That Prevent Power Struggles 

🗣️ How to Talk to Infants and Toddlers After You React: Words That Repair Relationships

📕 How to Read with Infants and Toddlers:  Using Curiosity-Based Questions, Reflective Comments, and Guided Conversation Beyond the Page

🫶 Collaborative Classroom Management : Intentional Language that Builds Bonds and Boundaries

🎵 Transition Songs for Toddlers: Using Music, Rhythm, and Melody to Build Cooperation and Confidence

🤟 Sign to Speak : 10 ASL Phrases to Support Speech Development, Emotional Regulation, and Reduce Communication Frustration 

Now booking in person and virtual events 

• Conference keynotes and breakout groups

• Interactive full and half-day professional development

• Early Childhood Preservice & Inservice

• Perspective Shifting Parent Engagement Programs

For Speaking, Media, and Teacher Training Inquiries fill out the form below and our team will be in touch.

To save a date on Cara's calendar or request a pricing sheet, please email [email protected].

 For information on book talks and bulk pricing for programs please email the publisher at [email protected]. 

 Read more in Cara's new book Talk to Them Early and Often.

Coming Soon!

My TEDxED talk explores the big idea that Grown Ups Don't Know Everything!

Recent & Upcoming Bookings

Spring 2026

• Online Webinar -  Miss Poppins 

• Thriving Through Motherhood Summit Online & Live Q&A Panel

• Parent Education Program (Session 1 of 2) Hindsdale, Massachusetts
• Health, Wealth, Wisdom Online Summit

• Parent Education Program & In Person Preschool Professional Development  - Marblehead, Massachusetts

• Tools of the Mind Annual Conference Plenary Speaker
• OHIO AEYC Annual Conference
• Parent Education Program (Session 2 of 2) Free book for all in attendance thanks to a generous ECE grant - Hindsdale, Massachusetts
• Author Talk & Book Signings - (tour towns)
• Statewide PD - Infant/Toddler Network of Vermont
• Young Child Learning: Interactive Online Workshop

On The Horizon - 

• Taking the stage at TedX Normal Station ED  (July)
• Early Childhood Investigations - Online Webinar (Aug)
• Infant/Toddler PD - YMCA Kids, Meriden, CT. (Aug)
• Featured Speaker - Infant/Toddler Day: CTAEYC's Featured Speaker Inspire, Engage, Connect Conference (Sept)
• VTAEYC - Connected Minds, Connected Hearts Conference (Oct)
• Full Day Keynote + Sessions - ECE6 Nebraska (March 19-20, 2027)
• Keynote Speaker - SMART Family Literacy, Galveston TX (April 2027)