Ninth Annual Early Childhood Chinese Immersion Forum 2026

第八届沉浸式中文幼儿教育研讨会

Date & Location
日期与地点

Saturday, April 25, 2026

  • Chinese American International School 中美国际学校
  • Address 地址:3250 19th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132

Early childhood is an especially critical time for language learning, giving even more urgency for Chinese immersion educators to access one another and the collective wisdom of practitioners in this exciting, developing field. In partnership with a fantastic group of peer schools (see Planning Committee listing below), we are thrilled to announce that the ninth annual Early Childhood Chinese Immersion Forum (ECCIF) is taking place at the Chinese American International School. Each year, ECCIF serves as a fantastic opportunity for educators in Chinese immersion preschool and Kindergarten programs to network and learn from one another. The forum includes a keynote presentation, workshops led by the keynote speaker, breakout sessions led by forum participants and networking opportunities.


Schedule 研讨会内容与时间

* Please note that the 10:00 session of the Workshop covers content for ages 2 to 5 and 12:50 session of the Workshop covers content for ages 6 to 10. Sign up for either the morning or the afternoon offering. 

*There will be NO online participation option this year.

Keynote Presentation and Workshops

  • Lindsay’s Keynote Presentation, as well as both the morning and afternoon workshops, will be conducted in English.
  • Workshop: A hands-on, interactive session where participants actively engage in learning, problem-solving, or skill-building
  • The morning and afternoon workshops will have different content, allowing participants to choose a session that best fits their teaching focus.

Interactive Discussions: Understanding Breakout Sessions and Round Tables

  • Breakout Session: A smaller, focused discussion or activity within a larger conference, primarily led by participants who submit proposals to present their work. These sessions allow for in-depth engagement on specific topics related to Chinese immersion early childhood education. This year, for breakout session submissions, we will prioritize neurodivergence-related topics before opening up to other various topics. We also accept submissions that focus on other topics.
  • Round tables: A collaborative discussion format centered on topics related to Chinese immersion and inclusive early childhood and elementary education. These sessions provide an open, informal space for participants to share insights, exchange experiences, and discuss challenges and strategies in a supportive setting.

Engage, Connect and Network:

  • Lunch & Social Time: Enjoy an interactive lunch experience where participants can connect with educators teaching the same grade level or join groups with shared interests for meaningful discussions.
  • Vendor Presentation: Vendors will showcase their services and products, providing insights into resources that support Chinese immersion education.

Keynote Speaker 主讲人​​

Lindsay Astor Grant 
MA, OTR/L | Occupational Therapy Consultant 
Owner, Learning Redesigned

Lindsay Astor Grant is a licensed pediatric occupational therapist and owner of Learning Redesigned. She earned her M.A. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California and has advanced training in Executive Function, Sensory Integration, Motor Skill Development, and Classroom Design.  

Lindsay has over 25 years of experience in the field. She began her career as an OT for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), including 2 years as a Supervising Therapist for the District’s Occupational and Physical Therapy Department. In 2007, she started Children First Therapy, providing private in-home and school-based occupational therapy services.  

In 2018, Lindsay founded Learning Redesigned, working as an independent consultant for schools. She leads professional development workshops, provides educator coaching, and speaks at parent education seminars on topics including Executive Function, Sensory Integration, Classroom Layout and Design, Movement-Based Learning, and Motor Development. Lindsay has been a guest speaker at USC, UCLA, National Childhood Education Conferences, professional child development courses, and early childhood, elementary, and secondary schools across the country.

Keynote Presentation 主题演讲

Calm Classrooms, Engaged Learners: Designing Environments that Support Regulation, Inclusion, and Readiness to Learn

Where a child learns is just as important as what they are being taught. The brain’s readiness for learning is greatly impacted by the environment, and overstimulation can quickly lead to dysregulation. In children, this often appears as “challenging” behaviors. By shifting our focus from the behavior itself to the environmental triggers behind it, educators can design learning spaces that better support student success. 

Discover how classroom design and layout influence the brain’s readiness for learning. We will review principles of sensory integration and identify common environmental triggers that contribute to dysregulation. You will learn practical strategies to set up learning spaces with intention, promoting engagement, emotional regulation, and impulse control. You will leave with immediate tools to create learning environments that are safe and inviting, while minimizing overstimulation and maximizing student participation.


Registration and Submit a Proposal  注册与提交报告

2026 Registration Fees

  • General Admission: $100
  • College Students: $50
    • Please show student ID  upon checking into the forum

Step 1: Registrations will be accepted through Friday, April 17, 2026

Step 2: Proposals for Breakout Sessions were accepted through Friday, March 13, 2026

Step 3: Contact info@eccif.org with any questions.


Forum Sponsors 研讨会赞助公司


Planning Committee 筹备委员会

(Alphabetically by last name)

Ya-Ching Chang
Chinese Program Academic Dean
Silicon Valley International School, Palo Alto 

Chien-Hsuan Chen
Pre-K Site Director
Shu Ren International School, Berkeley

Hsiaoying Chen
Chinese Program Coordinator
CAIS, San Francisco

Simona Chongo   
Head of Preschool
Presidio Knolls School, San Francisco 

Wei Qian
Director of Lower School
CAIS, San Francisco

Chu Hsi Tseng
Director of the Early Childhood Center
CAIS, San Francisco

Wenting Wang
Director of Academics
Yu Ming Charter School, Oakland

Olivia Shiuan Bei Wu
Chinese Program Manager
CAIS, San Francisco