FAMILY LEARNING CONFERENCE!
We are so excited to announce that the 19th Annual LaFetra College of Education Family Learning Conference will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9 am – 2 pm at the University of La Verne!
19th Annual Family Learning Conference – Event Details
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
⏰Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Location: University of La Verne – Sneaky Park, 1950 Third Street, La Verne, CA 91750
Cost: Free
Audience: This free, fun, family event is open to all children and families (designed for PK-8th grade students)! Join us for a day of learning, workshops, meeting book authors! Free books, snacks, lunch and raffle prizes!
We can’t wait to welcome you to the University of La Verne!
RSVP here: https://lfce.info/472L64f
Volunteer here: https://lfce.info/4194SYv
RSVP Today! Click HERE to let us know that you can make it!
What is the Family Learning Conference?
The Family Learning Conference creates a collaborative partnership between the community, schools, and the University to provide families with innovative and inclusive learning experiences at no charge. Through interactive workshops, creative activities, and resource-sharing opportunities, we aim to empower caregivers with practical, sustainable strategies that elevate learning in the home and community.
Our mission is to build lasting partnerships that open doors to higher education and provide clear pathways to success for families and their children. By engaging students, parents, educators, and community partners, the conference celebrates the power of education, creativity, and connection.
A very special thank you to Pomona Unified School District, the Family Learning Conference Steering Committee, and our Community Members who make this event a special day for everyone!
Let us know you and your family can join us! There will be free snacks, lunch and raffle prizes!
We are looking for volunteers to help make the day an amazing & successful event! If you are able to help, please complete the Volunteer Form and let us know what time you are able to assist! Thank you!
BOOK AUTHORS/PRESENTERS – We are so excited to have so many outstanding authors presenting at the Family Learning Conference!
Rose has worked in the field of Child Development for more than 30 years, supporting young children, families, and educators. She has served in roles with Volunteers of America and Head Start, specializing in behavior guidance, conflict resolution, and teacher training. Rose holds a Master’s Degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College and a Director’s Child Development Permit from the state of California. Her debut children’s book, Mommy, Why Is That Man Homeless? (2025), encourages caring conversations about empathy and understanding.
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Caminando Hacia el Éxito: El Viaje de un Autor, Walking Toward Success: An Author’s Journey
Every journey starts with a single step—and a great story. Come and discover René Colato Laínez’s successful journey from the immigrant child lost in a strange new world, to the teacher full of stories, and the published author. He will share images of the books he wrote in the classroom, his process for publication, and his bilingual books. Learn his three rules of success: never give up, study hard, and believe in yourself. This presentation is designed to inspire students to dream big and to show parents how to use bilingual storytelling as a bridge to academic success and cultural pride.
René Colato Laínez is a Salvadoran educator and author of several bilingual/multicultural award-winning children’s books. His books reflect the immigrant experience from a child’s point of view, covering topics such as cultural identity issues, the difficulties of learning a second language, and missing a loved one. Most of his books are based on his own experiences.
He has a master’s degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts in Writing for Children & Young Adults. René was a former elementary teacher at Fernangeles Elementary School, Los Angeles Unified School District. His goal as a writer is to produce good multicultural children’s literature; stories where minority children are portrayed in a positive way, where they can see themselves as heroes, and where they can dream and have hopes for the future.
Book Description:
My Friend, Mi Amigo Series
The “My Friend, Mi Amigo” series by René Colato Lainez is a delightful collection of bilingual picture books designed for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first and second graders. These stories authentically and naturally use conversation to introduce children to both English and Spanish, making learning a fun and engaging experience. The series includes titles like , ““We Play Soccer/ Juguemos al Fútbol”, “Let’s Play in the Park/ Juguemos en el parque” and “Let’s Be Friends/ Seamos Amigos,” which feature two boys, an English speaker and a Spanish speaker, who meet at school and learn about colors through painting together. The series is illustrated by Nomar Perez, known for his vibrant and colorful style, which invites readers to befriend the characters in the books. The series is perfect for bilingual families and offers a simple yet effective way to reinforce language skills through engaging narratives and colorful illustrations.
Greg McGoon is a children’s book author and creative professional whose work lives at the intersection of storytelling, design, and emotional connection. His voice as a storyteller was shaped while teaching at the Claremont School of Theatre Arts and further developed through his role as Founder and Executive Director of Artcentricity, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to creative arts education and child development.
He is the author of The Royal Heart, Once Upon A Fairy Tail, and the Tanglelows series, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. His books explore imagination, compassion, and the emotional experiences of children, inviting young readers to better understand themselves and the world around them.
Book Description:
Once Upon Another Fairy Tale – Join Oliver on his next adventure as he sets out a little older and finds himself swept into his most fantastical journey yet. What begins as an ordinary walk quickly turns magical when a mischievous fairy pulls him into a world where fairy tales don’t go as planned. Along the way, he encounters Rapunzel, the Little Mermaid, Alice, and a lost Hansel and Gretel, each drawing him deeper into a story filled with humor and heart.
Chris Sandoval is a first-generation college graduate whose family immigrated from Ecuador.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Cal Poly Pomona and completed his graduate studies at Azusa Pacific University. Chris has built a career dedicated to supporting students and expanding access to opportunity.
His professional experience includes work at Angel Stadium in Human Resources, and he now serves as an award-winning educator and award-recognized author. He is passionate about supporting students from diverse sociocultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. His impact has earned him Educator of the Year honors, along with recognition on Fox’s Good Day LA and NBC News.
Chris also serves as a professor, teaching graduate students at the University of La Verne and Azusa Pacific University. In addition, he gives back to his alma mater as Director of University Relations for the Latin Alumni Network, part of the Cal Poly Alumni Association.
Book description:
Life with Ava and Luna: Big Wins, Little Moments is a heartfelt story about a young girl navigating change, self-doubt, and new beginnings after moving to a new school. Through the support of her family and her own courage, Ava learns to embrace challenges, step outside her comfort zone, and discover that growth comes from trying, even when it’s hard.
Session Title:
Beyond the Map: Stories of Competition, Adventure, Travel, and Growing Up
Authors and Moderator
Gan Chen (10th Grade), Lexie Hsieh, (11th Grade), Diamond Bar High School
Helena Huang (8th grade), Orchard Hill Middle School; Summer (10th Grade), Whitney High School; Abby Yan (9th Grade), Diamond Bar High School
Session Description:
Join a panel discussion of a group of young authors as they share their journey of collaboratively publishing a book based on their travel experiences. Learn how they developed their ideas, crafted storylines, and refined their writing for publication. The panel will also discuss their creative process, challenges, and future aspirations.
This book began with a simple question: what happens when young people step beyond their everyday lives and see the world differently? These five stories offer answers. Each journey is unique—from monuments in the nation’s capital to volcanic islands, from a distant softball competition to a high-stakes math contest, and a Girl Scout camping trip. Though varied, they share common threads: uncertainty, courage, discovery, and personal growth. Together, they reveal travel shapes perspective and identity.
I cast the dream to be a writer in 3rd grade when I read Charlotte’s Web. I told my teacher Mrs. William’s that I wanted to be like E.B. White when I grow up. She told me, ” To be a writer, you have to be a reader.” Sixteen years later, I caught up with my dream, publishing my first book The Ghost-Eye-Tree. Since then, I have written more than 30 books for children, including the modern classic, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
Book orders can be made by e mail to jachickaboom@hotmail Titles available : Chicka Chicka boom boom (pb) $10 plus $4 shipping Chicka Chicka Boom B oom (hc)$20 plus $4 shipping; Up and Down on the Merry Go Round $10 (pb); Barn Dance $10 (pb) and Boom Chicka Rock $20 (hc).
Workshop Title & Age Range:
Donde las mentes jóvenes se convierten en autores
PreK-2nd
Esta presentación destaca un proyecto creativo en el aula donde los estudiantes de primer grado se convierten en autores publicados al escribir e ilustrar sus propias historias. A través de este proceso, los estudiantes desarrollan habilidades tempranas de lectura y escritura, creatividad y confianza, mientras experimentan lo que significa dar vida a sus ideas. El proyecto fomenta la imaginación, la narración y el orgullo por su trabajo, creando una experiencia de aprendizaje significativa y atractiva.
Animales en el mundo – Por la clase de Maestra Gudino
Animales Fantásticos – Por la clase de Maestra Soto
Las familias tendrán la oportunidad de reunirse para pensar y hacer una lluvia de ideas para escribir y crear su propio libro publicado. O, también podrán compartir ideas para una página que podría ser parte de un libro
COMMUNITY PARTNERS – Check out our amazing community partners who will be attending the Family Learning Conference!
Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s mission is to preserve, educate, and innovate at the intersection of Puppetry and the Allied Arts.
HOME | CAST-LA.org
Chinese Association for Science and Technology California Chapter at Los Angeles (CAST-LA)
CAST-LA is a 501(c)3 non-political, non-profit organization. It was founded in 2002, is a chapter of Chinese Association for Science and Technology USA (CAST-USA) which was established in 1992 with 16 local chapters and over 10000 members from diverse fields. CAST-LA membership is made up of professionals from different industries such as high tech, biomedical, information technology, communication network, healthcare and financial management. One of our missions is to support youth by enhancing their scientific literacy through hands-on projects and providing them leadership opportunities through community services.
Galan Cultural Center promotes holistic well-being by integrating the arts, culture, and mental health programs to support a healthier lifestyle. Our bilingual programs create spaces for expression, healing, learning, and celebrating our community’s voices and identity.
Inland Valley Repertory Theatre Company (IVRT), founded by Frank and Donna Marie Minano in 1990, was driven by a mission to offer exceptional local theatrical productions and foster the talents of aspiring artists of all ages. The late Martin Benson, co-founder of South Coast Repertory Theatre in Costa Mesa, was instrumental in supporting the Minanos with IVRT’s infrastructure.
During its initial ten year run, and now since its successful re-launch in 2007, IVRT has remained true to its vision by consistently producing critically acclaimed and award-winning theatrical works, which have garnered widespread honors such as the Rancho Cucamonga Community Foundation’s Primavera Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Arts as well as Best Performing Arts Company by Inland Empire Magazine.
As a non-profit, regional theatre company, IVRT has performed throughout the Inland Valley in various venues. In 2007, IVRT announced an alliance with the Candlelight Pavilion and the “Wednesdays Just Got Dramatic” concept was born. IVRT continued its partnership with the Pavilion until its closure in 2022. Strengthened by its longstanding relationships in the community, IVRT currently performs at the University of La Verne and the Lewis Family Playhouse.
In addition to IVRT’s programming of plays and musicals, its educational outreach programs include Broadway Musical Theatre Camp IVRT and Readers Theatre for youth, workforce development programs for high school and college students, outreach to senior residences, and a holiday Dickens Carolers performing groups.
Download event Flyers here to share!
Dr. Esmeralda Rodriguez
erodriguez4@laverne.edu
Co-Chair, Family Learning Conference
Assistant Professor, Educational Counseling
Ms. Amy Jiang
ajiang@laverne.edu
Co-Chair Family Learning Conference
Professor, Interim Co-Dean, Library and Learning Commons
