TOPICS and SPEAKERS 

Casting A 21st Century Vision for Growing Child Intellect

The year 2020 brings us well into the 21st century. Are you seeing teaching and learning outcomes that reflect a vision for growing children's intellectual development? During this presentation, you will cast your vision for children, classrooms and programs by establishing new perspectives on thinking-focused curriculum experiences for young children (birth through third grade).

Karrie Snider, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of Central MO,  Co-Editor and Author of Growing Child Intellect: The Manifesto for Engaged Learning in the Early Years (2020)

Music in the Life of a Child: Helping Children Learn and Grow

This interactive and engaging session will help educators foster deep learning of important developmental skills by incorporating song, playful family involvement, motor movement, and FUN. While the activities and songs shared are valuable for all young learners, they are particularly powerful for those developing atypically.  Join Anne as she shares her research findings and the benefits of music and play for supporting early learning and kindergarten readiness, and gives easy and practical strategies for embedding both into the daily lives of young children.

Anne Meeker Watson, Ph.D,  founder of the SING.PLAY.LOVE.® program, Author of the  Baby Sing & Sign book series ( new book on this topic in 2020)

Technical Credibility for Early Childhood Leaders  (Admin Focused)

What do classroom teachers really want from their leaders to improve teaching and learning? They want to know that they care about them as professionals and can provide them with meaningful support. This interactive session will explore how technical credibility affects the mentoring relationship and how pedagogical leaders can be more effective in providing instructional support.

Mike Abel, Ph.D.,  Associate Director of Research and Evaluation at the University of Missouri – Kansas City Institute for Human Development, Co-author of Building on Whole Leadership: Energizing and Strengthening your Early Childhood Program (2019) .

The Great Escape: Natural Play Environments (I/T Focused)

Play equipment is expensive! Use everyday tools and nature's gifts to create a natural play environment children can use to expand their imagination, explore nature and its environment, and continue to learn while being outdoors!

Heather Waterfield, HS Home Based Education Coach, The Family Conservancy  

The Role of Play Development in Supporting the Challenging Child  (PreK Focused)

Teaching young children is unpredictable: their moods and behaviors are ever-changing!  Understanding what is going on behind the scenes is imperative for maintaining a safe classroom.  This session will introduce basic brain development and address how adults can set the stage for peaceful and productive learning environments. 

Deb Bowman, Early Childhood Mental Health Manager, The Family Conservancy