Houston Area Association for the Education of Young Children 2012 Spring Conference and Leadership Forum Welcome to HAAEYCвЂ™s 2012 Spring Conference & Leadership HAAEYC is excited to be at Cypress Creek Christian Community Center this season ! We are excited to be in participants. Spring-TX to host two days of training and networking for you, our Our theme this spring вЂњGrowing into our ShoesвЂќ is focused on ways that we can cultivate early childhood professionals in our industry. We have distinguished trainers and presenters who have joined us with their talents to provide the best in trainings for this weekend. We look forward to opportunities to grow with our colleagues, attend dynamic sessions with outstanding presenters and find ways to improve and strengthen our relationship with others. Our special thanks to Collaborative for Children for coordinating 61 scholarships to allow participants to attend this conference and to the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TAEYC) for the funds received from the TAG Grant to scholarship 11 Licensed Registered Home Providers. As always, we appreciate your participation and welcome your comments in helping us serve our membership and guests in the most meaningful manner. Enjoy your trainings and continue to grow with HAAEYC. Janine Groth, Dr. Amelia Hewitt, Carolyn Green Conference Chairs HAAEYC Officers & Directors President: Mary Jane Gomez Immediate Past President: Teri Jackson Secretary: Dr. Deborah Irabor Treasurer: Brenda Duke Vice-President, Membership Services: Adriana Gutierrez Vice-President, Organizational Support: Deborah Harris Vice-President, Outreach: Ayesha Simpson Vice-President, Program: Janine Groth Board Members at Large: Barbie Brashear Glynis Lansdell Dr. Amelia Hewitt Maria Garcia Carolyn Green Program Director: Kimberly Gonzalez Karen Gatten Dr. Carolyn Wade PresidentвЂ™s Welcome Welcome to HAAEYCвЂ™s вЂњGrowing Into Our ShoesвЂќ Spring Conference. The HAAEYC Board has worked very diligently to provide you a very informative and insightful conference. It is our goal to continually provide you professional development opportunities that enhance your knowledge and skills to remain current in best practices. As self-directed learners we fully understand that quality educators strive to gain new insights, improve their skills and broaden their perspectives so that they continue to grow professionally. You will find that the conference presenters will feature the latest developments in the field of early childhood education and educational practices. They will focus on sharpening classroom skills and contribute new knowledge that will support student learning. The presenters will provide sessions that are designed around research based documented practices so that you can continue to become the best-equipped and effective teacher you can be. We invite you to visit the exhibitors to learn more about some of the most up to date products that provide educational support. We want to recognize and thank our community partners, exhibitors and vendors that contribute to the success of the conference. Please join us in thanking them for supporting the conference. We would especially like to recognize and thank KAPLAN Early Learning Company for being our Platinum Conference Sponsor. Again, welcome to HAAEYCвЂ™s Spring Conference вЂњGrowing Into Our ShoesвЂќ. Enjoy the conference, the opportunity to exchange educational ideas and network with early childhood educators. Respectfully, Mary Jane Gomez HAAEYC President 2012 Fall Conference Join us as we return to Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church this Fall. We will be hosting our Leadership Forum, General Conference and TOT. Join us in welcoming Jason Kotecki as our Keynote Speaker. Learn more about JasonвЂ™s work at www.kimandjason.com/blog/ вЂњFine Tuning Our HappinessвЂќ вЂњFine Tuning Your HappinessвЂќ Advertisement Heading September 14вЂ”15, 2012 Visit us at www.haaeyc.org For conference details. Information You Need to Know пѓЄ Lunch is not included in the Registration Fee - Papa JohnвЂ™s Pizza and Chick-fil-A will have lunch for you to purchase. (Chick-fil-A will have a debit / credit card option.) To ease congestion at lunch time, we have identified your lunch time according to the color of your wristband. Lunch A (Blue wristband -11:30 a.m.) Lunch B (Green wristband - 12:30 p.m.) пѓЄ There are no refunds issued for nonattendance. If you register for the conference but are unable to attend, you may substitute by giving your wristband to another early childhood educator to allow him, or her, to attend. *Cancelations will be accepted up to seven (7) business days before the event with a refund minus $15 processing fee per registrant. пѓЄ You must wear your wristband to participate in the conference sessions. You must have your wristband to gain entry into the conference. Wristbands will be at the Registration Tables in alphabet order by last name of the registered participant. *Substitutes will need to check in with the original attendees name. пѓЄ You may participate in our Exhibitor Scavenger Hunt to receive an additional clock hour of training for a maximum total of 8 clock hours. пѓЄ Many of our exhibitors have generously donated door prizes. Please register for these prizes at the exhibitor booths. Names of winners will be posted in the exhibitor area by the HAAEYC both. Winners must collect door prizes the day of the conference by 4:15 p.m. пѓЄ Please understand that speakers may cancel their presentations. In the event of a cancellation, HAAEYC makes every effort to schedule substitutes. Announcement Posters will be posted throughout the venue the day of the conference to help you select workshop options and plan your day. пѓЄ Certificates will be in your program brochure the day of the conference. It is your responsibility to receive a sticker for each session you attend. In the event you loose your certificate, please stop by the HAAEYC Booth for assistance. пѓЄPlease consider joining us as a member. You may include your membership fees along with your conference registration and mail both to HAAEYC . If you join online, you will be directed to the NAEYC website www.naeyc.org. *Please do not fax registrations - Payment must be received with your registration to confirm your registrations. We appreciate your attendance and want you to have a successful, productive and FUN day! пѓЄ Information given at the workshop sessions does not necessarily reflect the philosophy of the Houston Area AEYC. Please be aware that the information expressed in each workshop session is that of the presenter. The Houston Area AEYC does not endorse any product or speaker. Lunch Information пѓЄ Lunch is being provided today by Chick-fil-A and Papa JohnвЂ™s Pizza. You may place an order and purchase your lunch ticket at registration. Below is the menu options and pricing for each vendor. **Participants may opt to bring a lunch. п‚· Chick-fil-AВ® Sandwich w/Lays Potato ChipsвЂ¦.....................$5.00 п‚· Chick-fil-AВ® Chargrilled Garden SaladвЂ¦вЂ¦вЂ¦..................вЂ¦вЂ¦..$6.00 п‚· Garden Salad (no chicken).....$5.00 п‚· Bottled Water or canned Coke drinksвЂ¦вЂ¦вЂ¦..вЂ¦....................$1.00 *all prices include tax Pizza Slice and Drink.............$4.00 *Choice of 1 Topping п‚· п‚· Sausage п‚· Cheese Pepperoni Cash Payment Only Debit / Credit / Cash Payment Option CLOCK H OU R TRAINING CERTIFI CATES Each participant will receive a certificate for the conference. Please collect your sticker after the end of each session. You may obtain an additional hour of training by participating in our Exhibitor Scavenger Hunt. Please look for Scavenger Hunt information in the program given out on Saturday! CON TINU IN G E DUCA T ION UN ITS вЂ”( CE Us) Continuing Education Units (CEUвЂ™s) are being offered through Texas Southern University, College of Continuing Education. A certificate for 0.6 for the Leadership Forum, and/or 0.8 CEU at the Conference will cost $25.00. CEUs will only be sold at the conclusion of each day. Visit the HAAEYC booth or Registration Area after the last session of the day to purchase your certificate. The CEU certificate will be mailed to you. (If attending both Leadership & ConferenceвЂ”bring both certificates at end of SaturdayвЂ™s training.) GENERAL CONFERENCE DAY SCHEDULE Session 1 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Session 2вЂ”Keynote 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Session 3 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Session 4 12:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Session 5 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. EXHIBIT HALL HOURS: 7:30 A.M . вЂ“ 4:00 P.M . Leadership Forum вЂњGrowing a Winning TeamвЂќ We are proud to feature Pam Schiller, Ph.D. for our Leadership Forum this spring. Pam is a freelance early childhood author and consultant. She is PastPresident of the Southern Early Childhood Association-SECA and Texas Association for the Education of Young Children-TAEYC. She served as Head of the Early Childhood Department at the University of Houston, where she also directed the Lab School. Pam is a highly sought after speaker and has given numerous presentations for organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Southern Early Childhood Association for Childhood Education International and the International Reading Association. She has written numerous articles for early childhood journals, including Child Care Information Exchange and Texas Child Care Quarterly. Pam Schiller, Ph.D., is the author of five early childhood curriculums, eleven childrenвЂ™s books and more than thirty teacher and parent resource books. вЂњGrowing a Winning TeamвЂќ This presentation is specifically designed for administrators, directors, trainers and others in leadership positions. A successful leader in the early childhood arena is in many ways like a winning coach. Both encourage people to work together. Both inspire people to do their best. Both are booster of morale. A leader who carefully selects a team and practices effective coaching skills will create a high quality environment for both children and staff. This session provides ten strategies for helping your team blossom to their full potentialвЂ”play their best game. A lunch break will be given with a catered meal from RudyвЂ™s sponsored by Lakeshore Learning Materials . Attendance to this Leadership Presentation requires registration with a name badge. On-site registration is available for this event. A certificate for 6 hours of training will be given to participants. CEUвЂ™s can be purchased for $25.00 at the end of the each day, those attending both Friday and Saturday can save on cost by bringing both certificates for verification at the end of the conference on Saturday. Kaplan Sponsored Keynote & Featured Breakouts Keith L. Pentz has been in the field of education for more than 25 years. Co-author of the nationally recognized literacy and resiliency-based conflict resolution and violence prevention curriculum, Peace by Piece, Keith has trained more than 1,000 teachers, administrators and parents to use the curriculum. Keith speaks to groups at the local, regional, national and international levels, and his areas of expertise include brain-compatible teaching and learning strategies, early literacy, learning environments, conflict resolution, positive discipline models and early childhood curriculum and instruction. Keynote Presentation Title вЂ“ вЂњMindfully We CanвЂќ (Centrum) Mindfulness plays a significant role in our successes in life. We can attain goals, be personally more aware, apply mindful techniques to everyday endeavors and even transform the workplace. By being mindful we learn strategies that make us more alert in our daily routines at work and also at home. Breakout Session 4 вЂ“ вЂњGoing Beyond Behavior Management: Prevention vs. InterventionвЂќ (Forum) Classroom management is often identified as the number one issue facing teachers. Due to a variety of factors, children may or may not respond to expectations in a learning environment. If teachers understand that preventive strategies related to behaviors can be put in place to negate the need for interventions, the cause for вЂњcontrolвЂќ is no longer necessary. In order for preventive strategies to be effective, simple, and yet profound, guidelines must be taken into consideration: child development, brain/cognitive development, lighting, color, sensory stimuli, task assignment, choices/options, prior knowledge base, language proficiency and vocabulary, number of items to comprehend, instructional design and positive/negative influences. By establishing a learning environment that does not promote but prevents inappropriate behaviors from occurring, academic, social and emotional standards, outcomes and goals can be more readily achieved. Breakout Session 5 вЂ“ вЂњImmersing Children in Science and MathвЂ”ItвЂ™s a Daily Thing!вЂќ (Forum) Opportunities for science and math activities and lessons are numerous and quite readily available to perform throughout a day. The integration of science and math as basic curricular components exists in literature, art, centers/interest areas, outdoor experiences, mealtime, transitions, normal rituals and routines, conversations and other everyday experiences. Because math and science вЂњlooks differentвЂќ in a preschool setting versus time in later years, teachers, caregivers and parents can expect to apply and direct activities in a fun yet informative manner. Concepts such as patterns, similarities and differences, cause and effect, grouping, counting, serration, representations, hypotheses, inquiry and analysis tend to combine both science and math ideas. This session will provide opportunity to engage in a variety of activities and experiences to demonstrate math and science concepts. In addition, participants will learn how to incorporate those concepts into any curriculum while at the same time using materials that tend to be already available in most classrooms. 2012 SUMMER WORKSHOPS Motor Skills Development InfantsвЂ™ & ToddlersвЂ™ Activities August 3, 2012 3 p.m. вЂ“7 p.m. Basic Preschool Motor Skills August 4, 2012 9 a.m. вЂ“ 2 p.m. Advanced Motor Skills Connecting Math and Literature to motor skills with seasonal adventures August 4, 2012 2 p.m. вЂ“ 5 pm. For enrollment and cost www.houstonkidbuilders.com Contact: Marilyn Bitsis at (713) 306-9875 CEU Hours for teachers. Parents welcome Conference Exhibitors Platinum Sponsor Kaplan Early Learning Company Gilbert Marquez [email protected] Bronze Sponsor Bronze Sponsor Lakeshore Learning Materials US Toys / Constructive Playthings Richard Gomez [email protected] Cecil Jackson [email protected] Abrams Learning Trends Janet Wells [email protected] Council for Environmental Education Reese-Anna Baker [email protected] Academic PartnershipsвЂ” Houston Community College Dr. Vanese Delahousaye [email protected] Stephen F. Austin State University Discount School Supply Kids Kount Educational LaFaith Washington Regina Eardley Services L.L.S. [email protected] Tracy P. Brownlee [email protected] [email protected] AppleABC Gifts Teacher Gifts & School Supplies Discovery Toys [email protected] [email protected] Arbonne Rose Brunette Nature Playscapes Halcyon Reese-Learned [email protected] Ann McKitrick EnFocus School PortraitsвЂ” E.S.P. STRIDES Educational Services [email protected] Cathy McIver Susan Paul [email protected] [email protected] Building Blocks: Stern for Language and Learning Fun Adventure Wildlife Books Teaching Strategies, Inc. Tess Adone Tim Ostermeyer Helen Grove [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Handwriting Without Tears, Inc. ChildCare Careers, LLC Ali Bentolila Pauline Ferguson [email protected] [email protected] Houston Area AEYC Collaborative for Children Kimberly Gonzalez Tracy Jones [email protected] [email protected] T.E.A.C.H. Early ChildhoodВ® Jackie Taylor [email protected] Conference T-Shirts $18 At the haaeyc booth The mission of the Houston Area Association for the Education of Young Children is to promote and support high quality care and education for young children through improved professional practice and broadened public awareness. Church & Community Center Grounds Annex & Gym Map 1st Floor Annex & Gym Map 2nd Floor Youth Center 2nd Floor Youth Center 3rd Floor Session 1 8:00 a.m.вЂ”9:45 a.m. Shapes, Symbols, and Scissor Skills... Motoring to Literacy: Connect the Fourteen Basic Sequenced for Success! KidBuilders' Motor Skills Marianne Gibbs,EdD, OTR/L Marlyn Bitsis Room: Forum Room: 10 (Annex) This session highlights shape and symbol writing as a prerequisite for handwriting and scissor skill development of the young child. Dr. Marianne Gibbs provides educators and administrators with simple, but meaningful, tools to objectively document studentsвЂ™ prewriting skills and competence in scissor skills. Very helpful session for parent conferences! This session will connect the fourteen basic KidBuilders' motor skills to higher academic learning. Preschool and kindergarten teachers will learn how to improve their students' academics through motor development activities and learning enhancements. Orientation to the Texas Trainer Registry PLAY: The New Four and the TECPDS Letter Word Katie Chennesi Joy Marie Moss Room: 12 (Annex) Room: 11 (Annex) Do you currently provide training? Are interested in providing training to those in the field of early childhood? If so, the Texas Trainer Registry might be an option for you. Come learn about the Texas Trainer Registry and the Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System (TECPDS) as a whole. During this training we will review the steps for applying to become a registered trainer, the benefits of being a registered trainer and discuss other offerings of the TECPDS. Research consistently demonstrates that children learn more efficiently through play. In the current educational climate PLAY has been placed on the back burner and instructional time has been thought to be more important. In this session current research will be presented that identifies the importance of play as an educative tool. Moving Beyond Themes: Facilitating Studies Getting the Respect in the Preschool Classroom You Deserve! Sally Robinson Joyce Robin Room: 14 (Annex) Room: 13 (Annex) Studies are in-depth investigations which help children develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed for success in kindergarten and life. Resources that help guide teachers along the journey to implementing studies will be examined and discussed during this session. Participants will witness a journey through several actual studies done in a classroom. By examining documentation and photos participants will learn how to move from themes to studies in their own classroom. In this session you will learn techniques that will boost the respect you deserve! By presenting yourself as a professional you will be respected as a professional. Watch your parentsвЂ™ heads turn, see your coworkers stop to listen, and watch your director notice the transformation. Session 1 8:00 a.m.вЂ”9:45 a.m. Music and Movement SCAN: Suspect Child for Transitions Abuse and Negelct Susan Paul John Bickel Room: 20/21 (Annex) Room: 22/24 (Annex) Participants will be actively engaged during this lively session by singing songs, performing finger plays and movement activities. Tricks, tips and strategies for making smooth transitions as children navigate between classes, lunchroom, restroom, playground, lessons, center, etc., will be presented. This session explains how to identify child maltreatment and what to do when you see it. The goal is to help you make children safer. Part of healthy child development is the environment in which the child lives. With child maltreatment professionals can make very positive interventions when they know it exists in a family. Creative Activities for Understanding a Young ChildвЂ™s Infant and Toddlers Experience of Grief Lorraine Velazquez Marian Mankin Room: 23/25 (Annex) Room: 26 (Annex) Participants will have an opportunity to brainstorm with other participants to come up with great creative activities and projects. They will learn the minimum requirements needed in homes or centers as well as develop an activity plan. The participants will team build and share their creative ideas with other participants making it a fun and exciting experience. In this session we will discuss a young childвЂ™s experience of grief. How to help grieving preschoolers will be explored with examples from BoвЂ™s Place Little Friends Program for 3 and 4 year olds. Common reactions and age appropriate grief resources will be discussed. What Pre-K Teachers Can Do in the Classroom to Have the Children Engaged and Learning Independence Connecting with At-Risk Kids in an Urban Environment Amaya Bounds / Amaya Santo Tomas Muhammad Irileria / LaQuanna Mimms Leslie Gomez / LaTanya Adelakun Room: 27 (Annex) Room: 30/31 (Annex) Participants will learn what best practices are appropriate for 3 and 4 year olds in order to be independent in the classroom. Participants will explore different charts created to improve classroom management. Maslow said children's basic needs must be met in order for them to be successful. Children come to school with experiences and backgrounds that are much different than our own. Come and learn techniques and skills to connect with at-risk students. Come and learn how to make lasting connections and impressions on your students. Session 1 8:00 a.m.вЂ”9:45 a.m. Exploring and Experimenting in the Preschool Classroom Yvette Criner Room: 33 (Annex) This training is designed to guide teachers in implementing science activities and learning into the preschool program. Participants will have an understanding of how to incorporate the world around them into science activities, discussion and experiments. Teachers will learn how to teach children the science skills of observation, classification and communication as they explore, discover and have fun! Leadership Lessons Improve Your Communication Josie Field Room: 106 (1st Floor Youth Center) Have you wondered how to improve your leadership skills? Do you look for ways to be a better communicator to your team or organization? This session will focus on building your toolbox with ideas to become a more respected and effective leader. Easy and Effective Reading Strategies Cultivating Values in a Diverse World for Pre-Schoolers (Spanish Session) Bonnie Mackey Ph.D./ Susan Kaye Jennings Teresa Villfana Room: 202 (Youth Center) Room: 201 (Youth Center) In this interactive and hands-on session, participants will be actively engaged in four reading strategies (shared reading, interactive read вЂњaloudsвЂќ, dialogic reading, and visualization). The theme focuses on gardening and springtime. Participants will leave with hands-on manipulatives that they can put to use on Monday morning! Participants will have an opportunity to brainstorm with other participants to come up with great creative activities and projects. They will learn the minimum requirements needed in homes or centers as well as develop an activity plan. The participants will team build and share their creative ideas with other participants making it a fun and exciting experience. Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are! Image, Sing and Move! Activities for the Outdoor Classroom Maurene Moffet / Susan Honn Jo Anne Pope / Jackie Byars Room: 205/206 (Youth Center) Room: 203/204 (Youth Center) Music and motor is full of singing, creative movement and expressive play. The process can link quality music education and motor skills development. Come and experience the imaginative childhood world: ocean/beach, "my backyard," animals and transportation. Rediscover the joy of singing and moving with your young students. This workshop will offer opportunities waiting to be explored in the outdoor classroom. The activities will include science (collecting and observing), math (counting, sorting, categorizing) and singing (loud and proud with space for songs with dancing and movement). Session 3 11:30 a.m.вЂ”12:30 p.m. *SESSION 1 & Session 3* LetвЂ™s Have Fun With Yoga! Sharon Knapp / Rosangela Silva Room: The Loft (3rd Floor Youth Center) Today children share the same lifestyle as their parents, rushing from school to other activities with little rest. Yoga can restore a sense of balance to stressed-out children through fun and relaxation. In addition creating cooperation in the classroom, yoga may also help kids maintain a healthy weight while increasing strength, flexibility and intelligence. Fanny FrogвЂ™s Fabulous Motoring to LiteracyвЂ”Connect the Top Hits in Literacy and Math! Fourteen Basic KidBuildersвЂ™ Motor Skills Dianne Patterson / Mabel Fernandez Lisa Steinbauer Marlyn Bitsis Frog Street Press Room: Forum Literacy and math skills are enhanced through rhyme and music. This session will focus on alphabet knowledge, vocabulary, modeled writing, phonological awareness, numeral recognition and concept of numbers. Room: 10 (Annex) Preschool and kindergarten teachers will learn how to improve their students' academics through motor development activities and learning enhancements. PLAY: The New Four Oral Language Through Letter Word Dramatic Play and Word Walls Joy Marie Moss Marcela Landestoy Room: 11 (Annex) Room: 12 (Annex) Research consistently demonstrates that children learn more efficiently through play. In the current educational climate PLAY has been placed on the back burner and instructional time has been thought to be more important. In this session current research will be presented that identifies the importance of play as an educative tool. Learn the importance of oral language in the early childhood classroom. Learn and try out fun and engaging ways to develop oral language through the dramatic play center and word walls. Session 3 11:30 a.m.вЂ”12:30 p.m. Getting the Respect You Deserve! Joyce Robin Room: 13 (Annex) In this session you will learn techniques that will boost the respect you deserve! By presenting yourself as a professional you will be respected as a professional. Watch your parentsвЂ™ heads turn, see your coworkers stop to listen, and watch your director notice the transformation. Increasing Early Care and Education Provider Knowledge: Reduce Risk of Reading Failure Brenda Buzzell, M.Ed. Room: 14 (Annex) Sample play based strategies in vocabulary, phonological awareness and alphabet knowledge are proven to increase preschool childrenвЂ™s chances for literacy success. Evidence for BUILDING BLOCKS FOR LITERACYВ®, online course elements and activities suitable for immediate implementation will be described to increase provider knowledge and reduce early reading failure. The Mr. K Show Brian Kasperitis / Robin Kasperitis Top Ten Reportable Diseases That May Room: 20/21 (Annex) Affect Day Care Centers The Mr. K Show is an educational tool designed to teach positive thinking, open mindedness, and self-awareness. At each level discussion is encouraged about fair play, decision making, respect for others and healthy relationships. You will enjoy a wide variety of entertainment including guitars, piano, singing, audience participation, puppetry, and Mr. K's magical sidekick, THE BABY TRUMPET. This program is easily adaptable for special needs, topics and concerns of individuals, organizations and communities. Mary Asomani-Nykaro Room: 22/24 (Annex) The wave of communicable disease across a community is often first noticed in day care centers. Learn how to prevent illness or minimize its impact once it occurs and what to expect when the health department calls. Creative Activities for Understanding a Young ChildвЂ™s Infant and Toddlers Experience of Grief Lorraine Velazquez Marian Mankin Room: 23/25 (Annex) Room: 26 (Annex) Participants will have an opportunity to brainstorm with other participants to come up with great creative activities and projects. They will learn the minimum requirements needed in homes or centers as well as develop an activity plan. The participants will team build and share their creative ideas with other participants making it a fun and exciting experience. In this session we will discuss a young childвЂ™s experience of grief. How to help grieving preschoolers will be explored with examples from BoвЂ™s Place Little Friends Program for 3 and 4 year olds. Common reactions and age appropriate grief resources will be discussed. Session 3 11:30 a.m.вЂ”12:30 p.m. Who is My Child? Understanding Connecting with At-Risk Kids in an ChildrenвЂ™s Temperaments Urban Environment Ann Crider Room: 27 (Annex) Muhammad Irileria / LaQuanna Mimms Leslie Gomez / LaTanya Adelakun Learning more about the temperament of Room: 30/31 (Annex) children in your care will help you help them adapt Maslow said children's basic needs must be met in order for them to be successful. Children come to school with experiences and backgrounds that are much different than our own. Come and learn techniques and skills to connect with at-risk students. Come and learn how to make lasting connections and impressions on your students. to situations throughout their lives. How well children can adapt their temperaments to fit the world around them can affect how much they learn, how well they behave and how happy a life they can have. This is a practical, interactive session including video and activities. Creative Activities for Understanding a Young ChildвЂ™s Infant and Toddlers Experience of Grief Lorraine Velazquez Marian Mankin Room: 23/25 (Annex) Room: 26 (Annex) Participants will have an opportunity to brainstorm with other participants to come up with great creative activities and projects. They will learn the minimum requirements needed in homes or centers as well as develop an activity plan. The participants will team build and share their creative ideas with other participants making it a fun and exciting experience. In this session we will discuss a young childвЂ™s experience of grief. How to help grieving preschoolers will be explored with examples from BoвЂ™s Place Little Friends Program for 3 and 4 year olds. Common reactions and age appropriate grief resources will be discussed. Importance of Effective Connecting To Nature With Birds Employee Evaluations Josie Field Yvette Criner Room: 33 (Annex) Birds are always nearby and provide great opportunities for observation and scientific "research". Bird study can support many common themes and provide math, science and literacy learning. We will share ideas and resources. Room: 106 (Youth Center) An employee performance evaluation is an important tool. Like most tools, its success depends on how you use it. This training will inform directors on the importance of a formal staff evaluation, different evaluation tools and how to use the results of the evaluation for staff development. Session 3 11:30 a.m.вЂ”12:30 p.m. El Juego y Easy and Effective Reading Strategies Desarrollo Infantil for Pre-Schoolers Amydth Chumacero Bonnie Mackey Ph.D / Susan Kaye Jennings Room: 201 (Youth Center) Room: 202 (Youth Center) Esta presentaciГіn, en espaГ±ol, se centra en la importancia de y cГіmo realzar el juego de un niГ±o a travГ©s de la edad del desarrollo infantil. El objetivo es dar una introducciГіn en los aspectos fГsicos, emocionales, sociales, y cognoscitivos del juego del niГ±o y cГіmo promover juego-tiempo eficaz a travГ©s del material/juegos apropiados en cada una de las etapas. In this interactive and hands-on session, participants will be actively engaged in four reading strategies (shared reading, interactive read вЂњaloudsвЂќ, dialogic reading, and visualization). The theme focuses on gardening and springtime. Participants will leave with hands-on manipulatives that they can put to use on Monday morning! Teaching Strategies GOLD Online: An Observation-Based Assessment for Children Birth Through Kindergarten Maurene Moffet / Susan Honn Sally Robinson Room: 205/206 (Youth Center) Room: 203/204 (Youth Center) Music and motor is full of singing, creative movement and expressive play. The process can link quality music education and motor skills development. Come and experience the imaginative childhood world: ocean/beach, "my backyard," animals and transportation. Rediscover the joy of singing and moving with your young students. Come learn about the future of early childhood assessment! Teaching Strategies GOLD Online Assessment System is a seamless, efficient approach to ongoing, observation-based assessment for all children birth through Kindergarten. Teaching Strategies GOLD online demonstration will be included in the session. Image, Sing and Move! Session 4 12:45 p.m.вЂ”2:15 p.m. Going Beyond Behavior Management: Prevention vs. Intervention Keith PentzвЂ”Kaplan Early Learning Sponsored Room: Forum Classroom management is often identified as the number one issue facing teachers. Due to a variety of factors, children may or may not respond to expectations in a learning environment. If teachers understand that preventive strategies related to behaviors can be put in place to negate the need for interventions, the cause for вЂњcontrolвЂќ is no longer necessary. In order for preventive strategies to be effective, simple, and yet profound, guidelines must be taken into consideration: child development, brain/cognitive development, lighting, color, sensory stimuli, task assignment, choices/options, prior knowledge base, language proficiency and vocabulary, number of items to comprehend, instructional design and positive/negative influences. By establishing a learning environment that does not promote but prevents inappropriate behaviors from occurring, academic, social and emotional standards, outcomes and goals can be more readily achieved. Session 4 12:45 p.m.вЂ”2:15 p.m. Growing Children as Meaning MakersвЂ” Making Meanings From New Words Beverly Reed Room: 10 (Annex) Learning to Walk in the Shoes You Are Given: Making Interactions Meaningful! Bethany Stansell Room: 11 (Annex) This session will enhance teachers' understandings of ways to teach new vocabulary words to children from interactive read aloud sessions, as well as, during other parts of the day. Working with books, teachers create child-friendly definitions and activities to engage children in actively constructing understanding of the new word. If you need some easy steps to reach your co-workers, teachers, parents or other team members...If you want simple ways to address concerns in your classroom, school, center or company...Or if you want to improve your communication skills...this session should help you. Parental Involvement in Building Your ChildвЂ™s Library for Career Literacy Development And College Readiness Colin Dalton / Christal Burnett, Ed.D. Patricia Jackson / John Robinson / Gail Hall Room: 12 (Annex) Room: 13 (Annex) Learn how to foster collaboration with families and other professionals to promote childrenвЂ™s literacy. The presenters will impart literacy development strategies - utilizing reading, writing and oral language вЂ“ which families can implement with their children in everyday situations. In addition, participants will engage in a discussion on additional early childhood literacy development strategies they have implemented successfully with their own children. A handout outlining at-home literacy development strategies will be provided. The Houston Area Urban League in conjunction with HISD has formulated a strategic plan to assist with student literacy. Current practices are examined regarding the principles necessary for student college and career readiness. Learning styles and metacognition are defined as essential components of the curriculum of Project Ready 2.0. Increasing Early Care and Education Provider Knowledge: Reduce Risk of Reading Failure Make Some Music, Add Some Brenda Buzzell, M.Ed. Melissa McKenzie Room: 14 (Annex) Room: 20/21 (Annex) Sample play based strategies in vocabulary, phonological awareness and alphabet knowledge are proven to increase preschool childrenвЂ™s chances for literacy success. Evidence for BUILDING BLOCKS FOR LITERACYВ®, online course elements and activities suitable for immediate implementation will be described to increase provider knowledge and reduce early reading failure. Kids need to move - so let them move! Music & Movement activities promote physical well-being, fine/gross motor development, prepare the brain for learning and get the WHOLE child involved in the learning process. Be ready for an energized session full of music and movement fun. Movement, Have Some Fun Session 4 12:45 p.m.вЂ”2:15 p.m. Health, Safety and Risk Management in Teaching Tools and Reading Strategies Early Childhood Education Neelofer Tajani Clifshaque Stokes Room: 22/24 (Annex) This session provides an introduction to basic health and safety standards and recommendations for child care centers. Participants will learn developmentally appropriate practices as it relates to indoor and outdoor safety, such as minimizing hazards and creating a safe and healthy learning environment. Room: 23/25 (Annex) The session will provide teachers the importance and the need to vary instructional strategies to cater to the profile and interest/strengths of the students. Understanding the Gymnastics of Who is My Child? Understanding Love & Discipline ChildrenвЂ™s Temperaments Bruce Benko Room: 26 (Annex) This session will consist of age-appropriate / developmental communication techniques, discipline strategies and classroom tips that will assist you when helping a child correct their behavior. Ann Crider Room: 27 (Annex) Learning more about the temperament of children in your care will help you help them adapt to situations throughout their lives. How well children can adapt their temperaments to fit the world around them can affect how much they learn, how well they behave and how happy a life they can have. This is a practical, interactive session, including video and activities. Helpful Reading StrategiesвЂ”Bridging the Gap For English Language Learners Sensory is More Than Steven White Water Play Room: 30/31 (Annex) Tammy Davis This presentation is designed to provide classroom teachers with strategies and materials that they incorporate into daily lessons to assist ELL with comprehension reading skills in their classroom. You will leave with new perspectives, exciting new ideas and practical instructional strategies to help strengthen your classroom. Room: 33 (Annex) Explore, discover, and experience the wonderful world of sensory. Sensory time where children learn can science, math, and language skills. Session 4 12:45 p.m.вЂ”2:15 p.m. Refining Others Requires Defining a Shining You! Mushira Shamsi Room: 106 (Youth Center) This session will describe the stages of professional development teachers go through, with explanations of how to understand oneself and others in order to maximize the socioemotional development of our students. Perspectives gained will enhance teaching with the realization that teachers are at their best when reaching within to teach without. Read Aloud: How, When, What and Why to Read to Young Children Connie Floyd Room: 202 (Youth Center) Reading aloud to young children is the single most valuable literacy activity most of us use in our classroom but do we make the most of it? Do we place enough emphasis on vocabulary? Do we help children make real life connections to the story? Do we make appropriate book selections? In this session we will look at read aloud best practices from the research and how best to implement them into our classrooms. Many wonderful titles will be shared. Hyperactive Children: Their Profile and Sensory Integration (SI) Techniques to Integrate Within a Curriculum Amydth Chumacero Room: 201 (Youth Center) We have all had them --children with behavior/ concentration issues that do not seem to respond to any of our efforts. This session will cover one possible reason for this behavior is Hyperactive Disorder. Further, attendees will learn about Sensory Integration and itвЂ™s techniques that can help alleviate some of the hardship. Welcome to the Farm: E-I-E-I-O Kathy Heath / Kay Houston Room: 203/204 (Youth Center) Want to learn how to use a thematic unit approach to teaching appropriate cross curricular objectives for 4 and 5 year olds? How can we use the farm in literacy, math, science, blocks and dramatic play work stations? Join us as we explore the farm to make learning both MEANINGFUL and FUN! YeeHaw! *SESSIONS 4 & 5* *SESSIONS 4 & 5* From Mice to Dogs: Using Laura Numeroff Books Creative Cooking in The Classoom To Teach Story Patterns Susan Kaye Jennings / Bonnie Mackey Room: 205/206 (Youth Center) Maslow said children's basic needs must be met in order for them to be successful. Children come to school with experiences and backgrounds that are much different than our own. Come and learn techniques and skills to connect with at-risk students. Come and learn how to make lasting connections and impressions on your students. DвЂ™Wana Lynn Johnson Room: 20/21 (Annex) Research shows that when taught at an early age, children can develop healthy eating habits that will follow them throughout their lifetime. This session will explore recipes that can be easily implemented into the classroom. Session attendees will participate in hands-on cooking activities in all areas of the curriculum. Session 5 2:30 a.m.вЂ”4:00 p.m. Immersing Children in Science and MathвЂ”ItвЂ™s a Daily Thing! Keith PentzвЂ”Kaplan Early Learning Sponsored Room: Forum This session will provide opportunity to engage in a variety of activities and experiences to demonstrate math and science concepts. In addition, participants will learn how to incorporate those concepts into any curriculum while at the same time using materials that tend to be already available in most classrooms. Sharpen your A.X. Learning to Walk in the Shoes You Are Given: Attitude and eXpectations Making Interactions Meaningful! Melissa McKenzie Bethany Stansell Room: 10 (Annex) Room: 11 (Annex) Feeling burned out? Do you find yourself asking, "Why am I here?" Or maybe there is an overwhelming sense of stress or discontent in your center. This open, honest session will help remind participants why we chose to become Early Childhood Educators. We'll also look at how to build and maintain relationships with co-workers and how to encourage and support each other in the workplace. If you need some easy steps to reach your co-workers, teachers, parents or other team members...If you want simple ways to address concerns in your classroom, school, center or company...Or if you want to improve your communication skills...this session should help you. T.E.A.C.H. Early ChildhoodВ® Building Your ChildвЂ™s Library for Career Scholarship Project And College Readiness Jackie Taylor Patricia Jackson / John Robinson / Gail Hall Room: 12 (Annex) Room: 13 (Annex) The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship project is up and running in Texas! This session will provide you with all the information on this program including scholarships for 2 year degrees and CDA Assessment Scholarships. The T.E.A.C.H. Early ChildhoodВ® Project is successfully helping early childhood workers in 23 other states and is growing here in Texas. Applications will be available to take with you! Come learn about this exciting new program that will not only assist you in achieving your educational goals but provide completion bonuses as well! The Houston Area Urban League in conjunction with HISD has formulated a strategic plan to assist with student literacy. Current practices are examined regarding the principles necessary for student college and career readiness. Learning styles and metacognition are defined as essential components of the curriculum of Project Ready 2.0. Session 5 2:30 p.m.вЂ”4:00 p.m. Stephen F. Austin Online Degree Opportunities LaFaith Washington SIDS / Shaken Baby Shannon White Room: 14 (Annex) Room: 27 (Annex) Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) is an institution with a long history of educating teachers. We are now offering 100% online programs for some of our popular College of Education degreesвЂ” the Master of Education in Early Childhood and Bachelor of Science - Child Development and Family Living Online Completer Program! Tuition rates are reduced with a savings of up to 40%. Successful learners will learn how to reduce The Importance of Understanding Childhood Immunization Schedules Vanessa Lee Room: 22/24 (Annex) Providers/directors frequently trust that the immunization provided at the time of enrollment is current, correct and does not review the schedule before accepting to care for the child. My presentation will assist administrators with childrenвЂ™s immunization schedules. the risk of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, the leading cause of death for infants under one year of age. Growing Into Toddlers Claudia Pouncey Room: 23/25 (Annex) We will be learning how a toddler grows and how they learn. We will be going through a day in a toddler room and how what you say and do can and will affect the learning of each child. The benefit will be that the participants will learn how to communicate and implement developmentally appropriate practices. Understanding the Gymnastics of Green Frog, Love & Discipline Gold Heart Bruce Benko Carolyn Anne Venable вЂњGranny VeeвЂќ Room: 26 (Annex) Room: 27 (Annex) This session will consist of age-appropriate / Carolyn Anne Venable, aka вЂњGranny VeeвЂќ, has delighted scores of children with her music. She demonstrates how to inspire children to be kind and keep the вЂњGolden RuleвЂќ using this music, book and puppet. The вЂњGolden RuleвЂќ ethic of reciprocity has been foundational to societies worldwide. developmental communication techniques, discipline strategies and classroom tips that will assist you when helping a child correct their behavior. Session 5 2:30 p.m.вЂ”4:00 p.m. Helpful Reading StrategiesвЂ”Bridging the Gap Sensory is More Than For English Language Learners Water Play Steven White Tammy Davis Room: 30/31 (Annex) Room: 33 (Annex) This presentation is designed to provide classroom teachers with strategies and materials that they incorporate into daily lessons to assist ELL with comprehension reading skills in their classroom. You will leave with new perspectives, exciting new ideas and practical instructional strategies to help strengthen your classroom. Explore, discover, and experience the wonderful Refining Others Requires Defining a Shining You! Mushira Shamsi Room: 106 (Youth Center) This session will describe the stages of professional development teachers go through, with explanations of how to understand oneself and others in order to maximize the socioemotional development of our students. Perspectives gained will enhance teaching with the realization that teachers are at their best when reaching within to teach without. Read Aloud: How, When, What and Why to Read to Young Children Connie Floyd Room: 202 (Youth Center) Reading aloud to young children is the single most valuable literacy activity most of us use in our classroom but do we make the most of it? Do we place enough emphasis on vocabulary? Do we help children make real life connections to the story? Do we make appropriate book selections? In this session we will look at read aloud best practices from the research and how best to implement them into our classrooms. world of sensory. Sensory time where children learn can science, math, and language skills. Meaningful Instruction for Dual Language Learners Mary White Room: 201 (Youth Center) As our nation becomes more global the likelihood that our classrooms and development centers will have more than one child from a diversity of cultures is expanding. How do we close the everwidening achievement gap at the onset of language development? This active session will involve not only the research behind language acquisition, but also effective instructional practices that each attendee can immediately put to use. Welcome to the Farm: E-I-E-I-O Kathy Heath / Kay Houston Room: 203/204 (Youth Center) Want to learn how to use a thematic unit approach to teaching appropriate cross curricular objectives for 4 and 5 year olds? How can we use the farm in literacy, math, science, blocks and dramatic play work stations? Join us as we explore the farm to make learning both MEANINGFUL and FUN! YeeHaw! Houston Area Association for the Education of Young Children 2012 Spring Conference Presented to: __________________________________________________________________________________ In recognition of having participated in training workshops. Session 1: 8:00 am - 9:30 am Title: ____________________________ Core Knowledge: Presenter: ________________________ ______________________________ Session II: Keynote Address: Mindfully We Can Presenter: Keith Pentz Session III: 9:45 am - 11:15 am Core Knowledge: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Core Knowledge: Presenter: ________________________ ______________________________ Core Knowledge: Presenter: ________________________ ______________________________ 1.5 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm Title: ____________________________ Core Knowledge: Presenter: ________________________ ______________________________ Additional Training Opportunity: 1.0 12:45 pm - 2:15 pm Title: ____________________________ Session V: 1.5 Curriculum Title: ____________________________ Session IV: 1.5 Scavenger Hunt 1.5 1.0 Core Knowledge: Community Partnership Mary Jane Gomez Mary Jane Gomez, HAAEYC President Total Clock Hours: ____________ General Conference Sessions for March 3, 2012