Early Childhood Professionals Forum 2017

Saturday, February 25, 2017, 7 am to 3 pm
Minnesota State College Southeast, 308 Pioneer Road, Red Wing, Minnesota

Join us for a day of fun and professional development! Earn 6 hours of training credits and take advantage of Parent Aware and Knowledge and Competency Framework offerings. Plus continental breakfast, vendors, breakout sessions, luncheon, and networking with other professionals in the field. Cost: $45, but save $10 when you register by February 10!

Download a Brochure/Registration Form (PDF)

Keynote speaker: Katy Smith - "It's Playtime: The Essential Role of Play in Childhood (and Beyond)"

The whole world seems to be shining a spotlight on early childhood settings looking for proof that the investment has been a good one. Practitioners are wondering about the role of play and how to articulate how important it is to children. This course will give you a narrative steeped in research to share with colleagues, parents, and policy makers as you advocate for play. 

About Katy Smith
Katy Smith is a licensed parent educator at Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) in Winona, Minnesota. Katy is the 2011 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, the first early childhood educator in Minnesota and the first parent educator nationally to be honored with the award. 

Breakout Sessions

8 to 10 am

A. Learning about Nutrition Through Activities (LANA) (PA 5; KCF VII.A)  ~Aloha Davis
B. Hitting, Biting and Kicking, OH MY - toddlers (PA 4, 7, 8; KCF II.C) ~Raelene Ostberg
C. A Lesson a Day (PA 4, 8; KCF II.A) ~Dr. Emma Hansen
D. Authentic Observation (PA 2, 10; KCF II.A) ~Brittany Browning  
E. Project Go: Get Outdoors (PA 4, 8, KCF II.A) ~Sara Holger

10:15 am to 12:15 pm

F. Making the Connection between Best Practices and Children's Outcomes (KCF IV.C) ~Michelle Lenhart and Child Care Aware
G. Building Baby's Brain Power (PA 1; KCF I) . ~Raelene Ostberg
H. Health and Wellness in the Child Care, naturally! (PA 7, KCF VII.A) ~Essential Chiropractic, Dr. Lindsey Dietrich, DC
I. Challenging Behaviors: Tools for the Toolbox (PA 4, 8; KCF II.C*) ~ Brittany Browning  
J. Early Literacy, Language Development, and Dyslexia (PA 7, 8; KCF I, II.B). ~Rachel Daley

Download a Brochure/Registration Form (PDF) for more detailed descriptions of the Breakout Sessions.