20 22
Annual Early Childhood Conference
THE POWER OF YOU! May 5 - 7
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Place Grand Rapids, MI PLUS virtual access through June 6, 2022
FINAL PROGRAM Engage in dynamic sessions, special events and innovative learning opportunities live and on-demand for ultimate flexibility in achieving your 1 professional development goals.
On behalf of the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children - Governing Board, staff and volunteers - I welcome you and thank you for choosing the 2022 Michigan AEYC Early Childhood Conference as part of your professional development journey. The conference focuses on best practices, up-to-date research, advocacy, ideas, strategies and activities to support your daily work on behalf of Michigan’s young children and their families. This year’s event includes both in-person and online components, giving you flexibility to participate in a variety of ways. Please join us for the keynote sessions Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and Center Stage sessions Thursday and Friday that will inform and energize you. Thursday’s keynote, Why Should Students Learn From Me by Matinga Ragatz, Author and Speaker, will kick off the conference. Join us Thursday afternoon with Matinga for the Center Stage Session, Cultivating Equity Through Social Emotional Learning. Friday morning kicks off with a fun and engaging keynote, The Power of You… and a Song!, Saturday morning’s keynote, Voices from the Field: Building Transformative Relationships, includes a rich panel discussion exploring innovative ideas and excellent practices in several child care programs across Michigan. Visit the Exhibit Hall on Thursday and Friday to be inspired, capture resources, browse and shop at over 50 vendors and exhibitors. This year’s Silent Auction to benefit student scholarships and awards is both online and in-person on display in the Exhibit Hall. Bidding closes at 5pm on Friday. Bidding is now open so don’t wait- bid early, bid high, bid often! Visit the Silent Auction here: https://www.32auctions.com/miaeyc2022auction Everyone is invited to after hours fun for Friday Night Fun with a Purpose. This year, enjoy music by the talented musicians and conference presenters Todd Greenbaum and Beverly ‘The Music Lady’ Meyer, a cash bar and refreshments, and engage in a community service project preparing literacy book bags for PoWeR Book Bags, a 501c3 providing literacy supplies to children in Northern Michigan. Michigan AEYC Members, we appreciate you! Members Only opportunities at this year’s conference include: a Member Lounge in the Exhibit Hall to grab a snack, charge your device, and engage in a special planting project; a Member Gift; and Friday Night Members Only Networking Events including drinks, snacks, Woodrow’s DuckPin Bowling, and projects by Brush Painting Studio and Hammer & Stain West Michigan. The online conference component provides you with many choices. In addition to live keynotes and sessions Thursday - Friday, conference attendees will have access to additional sessions on-demand through June 6. Can’t make one of the live sessions? Not to worry. Live sessions will be recorded and included in the on-demand access as well. The sessions are designed to provide everyone, regardless of their role or experience, with information to support and extend their knowledge and enhance their practice. I trust your conference experience will provide you with opportunities to expand your knowledge, connect with friends, old and new, and renew your commitment to young children.
Casey Sterle Michigan AEYC President
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Michigan Governing Board President Casey Sterle, 2020-2022
Michigan AEYC Staff
President Elect Heather Lucas, 2021-2022
Executive Director Erica Willard
Vice President Dr. Michelle Burkhard, 2020-2022
Director of Professional Programs Kelsey Laird
Secretary Annie McCutchen, 2020-2022
Director of Accounting Kelly Williams
Treasurer Cody Blair, 2021-2023
Fiscal & Program Assistant Tony Hoerner
Student Member-at-Large Kyle Lewandowski, 2021-2023
Fiscal & Program Assistant Laura Laubenthal
Central Chapter Member-at-Large Michelle Stevens, 2020-2022
Program Manager Paula Spencer
Eastern Chapter Member-at-Large Jackie Ellrich, 2020-2022
Program Manager Dianna Erickson
Northern Chapter Member-at-Large Jennifer Wixson, 2021-2023
Program Specialist Jennifer Davis
Southern Chapter Member-at-Large Peretz Hirshbein, 2020-2022
Program Specialist Miranda Durham
Southeastern Chapter Member-at-Large Dr. Charmaine Johnson, 2021-2023
Program Specialist Matt Foster
Southwestern Chapter Member-at-Large Christine Whitmire, 2021-2023
Program Specialist Alison Hoepfner
Upper Peninsula Chapter Member-at-Large Tammra Houseman, 2020-2022
Program Specialist Katherine Julson
Western Chapter Member-at-Large Aarie Wade, 2021-2023
Program Specialist Nikki LaMaster
Committee Chairs Advocacy Committee: Kirsten Charnesky Awards Committee: Jennifer Griffith Finance Committee: Cody Blair Nominating Committee: Liz Garman
Program Specialist Lindsay White
Mission Statement: The mission of the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children is to promote high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. Michigan AEYC provides a forum where individuals can gather and discuss issues vital to those who work on behalf of young children and their families. Although Michigan AEYC encourages the exchange of diverse opinions, the ideas presented do not necessarily reflect any of Michigan AEYC’s official positions. Michigan AEYC assumes no responsibility for any statement of fact or opinion presented at this conference, nor does acceptance of advertising or exhibits imply endorsement of any products or services by Michigan AEYC.
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Accessing On-Demand Sessions
Table of Contents Scholarship & Award Winners……….…...5
The on-demand sessions are hosted virtually at
Conference Overview…………………...7-9 MiRegistry and SCECH Training Credit..10 Schedule At-A-Glance………...………….11 Thursday Sessions………………….….13-22 Friday Sessions……….………………..23-35 Saturday Sessions……………………..36-42 On-Demand Only Sessions…………..43-45 Exhibits…………………………………46-47 Amway Hotel Floor Plans…..………..49-50 DeVos Place Floor Plans………………....51
https://learn.miaeyc.org. Log-in Information is included in your conference welcome e-mail. On-demand sessions will remain available through June 6, 2022.
• • • •
The conference platform will not work with Internet Explorer. Utilize another web browser. Change your internet settings to allow pop-up blockers. Refresh your page if a session button or component does not appear at a specified time. Add the following web and IP addresses to your whitelisted addresses if you experience issues: miaeyc.elevate.commpartners.com learn.miaeyc.org elevate.commpartners.com (IP 198.90.22.203 and 147.75.3.75)
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
are not considered endorsed by the State Board of Education or Michigan Department of Education.
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Renee’ Demars-Johnson
Retired Director of the Office of Early Childhood Education and Family Education, MDE Reneé DeMars-Johnson has had a more than 30-year career serving young children and families in Michigan and beyond. Early in her career, Reneé taught and managed public and private programs in Wisconsin, Colorado, and Minnesota. After moving to Michigan, she became a consultant with the Michigan Department of Education where she was instrumental in leading the competitive portion of the Great Start Readiness Program as well as supervising Infant-Toddler and Family Programs, Early On and early literacy efforts. In addition, she also took the lead on interagency work to coordinate services for young children and their families. Renee’s work within the department is nationally respected for the thorough and thoughtful way that she approached the complexity of early childhood programs and the divergent populations they served. Renee’s goal was always to provide meaningful experiences and safe, inviting environments for young children and their teachers. The Betty Garlick Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at Friday’s morning’s General Session Keynote.
Kai Young Chloe Smith
Bryan Zeoli
Mary Turner
University of Michigan Health Services Center
COVID-19 POLICY Michigan AEYC will abide by all federal, state, and local requirements as well as any facility mandates in place at the time of the conference. Proof of vaccination is not required to attend the in-person event. Mask-wearing will not be required, but is highly encouraged. Hand sanitizer and masks are available, and sessions are timed to reduce the number of individuals congregating or passing through the space at any given time. Refusal to adhere to federal, state, or local government mandates, facility requirements or Michigan AEYC policies in place at the time of the conference may result in immediate removal from the premises and registration cancellation, without a refund. Online conference access is available to all conference attendees for those seeking to participate risk free or who prefer the convenience of online learning. Registrants, exhibitors and presenters must refrain from attending in-person who:
• •
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Are (or have within 10 days prior to the event) experiencing symptoms of COVID-10. Have been exposed, without a face covering, to a known or suspected case of COVID-19 within 14 days of the event, are experiencing symptoms, and have not received a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the event. Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are not yet cleared as non-contagious by a health care provider or are still under quarantine for any reason.
Specific scenarios or refund requests should be directed by email to Kelsey Laird at klaird@miaeyc.org.
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Information
Exhibits
The Conference Information Counter is located in Center Concourse, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel. The Exhibit Information Counter is located in Ballroom A, Main Level, DeVos Place.
Vendors of equipment and instructional materials are in the Exhibit Hall, Ballroom A Main Level, DeVos Place on Thursday, May 5 and Friday, May 6, 10:05am - 5:30pm.
The annual Michigan AEYC Conference is about children, not for children. A primary caregiver may attend with a non-mobile infant with the understanding and expectation that, as necessary, they will leave a session to soothe the child and to minimize any disturbance.
Presenters’ Marketplace is outside the Exhibit Hall on Thursday and Friday, and in the Crown Foyer, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel on Saturday.
Registration
Parking •
Online conference registration closes April 25th. Registration after that date must be done onsite during onsite registration times.
Amway Hotel - $32 self-parking. Rates subject to change. Michigan AEYC Conference overnight guests receive discount on self or valet parking.
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Onsite registration takes place in the Conference Registration Area, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel:
Marriott Courtyard - $24 self-parking. Rates subject to change. Michigan AEYC Conference overnight guests receive discount on self or valet parking.
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View a map with additional downtown parking options by visiting https://bit.ly/GRDowntownParking
• Wednesday, May 4
5:00pm - 8:00pm
• Thursday, May 5
7:00am - 4:30pm
• Friday, May 6
7:00am - 2:30pm
• Saturday, May 7
7:30am - 10:30am
Conference Badge Badge pick-up for pre-registered attendees is located in Center Concourse, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel. Bring your conference welcome email (on your phone or printed out) to scan your QR code at an iPad badge station upon arrival and receive your badge. Onsite registrants should proceed to the Onsite Registration counter, Center Concourse, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel to complete your onsite registration and payment, and badge pick-up. You must wear your name badge for admission to general sessions, workshop sessions, exhibits, and all conference functions.
Special Arrangements All sites are handicap accessible. Michigan AEYC honors reasonable requests made by April 8 in for assistance.
Silent Auction The Michigan AEYC Silent Auction is live! View and bid on unique items and experiences on the auction website. All proceeds benefit Michigan AEYC student scholarships and awards.
This year’s auction is bigger than ever with over 160 items up for bid. Visit the Silent Auction in the Exhibit Hall, Ballroom A, DeVos Place on Thursday 10:05am - 5:30pm and Friday 10:05am - 5:00pm.
https://bit.ly/eccauction GRCC Tour Friday, May 6, 5:30pm - 6:30pm, visit the Grand Rapids Community College Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory for an open house style tour and refreshments. This event is on-your-own. Those needing directions or wishing to walk together may meet at the DeVos Place Silver Line Station on Monroe Ave at 5:15pm to walk or take the bus. GRCC Learning Laboratory 210 Lyon St NE, Grand Rapids 7
Dining & Things to Do Food service is not provided by Michigan AEYC, however the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel offers several dining options and there are numerous options within walking distance. Quick lunch lines are NOT available. Use this QR code to access a map of dining options in and around the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. https://bit.ly/downtownGRdining
Poster Session The Poster Session showcases practitioners, researchers, and students across disciplines with a focus in early childhood to share information on inclusive practices. The Poster Session takes place on Friday, May 6, 11:45am- 1pm in the hall/lobby area of DeVos Ballroom A, Main Level. Visit the online conference at learn.miaeyc.org for virtual Poster Session presentations.
Membership Meeting
DASH- Downtown Area Shuttle The Grand Rapids Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) offers downtown visitors a great way to get around. DASH buses pass every stop every 15 minutes. For shuttle info, visit https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/ Departments/Mobile-GR/DASH-the-Downtown-Area-Shuttle. Downtown Conference Attendee Exclusives Grand Rapids rolls out the red carpet for conference attendees! Experience Grand Rapids has arranged discounts at a number of local restaurants, attractions and other businesses to help you truly experience the city while you are here. These savings are not available to the general public. Redeem your discounts simply by presenting the digital coupon on your phone. It’s that easy! Visit Visit.experiencegr.com/exclusives for a full listing of exclusive discounts. Things to Do Visit https://bit.ly/GREventsMay4-7 for a list of events happening downtown Grand Rapids May 4 - 7, 2022.
Visit the Experience Grand Rapids kiosks located in the Center Concourse of the Amway Hotel and in the Secchia Hallway of DeVos Place to talk to an Experience Grand Rapids representative for more information on dining and experiences available in downtown Grand Rapids.
Michigan AEYC members are invited to the Annual Membership Meeting Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 6-6:45pm, Imperial Ballroom, Amway Hotel. Hear updates on the work of your professional organization statewide.
Text Notifications Download the Remind app from the iOS AppStore or Google Play, then select Add Class. Enter the code
@miecc2022 to receive text notifications about conference events, special announcements, session cancelations, and more.
Nursing Mothers Dedicated nursing mother rooms are available in both the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Place meeting spaces. Amway: Mother’s Room located on the first floor lobby level near the Lyon Street entrance (next to the Fine Arts Meeting Room) DeVos: Mother’s Rooms located on the Street Level and Overlook Level on the west side of the facility
Smoking The conference provides a smoke-free environment. No smoking or vaping is allowed in session, in the exhibit hall, or at conference events. 8
Friday Night Fun!
Session Capacity Conference sessions have an open seating policy. Once all available seating in the meeting space has been occupied, the session is closed to additional attendees. Late admittance to sessions is disruptive to the presenter and will not be permitted. Sitting on the floor or standing in doorways of meeting rooms is prohibited.
Lost and Found At the Amway Hotel, check at the Conference Information Counter, Concourse Level or Bell Stand, Lobby Level. At DeVos Place, check at the Information Counter, Exhibit Hall, or Information Counter, Main Lobby.
Friday, May 6, 7-9pm, Ambassador West, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel. Everyone is invited to this fun event with a purpose! Enjoy and sing along to live music provided by talented musicians and conference presenters Todd Greenbaum and Beverly ‘The Music Lady’ Meyer while engaging in a service learning project assembling literacy book bags for PoWeR Book Bags, a 501c3 serving children in Northern Michigan. A cash bar and limited refreshments are available outside of Ambassador West in the West Concourse. Bring your refreshments into the ballroom to enjoy great music, great company, and an activity for a great cause.
ATM Locations ATMs are located in Amway Hotel, Lobby Level, in the hallway behind the lobby shops, and in DeVos Place at the base of the escalator.
Emergency/First Aid
Members Only Michigan AEYC celebrates and thanks our members for choosing our professional organization. In addition to a reduced conference registration rate, members can enjoy any of the following Member Only opportunities available at the 2022 Annual Early Childhood Conference: •
Member Lounge: Visit the Member Lounge located in the Exhibit Hall, Ballroom A, DeVos Place Thursday and Friday 10:05am-5:30pm for a snack, beverage, phone recharge, and receive your annual gift!
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Relaxation Garden Planting: Thursday, May 5th starting at 3pm while supplies last. Plant a Michigan AEYC Relaxation Garden Box. All supplies included.
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Zumbini Live Instructor Training: Michigan AEYC Members receive a 75% year-round discount on Zumbini Instructor Training, but take part in the live instructor training at this year’s conference May 6 and May 7 10:15-1:15pm FREE for Michigan AEYC members. Advance registration is required for this event.
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Friday Night Fun Member Networking Events: SignUp in advance for ONE Friday Night Member Networking activity including:
Assistance is available from Amway Hotel, DeVos Place and Michigan AEYC Staff.
Weapons Policy Weapons are prohibited. Weapons include, but are not limited to the following: firearms, explosives, stun guns, handcuffs, brass knuckles, sticks, clubs, batons, martial arts instruments, pepper spray, tear gas, knives, etc.
Michigan AEYC Gala The Michigan AEYC Gala, Celebrating YOU!, takes place Thursday, May 5, 7pm-9pm in the Pantlind Ballroom. Advance Ticket purchase required and a limited number of tickets are available. Gala tickets are not included as part of conference registration. Visit the conference home page for more information and ticket availability. https://www.miaeyc.org/professional-development/ conferences-institutes/annual-early-childhood-conference/
Woodrow’s DuckPin Bowling, Brush Painting Studio, and Hammer & Stain wood crafts. One drink ticket (cash bar to follow), ice cream bar, donut wall, and popcorn bar provided. Missed the online sign-up? Visit the Membership Counter, Center Concourse, Amway Hotel to find out what spots are still available. 9
Training credit is issued through MiRegistry and the Michigan Online Educator Certification System for eligible attendees. In order to qualify to receive training credit for each session attended, attendees must: 1. Have a valid MiRegistry account to receive MiRegistry Training Credit. Visit www.miregistry.org to set up account. AND/OR Have a valid PIC Number to receive SCECH credit in the Michigan Online Educator Certification System. 2. Provide your MiRegistry ID number and/or PIC number in your conference registration. 3. We recommend providing the email you associate with your MiRegistry and/or MOECs account when registering for the conference.
4. To receive training credit for in-person sessions, complete the Training Credit Form EACH DAY you are finished attending sessions for the day by scanning the Daily Training Credit QR Code. A new code will be displayed each day and you will not receive access to codes from days prior. Please complete only one training credit form each day. Daily Training QR Codes are located on large signs near the Membership Counter, Center Concourse in Amway Hotel, and outside of the Exhibit Hall, Ballroom A, DeVos Place. If you are unable to complete the training form by using the QR Code, visit the Membership Counter, Center Concourse, Amway Hotel, to complete a paper form when you are finished attending sessions for the day. One form per day. 5. To receive training credit for virtual sessions, you must watch the training recording in its entirety. Credit will not be issued for sessions in which the entire training recording is not viewed.
6. Session attendance will be entered into MiRegistry and MOECS at the close of all session content, after June 6, 2022. Please allow for up to an additional 30 days for your training credit to appear.
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Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children 2022 Early Childhood Conference
Schedule At-A-Glance WEDNESDAY May 4
FRIDAY May 6
9:30am - 4:00pm
Institutes of Higher Ed Summit
7:00am - 2:30pm
Registration & badge pickup
4:30pm - 5:30pm
ACCESS Social Networking
8:30am - 10:00am
General Session
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Registration & badge pickup
10:05am - 5:30pm
Exhibits & Silent Auction
10:15am - 1:15pm
Zumbini Instructor Training
THURSDAY May 5
Pre-registration required
7:00am - 4:30pm
Registration & badge pickup
8:30am - 10:00am
General Session
10:05am - 5:30pm
Exhibits & Silent Auction
10:30am - 4:00pm
Workshops
1:00pm - 2:15pm
Center Stage
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Member Lounge Garden Kit
6:00pm - 6:45pm
Annual Membership Meeting
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Michigan AEYC Gala Dinner
10:30am - 4:00pm
Workshops
11:45am - 1:00pm
Poster Session
1:00pm - 2:15pm
Center Stage
2:45pm - 4:00pm
Film Screening: Anti-Bias Education in Action: The Early Years
5:30pm - 6:30pm
GRCC Learning Lab Tour
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Member Networking Events Pre-registration required, Members only
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday Night Fun with a Purpose!
Advance ticket purchase required
SATURDAY May 7
Conference registration includes in-person attendance AND access to online content for 30 days. Access Online Conference Content Here:
https://learn.miaeyc.org
7:00am - 10:30am
Registration & badge pickup
8:30am - 9:45am
General Session
10:00am - 3:15pm
Workshops
10:15am - 1:15pm
Zumbini Instructor Training Pre-registration required
12:30pm - 1:45pm
Film Screening: Me, The Other
Session Type, Category and Track Key
In-Person Session Trauma
IT = Infant/Toddler
Program Administration
PS = Preschool
On-Demand Session
Social Emotional
KP = Kindergarten & Primary
Inclusion
SA = School Age
Power to the Profession / Policy & Research All = IT, PS, KP, SA
AD= Adult
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Wednesday, May 4 9:30am - 4:00pm
Institutes of Higher Ed Summit
4:30pm - 5:30pm
ACCESS Social Networking
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Registration & Badge Pickup
7:00am - 4:30pm
Registration & Badge Pickup
8:30am - 10:00am
General Session
10:05am -5:30pm
Exhibits & Silent Auction
10:30am -4:00pm
Workshops
1:00pm - 2:15pm
Center Stage
6:00pm - 6:45pm
Annual Membership Meeting
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Michigan AEYC Gala Dinner
Thursday, May 5
(advance ticket purchase required)
8:30am - 10:00am General Session Keynote Why Should Students Learn From Me? Ballrooms B/C/D, Main Level, DeVos Place
Matinga Ragatz, PhD Learning, Instruction, and Innovation Specialist; Author; Speaker; Coach; Visionary; Buck Institute of Education National Faculty; Michigan Teacher of the Year; US Nation Teacher Hall of Fame Inductee You have rich life experiences, maybe multiple credentials or degrees. You have a classroom full of resources and a roster of students. Have you ever asked yourself this essential question? In this keynote, we will consider our education fallacies and teaching beliefs that truly hinder our mission as educators. We will review strategies that will encourage early education habits that can mold the way younger students begin to see themselves as learners.
10:30am - 11:45am Teaching & Learning Science Time Governors’ Room, Concourse Level, Amway You don't have to be a scientist. Explore this "hands-on" workshop containing easy and inexpensive science activities and science table top props that you can incorporate throughout your classroom.
Sherry Ann Wolfer, Let’s Dig In Age Levels: PS, KP, SA
Professionalism A Discussion with the Governor’s Office Grand Gallery A, Main Level, DeVos Join Michelle Richard, Senior Education Policy Advisor to Governor Whitmer, to learn about current Early Childhood initiatives, followed by a Q&A.
d e l e c Can
Michelle Richard, Senior Education Policy Advisor to Governor Whitmer; Moderated by Kirsten Charnesky, Michigan AEYC Advocacy Chair Age Levels: Adult 13
Thursday, May 5, cont. The New ZN Teaching Endorsement: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About The Next Chapter of Early Childhood Certification Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway Hotel What's the difference between the new ZN endorsement and the current ZS endorsement and what competencies do we expect newly certified teachers to bring to the field? All this and more in our exciting session!
Gina Garner, Michigan Department of Education Age Levels: All, Adult Discover the Michigan Personas: An Engaging and Effective Resource for Your Work Grand View, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Faculty and presenters: Join this session to learn about where to access and how to use a new collection of Michigan personas, which are short stories about a child and family right here in our state. This new resource can support engagement, learning, and applications connected to a wide variety of topics, including supporting dual language learners, individualizing for the needs of each and every child and using culturally responsive practices.
Kari Holmberg, CCRESA, Danielle Savory Seggerson, Lansing Community College, Dr. LaShorage Shaffer, University of Michigan- Dearborn & Camille Catlett, University of North Carolina Age Levels: All, Adult
Interactions & Guidance Great Start to Quality- An overview of Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Emerald B, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Gain insight on the CLASS tool, related age groups, and how it will look in your setting. Explore ways that deepen knowledge on strategies that support meaningful teacher-child interactions and enhance quality.
Jennifer Rountree & Kristen Howard, Early Childhood Investment Corporation Age Levels: IT, PS
Rascals, Rhythm, and Risk Berkey, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Join me for a journey through a year of challenging behaviors which were transformed through risk taking activities. We will discuss how to adapt to the children in your care, establish routine, and embrace risk taking.
Liz Powers, University of Michigan Towsley Children’s House Age Levels: IT, PS, KP
Observation, Documentation & Assessment Empowering Data Inquiry with Early Childhood Professionals in MI School Data Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel Take a tour of the MI School Data portal, the home for Michigan's educational data. Explore the Early Childhood menus to access demographic and performance data. Explore student, program, and pathway data. Check out the new features now available to connect PK programs to third grade M-STEP with assessment and performance comparisons. Learn the roles and permissions available for educators and how to obtain a login.
Dr. Rhonda Provoast & Dr. Jennifer Parker, Macomb Intermediate School District
Child Development The Value of Humor Throughout Development: Importance of Laughter in Young Children, Families, and Early Childhood Professionals Gerald R. Ford, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel Join this session to examine the many benefits of humor filled interactions for young children, families and professionals. The development of humor in young children and the many benefits impacting social, emotional, cognitive and physical development are highlighted. Although this is a lighthearted topic, there are serious benefits of humor to combat the issues facing young children, families and professionals today. Ideas for implementation in the early childhood environment, as well as with families and early childhood teams will be included.
Holly Hoffman, Central Michigan University Age Levels: PS
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Thursday, May 5, cont.
10:45am - 12:00pm Management The Business of Being a Director Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel Directors need two skillsets: program and business. This session will go into depth about the business of child care beginning with the business side and ending with day to day operations. Fostering relationships will help you be more effective and will pass through to your organization's continued viability.
Karin Cooney, Angel Care Preschool and Child Care Professions and Personality Types Grand Gallery F, Main Level, DeVos Place Discover how to pair Early Childhood Professionals with the career that is right for them based on their personality types.
Amy Bond, Great Start to Quality Central Resource Center Age Levels: IT, PS, KP, SA
Teaching & Learning Multisensory Literacy for Early Childhood Grand Gallery B, Main Level, DeVos Place Come see how using multisensory manipulatives allow young learners to listen to and manipulate sounds before reading them. Develop literacy skills while engaging in learning sound and spelling relationships, decoding strategies, and reading fluency. See lessons that include visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile instruction that help students make connections. One lucky participant will win a complete kit!
Angie Meredith, Hand2Mind Age Levels: KP
Professionalism Step Back Into Your Dreams Thornapple, Conference Level, Amway Hotel You had dreams - for children, families, and your life's work. Revisit/revise those dreams. Change that "had" back to "have." Allow today's dreams to pull you through your fears and fatigue to spot energizing opportunities.
Interactions & Guidance Honoring Joyful Learning and Developmentally Appropriate Practices in an Early Childhood Classroom Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel While providing environments and experiences for the children in their care, early childhood educators play a significant role in a child’s development. To support equitable experiences, educators adjust daily to meet the needs of all children. How are those adjustments made? Using the NAEYC’s DAP position statement, presenters will share strategies that will support joyful learning and best practices.
Becky Garske & Paula Spencer, Mott Community College Age Levels: All, Adult
Emotional Maturity & Leadership in the Classroom Ambassador West, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Where do emotions come from? How do YOUR emotions affect your ability to care for children? How can you limit burnout and stress for good in your life? Let’s chat about the answers to these questions, and more, in this fast-paced session that will help you understand YOU more so you can serve children and families in a much more positive way.
Dr. Michelle Burkhard, Grow By 1, LLC Age Levels: All, Adult Supporting Children with Exceptional Needs Grand Gallery D, Main Level, DeVos Place This session will discuss supporting children with exceptional needs in the classroom. Participants will learn strategies to help them feel more equipped to support all children in an inclusive classroom environment.
Sara Castleman & Jenny Fendt, Starfish Family Services Age Levels: PS
Dr. Cheryl Priest, Central Michigan University Age Levels: Adult 15
Thursday, May 5, cont. Child Development
12:45pm - 2:00pm
Sponsored Session: "EYE" Make a Difference! Tips and Tricks to Optimize your Students Vision for Learning Haldane, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Did you know, 80% of learning occurs thru the visual system and less than 10% of kids have an eye exam before they start school. Over 25% of children have vision issues that is often undetected (and will pass a vision screening) which can result in delayed development, poor performance in school and social settings and low self-esteem. Learn how to detect and help your students succeed.
Dr. Erica Johnson Carder, Michigan Optometric Association Age Levels: All
Family & Community Engagement
Teaching & Learning Moving Learning Forward Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Supporting infant and toddler learning is important! Understanding how to scaffold for early, middle and later learners will be explored.
Heather Moroni & Betsy Spiker, Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center Age Levels: IT Storytelling and Retelling Berkey, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Using fun stories with children in your program and classroom! Stories can be used for so many purposes related to curriculum and even to build routines for management. Come and listen to and learn fun stories and songs that can be used throughout the day and curriculum!
Valuing Superdiversity Vandenberg A, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel As our classrooms become more diverse we have the opportunity to find new ways to meet the needs of young children and their families. We will explore the concept of superdiversity, consider some emerging approaches and begin to develop some of our own ways to invest in the value of superdiversity.
Using Kinesthetic Learning to Teach Academics Grand Gallery C, Main Level, DeVos Place This session will go through the benefits of kinesthetic learning and activities that help students move and learn at the same time.
Trisha Pickett, The University of Michigan Health System Children’s Center
Age Levels: PS, KP
D E L E
C N A
C
Age Levels: All Not Just "Playing Around": Supporting Families through Play-Based Interactions Atrium, Lower Level, Amway Hotel Join a conversation about building caregivers' confidence in play-based learning. Parents are a child's first and best teachers. As Early Childhood professionals we can provide them with the tools they need through group play settings.
Meighan Taylor & Kathleen Neumann, Grand Rapids Community College Age Levels: IT, PS, Adult
Casey Sterle, Leslie Public Schools Age Levels: All
Kyle Curtis, Rochester Community Schools
Inclusion in the Early Childhood Classroom Grand Gallery E, Main Level, DeVos Place All students, no matter their physical, behavioral or cognitive "limitations", deserve full access to the same curriculum and activities inside the classroom as their same age peers. Accommodations and modifications may, or may not, be made and some may be difficult, but as teachers it is our job to think outside the box and work with the special education team members to give those students our best, just like we give the rest of the students.
Jessica Edinger & Katie Johnston Benzie County Central School
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Thursday, May 5, cont. Professionalism Strong Beginnings: Michigan's Vision for StateFunded Preschool for Three-Year-Old Children Gerald R Ford, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel Learn about Strong Beginnings, a preschool program for three-year-old children currently being piloted in 12 Michigan classrooms. The design of the program as well as its implementation successes and challenges will be shared.
Emily Houk, Research to Practice Consulting, Christy Callahan & Dr. Joan Lessen-Firestone, Clinton County RESA Age Levels: PS
Interactions & Guidance We're All In This Together...We're Going to Make It Nelson, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Rules seem to be changing constantly, children are dealing with a lot, and parents and teachers are stressed. How do we combat all of these things? Where do we start? It starts with us, the educator, it trickles down to our kids and to their parents. This workshop will help us take care of ourselves, so we can go about the business of making children's lives better. This workshop will help us learn to love on the littles that act out the most, and it will also help us handle parents that just need to know we are on the same team. We are on the team that wants the very best for our kiddos. We are all in this together!
Rebecca Kozlow, Skeels Christian School Age Levels: All No One is Listening to Me! Emerald B, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Do you ever feel like all you do is talk all day but no one in your classroom is listening to you? We will explore respectful, efficient ways of communicating with children that will help with everything from following directions to conflict resolution!
Child Development Fostering Independence and Handling Emotional Issues With Young Children Thornapple, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Discover how to support young children getting through emotional changes at home, illnesses, death, separation and divorce. Learn powerful tools to teach responsibility and effective ways to managing energy that will make your child grow and develop into an independent child and be motivated. Find out the 5 steps to help a child be respectful and courteous.
Namrata Carolan, Somerset Child Care Age Levels: All, Adult
Family & Community Engagement Let's Talk: Parent and Provider Communication Grand Gallery A, Main Level, DeVos Place Parents and providers who communicate effectively can help children thrive by providing consistency and supportive relationships. Learn strategies to effectively communicate with parents and explore ways to problem solve communication challenges.
Courtney Aldrich, MSU Extension Age Levels: All, Adult Small Groups It's Easy as 1-2-3 -Teaching Virtually, Hybrid, or in Class! Governors’ Room, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Come learn fresh new small group hands-on ideas you could immediately implement over the computer or in your classroom. You will even have an opportunity to do a make and take to go home with you!
Laura Roe, Dearborn Public Schools Age Levels: All
Kathy Jensen & Theresa Dickinson, Premiere Preschool Age Levels: PS, KP 17
Thursday, May 5, cont.
1:00pm - 2:15pm Teaching & Learning Do You Want to Be My Friend? Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Most of our students come to us for their first school experience. Learn how to teach children the skills they need to make friendships, empathize with others and build emotional literacy.
Brooke Morgan & Jennifer Campbell, Head Start for Kent County Age Levels: PS Math Manipulatives for Early Childhood Grand Gallery B, Main Level, DeVos Place Research shows that manipulatives help students "see" math concepts. Participants will learn how to incorporate manipulatives into lessons to deepen students' understanding of abstract math ideas. Build confidence in your young learners by developing conceptual understanding through manipulatives such as Rekenreks and Cuisenaire Rods.
Child Development Wellness in Early Childhood: Utilizing a Reggio Inspired Lab School Approach Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel Join CMU's Child Development and Learning Laboratory Team for a Reggio-inspired journey through a yearlong project to address, "How do children develop healthy lifestyles and express their understanding of personal and community wellness?" Insights regarding idea generation, documentation, family input, child interests and provocations that scaffold learning provide opportunities for all.
Margaret Desormes, Central Michigan University Age Levels: PS
Angie Meredith, Hand2Mind Age Levels: KP Every Child Ready to Read Grand Gallery D, Main Level, DeVos Place Learn the Five Practices of Early Literacy set forth by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Public Library Association (PLA) and how to use them in your classroom to prepare children for future reading success.
Wendy Lehman, Rochester Hills Public Library Age Levels: IT, PS
Professionalism Even Iron Wears Thin: Stories of Joy and Struggle from Early Childhood Education in Michigan Ambassador West, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel This presentation shares findings from a critical qualitative inquiry detailing the stories of early childhood educators in Michigan. A panel of early childhood providers working in a variety of settings shares their lived experiences and invites participants to discuss where we go from here.
Katie Sloan, Central Michigan University
Stop at the Michigan AEYC Membership Counter, Conference Registration Area, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel to pick up a ribbon that identifies you as staff of an accredited program.
Are you interested in working toward accreditation in your center or home? Two entities grant accreditation for programs that meet national standards of quality. The National Association for the Education of Young Children accredits child care center programs and Institutes of Higher Education. The National Association for Family Child Care accredits family and group home child care
Age Levels: All, Adult 18
Thursday, May 5, cont. Interactions & Guidance The Trauma Tree; An Introduction to ACEs and Trauma Vandenberg A, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel After a review of Erickson and Maslow we will discuss trauma, ACES and the impact toxic stress has on children and families. We will then discuss ways to support young children in the early childhood classroom.
Michelle Smith, Starfish Family Services Age Levels: All Addressing Challenging Behavior: Understanding Program-Wide Implementation of the Pyramid Model Haldane, Conference Level, Amway Hotel MDE's Early Childhood Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) initiative is supporting the Program-Wide Implementation of the Pyramid Model in four program sites across the state. The Pyramid Model is a framework of evidence-based practices for promoting young children's healthy social and emotional development and reducing challenging behavior. Highlights of this model will be shared from sites implementing as well as additional resources.
Michelle McQueen, MiMTSS Technical Assistance Center & Pat Sargent, Michigan Department of Education Age Levels: PS
Center Stage Cultivating Equity Through Social Emotional Learning Ballroom B, Main Level, DeVos Place This session features a first look at the tools, strategies and learning approaches featured in Matinga’s new book, Pulse of PBL. The workshop welcomes traditional and PBL teachers since the teaching of social emotional learning competencies applies to all classrooms. Teaching social and emotional learning skills is a great idea, but what does it look like in the classroom? How we do leverage our curricular responsibilities and other distractions and reach ALL of our students?
2:30pm - 3:45pm Teaching & Learning Strategies for Supporting Multilanguage Learners Nelson, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Strategies for supporting multilanguage learners in the preschool classroom will be covered in depth. The session will also cover multilanguage development. Educators will leave this session inspired and prepared to work with multilanguage learners.
Dr. Jolene Andriaschko, Strategic Education Consulting Solutions, LLC. Age Levels: PS Play Now: Vyogtskian Strategies & Development of Play Governors’ Room, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel In this session, we review contributions of Vygotsky to understanding play. After, participants will move around to different stations to take part in different play-based activities that lead children's development. Adam LeRoy &
Melissa Bishop, Saginaw Valley State University, Shawna Boomgaard, Oakland University Age Levels: PS, KP Don’t Break Your Bank Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Teachers have a limited budget to purchase materials for their classroom. We will explore and share ways to make materials that won't break your bank. Real materials and their uses will be shared.
Mary Max and Betsy Spiker, Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center Age Levels: PS Block Play: Stacked with Learning Potential Grand Gallery A, Main Level, DeVos Place This session will discuss the definition of a block, types of blocks, appropriate set-up of the block area, the stages of block play, the benefits for children and the teacher's role in block play.
Jennifer Fernandez, School Specialty, LLC Age Levels: IT, PS
Matinga Ragatz, PhD Age Levels: PS, KP, SA, Adult 19
Thursday, May 5, cont. Building Teaching and Learning Multisensory Approaches to Children Portrayal of Literacy Grand Gallery C, Main Level, DeVos Place Guarnera et. al (2019) believe that mental images define cognitive processes that engage multisensory integration of play, movement, reading and communication functions. Understanding of mental imaginary during multisensory processing can uncover realistic learning opportunities occurring across modalities that portrayal aspects of literacy for early childhood and school age learners.
Darya Owens, Reeword Books Age Levels: PS, KP, SA
Professionalism A New Michigan Early Childhood Resource Collection Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel The last five years have seen tremendous shifts in the early childhood education field as both NAEYC and DEC have embraced a position on equity and a set of professional standards and competencies for supporting early childhood educators. This session will share a new resource collection for helping faculty, professional development colleagues and early childhood education leaders and staff to make the shift from supporting all children to using evidence-based practices to support each and every child and family.
Kari Holmberg, CCRESA, Danielle Savory Seggerson, Lansing Community College, Dr. LaShorage Shaffer, University of Michigan- Dearborn & Camille Catlett, University of North Carolina Age Levels: All, Adult Powerful Tools To Get Results From Staff Gerald R Ford, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel Do you struggle to get your staff to 'do stuff'? Would you like them to perform at a higher level? I'll share with you two powerful tools that make all the difference: coaching & mentoring. We'll talk about what they are, when to use them, and give you some 'jedi-mind tricks' to increase your impact.
Interactions & Guidance Supporting Executive Function Skills in Young Children Grand View, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Executive function is responsible for many skills we have as adults, including self-control and memory skills, and its development begins in the early years. Explore the areas of executive function, learn how play is used to support its development and gain strategies and tools for classroom use.
Danielle Grimaldo, Wayne Metro CAA Age Levels: IT, PS The Umbrella of Optimism: Protecting Children from Depression Thornapple, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Pessimism is a self-fulfilling habit with disastrous consequences including depression, underachievement and poor health. Prevent children from absorbing this trendy outlook through practices that dispute pessimism, celebrate persistence and view obstacles as challenges to overcome.
Jade Androl & Dr. Cheryl Priest, Central Michigan University Age Levels: All, Adult
Child Development Learning Through Music, Dance and Yoga Berkey, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Discover simple ways to integrate dance, music and yoga into your daily curriculum. Explore ways to foster all 5 areas of child development (cognitive, social and emotional, speech and language, fine and gross motor) through music, dance and yoga activities.
Jamaica Stevens, JAMaROO Kids Age Levels: KP
Dr. Michelle Burkhard, Grow By 1, LLC Age Levels: It, PS, KP, Adult 20
Thursday, May 5, cont.
2:45pm - 4:00pm Management Center Reflections After One Year Open Grand Gallery D, Main Level, DeVos Place Reflections on what we've learned and how we've grown after one year open. Unique viewpoints include: running a center inside a running elementary school, benefits of being a nonprofit and employer-sponsored childcare.
Samantha Mitchell, Children’s Discovery Academy, Inc. Age Levels: IT, PS, SA
Teaching & Learning Into the Wild: Teaching Core Subjects through an Environmental Lens Vandenberg A, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Discover ways to cultivate environmental stewardship while building skills in numeracy, literacy, problem solving, scientific inquiry, communication and more. Engage in role-playing simulations, mathematical modeling, problemsolving challenges, interactive stories and games.
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Vanessa Wyss, Ferris State University Age Levels: KP, SA Math, It's as Easy as 1-2-3 Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Young children are performing math skills every day. This session will provide a better understanding of what math looks like with infants and toddlers; how to support and what to say when those "mathematicians" show their skills!
Jill Tarrant-Rector, CACS Heat Start and Early Childhood Programs Age Levels: IT Transitions Made Musical with The Music Lady Ambassador West, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Make your day run a little smoother with some new and innovative ways to help with transitions by using music. Instrumental and vocal ideas that will lead you to creating your own customized tunes so you can sing and play throughout your day.
Beverly Meyer, Beverly The Music Lady
Large Group Reboot! Atrium, Lower Level, Amway Hotel This workshop will guide participants in thinking more deeply about large group/circle time experiences; examining what their goals are, considering what their greatest challenges are and working through the process of problem-solving and planning based on best practice. Discover ideas for facilitating multi-age groups, embedding gross-motor movement with limited space, including props and allowing children to take the lead.
Rosy Hickman, Country Schoolhouse Tammra Houseman, Bay College ECE Program Age Levels: PS Building Number Routines with NumberBlocks Grand Gallery B, Main Level, DeVos Place See how to build number routines with Numberblocks! Numberblocks are the friendly characters from the global hit TV math series. Number routines immerse young learners in hands-on development of number sense and foundational math skills in a predictable frame that is engaging. Come see how to help young learners master key early learning math skills through hands-on discovery and play!
Angie Meredith, Hand2Mind Age Levels: PS, KP
Observation, Documentation & Assessment Blending Learning Models While Instilling Social Justice Kendall, Conference Level, Amway Hotel At Detroit Parent Collective, we co-learn with students using the outdoors and natural materials as our learning environment. We take elements from Reggio, Montessori and Waldorf to provide a true child-led experience. We also provide Social Justice pieces through books, ongoing conversations and research so we can create tomorrows' leaders today.
Anthony Ells, Detroit Parent Collective Age Levels: PS
Age Levels: All 21
Thursday, May 5, cont. Child Development Supporting Children with Disabilities or Suspected Delays in Inclusive Child Care Settings Haldane, Conference Level, Amway Hotel In this session you will learn how to refer and support children, from birth through the age of five, with developmental delay and/or disabilities to thrive in inclusive child care settings.
Jennifer Koenigsknecht & Jeanne Hanses, Early On Michigan Age Levels: IT, PS
3:00pm - 4:00pm Event Michigan AEYC Members Only: Relaxation Garden Planting
6:00pm - 6:45pm Meeting Michigan AEYC Annual Membership Meeting Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel
7:00pm - 9:00pm Event Michigan AEYC Gala: Celebrating You! Pantlind Ballroom, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel
*Advance Ticket Purchase Required
Member Lounge, Exhibit Hall, DeVos Place
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Friday, May 6 7:00am - 2:30pm
Registration & Badge Pickup
8:30am - 10:00am
General Session
10:05am - 5:30pm
Exhibits & Silent Auction
10:15am - 1:15pm
Zumbini Instructor Training (register in advance)
10:30am - 4:00pm
Workshops
11:45am - 1:00pm
Poster Session
1:00pm - 2:15pm
Center Stage
2:45pm - 4:00pm
Film Screening
5:30pm - 6:30pm
GRCC Learning Laboratory Tour
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Michigan AEYC Member Only Networking Events (register in advance)
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday Night Fun with a Purpose!
8:30am - 10:00am General Session Keynote
The Power of You… and a Song! Ballrooms B/C/D, Main Level, DeVos Place
Vincent Nunes, Musician, Artist We all know,” says Vincent, “good music enhances almost any movie. Imagine Star Wars without John Williams’ iconic themes. Would it have the same power? Music gives emotional depth and extra meaning to the words, pictures and content. This is true in the movies and in early childhood educational environments as well. The power of you and a song is undeniable!” Vincent pairs his original, interactive music with age-appropriate activities and fundamental movement skills to enhance curriculum content, encourage creative thinking and introduce shared community values. Get ready to sing, move and celebrate the power of you and a song!
10:15am - 1:15pm Event Live Zumbini Instructor Training, Day One of Two Vandenberg B, Concourse Level, Amway
*Advance Registration Required
10:30am - 11:45am Management How to Market/Advertise Your Child Care Business Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway Hotel You have an amazing program! Now learn how to attract amazing families to your program. We will show you how to market your program for little or no cost to boost enrollment!
Tori Webster, Best Friends ECE Center Age Levels: All, Adult
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Friday, May 6, cont. Management, cont. How to Develop an Extraordinary Team Culture Gerald R. Ford, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel In a few steps you can take your team from bathroom bullies to terrific teammates! Explore how working with your team to develop a culture TOGETHER can change everything.
Kathy Jensen & Theresa Dickinson, Premiere Preschool Age Levels: Adult
Teaching & Learning Finding Your Voice Emerald B, Concourse Level, Amway Parents are struggling to connect with and sustain healthy relationships with their kids more than ever. Communication breakdowns can occur, which makes it difficult for parents and children to regulate their emotions and stay centered. Rarely do we focus on teaching kids the power of emotional intelligence, being authentic, transparent, having self-respect and speaking the truth. Your students’ parents can learn strategies for forming healthy relationships, co-regulation, diffusing high intensity situations and empowering their children to find their voice. We’ll learn the 3 R's - retaliation, resistance and rebellion- and how to address these issues.
Katherine Sellery, Conscious Parenting Revolution Age Levels: SA, Adult From Training to Implementation, Seeing Positive Results in Literacy Berkey, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Participants will learn about one ISD's strategies and focus to reach full implementation of the Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy: Pre-K. Audience members will have the opportunity to explore, discuss and reflect on strategies that may work in their local context.
Sean LoRosa, & Kirsten Kostielney, Livingston Educational Service Agency Age Levels: PS
Positive Discipline Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel School Laws: Common Forms of Punishment & Student Discipline; Ethics & the Early Childhood Educator. This will give new and seasoned educators on ways to identify and how to resolve conflicts.
Jordan Ervin & Marcus Holmes, Focus: HOPE Early Learning/Youth Development Age Levels: All, Adult Incorporating Child-Centered Montessori Practices into Your Classroom Grand Gallery A, Main Level, DeVos Place Are you curious about how Montessori principles of child-centered education might support a non-Montessori classroom? Are you considering integrating some of them in your own Early Childhood learning environment, but not sure where to start? This presentation will provide an overview of basic Montessori practices, and offer suggestions for how you can reasonably incorporate them into your class. Among the topics we will discuss is the "prepared environment," and how it supports all types of learners. We will also offer ideas for helping your students develop intrinsic motivation and deepen their leadership skills, discuss classroom management from the Montessori perspective of positive discipline and more.
Nanci Guartofierro, Stepping Stones Montessori School/Chaminade University of Honolulu Age Levels: PS Differentiation and Resources for Gifted Students Grand Gallery C, Main Level, DeVos Place Attendees will leave with practical and researchbased strategies for differentiating and challenging gifted students in the general education classroom. These strategies can be immediately implemented in the classroom without an overwhelming amount of preparation.
Kirsten Cannon, Lakota Local Schools Age Levels: SA
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Friday, May 6, cont. The Sky is NOT the limit: Groundbreaking Women in STEAM Grand Gallery E, Main Level, DeVos Place Learn about inspirational women who broke racial, cultural and gender barriers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. Gain ideas for teaching young children about these women, to foster all children's dreams and aspirations.
Sally Mowers & Helena Kriss, Michigan State University Child Development Laboratories Age Levels: PS, KP
Professionalism Teaching Is My Superpower - Building Teacher Resilience Pantlind Ballroom, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel We'll examine popular theories for building resilience as well as what research shows contributes to burn-out, what a resilient teacher looks like and what steps we can take to build protective factors of resilience.
Kathy Gilbert, KMG Research Age Levels: All, Adult
Child Development From Recyclables to Challenging Materials for Infants and Toddlers Governors’ Room, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Materials play an important role in infant-toddler development. In this session, we will link engagement of materials to infant-toddler development, and try out and create recycled materials that challenge young children's learning skills.
Shannon Lockhart, HighScope Foundation Age Levels: IT
Family & Community Engagement Building Community: It Takes a Village ParentChild Playgroups Riverview, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel Learn about our unique Parent-Child Programs: JumpStart (funded through a United Way Community Impact grant) and WonderWorks (tuition based). Our playgroups are in person, everyday and include a new outdoor component at area parks.
Ann Majchrowski, Kim Weingartz & Linda Mora, Fenton Area Public Schools Age Levels: IT, PS, SA, Adult
Health, Safety & Nutrition
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood MICHIGAN, a statewide scholarship program for early childhood educators, is turning 20! T.E.A.C.H. provides scholarship support for early childhood educators working in the field pursuing a CDA, Associates Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education. Want to learn more?
Experiences of ECE Professionals as Mandated Reporters: Identifying Critical Areas for Support and Training Thornapple, Conference Level, Amway Hotel This presentation shares findings from a mixedmethods study exploring the needs of ECE professionals in relation to mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect. Themes including bias, negative emotions, training needs and more are discussed.
Katie Sloan, Central Michigan University & Melissa Bishop, Saginaw Valley State University Age Levels: All, Adult
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Friday, May 6, cont.
10:45am - 12:00pm Management How to Recruit, Hire, Train, and Retain the Right Person for the Job Ambassador West, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel The best leaders are individuals that utilize their power with understanding. The key to retaining the best person is to recruit and hire the best candidate. Participants will gain information needed to recruit, hire, train and retain the right person for their position. Recruiting techniques will be discussed to outline ways to attract the most qualified applicants. Training staff to reduce mistakes to provide quality care for children. Retaining the right person provide continuity and consistency for the children.
Dr. Thomasa Bond, State of Michigan Age Levels: Adult Organizational Hacks for Early Childhood Educators Grand Gallery B, Main Level, DeVos Place Ever wonder how some teachers look like they have it all together? Get advice and learn tips, tools, and tricks to keep you organized. Ideally, for preschool teachers; others may find it useful, too.
Denise Swanson, World of Wonder Age Levels: PS, KP, SA, Adult
Teaching & Learning Where the Arts Come into Play Part 1; The Multiple Intelligence Way Grand View, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Focus on the theory of Multiple Intelligences as it pertains to early childhood educational domains, indicators and daily activities of literacy, music, movement, dramatic play, social, emotional and cognitive development
Todd Greenbaum, Neighborhood Child Care Consultants
Music & Movement through the Seasons Haldane, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Learn simple ways to integrate music and movement into your daily curriculum! Discover creative ways to use books and other props found throughout your classroom to build vocabulary, spark creativity and foster imaginative play.
Jamaica Stevens, JAMaROO Kids Age Levels: IT, PS Making Books Come to Life Nelson, Conference Level, Amway Hotel This session will demonstrate different ways to make props for books, such as flannel board pieces, printables and using found objects. We will talk about making a home/school connection with take home books and activities. Finally, we will talk about integrating books into curriculum and areas of the classroom/daily routines.
Lisa Clarke, St. Clair County RESA Age Levels: PS Atomic Habits - A Source of Incredible Power and the Building Blocks of Remarkable Results Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel Whether you are working to grow children's Habits of Mind or fuel mighty improvement in your own life, learn how to multiply positive habits by making actions obvious, attractive, easy and satisfying!
Dr. Cheryl Priest, Central Michigan University Age Levels: All, Adult
Professionalism Avoiding Burnout - The Importance of Self Care for Child Care Providers Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Self care is a hot topic. In this training, we will talk about what self care is, and how to implement it regularly throughout your day.
Julie Sizemore, RESPECT Care Teaching Age Levels: Adult
Age Levels: PS
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Friday, May 6, cont. Observation, Documentation & Assessment STEAM Integration and Documentation Atrium, Lower Level, Amway Hotel Participants will gain insight into incorporating and reporting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) activities in the early childhood classroom (toddler through kindergarten). Ideas for STEAM specific observation and documentation will be provided.
Dr. Kelly Vigants, Ferris State University Age Levels: IT, PS, KP
Child Development Why Do All These Kids Have Behavior Challenges? Kendall, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Join this session to learn about types of behaviors, challenges and how to best manage them in the classroom.
Kyle Curtis, Rochester Community Schools Age Levels: All STEM, STEAM and 21st Century Block Play Grand Gallery D, Main Level, DeVos Place A properly designed block center provides key skill development opportunities. Learn how magnetic building systems are playing a key role in changing the way we think about block play in the 21st century.
Chad Richert, Panelcraft, Inc. Age Levels: PS, KP, SA
Family & Community Engagement Supporting Fathers in the Classrooms Grand Gallery F, Main Level, DeVos Place Educators' perceptions play a role in father engagement in their children's early education. The purpose of this presentation to inform educators about cultural barriers to family, specifically fathers' engagement from different cultural background.
11:45am - 1:00pm Poster Session Secchia Hallway, Main Level, DeVos Place Research and Practice - Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood and Early Intervention
Julie Ricks-Doneen, Facilitator, Oakland University Learning During a Pandemic: Impact of Special Olympics Young Athletes Home Kit Experience
Holly Hoffman & JoDell Heroux, Central Michigan University In-Person only Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement Credential: What Is It and How Can I Earn It?
Joni Zieldorff, Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health In-Person and Online The Benefits of Play in Early Childhood
Jade Androl, Central Michigan University In-Person only Resilience to Reduce Turnover
Tammy Arakelian, Oakland Schools In-Person and Online Meeting the Needs of Children in Pediatric Hospitals: An Analysis of Professional Roles
Emily Finley, Central Michigan University Online only Immunization Education Across the Michigan Autism Community: A Comprehensive Campaign
Kathleen Larson, Autism Alliance of Michigan In-Person and Online
Sinsery Gardner, Concordia University & Latifah Alremaih, Oakland Family Services Age Levels: IT, PS, KP
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Friday, May 6, cont.
12:45pm - 2:00pm Management Great Start to Quality- New Process Coming Fall 2022 Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel This session will offer a chance for program staff, directors and others to learn about how Great Start to Quality is shifting from a rating system to a quality improvement model for licensed programs. Explore the improvements to the process including why Great Start to Quality is being revised, how equity is a key consideration for decisions that have been made, the stakeholders involved in the decision-making process, what you can do to prepare for the changes and more.
Christy Opsommer & Melissa Mosley, Early Childhood Investment Corporation Age Levels: All, Adult
Teaching & Learning Read Aloud Wow! The Best New Children's Books of the Year. Berkey, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Learn read aloud-techniques and strategies and discover the best new picture books of the year (STEAM, social-emotional, stories, inclusive, high quality). The joy of reading is fundamental to learning, and that joy can be cultivated!
Where the Arts Come into Play Part 2: Literacy and the Arts Improvisation Grand View, Conference Level, Amway An interactive creative arts improv session incorporating the theory of Multiple Intelligence. Participants will have hands-on experience and walk away with the understanding to apply the theory of MI in their daily classroom routine.
Todd Greenbaum, Neighborhood Child Care Consultants Age Levels: PS Turning Math Gaps Into Math Gains Grand Gallery A, Main Level, DeVos Place During this session, participants will explore the Harlingen journey in tripling math gains by focusing on student engagement and numeracy goals such as rote counting, number naming, counting sets and operations. Participants will learn how teacher and parent empowerment were key in providing instructional support for teachers using real-time data and assessments to guide differentiated math instruction, and at-home math practice.
Theresa Burns, M.Ed., Age of Learning Age Levels: IT, PS, KP, SA
Professionalism
Fostering Equitable and Inclusive Learning Through Play Thornapple, Conference Level, Amway Hotel This session is centered on participants identifying teaching practices that foster equitable and inclusive learning activities through play. Participants will collaborate with peers to brainstorm ways to promote equity through playful learning.
The Relationship of Coaching on Quality Ratings in Early Childhood Care Governors’ Room, Concourse Level, Amway ECE programs with intentional coaching score higher on several measures of quality associated with better child outcomes. Research demonstrates a gap in understanding the relationship of coaching to quality scores within a QRIS. This presentation highlights a Ph.D. study conducted to determine the difference among QRIS scores between two groups of childcare centers: those with coaching before QRIS entry and those with no coaching before entry. Does coaching within a QRIS make a difference?
Tracy Donohue, Central Michigan University & Kristen White, Northern Michigan University
Age Levels: All, Adult
Amy Vandament, The Book Vine for Children Age Levels: IT, PS, KP
Dr. Michelle Burkhard, Grow By 1, LLC
Age Levels: PS, KP
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Friday, May 6, cont. Staff Action Research: Best Professional Development Ever! Riverview, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel We do action research! Teachers select topics that they have interest in or passion for and then spend the school year investigating, researching and sharing with colleagues their projects, challenges and discoveries.
Laura Wagonlander & Linda Mora, Fenton Area Public Schools Age Levels: All
Interactions & Guidance Calming the Chaos: Recovering from the Pandemic with Social-Emotional Strategies Gerald R. Ford, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel The last two years have challenged us in unprecedented ways. Children and adults are experiencing fatigue and residual trauma. This session explores concrete strategies for all ages to build resiliency and find peace amidst chaos.
Laura Ynclan, KRESA Age Levels: PS, Adult Trauma-Informed Preschool: Practical Tools & Strategies Grand Gallery E, Main Level, DeVos Children with trauma need high-quality Preschool experiences in order to be prepared for Kindergarten, but many are suspended or expelled from Early Childhood Programs due to challenging behaviors. Learn how to identify trauma in children, strategies for managing trauma behaviors, how to partner with families of children with trauma and tools for helping children self-regulate in the classroom.
Sara DeYarmond & Catie Berg, Our Savior Lutheran School Age Levels: PS, KP
Observations, Documentation & Qualitative Characteristics of Children's Play Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway Play provides a context for facilitating new learning and improving skills in all developmental areas. A child with autism does not easily gain play skills naturally like their peers. Learning from their environment can be impacted by repetitive patterns of behaviors, restricted interests and language deficits. These obstacles make it difficult in gaining play skills, engaging with peers, appropriately exhibiting play behaviors and gaining key developmental skills. Supports need to be put into place for children with autism to overcome these roadblocks. Breaking down play levels into incremental steps and providing evidence-based strategies to move from one stage to the next, will help children enhance their play skills. The QCCP was derived from a need for a play-based assessment that breaks play stages into incremental targets. Learn the background, importance, and utilization of The QCCP.
Sarah Kuser, The Arc of Chester County Age Levels: IT, PS
1:00pm - 2:15pm
Center Stage Songs in the Key of Children Ballroom B, Main Level, DeVos Place “When a child is presented a new song, the first questions asked are, ‘What do I get to do? What’s my part? How do I fit into this song?'" says Vincent. “Being ‘a good (passive) audience’ has its place, but it isn’t a priority for children. They are looking for ways to participate and engage in a substantive way.” In this workshop, educators, even those with out musical training or ability, will learn how to identify songs that connect with early learners (i.e. songs in the key of children). We will analyze song structures which work in an early childhood environment, including Zipper Songs, Echo Songs, Mantras, Sequence Songs and Building-block Songs.
Vincent Nunes, Artist & Musician Age Levels: All 29
Friday, May 6, cont. Management Proven Strategies for Recruitment & Retention of Early Childhood Staff Haldane, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Learn 5 proven strategies for recruiting and hiring the right teaching staff for your program and 5 effective strategies to KEEP THEM once they've joined your team.
Rhonda Meyers, ECE Subhub & Heartfelt Impressions Learning Centers
Teaching & Learning Storybook Math for Toddlers Kendall, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Use nursery rhymes and stories to promote developmentally appropriate math concepts for toddlers and young preschoolers. Materials presented use "found" and inexpensive materials for play-based learning that is easily shared with families.
Kate Cole, Early Childhood Consultant
Age Levels: Adult
Age Levels: IT
On Board Power Emerald B, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Does your child care need help in how to properly onboard new staff? We will learn what should be discussed in orientation, forms that need to be completed and how to engage and excite your new staff about your workplace culture.
Discovering the Math All Around Us Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Teaching math is critical-why is it so hard to feel confident doing it? Children are natural mathematicians-you are too. Discover the math hiding in your classroom and in teachable moments all day long.
Tori Webster, Best Friends ECE Center
Heather Lucas, State of Michigan & Bonnie Bonifield, Independent Consultant
Age Levels: Adult
Age Levels: PS Make Yourself More Musical with The Music Lady Ambassador West, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Music is an essential tool in your teacher tool belt. Make yourself more musical in your classroom throughout the day with great ideas that encourage healthy development in all aspects of learning.
Beverly Meyers, Bev, The Music Lady Age Levels: All Multisensory Literacy for Early Childhood Grand Gallery B, Main Level, DeVos Place Come see how using multisensory manipulatives allow young learners to listen to and manipulate sounds before reading them. Develop literacy skills while engaging in learning sound and spelling relationships, decoding strategies and reading fluency. See lessons that include visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile instruction that help students make connections. One lucky participant will win a complete kit!
Angie Meredith, Hand2Mind Age Levels: SA
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Friday, May 6, cont. Fabulous Feltboards Grand Gallery D, Main Level, DeVos Place A hands on look at the use of feltboard games/ songs/activities in the classroom.
Janice Zoerman, Lakeshore Little People’s Place Age Levels: IT, PS
Professionalism CDA from A to Z Nelson, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Participants will be provided an overview of the CDA credentialing process. The scholarship eligibility and potential cost requirements will also be outlined. We will also discuss the application process with the Council for Professional recognition, and the required documents needed to submit a T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship application. Other scholarships we offer at T.E.A.C.H. will also be outlined. We will also provide some resources and websites to help support attendees through the CDA process.
Jennifer Davis & Katherine Julson, Michigan AEYC Age Levels: Adult
Child Development Art Smart - The Importance of Art in the Infant and Toddler Classroom Vandenberg A, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Infants and toddlers require the same developmental and sensory experiences received from art as older children. Explore how art aids in the development of the young mind and creative ways to implement these experiences in infant and toddler classrooms.
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Robin Meinicke & Rachel Ellen Maria Burns, Starfish Family Services Age Levels: IT Sensory as a Trauma Informed Strategy Grand Gallery F, Main Level, DeVos Place Participants will discover the benefit of embedding multimodal sensory experiences in the environment to help children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. Session will review the impact of trauma on brain development, overview sensory pathways and highlight strategies for building resilience.
2:30pm - 3:45pm Teaching & Learning Large Group Reboot! Gerald R. Ford, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel This workshop will guide participants in thinking more deeply about large group/circle time experiences. Examine your goals, consider your greatest challenges, and work through the process of problem solving and planning based on best practice. Ideas will be shared for facilitating multi-age groups, embedding grossmotor movement with limited space, including props and allowing children to take the lead.
Rosy Hickman, Country Schoolhouse & Tammra Houseman, Bay College Age Levels: PS Making the Most of Teachable Moments Berkey, Conference Level, Amway Hotel What do you do when comments are made, feelings are hurt or conflict arises? Never fear, these are teachable moments! In this session, we'll learn to identify teachable moments and make the most of them.
Lucinda Martinelli, Whole Planet Consulting Age Levels: KP, SA The Power of A,E,I,O, U and the Other Phonemes in Early Literacy Development Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel Presentation focuses on brain-based literacy development and will advance the conceptual understanding educators must recognize to promote children's early literacy skills. Practical and usable phonological/phonemic awareness strategies that can be implemented will be included.
Cynthia Chovich, Colorado Mesa University Age Levels: KP, SA
Melissa Smith, NogginBloom Age Levels: All 31
Friday, May 6, cont. Rocks, Sticks, & Mud: Creating & Utilizing an Outdoor Classroom for Meaningful Play Grand Gallery C, Main Level, DeVos Place No matter your school's setting, you can create an outdoor learning space for the students in your Early Childhood program. Learn how to overcome perceived barriers to outdoor learning and work with the space and materials available to you to support meaningful outdoor play.
Wendy Carroll & Sara DeYarmond, Our Savior Lutheran School Age Levels: PS Beautiful Boy It's Okay to Cry Grand Gallery E, Main Level, DeVos Place Learn from my research and writing on social emotional development for boys. Our boys generally have more IEPs and B.I.R forms filled out for them. Let’s help boys deal with their feelings in a more controlled way. By presenting the data/observations I've seen over the last 10 years of how we manage our young boys and their feelings, we can help improve the climate of the classroom as well as their home life by engaging the families with this information as well. "Beautiful Boy Its Okay to Cry" is a great way to start the conversation of helping change the stigma that's placed on our boys at such a young age.
Observation, Documentation & Assessment "I made the swirls!" Using Great Art Masterpieces to Help Children Notice Details in Drawings and Paintings Grand Gallery A, Main Level, DeVos Place We will briefly discuss the Reggio Emilia philosophy and then give a detailed description of our investigation using "Starry Night" by Van Gogh and "The Weeping Women" by Picasso. This investigation in the winter of 2022 helped the children develop observation and critical thinking skills, as well as strengthen their language and fine motor skills.
Caryn Finkelstein & Nadin Elhage, University of Michigan, Dearborn Age Levels: PS, KP
BreYanna Chism, Genesee Intermediate School District Age Levels: PS
Interactions & Guidance Best Practices in Implementing Behavior Strategies Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Attendees will leave the session with practical and current research-based Tier 2 and 3 behavior strategies that can be immediately applied in the classroom.
Kirsten Cannon, Lakota Local Schools Age Levels: KP, SA
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Friday, May 6, cont. Child Development Let's Get Musical Thornapple, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Music and movement is an important part of the Early Childhood/Elementary Classrooms. Music and movement promotes intellectual and social-emotional learning. It helps the body and the mind work together. Other benefits of music and movement include developing small motor skills, developing large motor skills, learning to express emotions and improving balance and coordination. Education others who may not be aware of these studies will help them become better educators but it will also help prepare children for success as the go in to the elementary school setting and beyond.
Kyle Lewandowski, Student Chapter Member-atLarge, Michigan AEYC Age Levels: PS, KP
Family & Community Engagement
2:45pm - 4:00pm Film Reflecting on Anti-Bias Education in Action: The Early Years
A film by Debbie LeeKeenan, John Nimmo & Filiz Efe McKinney Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel
Management Top 10 Licensing Rule Violations Atrium, Lower Level, Amway Hotel Hear from Child Care Licensing the most common licensing rule violations and ways you can ensure you pass your licensing inspection with flying colors.
Sharon Riebel, Child Care Licensing Age Levels: All, Adult
Teaching & Learning
Bridging Divides; Through Work + Play Grand View, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Detroit Parent Collective {DPC} is dedicated to offering a supportive co-working environment, together with a high quality onsite childcare program; Free Thinker School. Driven by its commitment to a social impact model, DPC is inclusive to Detroit area families with a special emphasis on bridging societal divides in all their forms.
Project Springboard: Reimagining School PostCOVID Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Hear about our experience as the only preschool team selected of 22 (from 3 countries & 15 states) to reimagine school with Project Springboard. See our model for a "Portrait of a Child as Lifelong Learner"
Krista McClure, Free Thinker School
Age Levels: PS, KP, SA
Age Levels: All, Adult Early Literacy - Everyday Opportunities Governors’ Room, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Children's literacy development begins right from the start at home with families. Learn to engage children with motivating and fun language and literacy activities that can happen in every area of a child's life. This session provides fun ready-touse ideas that can be used to support literacy development in programs, at home or about in the community. These easy-to-implement activities help parents and caregivers support language and literacy development.
Linda Mora, Laura Wagonlander, Becky Duncan & Ann Majchrowski, Fenton Area Public Schools
STEM-tastic Explorations in Early Childhood Grand Gallery B, Main Level, DeVos Place Coding for early childhood students? Of course! Early elementary STEM experiences can capture the natural interest of young children and maintain that enthusiasm through the elementary grades. Come see how Coding Critters and Jack, the robot mouse, can bring early STEM concepts to preschool learning through 100% screen-free coding.
Angie Meredith, Hand2Mind Age Levels: PS, KP, SA
Patricia Loper, Charlevoix-Emmet ISD Age Levels: PS 33
Friday, May 6, cont. Professionalism Moving Beyond Self-care: Creating Frameworks of Support to Retain Early Childhood Educators Grand Gallery F, Main Level, DeVos Place With all the stressors on education right now-staff shortages, COVID protocols, community division and overwhelming amounts of loss [personal and communal]-we must consider how we will keep and support our early childhood educators. This session will share the ways Opportunity Thrive and Ready for School have created a dynamic partnership to train and support the wellbeing of early childhood educators in the greater Ottawa County area, and how you can use these resources to build a better path forward for you and your fellow educators. Moving beyond "self-care" towards embedded communal practices, databased approaches and individualized coaching we can dramatically shift the status quo and help our early childhood educators thrive in this profession.
The Value of Humor Throughout Development: Importance of Laughter in Young Children, Families, and Early Childhood Professionals Ambassador West, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Join this session to examine the many benefits of humor filled interactions for young children, families and professionals. The development of humor in young children and the many benefits impacting social, emotional, cognitive and physical development are highlighted. Although this is a lighthearted topic, there are serious benefits of humor to combat the issues facing young children, families and professionals today. Ideas for implementation in the early childhood environment, as well as with families and early childhood teams will be included, with story sharing opportunities available.
Holly Hoffman, Central Michigan University Age Levels: PS
Rebekah Schipper, Opportunity Thrive Age Levels: All, Adult
Interactions & Guidance Activities to Promote Toilet Learning Kendall, Conference Level, Amway Hotel This training looks at toilet learning - the science behind it, activities that can promote it, the partnership between child care and home, as well as cues for when to back off.
Julie Sizemore, RESPECT Care Teaching Age Levels: IT
Child Development Fathers in Milestones Nelson, Conference Level, Amway Hotel This presentation is for new fathers and those who support them. We will focus on the importance of Skin to Skin, Safe Sleep and Developmental Milestones for ages birth to twelve months.
Jordan Ervin & Marcus Holmes, FOCUS: Hope Early Learning/Youth Development Age Levels: IT
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Friday, May 6, cont. "So You Noticed That": Discussions of Race and Ethnicity During Storytime Haldane, Conference Level, Amway Hotel This session presents results from a study of children and teachers discussing racial and ethnic concepts during group reading. Groups talked about basic components of Anti-Bias Goals but stopped short of more difficult conversations. Implications outline the importance of dismissing the notion that young children are 'colorblind' and becoming aware of personal beliefs when incorporating anti-bias principles.
Kimberly Davidson & Tracy Donohue, Central Michigan University Teaching with Intention - Developmentally Appropriate Practices: A Brief Overview Vandenberg A, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Understanding and effectively implementing developmentally appropriate practices is key to the effective facilitation of any curriculum. Learn the foundation of developmentally appropriate practices and how to use them to teach with intention.
Rachel Ellen Maria Burns & Robin Meinicke, Starfish Family Services Age Levels: All Connecting in a Disconnected Time Grand Gallery D, Main Level, DeVos Place In a time we were forced to be apart and asked to create a curriculum and environment we never thought would be possible at a preschool level, we persevered. Come with us on this journey that captures child development and connections during the pandemic. The teachers showed up and the children showed up. The families showed up. There is so much to tell.
Angela Sintery & Jen Cozart, UM-Flint Early Childhood Development Center Age Levels: PS
5:30pm - 6:30pm Event GRCC Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory Tour Meet at the DeVos Place Silver Line Station on Monroe Ave at 5:15pm to walk with the group, or take the bus. Open house style tour of the learning lab, refreshments provided. No additional registration required.
7:00pm - 8:00pm Event Michigan AEYC Members Only Networking Events
*Pre-registration required Brush Studio Paint and Sip ‘Michigan Love’ Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Hammer & Stain West Michigan ‘Home Pillow’ Emerald A, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Hammer & Stain West Michigan ‘Home Sign’ Emerald B, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Hammer & Stain West Michigan ‘Hello Sunshine Sign’ Ruby, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Woodrow’s DuckPin Bowling Woodrow’s DuckPin Bowling, Lobby Level, Amway One drink ticket per Member, cash bar to follow. Fun snacks and appetizers provided.
7:00pm - 9:00pm Event Friday Night Fun with a Purpose! Ambassador West, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel. Everyone is invited to this fun event with a purpose! Enjoy and sing along to live music provided by talented musicians and conference presenters Todd Greenbaum and Beverly ‘The Music Lady’ Meyer while engaging in a service learning project assembling literacy book bags for PoWeR Book Bags, a 501c3 serving children in Northern Michigan. A cash bar and limited refreshments are available outside of Ambassador West in the West Concourse. Bring your refreshments into the ballroom to enjoy great music, great company, and an activity for a great cause. No additional registration required. 35
Saturday, May 7 7:00am - 10:30am
Registration & Badge Pickup
8:30am - 9:45am
General Session
10:00am - 1:45pm
Workshops
10:15am - 1:15pm
Live Zumbini Training (register in advance)
12:30pm - 1:45pm
Film Screening
8:30am - 9:45am Keynote Voices from the Field: Building Transformative Relationships Ambassador Ballroom, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel
Ja’Nel Jamerson, Flint Early Childhood Collaborative LaTonya Redfearn, Kids R Us Child Development Center Chris Whitmire, Heritage Southwest ISD Moderator: Tammy Arakelian, Oakland Public Schools This interactive panel will explore the experiences, innovative ideas and excellent practices that work to lift up the early childhood workforce at different levels across Michigan. Panelists include Ja’Nel Jamerson, Executive Director of the Flint Early Childhood Collaborative, LaTonya Redfearn, owner of Kids-R-Us Child Development Center, and Chris Whitmire, Director of Early Childhood Education for Heritage Southwest ISD. Learn from our panelists how family and community engagement, workforce benefits and initiatives and investing in people can make all the difference.
10:00am - 11:15am Teaching & Learning STEM Learning and Literacy for Infants and Toddlers Grand View, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Infants and Toddlers are explorers who learn about the world around them with their senses. Families and teachers can help promote their learning through exploration with different materials and activities. One of the biggest ways to support their STEM development is through language. In this training, we will be discussing each of the four concepts and how they look in an environment with infants and toddlers. We will discuss STEM literacy and how to integrate it in children's exploration, and how to plan engaging and developmentally appropriate activities to promote a love and interest in STEM.
Alicia Oldham, Starfish Family Services Age Levels: IT
Professionalism T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship 101 Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel Participants will be provided with an overview of the early childhood education degree continuum and what T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships are available for different levels of education. Scholarship eligibility and requirements as well as potential costs to recipients and employers will be outlined. Participants will be guided through the application process at the school and scholarship level, MI-YDA and CDA credentialing process will be outlined. Still don’t think you can afford it? We’ve got a cost analysis that might make you think twice.
Lindsay White, Michigan AEYC Age Levels: Adult Avoiding Burnout - The Importance of Self Care for Child Care Providers Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Self care is a hot topic right now. In this training, we will talk about what self care is, and how to implement it regularly throughout your day.
Julie Sizemore, RESPECT Care Teaching Age Levels: Adult 36
Saturday, May 7 Interactions & Guidance Continuing Anti-Bias with Infants and Toddlers Governors’ Room, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Join me to hear more about my own journey bringing anti-bias into the classroom with infants and toddlers, where we will take a dive into books and music with an anti-bias lens.
Olivia Prichard, Michigan State University Age Levels: IT What Children CAN Do!: Developmentally Appropriate Expectations in the Classroom Gerald R. Ford, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel Reflecting on current ideas and practices regarding expectations of children in the classroom and exploring ways to guide and support children using appropriate expectations, based on development at various ages, while helping to reduce teacher stress.
Honilynn Hendricks, The Community House Early Childhood Center Age Levels: IT, PS, KP
Child Development Kids These Days: The Impact of Trauma on Young Children Thornapple, Conference Level, Amway Hotel The instances of trauma in children are on the rise. We will discuss the reasons why and learn how stress and trauma impacts young children and their brains. This will not be the most lighthearted session you will attend, but all educators needs to understand the implications of trauma on our students. Children who have experienced trauma are some the hardest to reach, but when you reach them, also the sweetest victory.
Let's Get Musical Emerald B, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Music and movement is an important part of the Early Childhood/Elementary Classrooms. Music and movement promotes intellectual and social-emotional learning. It helps the body and the mind work together. Other benefits of music and movement include developing small motor skills, developing large motor skills, learning to express emotions and improving balance and coordination. Educating others who may not be aware of these studies will help them become better educators but it will also help prepare children for success as the go in to the elementary school setting and beyond.
Kyle Lewandowski, Student Member-at-Large, Michigan AEYC Age Levels: PS, KP
Family & Community Engagement Supporting Fathers in the Classrooms Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Educators' perceptions play a role in father engagement in their children's early education. The purpose of this presentation to inform educators about cultural barriers to family, specifically fathers' engagement from different cultural background.
Sinsery Gardner, Concordia University & Latifah Alremaih, Oakland Family Services Age Levels: IT, PS, KP
10:15am - 1:15pm Event
Nicole Valinski, Ionia Public Schools
Live Zumbini Instructor Training, Day Two of Two
Age Levels: PS, KP
Vandenberg B, Concourse Level, Amway
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders Berkey, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Join this session to gain an understanding of autism spectrum disorder and learn strategies to help students.
*Advance Registration Required
Kyle Curtis, Rochester Community Schools Age Levels: PS, KP, SA 37
Saturday, May 7
10:15am - 11:30am Teaching & Learning Transitions Made Musical with The Music Lady Atrium, Lower Level, Amway Hotel Make your day run a little smoother with some new and innovative ways to help with transitions by using music. Discover instrumental and vocal ideas that will lead you to creating your own customized tunes so you can sing and play throughout your day.
Beverly Meyer, Beverly, The Music Lady Age Levels: All World of Wonder's WonderWay Reggio-Inspired Program Riverview, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel Come discover WonderWay, our multi-age, five day a week, flexible schedule preschool program. This unique program utilizes the Reggio-inspired philosophy to support children in constructing their own knowledge and developing skills through exploration, self-expression and collaboration.
Michelle Schneider, Megan Baize & Linda Mora, Fenton Area Public Schools Age Levels: PS
Interactions & Guidance Teaching Is My Superpower - Building Teacher Resilience Pantlind Ballroom, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel We'll examine popular theories for building resilience as well as what research shows contributes to burn-out, what a resilient teacher looks like and what steps we can take to build protective factors of resilience.
Child Development Say Yes to Mess! Vandenberg A, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Let’s explore messy play! Participants will explore messy materials and put themselves in the role of a child. We will discuss sensory play and its role in child development and learning. Participants will have an opportunity to share experiences with messy play and brainstorm ways to add more messy play and sensory play activities in the classroom.
Sheri Williams, Agape Love Child Care Center Age Levels: IT, PS Teaching with Intention - Developmentally Appropriate Practices: A Brief Overview Kendall, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Understanding and effectively implementing developmentally appropriate practices is key to the effective facilitation of any curriculum. Learn the foundation of developmentally appropriate practices and how to use them to teach with intention.
Rachel Ellen Maria Burns & Robin Meinicke, Starfish Family Services Age Levels: All Learning Through Music, Dance and Yoga Haldane, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Discover simple ways to integrate dance, music and yoga into your daily curriculum. Explore ways to foster all 5 areas of child development (cognitive, social and emotional, speech and language, fine and gross motor) through music, dance and yoga activities.
Jamaica Stevens, JAMaROO Kids Age Levels: KP
Kathy Gilbert, KMG Research Age Levels: All, Adult
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Saturday, May 7 Family & Community Engagement Using Digital Tools to Connect Teachers, Communities & Families Nelson, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Successful early childhood education depends on relationships and collaborations with children’s families and communities. In order to build an effective partnership with families and communities, teachers must understand and employ a variety of communication strategies in addition to in-person teacher interactions. We’ll discuss family engagement, as it was in the past and how it has shifted with the new advent of technology.
Not Just "Playing Around": Supporting Families through Play-Based Interactions Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel Join a conversation about building caregivers' confidence in play-based learning. Parents are a child's first and best teachers. As Early Childhood Professionals we can provide them with the tools they need through group play settings.
Meighan Taylor & Kathleen Neumann, Grand Rapids Community College Age Levels: IT, PS, Adult
Dr. Patricia A. Edwards, Savvas Learning Company Age Levels: PS, KP
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Saturday, May 7
12:15pm - 1:30pm Management How to Recruit, Hire, Train, and Retain the Right Person for the Job Gerald R. Ford, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel The best leaders are individuals that utilize their power with understanding. The key to retaining the best person is to recruit and hire the best candidate. Participants will gain information needed to recruit, hire, train and retain the right person for their position. Recruiting techniques will be discussed to outline ways to attract the most qualified applicants. Training staff to reduce mistakes to provide quality care for children. Retaining the right person provide continuity and consistency for the children.
Dr. Thomasa Bond, State of Michigan Age Levels: Adult Positive Climate through Parallel Process: An Administrator's Guide Grand View, Conference Level, Amway Hotel This session will highlight how leading with parallel process can support overall program climate and ultimately classroom climate. We will cover strategies and structures that administrators can embed in their management system to build connections and supports, both with and between staff members.
Melissa Smith, NogginBloom Age Levels: All, Adult
Teaching & Learning Storybook Math for Toddlers Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Use nursery rhymes and stories to promote developmentally appropriate math concepts for toddlers and young preschoolers. Materials presented use "found" and inexpensive materials for play-based learning that is easily shared with families.
Kate Cole, Early Childhood Consultant
Rocks, Sticks, & Mud: Creating & Utilizing an Outdoor Classroom for Meaningful Play Emerald B, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel No matter your school's setting, you can create an outdoor learning space for the students in your Early Childhood program. Learn how to overcome perceived barriers to outdoor learning and work with the space and materials available to you to support meaningful outdoor play.
Windy Carroll & Sara DeYarmond, Our Savior Lutheran School Age Levels: PS
Professionalism CDA from A to Z Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel Participants will be provided an overview of the CDA credentialing process. The scholarship eligibility and potential cost requirements will also be outlined. We will also discuss the application process with the Council for Professional recognition, and the required documents needed to submit a T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship application. Other scholarships we offer at T.E.A.C.H. will also be outlined. We will also provide some resources and websites to help support attendees through the CDA process.
Jen Davis & Katherine Julson, Michigan AEYC Age Levels: Adult Engage With Michigan AEYC: Learn About Leadership and Other Opportunities to Get Involved Governors’ Room, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel There are open seats at our table. Gain knowledge of the networks to advance your professional journey. All are welcome to attend, no matter where you are on your professional journey.
Heather Lucas, Peretz Hirshbein & Paula Spencer, Michigan AEYC Age Levels: Adult
Age Levels: IT
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Saturday, May 7 Child Development "So You Noticed That": Discussions of Race and Ethnicity During Storytime Thornapple, Conference Level, Amway Hotel This session presents results from a study of children and teachers discussing racial and ethnic concepts during group reading. Groups talked about basic components of Anti-Bias Goals but stopped short of more difficult conversations. Implications outline the importance of dismissing the notion that young children are 'colorblind' and becoming aware of personal beliefs when incorporating anti-bias principles.
Kimberly Davidson & Tracy Donohue, Central Michigan University Age Levels: PS, KP
Family & Community Engagement The Power of Fatherhood: How to Engage Fathers in Early Childhood Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway Hotel This session will discuss the benefits of including fathers in early education and provide ways to increase fatherhood engagement in early childhood programs.
Gabrielle Dunai, Early Childhood Educator Age Levels: All, Adult
A Story of Reggio-Emilia Inspired World Connections Berkey, Conference Level, Amway Hotel Experience the ease in which two schools, worlds apart, were able to come together and provide meaningful connections between students; as friends and learners.
Becky Duncan & Linda Mora, World of Wonder ELC Age Levels: KP, SA
12:30pm - 1:45pm Film Me, The Other
A documentary film about 12 students in Michigan whose lives are challenged by being ‘othered’ and whose struggles and triumphs reveal the resilience of the human spirit. Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, Amway Hotel
Management Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace Atrium, Lower Level, Amway Hotel Learn how to effectively create a culture of appreciation in your company that is an EVERYBODY practice, instead of top-down effort. Leave with clear and concise actions to reduce turnover and create an environment where people WANT to come to work.
Rhonda Meyers, Heartfelt Impressions Learning Centers & ECE Subhub Age Levels: Adult Boosting Retirement Savings and Minimizing Taxes Now Riverview, Lower Level, Amway Hotel Saving for retirement can also be a great way to lower your taxes now, especially if you are over 50. From retirement savings to healthcare, there are programs that can give you the boost that you need.
Buddy Farmer, Teacher Advisors, LLC Age Levels: Adult
Teaching & Learning Make Yourself More Musical with The Music Lady Pantlind Ballroom, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel Music is an essential tool in your teacher tool belt. Make yourself more musical in your classroom throughout the day with great ideas that encourage healthy development in all aspects of learning.
Beverly Meyer, Beverly, The Music Lady Age Levels: All
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Saturday, May 7 Interactions & Guidance We’re All In This Together… We’re Going To Make it! Haldane, Conference Level, Amway Rules seem to be changing constantly, children are dealing with a lot, and parents and teachers are stressed. How do we combat all of these things? Where do we start? It starts with us, the educator, it trickles down to our kids, and to their parents. This workshop will help us take care of ourselves, so we can go about the business of making children's lives better. This workshop will help us learn to love on the littles that act out the most, and it will also help us handle parents that just need to know we are on the same team. We are on the team that wants the very best for our kiddos. We are all in this together!
How to Mitigate the Negative Impacts of ACEs in the Early Childhood Classroom Vandenberg A, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel How to mitigate the negative impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in the early childhood classroom
Jennifer Philleo, West Bloomfield Preschool
Family & Community Engagement My Name Story: A Year-Long Family Engagement Project Nelson, Conference Level, Amway Hotel A child's name is powerful. It is part of one's identity within a cultural community. Families shared their child's name story, homes and culture. Documentation of project will be presented.
Rebecca Kozlow, Skeels Christian School
Julie Burns-Ross, Detroit Country Day School
Age Levels: All
Age Levels: PS
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On-Demand ONLY Sessions Management Motivating and Engaging your Team During Challenging Times Stress levels are high and managing work in this demanding time is challenging for many. A lot has been asked of child care administrators - more than any other profession. We will discuss the levels of stress, how it impacts the team's coping skills and how to support different mindsets. Leading has a lot to do with knowing our individual strengths and nurturing those around us. We'll take a close look at the role of "love languages" at work. Participants will leave this session with practical strategies to bring out the best in their team members, to take care of themselves, to manage stress and to show up resilient. Learn to shift from surviving to thriving.
Love of Literacy This training will inspire a love of literacy in children by equipping educators and parents with the tools to bring classic children's books to life through an event called Book Days.
Kassi Kincaid, Book Days Age Levels: All
Professionalism Tapping for Stress, Anxiety and Resiliency Teaching and learning is state dependent. You must regulate before you educate. In this experiential program, learn and APPLY self-regulation, Emotional Freedom Technique/ EFT (Tapping) which is an evidence-based stress, anxiety relief and trauma relief method.
Prerna Richards, Together We Grow
Tijana Coso, The Tapping Project/ Coso Consulting
Age Levels: KS, KP, SA
Age Levels: All, Adult
Effective Social Media Marketing Strategies for the Child Care Industry Want to effectively market your program to millennial parents using social media and other technology solutions? This session is for you. This session will jumpstart your efforts to formulate and implement your digital and social media marketing strategy. We will discuss best practices for Facebook, LinkedIn, Google Reviews/Yelp, Google Adwords, and Facebook Ads.
Abhas Jain, Resource Childcare Age Levels: Adult
Teaching & Learning Embedded Learning Opportunities for Young Children with Disabilities Early childhood special education professionals have recommended embedding instruction into already existing classroom activities and routines for young children with disabilities (Davis, Kilgo, & Gamel-McCormick, 1998). Embedded learning opportunities promote engagement for young children with disabilities.
Tools and Strategies for Group Work: Establishing a Culture of Professionalism, Collaboration, and Positive Work Ethic A common skill required for leadership and management in early childhood is the ability to help people work together professionally, collaboratively and with a positive work ethic. Leaders often struggle with getting members of teaching teams to get along, engaging adult learners in evaluation and growth processes and establishing a shared vision among a large program. While leaders in ECE receive significant knowledge through formal education there often remains unanswered questions. Learn about tools and strategies to work better together through examining organizational culture, establishing a shared vision, reflecting on leadership practices and implementing concrete action steps to address tension.
Christine Snyder & Holly Delgado, U of M Health System Children’s Center Age Levels: Adult
Jessica Grimone-Hopkins & Christina Mirtes, Eastern Michigan University Age Levels: PS
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On-Demand ONLY Sessions What’s New in 2022? MiRegistry Updates and Useful Information In this session, we will discuss new MiRegistry system features and improvements as well as existing features you may not know about. We will cover many frequently asked Membership, Trainer and Training Sponsor Organization (TSO) questions and share strategies to help you successfully navigate and complete online training.
Emily Finnerud & Carlie McKinney, MiRegistry Age Levels: Adult
Interactions & Guidance Building a Trauma Sensitive Classroom Children who’ve been exposed to trauma are more likely to exhibit behaviors that challenge their teachers and caregivers. In these moments of heightened stress, teachers aren’t always able to respond in ways that align with their goals for children’s development and success. Noni partners with the Lourie Center to scale their comprehensive approach through real-time, responsive technology that helps teachers understand, track, manage and even predict and plan for dysregulated child behaviors stemming from toxic stress and trauma.
Maryellen Soriano, MA, Ed., Teaching Strategies Age Levels: PS, KP Fostering Resiliency Through the Development of Social-Emotional Skills It is important to give young children the skills to prepare for life’s challenges using evidence-based comprehensive social-emotional curriculum that is designed to meet the specific needs of preschool children. Learn About Al’s Pals comprehensive lessons that not only relate to the extensive literature on resilience, but also align to The Creative Curriculum® objectives for development and learning and approaches.
Maryellen Soriano, MA, Ed., Teaching Strategies Age Levels: PS, KP
Transforming Challenging Behaviors Challenging behaviors are a normal part of any early childhood classroom or program but they can become all-consuming and exhausting for adults when the educators don't understand brain development and what the children are trying to communicate through these behaviors, be it is simple push back, not listening, demanding attention or being defiant. This session will go deeper and take a closer look at the important role of the educator as they lay the foundation of the young developing brain between birth- 5 years of age. Participants will learn strategies to help manage challenging and disruptive behaviors displayed in their classrooms by gaining a better understanding of what brain states are in action and what the children are trying to communicate through their behaviors while chasing the "why" behind the behavior.
Prerna Richards, Together We Grow Age Levels: All
Child Development The Power of Expectations in Young Children Geared toward families and early childhood professionals, learn and discuss ways to powerfully enhance self-esteem of children with disabilities. Tools are offered to help empower children with a healthy sense of self through expectations.
Kathy O’Connell, Radiant Abilities, LLC Age Levels: All Analyzing the Use of Technology During Preschool Play Routines Way too much screen time? The use of technology has increased during the pandemic. Session focuses on our multi-state data collection of preschool teachers and parents and shares screen time observational tools for best practice.
Christina Mirtes & Sara Muchmore, Eastern Michigan University Age Levels: PS
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On-Demand ONLY Sessions Family & Community Engagement What Do/Did We Know About Effective Communication and Collaboration and How Has the Pandemic Changed Our Way of Building Family and School Relationships? Communicating with families of young children and those new to special education services has always played an important role in building collaborative relationships between families and schools. When we communicate with each other we build better teams which result in improved educational outcomes for students. Covid-19 has presented us with a unique opportunity to create and improve family-school partnerships. Now more than ever we know and understand the importance of collaborative school and family relationships. This workshop will provide you with communication and collaboration strategies and help you learn how to build stronger, more effective family-school relationships.
Beth Kohler & Cheryl Levine, Special Education Mediation Services Age Levels: All Cultivating Collaborations: Developing a Sustainable Farm to ECE Program Farm to early care and education (ECE) provides a natural connection to provide healthy, local and culturally relevant fresh food to help support the development of young children, but also to support the local economy and strengthen partnerships within the community. This session intends to help practitioners see the "what" the "why" and the "how" of Farm to ECE within existing frameworks they are already using.
Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) with an equity lens We all know that DAP practices provide optimal growth and development for children but without equity in place all children cannot thrive. We'll introduce practical, effective, and easy adjustments to intentionally implement in classrooms and programs making them more inclusive and equitable for all children. The early years form the sense of self-identity which is critical for children's ability to be active learners. Educators who are culturally, linguistically and equitably trained can provide the best foundation for young children. Following this class, teachers and staff will have gained a renewed understanding of how to create environments where all children can grow up to have pride, self-esteem and confidence.
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Prerna Richards, Together We Grow Age Levels: All Learning Through Gardening! De-stress, & Enhance Confidence, Social, and Emotional Development in Children Learning through gardening is the oldest way of learning. Human and nature are inseparable, and mother nature is the best teacher. In today's world children are stressed, angry, frustrated and developing social emotional issues. Learn how gardening can help!
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Seema Ibrahim, At Momm’s Child Care and Consulting, Inc. Age Levels: All
Meagan Shedd, Michigan State University Age Levels: IT, PS Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood It is vital that each child is represented in our programs. The purpose of this training is to teach individuals how to welcome and embrace families from diverse cultures.
Marie Ronise Haywood, Unique Children’s Center Age Levels: All, Adult
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Exhibit Hours: Thursday, May 5 Friday, May 6
10:05am - 5:30pm 10:05am - 5:30pm
Michigan AEYC Member Lounge Booths: 1-4
Early Autism Services Booth: 46
Lakeshore Learning Materials Booth: 11
Michigan AEYC Silent Auction Booths: 28-31
Early On Michigan / Build Up Booth: 44
Learning Without Tears Booth 48
AIR Child Care Solutions Booth: 13
Early Childhood Investment Corporation Booth: 45
Let’s Dig In Booths: 40-41
Age of Learning Booth: 25
Foundations Worldwide Booths: 26-27
Autism Alliance of Michigan Booth: 67
Hand2Mind Booth: 8
MDHHS- Infant Safe Sleep Program / MI Public Health Institute Booth: 42
Book Vine for Children Booth: 58
Head Start for Kent County Booth: 69
C.S. Mott Community College Booth: 15
Heartfelt Impressions / ECE Subhub Booth: 6
Cathy’s Discovery Toys Booth: 43
JAMaROO Kids Booth: 9
Central Michigan University Early Childhood Booth: 60
K. Mathes Insurance Agency (Meemic) Booth: 59
Cornucopia Books of Michigan Booth: 16 Discount School Supply Booths: 62-63
Kaplan Early Learning Company Booths: 32 - 37 Kaplan Early Learning - Connect4Learning Booth: 52
Michigan AEYC / T.E.A.C.H. Booth: 53 Michigan Learning Channel / Detroit PBS Kids Booth: 66 Michigan Optometric Association Booth: 56 Midland County ESA Great Start to Quality Central Resource Center Booth: 12 MISchoolData Booth: 64 National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs Booth: 14 46
Northern Michigan University Booth: 54
School Specialty Childcraft Booth: 71
The Discovery Source Booth: 68
Oakland University Booth: 7
Search Associates Booth: 65
Vincent Nunes Booth: 22
Poppin Popcorn Booth: 10
Seesaw Booth: 39
Walden University Booth: 23
ProSolutions Training Booth: 57
Shields Childcare Supplies Booths: 50-51
Whimsicality, LLC Booth: 70
Providers for Change Booth: 61
Soccer Shots Booth: 38
Wolfdog Screen Printing Booths: 17-19
Rochester University Booth: 49
Special Education Mediation Services Booth: 47
ZidZid Booth: 21
Savvas Booth: 24
Superkid Capes Booth: 20
Zumbini: Booth: 55
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Atrium Level: Lower Level Atrium
Below Wolfgang Puck Restaurant (use Atrium, Lower Level, Amway Hotel Stair)
Lobby Level: First Floor Imperial Ballroom Ottawa Gerald R. Ford Ballroom Riverview
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Concourse Level: Second Floor Ambassador Ballrooms Emerald A and B Pearl Ruby
Governors’ Room Vandenberg A and B Pantlind Ballroom
Conference Level: Third Floor Berkey Grand View Haldane Heritage Hill Kendall Nelson Thornapple Winchester
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Main Level: First Floor Ballroom A Ballroom B/C/D Grand Gallery Rooms A-F
MONROE AVE
DeVos Place Bus Station To Amway Hotel
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