CSC hosts 25th Annual Excellence in Early Childhood Conference

Patricia Dischler, also the author of seven books, travels the country sharing her 25+ years of humorous stories from the field of early education and her years as a board member for state and national early childhood organizations.

Feb. 14 from 6-8 p.m. in the CSC Student Center Ballroom she will share pointers on how teachers and parents can meet in the middle instead of taking stances on opposite sides of the fence.

She will present her keynote address, “Unharness Your Creativity,” from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Feb. 15.

Dischler is known for writing her stories seated on a bouncy ball in her purple office. She will challenge participants to think outside the box so they can create new and exciting ways to inspire the children in their care.

An additional pre-session on Feb. 14 from 3-5 p.m. will focus on teaching elementary children about money and saving. Presenter Jennifer Davidson is the director of Programs and Community Development for the Nebraska Council on Economic Education based in Lincoln.

Both pre-sessions are free to the public, but participants should contact Dr. Yvonne Moody at 308-432-6368 or ymoody@csc.edu so that enough materials will be provided.

Those interested may register for the conference on the Panhandle Public Health Department webpage at pphd.org under the Training Academy tab. Call 308-487-3600 ext. 103 for more information.

The theme of the conference, co-sponsored by 11 organizations, is “United We Stand for Children: A Tea Party Celebration.” The registration fee is $35 through Feb. 7 and $40 after that date. Participants may purchase Dischler’s book “Tea Party Celebrations” for $10 in a special, limited offer at the time of registration. After registration, the book is $19.95.

Breakout sessions will cover numerous topics including autism, safe sleeping for infants, nutrition and special education.