Early Childhood Conference returns to campus

The schedule for Friday, Feb., 19, features various session options.

Dr. Kim Madsen, applied sciences professor, will lead a workshop from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. that explores language and literacy, as well as the importance of language-rich activities and print-rich materials in a child’s upbringing.

Madsen’s session is limited to 30 participants and costs $25, with an additional $15 for lunch and materials.

Sessions will also be offered on precautionary safety training Friday, Feb. 19.          

Those sessions begin at 1 p.m. with consecutive presentations by Jennifer Baumann, co-president of the Panhandle Area Child Care Services Association. Baumann’s discussions are titled: “Safe with You: Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome” and “Nothin’ But Baby—Preventing SIDS.”

Following Bauman, Brittain Trave, Early Development Network services coordinator, will present a discussion titled “Power to Protect—Preventing Child Abuse” set to begin at 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 20, the conference will be highlighted by nationally renowned speaker, Denita Dinger, who is also the authoe of the "Play Counts" blog.

Dinger, an early childhood professional and author based out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will present on the importance of providing positive, play-centered environments for children. Using 13 years of expertise and a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, Dinger’s presentation emphasizes resourceful thinking to produce the most effective learning opportunities for children.

The presentation includes discussions, documentation drills and brainstorming sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Early bird registration is open until Feb. 8. For more information, contact Tyler Irvine at the Panhandle Partnership 308-633-3818.