MARCH 7-9, 2019

CONFERENCE ON THE YOUNG YEARS

MAKINGCONNECTIONSLIFELONG

LEARNINGTAN-TAR-A RESORT OSAGE BEACH, MO

December 2018

Dear Early Learning Colleagues:

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) would like to extend an invitation to you for the 46th Annual Conference on the Young Years. The theme of this year’s conference is “Making Connections for Lifelong Learning.” Our mission is to guarantee the superior preparation and performance of every child in school and in life. With an overarching goal of “All Missouri students will graduate ready for success,” we know the experiences children have in the early years are the foundation to promoting lifelong learning.

The Conference on the Young Years (CYY) supports early childhood professionals by offering information and resources that expand learning for all educators working with children and families. We are excited to offer a wide variety of topics to promote lifelong learning and motivate educators to make connections to support continued growth. This year’s conference keynote speaker lineup includes: Michael Gramling, author of The Great Disconnect in Early Childhood Education: What We Know vs What We Do; Cathy Fosnot, a leading voice in mathematics education, transforming classrooms into communities of mathematicians; Marcia Tate, motivational speaker who shares information on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and how to develop the mind using her best-selling books; Brian Lies, children’s author and illustrator of stories like Bats at the Beach, Bats at the Ballgame and The Rough Patch; and Kevin Carnes, who promotes STEAM and hands-on learning.

In addition to a great lineup of keynote speakers our featured speakers are nationally recognized experts in the field of early childhood education and include a wealth of information on various topics. Featured presentations will include such topics as; early brain and child development, using open ended materials to create learning, strategies to resolve conflict and managing stress in young children. There will also be information provided about outdoor classrooms and how nature impacts the brain, the effects of trauma and how to make connections with families to promote learning beyond the classroom.

Thank you for considering CYY as part of your professional development plan. We are proud to say that the dedication to preparing children for school readiness and building on their knowledge begins with you! Children, families, schools and communities are more successful because of the work you do each and every day. At the conference we hope you have an opportunity to make connections and network with others in the field of education because we know everyone working together prepares Missouri’s children for lifelong learning!

Sincerely,

Jo Anne RalstonCoordinator, Early Learning Section

6:00-8:00 p.m. Registration (Salon Foyer)6:00-8:00 p.m. Ticket Trade (Salon Foyer)

7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Registration (Salon Foyer)7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ticket Trade (Room 64)8:45-9:45 a.m. Home Visiting Keynote Address

Dr. Ira Chasnoff (Salon C)10:00-11:30 a.m. Session A (Presentations A-1 to A-6)11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Lunch (Windgate Hall)1:15-2:45 p.m. Session B (Presentations B-7 to B-11) 3:00-4:00 p.m. Session C (Presentations C-12 to C-16)

4:00 p.m. Hotel Check-In4:15-5:15 p.m. Session D (Presentations D-17 to D-21)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6CYYHOME VISITING SUMMIT

7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Registration (Salon Foyer)7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ticket Trade (Room 64)8:30-9:30 a.m. Day 1 Opening Keynote Address

Michael Gramling (Salon A)9:45-10:45 a.m. Session I (Presentations 1-6)11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Session II (Presentations 7-10)

or Lunch 1 (Windgate Hall)12:30-1:30 p.m. Session III (Presentations 11-16)

or Lunch 2 (Windgate Hall)2:00-3:30 p.m. Session IV (Presentations 17-23)

3:45-5:15 p.m. Day 1 Closing Keynote Address Cathy Fosnot (Salon A)

4:00 p.m. Hotel Check-In

DAY 1: THURSDAY, MARCH 7UP TO 6 CLOCK HOURS

6:00-8:00 p.m. Registration (Salon Foyer)6:00-8:00 p.m. Ticket Trade (Salon Foyer)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

THURSDAY, MARCH 7UP TO 6 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HOURS

DAY 2: FRIDAY, MARCH 8UP TO 6 CLOCK HOURS7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Registration (Salon Foyer)7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Ticket Trade (Room 64)8:30-9:30 a.m. Day 2 Opening Keynote Address

Marcia Tate (Salon A, B & C)9:45-10:45 a.m. Session V (Presentations 24-36)11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Session VI (Presentations 37-47)

or Lunch 1 (Windgate Hall)12:30-1:30 p.m. Session VII (Presentations 48-58)

or Lunch 2 (Windgate Hall)2:00-3:30 p.m. Session VIII (Presentations 59-71)

3:45-5:15 p.m. Day 2 Closing Keynote Address Brian Lies (Salon A, B & C)

5:30 p.m. Book Signing (Salon Foyer)

DAY 3: SATURDAY, MARCH 9UP TO 4 CLOCK HOURS6:30-8:00 a.m. Breakfast Buffet (Windgate Hall)7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ticket Trade (Salon Foyer)8:15-9:15 a.m. Day 3 Keynote Address

Kevin Carnes (Salon A, B & C)9:30-10:30 a.m. Session IX (Presentations 72-86)10:45-11:45 a.m. Session X (Presentations 87-100) 12:00-1:00 p.m. Session XI (Presentations 101-114)

11:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Exhibits OpenTHURSDAY (WINDGATE HALL)

EXTRA TIMEPROVIDED DURING

LUNCH EACH DAY

11:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Showcases OpenTHURSDAY (ROOM 62/63)

8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Exhibits OpenFRIDAY (WINDGATE HALL)

11:00 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Grand Opening Dessert Reception

12:00-2:00 p.m. Showcase Meet & Greet

7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Showcases OpenFRIDAY (ROOM 62/63)

12:00-2:00 p.m. Showcase Meet & Greet

REGISTRATION FEESIf your online registration is completed on or before February 6, 2019, you will receive the early registration rate of $80 for Day 1 and $160 for Days 2 and 3. If your registration is received after February 6, your registration rate will be $90 and $180 respectively.

PAYMENT OF REGISTRATION FEESPayment of fees may be made by credit card, purchase order or check.

A purchase order must be faxed within five business days of receipt of the online registration confirmation to Jamie Schieber at 573-445-1831. If you prefer to pay by check, your check must be received within five business days of your confirmed online registration.

Make checks payable to: Custom Meeting Planners

Mailing address:Custom Meeting PlannersP.O. Box 30785Columbia, MO 65205

REFUND POLICYRegistration fees can be refunded if a written request is received no later than February 6, 2019. Send your refund request by email to jamie@custommeetingplanners.com. No refunds will be authorized after this date, but substitutions will be permitted. Full payment of fees will be expected from registrants who are unable to attend the conference but fail to notify Custom Meeting Planners in writing by February 6, 2019.

ONLINE REGISTRATION To register, please go to http://www.regonline.com/cyy2019.

Please view and/or print the online registration brochure and select the presentations you would like to attend prior to beginning online registration. A confirmation email for your registration and presentation selections will be sent to you immediately after the completion of online registration. If you do not receive a confirmation email or have questions about registration, please contact Jamie Schieber at 573-445-2965 or jamie@custommeetingplanners.com.

LODGINGConference participants and presenters are responsible for making their own lodging reservations. A block of rooms has been reserved for the Conference on the Young Years at a discounted single or double rate of $99 per night plus tax. This rate is available until February 6, 2019, based on availability.

Tan-Tar-A Resort494 Tan-Tar-A DriveOsage Beach, MO 65065

To make a reservation, call 800-826-8272 and identify yourself as an attendee of CYY. The group code is YNGY. You may also visit http://www.tan-tar-a.com to make your reservation online. Click on Groups and Conferences and enter the group code listed above.

GET SOCIALUSE #MOCYY2019TO TAG & SHARE

SEARCH #MOCYY2018TO CHECK OUT THE 2018

CONFERENCE

Disclaimer: Conference materials are available to the first 1,750 people registered.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

PRESENTATION KEY

PRESENTATION CHOICESWhen viewing the online brochure, CYY participants can utilize the Presentation Key to assist them in selecting presentations. Featured speaker presentations are labeled with an asterisk and use color shading for quick reference.

After the conference, the conference planners will email an Official Certificate of Attendance to all participants who scanned their name badges. This will include a list of all presentations attended. Please allow 30 days after the conference to receive your official certificate. Participants who provided a MOPD ID number will have their attendance uploaded to the Missouri Workshop Calendar. If a MOPD ID number is not provided, clock hours will not be documented.

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS (CEUs)St. Louis Community College is offering continuing education units (CEUs) for participation in the 2019 Conference on the Young Years. The CEU certificate is available for $15, and the number of CEUs received will be determined by the number of clock hours attended. Participants will receive 0.1 CEU for every clock hour of training.

For example, if you attend 10 hours of training, your certificate will indicate 1.0 CEU.

To receive CEUs from St. Louis Community College, send the following to the address below:

Your name, street address, city, state, ZIP code, home phone number and cell phone number;A letter requesting CEUs for the 2019 Conference on the Young Years;Your Social Security Number* (used as a student number at St. Louis Community College);*A complete Social Security Number is required in order to process your informationYour birthdate;A copy of the Official Certificate of Attendance to verify hours of attendance (the certificate will be sent to you via email after the conference); andA $15 check or money order made payable to St. Louis Community College.

ALL the information above is needed to process your request. If your information is incomplete, your request will be denied/returned and CEUs will not be awarded.

This information must be submitted NO LATER THAN MAY 1, 2019. No CEUs will be given after this date.

Mail the above information to the following address: ATTN: Bonnie Shiller St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley 3400 Pershall Road CDLC 111 St. Louis, MO 63135

For questions about CEUs from St. Louis Community College, contact Bonnie Shiller at 314-513-4391.

INTEREST AREASClassroom Environment (CE)Culture/Diversity (CD)Early Childhood Programming (ECP)Expressive Art/Music (EAM)Home Visiting (PAT, Head Start, Etc.) (HV)Language Arts and Literacy (LAL)Leadership/Management (LM)Mathematics (M)Physical Development (PD)Science (S)School, Home and Community (SHC)Social Emotional Development (SED)Special Education/OT/PT/Inclusion (SE)STEAM/STEM (STEM)

APPLICABLE AGE GROUPFamilies/Prenatal (FP)Infant (I)Toddler (T)Preschool (PRE)Kindergarten (K)First Grade (1st)Second Grade (2nd)Third Grade (3rd)

TARGET AUDIENCEBeginning/Emerging (BE)Intermediate/Established (IE)Advanced/Experienced (AE)Across Levels (AL)

EVALUATIONSShortly after the conference, you will receive an evaluation form via email. Your feedback is important to us, and we encourage every participant to provide helpful comments that can be used to ensure this conference is meeting your needs. Please be sure to take notes during the presentations you attend to help you complete the evaluation form.

Three individuals who complete and submit evaluation forms will receive complimentary conference registration for CYY 2020!

CHILD CAREIn order for all presenters to have the full and undivided attention of the participants, we ask those attending with young children not to bring them to the conference sessions. The Conference on the Young Years is planned and available to meet the professional development needs of adults in the field of early childhood.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AREAParticipants should check in upon arrival at the registration area located in the Salon Foyer. Conference registration includes conference materials, a name badge and tickets for chosen sessions. (If you are a presenter or a planning committee member, please check in to the left of the main conference registration area.)

TICKET INFORMATIONParticipants will receive a sheet of tickets for their chosen presentations once they check in. A planning committee member will collect the specific ticket for each presentation as you enter the presentation room. If you want to attend a presentation different from what you selected during registration or if you have a ticket that reads “Session Not Chosen”, please visit Ticket Trade located in Room 64 to make changes.

NAME BADGE/SCANNING INFORMATION/CLOCK HOURS Your name badge identifies you as a participant and must be worn at all times during the conference. You will need your name badge for entrance to all presentations including keynotes, lunches and breakfast.

Participants requiring an Official Certificate of Attendance for child care clock hours, CEUs or verification for an administrator must have their name badge scanned by a planning committee member at the end of each presentation including all keynotes. Your name badge is the only way to track your clock hours for CYY and professional development hours for the Home Visiting Summit. Signs will be displayed in each presentation room to notify participants of the location of planning committee members with scanning devices.

If you DO NOT need proof of attendance, you DO NOT need to have your badge scanned.

EXHIBITS

Participants will be given extended time during lunch on Thursday and Friday to visit the exhibits and network with other early childhood professionals.

EARLY LEARNING SHOWCASES

Early learning educators and home visitors throughout the state of Missouri pride themselves on using developmentally appropriate practices to meet the needs of all children and their families. You will have the opportunity to see displays, share resources and network with a variety of early learning professionals. Representatives from each early learning showcase will be available for a meet-and-greet to discuss specifics about their displays on Thursday and Friday from 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Participants will be given extended time during lunch on Thursday and Friday to visit the showcases in Room 62/63.

Located in Room 62/63 Day 1, Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Day 2, Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Save the DateMarch 12-14, 2020

Presentation proposals will be available on the Early Learning website at http://dese.mo.gov/quality-schools/early-learning/conference-young-years in April 2019.

Interested in Presenting at the next Conference?

It is the policy of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability in its programs or employment practices as required by Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Inquiries related to Department employment practices may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Human Resources Director, 8th floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0480; telephone number (573) 751-9619 or TYY (800) 735-2966. Inquiries related to Department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Office of the General Counsel, Coordinator–Civil Rights Compliance (Title VI/Title IX/504/ADA/Age Act), 6th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number (573) 526-4757 or TTY (800) 735-2966, civilrights@dese.mo.gov.

Located in Windgate HallDay 1, Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Grand OpeningDessert Reception available from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.) Day 2, Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ira J. Chasnoff, M.D., an award-winning author, researcher and lecturer, is president of NTI Upstream and a Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. He is one of the nation’s leading researchers in the field of child development and the effects of maternal alcohol and drug use on the newborn infant and child. Dr. Chasnoff led the development and operation of a laboratory preschool classroom to develop specific interventions for children prenatally exposed to alcohol and other drugs and developed a model Head Start Family Service Center for children and their families at risk from drugs and the drug-seeking environment.

Dr. Chasnoff’s most recent work focuses on community approaches to the integration of behavioral health services into primary health care for women and children and the occurrence of co-occurring mental health disorders in children who have been exposed to alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs.

Dr. Chasnoff has authored seven books, one of which, Drugs, Alcohol, Pregnancy, and Parenting, received the Book of the Year Award from the American Journal of Nursing. His most recent book, The Mystery of Risk, has received numerous awards. It explores the biological and environmental factors that impact the ultimate development of alcohol and drug-exposed children and presents practical strategies for helping children reach their full potential at home and in the classroom.

Thursday, March 7: 8:45-9:45 a.m. – Home Visiting Keynote Address: The Nature of Nurture: Biology, Environment and Issues of Attachment in 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Home Visiting Session C-12: The Mystery of Risk: Drugs, Alcohol, Pregnancy and the Vulnerable Child

Cathy Fosnot is professor emerita of childhood education at City College of New York and the City University of New York, where she was the founding director of Mathematics in the City, an internationally recognized center for math professional development in K-8. She has authored, co-authored and edited numerous books on mathematics education including Conferring with Young Mathematicians at Work: Making Moments Matter; Models of Intervention in Mathematics: Reweaving the Tapestry; the Young Mathematicians at Work series; Learning to Support Young Mathematicians at Work; A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Math Education in Today’s Schools; Reconstructing Math Education; Constructivism: Theory, Perspectives, and Practice; and Enquiring Teachers, Enquiring Learners.

Thursday, March 7: 2:00-3:30 p.m. – Featured Presentation 18: Conferring with Young Mathematicians at Work: Making Moments Matter3:45-5:15 p.m. – Closing Keynote Address: Pathways and Shapes: A Landscape for Early Geometry

Michael Gramling found his professional home in 1979 when he discovered Head Start and embraced its values and goals — particularly those of enhancing the dignity of families living in poverty and of supporting parents as the primary educators of their children. The body of work he has produced since then reflects his values, academic training and real-life experiences as a Head Start parent, teacher and manager. Traveling across the country and presenting to educators, Gramling is an expert in providing family literacy and positive guidance training. He has helped develop literacy curricula for Head Start, aided programs in developing their School Readiness Goals and observed in classrooms from coast to coast. He is the author of The Great Disconnect in Early Childhood Education: What We Know vs. What We Do. He has a master’s degree in human development from Pacific Oaks College.

Thursday, March 7: 8:30-9:30 a.m. – Opening Keynote Address: Language and the Developing Brain11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Featured Presentation 8: Enriching Language: Supporting Literacy

Substance-Exposed Pregnancies

Brian Lies is the New York Times best-selling creator of the four Bat books (including Bats at the Beach and Bats at the Library). He is the author and illustrator of numerous picture books including The Rough Patch (a recent Junior Library Guild selection) and Got to Get to Bear’s!

He attended Brown University where he began writing and illustrating children’s books. His work has received numerous awards and has been recognized by CNN/Time Magazine. He spends many days each year working with students in schools throughout the country, hoping to spark imagination and life goals.

Friday, March 8: 3:45-5:15 p.m. – Day 2 Closing Keynote Address: From Scars to Stars: Creating a Picture Book on a Difficult Topic 5:30 p.m. – Book Signing (Salon Foyer)

Saturday, March 9: 9:30-10:30 a.m. – Featured Presentation 72: The Roots of Stories (Repeat of 87)10:45-11:45 a.m. – Featured Presentation 87: The Roots of Stories (Repeat of 72)

Kevin Carnes, president of Lakeshore Learning Materials, has been with the company for more than 30 years beginning in Northern California when Lakeshore was strictly a small, California-based company.

Prior to joining Lakeshore, Carnes was a VISTA volunteer for more than two years in the Omaha, Nebraska, area where he worked with the Head Start and parent-involvement community. Because of this experience, he discovered and understood the value of a quality early childhood education. He also has been a featured presenter for the National Association for the Education of Young Children for 15 years as well as a keynote speaker for various national and state conferences all over the country.

Saturday, March 9: 8:15-9:15 a.m. – Keynote Address: Engaging Through Discovery and Creativity10:45-11:45 a.m. – Featured Presentation 88: Recycle Your Way to STEAM

Marcia L. Tate is the former executive director of professional development for the DeKalb County School System in Georgia. During the course of her 30-year career with the district, she has been a classroom teacher, reading specialist, language arts coordinator and staff development executive director. In 2001, she received Georgia’s Distinguished Staff Developer Award, and her department won the Exemplary Program Award for the state.

Through her company, Developing Minds Inc., Tate currently serves as an educational consultant and has taught more than 450,000 administrators, teachers and parents (as well as community and business leaders) all over the world. Participants in her workshops often refer to them as the best they have ever experienced. In addition, she also shares her expertise through her acclaimed best-selling books.

Tate received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and elementary education from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her master’s degree in remedial reading from the University of Michigan, her specialist degree in educational leadership from Georgia State University and her doctorate in educational leadership from Clark Atlanta University. Spelman College has awarded her the Apple Award for excellence in the field of education.

Friday, March 8: 8:30-9:30 a.m. – Opening Keynote Address: Preparing Children for Success in Life9:45-10:45 a.m. – Featured Presentation 25: Preparing Children for Success in School2:00-3:30 p.m. – Featured Presentation 62: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Jenni Brasington is a senior director of consultative services for Scholastic Education and is a founding partner of the Center for Active Family Engagement (CAFÉ). She has more than 25 years of experience working with pre-K to grade 12 schools as an administrator, early childhood coordinator and school counselor to improve student achievement and build effective family school partnerships that support student learning. Brasington has focused her work over the past 17 years on building the capacity of educators to engage with families in ways that support learning and increase student achievement. Most recently, she served as director of family and community engagement for Acelero Learning, a large Head Start grantee with delegate agencies in four states.

Developer of the Family Friendly Walk Through program, Brasington also was co-author of the Family Engagement Assessment, a tool that measures a school’s capacity for developing effective partnerships with families. Over this past year, she and her partners at CAFÉ have assisted schools across the U.S. and Australia in building capacity for sustainable family engagement.

Thursday, March 7: 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Featured Presentation 11: Can Families Really Help Students Learn?2:00-3:30 p.m. – Featured Presentation 17: Moving from Good to Great: Harnessing the Power of Families to Support Learning

Diann Gano opened her family child care program, Under the Gingko Tree, in 1986. She believes that the earth gives us what we need to learn and that nature is the perfect environment for little brains to grow and learn in every day. While conducting research for her master’s thesis on outdoor learning in early childhood settings, she learned about the Nature Explore Classroom certification. This certification recognizes schools and other organizations that have made a commitment to providing outdoor classrooms and comprehensive programming to help children use the natural world as an integral part of learning. In 2011, Under the Gingko Tree became one of the first family child care programs in the U.S. to be certified. An Erikson Institute Town Square Advisory Board member, Gano also has participated in the Erikson Institute’s Early Childhood Leadership Summit and has served as a webinar panelist for Town Square Illinois, an online resource and professional-development tool for home-based providers. She has presented at the local, state and national levels on topics ranging from indoor and outdoor learning environments to math and science education in family child care settings. In 2016, she was honored as a recipient of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Child Care Innovator Award.

Thursday, March 7: 9:45-10:45 a.m. – Featured Presentation 1: Trees, Bees and Skinned Knees! Nature’s Impact on Brain Development11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Featured Presentation 7: Snips and Snails, Inside Our Pails: Open-Ended Learning with Loose Parts

Sharron Krull is a passionate, enthusiastic and inspiring early childhood educator. Her special rapport with children stems from her positive attitude toward life; her in-depth training; and her rewarding experiences while teaching kids, training teachers and speaking all over the country about early childhood topics. Krull’s teaching experience spans more than 38 years and encompasses nearly all areas of early childhood education. She is a veteran preschool teacher having taught and directed at parent cooperative preschools for more than 20 years. She has taught at parent education classes, school-age child care programs, parks and recreation programs and elementary schools. She has been a child development instructor at several California community colleges as well as a trainer, speaker and writer. She is currently an early childhood educational consultant for Discount School Supply and a member of the national training team for “I Am Moving, I Am Learning” – an initiative by the Office of Head Start promoting a proactive approach to prevent

childhood obesity. Krull is the co-author of two teacher resource books: Circle Time Activities for Young Children and Play Power: Games and Activities for Young Children.

Friday, March 8: 9:45-10:45 a.m. – Featured Presentation 26: Little Busy Bodies: Active Learning for Infants and Toddlers

Saturday, March 9: 9:30-10:30 a.m. – Featured Presentation 74: Express Yourself: Promoting Social-Emotional Development Through the Arts

Clarissa A. Willis is an associate professor of special education at the University of Southern Indiana. Formerly, she was the senior vice president of education for the Kaplan Early Learning Company. Dr. Willis was also the associate director of the Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Development and Learning at East Tennessee State University for eight years. During that time she was Principal Investigator for Project TIES (a multi-year federal inclusion project), and directed the First District Tennessee Early Intervention System and the Tennessee State Technical Assistance Project. She is the senior author of two new comprehensive curriculum projects – Learn Every Day: The Program for Infants, Toddlers and Twos; and Learn Every Day: The Preschool Curriculum. Willis is the author of 13 teacher-resource books including Teaching Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Inclusive Literacy Lessons for Early Childhood and My Child Has Autism: What Parents Need to Know. Her research on autism and early childhood development also has been published in journals such as Teaching Young Children and Young Children.

Dr. Willis is an active member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).

Willis speaks nationally and internationally on topics such as brain research, early childhood special education and best practices in early childhood education. She was an invited guest at the president’s conference on brain research and early childhood education held at the White House. Willis received a doctorate in early childhood special education from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. A former kindergarten teacher and a licensed speech-language pathologist, she believes in the process of educating all children through exploration and discovery.

Friday, March 8: 2:00-3:30 p.m. – Featured Presentation 60: Social Skills: Tips for Success and Full Inclusion for All Learners

Saturday, March 9: 9:30-10:30 a.m. – Featured Presentation 73: The Monster in the Closet: Understanding Stress in Young Children

Jill Molli has the uncanny ability to help people laugh and learn at the same time. Her past position in a Title I elementary school offered her opportunities to apply Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline in a school setting, and Molli’s own family offers her constant real life experiences to share with her audiences. She was selected as a Loving Guidance Associate because of her no-nonsense ability to get to the heart of a situation and her commitment to living Loving Guidance principles at school and at home.

Molli began her teaching career in a behavior disabilities classroom, moved into a regular third grade classroom and then completed the requirements to become a guidance counselor. As guidance counselor, she helped implement Conscious Discipline schoolwide using the three-year implementation plan.

She has a master’s degree in counseling, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and more than 20 years of working with children with behavior problems. Since 2003, Molli has been the owner and operator

of Connecting with Kids, a business whose mission is to build connections in families and classrooms. In an effort to stay up-to-date with classroom issues, she volunteers weekly in preschool and elementary settings and quarterly in an alternative high school.

Friday, March 8: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Featured Presentation 37: Helping Those Who Hurt: Creating a Connected Culture (Repeat of 48)12:30-1:30 p.m. – Featured Presentation 48: Helping Those Who Hurt: Creating a Connected Culture (Repeat of 37)2:00-3:30 p.m. – Featured Presentation 59: Connection=Cooperation: Brain Smart Ways to Create Caring Classrooms Full of Magic

THURSDAY (HOME VISITING SUMMIT)

8:45-9:45 A.M.HOME VISITING KEYNOTE ADDRESS

A-1. Making Connections with your PAT ResourcesEarly Learning StaffParticipants will have the opportunity to discuss essential topics to support Missouri PAT programs. Join the DESE Early Learning staff, Parents as Teachers National Center (PATNC), the Missouri Professional Development Program (MO PAT PD) and Missouri Parents as Teachers Association (MOPATA) as we share ideas and gain valuable resources.

A-2. Know the Signs, Act Early (Repeat of B-8)Alexandra James and Brett MooreThis presentation will focus on strengthening the bonds between home visitors and families, as well as between caregivers and children, through the use of discussion and activities around development. We will discuss how to use resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Know the Signs, Act Early” campaign. We also will discuss how to help identify children with features of autism at an early age and what diagnosis resources are available for home visitors and families.

A-3. The Brain Architecture Game (Repeat of 58)Kathy TwellmanStrong brains take all of us working together. We will explore the powerful role of relationships and environment on early brain development and discover how support systems in the community can turn toxic stress into tolerable stress. And, of course, we will build some brains!

A-4. Compassion Fatigue for the Helping Professional (Repeat of B-10)Mernell KingCompassion fatigue is a normal sequence of working in a helping profession (home visitors, child care providers, teachers, nurses, case workers, etc.). This presentation will familiarize the helping professional with compassion fatigue as well as the various signs and symptoms.

A-5. Optimizing Outreach Opportunities for Hard-To-Reach Families: Early Literacy BasicsShawn CockrumIn this presentation you will gain a better understanding of language and literacy development and the skills needed to be ready for kindergarten. Participate in a number of activities that can be used during home visits to help promote early literacy skills for families of diverse backgrounds.

1:15-2:45 P.M.SESSION B (PRESENTATIONS B-7 TO B-11) B-7. Missouri WIC Initiatives to Empower Families to Optimize Their Children’s Developmental PotentialKathy MertzlufftThis presentation will share how the Missouri Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program partnered with the University of Missouri to implement the WIC Developmental Milestones Program and the public-awareness campaign ”Talking is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing.” This program promotes the earlier identification of developmental delays among children from low-income families and addresses the needs of young children served by WIC. It also helps parents recognize their power to boost their children’s early brain and vocabulary development through simple, everyday actions.

B-8. Know the Signs, Act Early (Repeat of A-2)Alexandra James and Brett Moore This presentation will focus on strengthening the bonds between home visitors and families, as well as between caregivers and children, through the use of discussion and activities around development. We will discuss how to use resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Know the Signs, Act Early” campaign. We also will discuss how to help identify children with features of autism at an early age and what diagnosis resources are available for home visitors and families.

B-9. What’s in Your Bag? (Repeat of 24)Kathy Nicholson and Beth WeaverThe parent-child interaction is the heart of the personal family visit, and it’s often the most anticipated part (at least by children). During this interactive session, parent educators will enhance their skills to plan and execute a positive play experience between parents and children. Participants will have hands-on time with materials and books suggested by the Foundational and Foundational 2 curricula.

B-10. Compassion Fatigue for the Helping Professional (Repeat of A-4)Mernell KingCompassion fatigue is a normal sequence of working in a helping profession (home visitors, child care providers, teachers, nurses, case workers, etc.). This presentation will familiarize the helping professional with compassion fatigue as well as the various signs and symptoms.

B-11. Bringing the Trauma Lens to Home Visiting: The Science and the Art (Repeat of A-6)Patsy CarterThis presentation will focus on applying the science of trauma in home visiting services. Safety and trust, two trauma-informed principles, are significant factors in engaging families. Therefore, it is critical to help caregivers understand the impact of trauma/toxic stress (not only on children but on themselves) and to give them tools to mitigate its impact.

10:00-11:30 A.M.SESSION A (PRESENTATIONS A-1 TO A-6)

The Nature of Nurture: Biology, Environment and Issues of Attachment in Substance-Exposed PregnanciesDr. Ira Chasnoff

A-6. Bringing the Trauma Lens to Home Visiting: The Science and the Art (Repeat of B-11)Patsy CarterThis presentation will focus on applying the science of trauma in home visiting services. Safety and trust, two trauma-informed principles, are significant factors in engaging families. Therefore, it is critical to help caregivers understand the impact of trauma/toxic stress (not only on children but on themselves) and to give them tools to mitigate its impact.

4:15-5:15 P.M.SESSION D (PRESENTATIONS D-17 TO D-21)

D-17. Champions for FamiliesShauna Kerperin and Missy RileyThis presentation will provide examples of how parent educators and others advocate for Parents as Teachers programs and the families they serve. Participants will discuss strategies on how to take their relationship skills with families and apply them to community stakeholders, school boards, advisory boards and local/state elected decision-makers.

D-18. Making the PAT Tool Kit Your New Best FriendPaula Harvey and Carla GodfreySay “Oh!” not ”No!” to utilizing the tool kit to support discussion topics at home visits while reinforcing pertinent research-based information during all components of delivery. Instead of seeing the tool kit as one more thing to have to include, participants will walk away with a new appreciation of how it can support planning, delivery and write-up. Learn how this little gem can make your life as a parent educator easier.

D-19. Building Community RelationshipsTisha Hensel and Diane AddisonGo beyond the resource notebook in building intentional relationships and partnerships with organizations in your community. Learn how to identify resource organizations, establish personal contacts and find creative ways to build supportive partnerships. This can help to serve families better and bridge the gap between offering contact information and having ongoing, supportive relationships with your resource connections.

D-20. Healthy Fatherhood Involvement (Repeat of C-15)Brian WilliamsHealthy fatherhood involvement includes understanding the hierarchy of father involvement and the four essential components (child well-being, gender equity, men’s development and community development). This presentation will share insights into each essential component and show how they are being implemented through activities such as Dad’s Café and Fathers Eve.

D-21. Secrets of Baby BehaviorLisa SchlientzThis presentation will demonstrate practical knowledge of normal infant behavior including infant sleep states, sleep patterns and crying. It also will describe the relationship between infant behavior and appropriate infant-feeding practices. Diagnosis resources will be available for home visitors and families.

C-12. The Mystery of Risk: Drugs, Alcohol, Pregnancy and the Vulnerable ChildDr. Ira ChasnoffSubstance use during pregnancy is a major factor affecting the long-term outcomes of increasing numbers of children in this country. This presentation will focus on the behavioral and learning outcomes of prenatally exposed children and teens.

C-13. Personal Safety and Awareness on Home VisitsMelissa Lamb and Jennifer AlbanoParticipants in this presentation will gain a heightened awareness of home visiting safety. Through discussion, the presenters and participants will review the dos and don’ts of home safety. They also will discuss tips on how to assess environmental risks and create personal safety protocols.

C-14. Check-In, Opening and Closing: Hints on Beginning and Ending a Family Personal VisitCarla Godfrey and Paula HarveyThree essential sections of the family personal visit are check-in, opening and closing. Sometimes we overlook these areas while wanting to get to the meat of the visit. We will dive into this together and discuss some great ways to make these sections of the visit easy.

C-15. Healthy Fatherhood Involvement (Repeat of D-20)Brian WilliamsHealthy fatherhood involvement includes understanding the hierarchy of father involvement and the four essential components (child well-being, gender equity, men’s development and community development). This presentation will share insights into each essential component and show how they are being implemented through activities such as Dad’s Café and Fathers Eve.

C-16. Building a Strong Family with Protective FactorsKylee Meyer and Katie EpemaThis interactive presentation will teach how to incorporate Strengthening Families/Protective Factors in home visits, group connections, screenings and other aspects of home visiting. Learn how to support families by helping them create a buffer between stress and the family in order to support overall family well-being and health.

3:00-4:00 P.M.SESSION C (PRESENTATIONS C-12 TO C-16)

11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.SESSION II (PRESENTATIONS 7-10 OR LUNCH 1)

8:30-9:30 A.M.OPENING KEYNOTE ADDRESS

9:45-10:45 A.M.SESSION I (PRESENTATIONS 1-6)

1. Trees, Bees and Skinned Knees! Nature’s Impact on Brain DevelopmentDiann Gano Reconnect with Mother Earth! Discover how nature provides cognitive benefits and learn why playing outdoors is so important to brain development. Useful strategies and resources will be shared to effectively integrate nature play into your outdoor classroom. We will discuss what children want in outdoor play spaces, the importance of schemas and how they find their way into risky play.CE; S; STEM; I; T; PRE; K; 1st; IE

2. O’Reilly, Pizza Hut, EMS and Trash Trucks?!? (Repeat of 9)Shelli LeeWhether you are working on a tight budget or are just looking for ideas to include more community resources into your program, come learn how to start and maintain relationships with a variety of businesses, professionals, community leaders and organizations.SHC; T; PRE; K; AL

3. Creating Young ArtistsRonda Chesney Come explore the world of art from the perspective of real artists and learn how to offer real art opportunities for your children. Participants will experience the art process in order to identify how art can support children’s physical, cognitive, representational, and social and emotional development. Various types of art materials and experiences will be shared.EAM; PRE; K; 1st; AL

4. ECERS-3: It’s All About the Children (Repeat of 10)Janet Rinehart This presentation will dive into the new ECERS-3, examine some of the indicators and discuss what the authors intended. We will make the connection between child development and good practices. We also will see how the ECERS-3 can be used to drive your professional development.CE; ECP; PRE; AL

5. Math Centers: The Struggle Is Real (Repeat of 15)Nicole Petet and Paula NowakJoin us as we share ways to set up a successful math center that increases student interest. We will discuss teaching math through play, games and activities, and various methods to incorporate math into many subjects.M; PRE; BE

6. The Nurturing Classroom (Repeat of 16)Connie Gabel and Paris Neverls-DossAre you new to teaching, or are classroom disruptions taking their toll? This session will give you fresh ideas to establish a class family with positive interactions for all students. Refresh yourself and your classroom with this interactive experience.CE; PRE; BE

Language and the Developing BrainMichael Gramling

7. Snips and Snails, Inside Our Pails: Open-Ended Learning with Loose PartsDiann GanoWhat is all the excitement about loose parts? With no specific set of directions and powered only by a child’s imagination, loose parts create infinite learning possibilities. Children learn best in an environment where they can experiment, investigate and discover things on their own. Come hear how our learning has changed. Learn the four-step process to implementing loose parts in your program, storage tips and how to present inviting provocations to jump-start loose-parts play.CE; EAM; S; STEM; PRE

8. Enriching Language: Supporting LiteracyMichael Gramling Proficiency in communication skills during early childhood is a reliable predictor of proficiency in reading and writing throughout the school years. This presentation will give early educators specific tools to enrich daily interactions with children in order to support brain development and develop the communication skills that are the building blocks for literacy.LAL; I; T; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; IE

9. O’Reilly, Pizza Hut, EMS and Trash Trucks?!? (Repeat of 2)Shelli LeeWhether you are working on a tight budget or are just looking for ideas to include more community resources into your program, come learn how to start and maintain relationships with a variety of businesses, professionals, community leaders and organizations.SHC; T; PRE; K; AL

10. ECERS-3: It’s All About the Children (Repeat of 4)Janet RinehartThis presentation will dive into the new ECERS-3, examine some of the indicators and discuss what the authors intended. We will make the connection between child development and good practices. We also will see how the ECERS-3 can be used to drive your professional development.CE; ECP; PRE; AL

12:30-1:30 P.M.SESSION III (PRESENTATIONS 11-16 OR LUNCH 2)

11. Can Families Really Help Students Learn?Jenni BrasingtonAnswering ”Yes” to this question is the easy part. Figuring out how is the challenge. During this presentation, participants will learn proven practices for building strong home-school partnerships. These practices include how to welcome families as partners in learning, foster two-way communication between school and home, share critical information about what students should know and be able to do, and empower family participation in ways that support learning and healthy development.SHC; SED; FP; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; AE

12:30-1:30 P.M. (CONT’D) SESSION III (PRESENTATIONS 11-16 OR LUNCH 2)12. Environment as the Third Teacher: A Reggio-Inspired Environment (Repeat of 40)Lori Steele and Joan BishopOur classroom environments serve as sources of inspiration and encourage kids to dive deeper into their interests and learn independently based on their understandings and perceptions. Join us to learn more about our journey to become a Reggio-inspired school. We will share the tools we use to be more intentional and utilize our classrooms to become the third teacher.CE; PRE; BE

13. Leadership: Responding to ChangeMichael SchillerAre you struggling to stay relevant in this fast-paced world? Check out the latest ways to stay connected to the value of the work you do. Help your staff join you on the journey and not be left behind or slow the progress your school or agency needs to compete against. Leadership is crucial as we face the challenges of guiding our teams through the change process.LM; FP; PRE; AL

14. Using Bibliotherapy to Engage and Aid Young ChildrenMichelle Vaught and Erika YocomDiscover how using children’s literature can help young children who are experiencing stress at home or at school. Learn about what children’s literature can be used, lesson-plan templates and strategies for the class as a whole or in small groups.LAL; PRE; AL

15. Math Centers: The Struggle Is Real (Repeat of 5)Nicole Petet and Paula NowakJoin us as we share ways to set up a successful math center that increases student interest. We will discuss teaching math through play, games and activities and various methods to incorporate math into many subjects.M; PRE; BE; IE

16. The Nurturing Classroom (Repeat of 6)Connie Gabel and Paris Neverls-DossAre you new to teaching or are classroom disruptions taking their toll? This presentation will give you fresh ideas to establish a class family with positive interactions for all students. Refresh yourself and your classroom with this interactive experience.CE; PRE; BE

2:00-3:30 P.M.SESSION IV (PRESENTATIONS 17-23)

17. Moving from Good to Great: Harnessing the Power of Families to Support LearningJenni BrasingtonThe research is clear – family engagement positively impacts student achievement. However, not all types of family engagement affect student learning. During this interactive presentation, participants will categorize their family-engagement activities, identify which strategies have the most impact on student outcomes and understand how to construct and implement initiatives that build the capacity of families to support learning at home.SHC; SED; FP; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; IE

18. Conferring with Young Mathematicians at Work: Making Moments MatterCathy FosnotIn this presentation, we will review a landscape of learning (birth to second grade) for early numeracy and then explore ways to use it as a lens for questioning. Utilizing video from K-1 classrooms, we will witness and analyze several K-1 teachers as they confer and question trying to make the short moments we have with children matter.M; I; T; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; AE

19. Self-Regulation in Early Childhood: Fun Ways to Explore, Implement and Teach Students Self-Regulation SkillsMelanie Fitzgerald and Julie HarterParticipants will have the opportunity to take part in an interactive presentation regarding self-regulation skills in early childhood. Attendees will leave with an understanding of early childhood self-regulation development. This presentation will include practical strategies and interventions that can be embedded throughout the school day to build self-regulation skills in your early childhood students.SED; PRE; K; AL

20. Can Mammals Fly? Do Some Have Two Legs? Missouri’s Amazing Mammals!Karen Armstrong and Kathi MooreDo mammals swim? Which senses do mammals use to find their prey? Learn the answers to these questions and so much more about Missouri’s mammals through fun, hands-on activities. Participants will learn what it takes to be a mammal, discover how to identify mammals from their tracks, observe animal behavior and investigate a mystery from a map of animal tracks.S; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; AL

21. Supervision with Compassion that WorksMichael SchillerWe hear a lot about compassion these days, but how does that translate to the role of supervision? Supervision with compassion requires looking at your staff and responsibilities from a new vantage point. Discover practical, real-world and user-friendly methods of supervision that use compassion as their driving force to empower yourself and your staff.LM; PRE; AL

3:45-5:15 P.M.CLOSING KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Pathways and Shapes: A Landscape for Early GeometryCathy Fosnot

22. Creating the School FamilyErika Yocom and Abby BuhmanExperience a morning routine and a Brain Smart Start strategy where young children are connected to their peers and teachers. Hear about the work of young children in classrooms where teachers lead children to understand and accept the feelings inside of them and how this changes the way children grow. Learn how the rituals and routines from Dr. Becky Bailey’s research and Conscious Discipline program improve behaviors in the classroom as well as the connections among teachers, children and parents.CE; ECP; LM; SED; FP; BE

2:00-3:30 P.M. (CONT’D)SESSION IV (PRESENTATIONS 17-23)

23. Best Practices for Group Time in the ClassroomJanet Rinehart and Paula BerryJoin us for this interactive presentation that will allow you to participate in several appropriate group times. We will discuss developmentally appropriate ways to bring your group time experiences to life. This presentation will be like nothing you have ever attended. Be prepared to take the stage and do group time with us!ECP; PRE; AL

Preparing Children for Success in LifeMarcia Tate

8:30-9:30 A.M.OPENING KEYNOTE ADDRESS

24. What’s in Your Bag? (Repeat of B-9)Kathy Nicholson and Beth WeaverThe parent-child interaction is the heart of the personal family visit, and it’s often the most anticipated part (at least by children). During this interactive session, parent educators will enhance their skills to plan and execute a positive play experience between parents and children. Participants will have hands-on time with materials and books suggested by the Foundational and Foundational 2 curricula.HV; FP; AL

25. Preparing Children for Success in SchoolMarcia TateWhen working with children, there are 20 strategies for teaching the human brain. Participants will increase achievement, decrease behavior problems, and make teaching and learning so much fun! Experience these brain compatible strategies in this action packed presentation, and learn how to apply them as you deliver instruction.SHC; SED; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; IE

9:45-10:45 A.M.SESSION V (PRESENTATIONS 24-36)

26. Little Busy Bodies: Active Learning for Infants and ToddlersSharron Krull Young children are on the move! Early movement experiences help children connect with others; form strong relationships; promote physical development; and build their intellectual skills, communication and self-confidence. Learn how to put into practice ideas and movement activities for children ages 6 months to 3 years. Infant and toddler caregivers are involved with one of the most amazing and rapidly developing times of a child’s life.PD; I; T; IE

27. The Missouri Learning Standards: What About Those Writing Standards in K-3?Debbie Jameson and Lisa ScroggsThis presentation will dig into the Missouri Learning Standards and focus on implementation of the writing standards in grades K-3. Participants will have the opportunity to share ideas with others and ask questions throughout the session.LAL; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; AL

28. Escape Room – Young Years StyleJill Sederburg and Tammy BoshoffLearn how to create an escape room for your young learners that incorporates STEM activities. This presentation may be used throughout your curriculum to reinforce learning or to introduce new information. Creating escape rooms can be easy and fun for your students. Learn what materials are needed and how to create one of your own, and then actually participate in an escape room activity.STEM; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; AL

29. Provocations in the Early Childhood Classroom: Using Resources to Spark Children’s and Teachers’ EngagementKarrie Snider and Cindy RounerExperience fun and engaging STEM activities for preschool through the primary grades by diving into problem-based learning activities featured in the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s award-winning publication Making and Tinkering with STEM: Solving Design Challenges with Young Children. The presenters will guide participants’ exploration of educational resource materials to enhance their use of engaging activities to promote children’s intellectual thinking.ECP; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; BE; AL

30. Giving Kids VoicesRebekah Massey and Jordan BoyerAre your kids having trouble communicating respectfully? Are you tired of having failed discussions? Come learn how to use academic language in your classroom to promote effective communication skills during reading and writing.LAL; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; AL

31. Toilet Training Children with DisabilitiesJena Randolph and Brooke BarnesToilet training children with disabilities is a common challenge for educators and caregivers. This presentation will highlight strategies and resources for increasing independence with toileting as well as how to tackle common toileting issues.SED; PRE; AL

32. First Steps: From Referral to ServicesBeth LoethenThis presentation outlines the referral and eligibility process for Missouri First Steps to help early childhood professionals understand when to refer a child to First Steps and how to prepare families for services.HV; I; IE

33. Getting Your Ducks in a RowMisty O’Keefe and Beth Ann LangAre there challenges in running your child care business? Do you want ideas and resources for business planning, annual budgets, staffing, human resources, marketing and operational planning? Join us for an informative presentation on strengthening your child care business using the Better Your Child Care Business checklist in order to get your ducks in a row.LM; FP; AL

34. Camouflaged Critters: Colors and CuriosityWendy ParrettHide-and-seek is a game children play for fun. For wild animals, it’s about life and death. Incorporating science and math skills, we will delve into the often-overlooked camouflaged natural world. Using picture books and participating in hands-on activities, we will examine ways to help children develop curiosity, explore, investigate and analyze data. Experience how taking students outside allows opportunities for them to be more inquisitive, inventive and reflective.S; PRE; AL

35. CLR: Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching and Learning in Early ChildhoodDezzie Houston and Jessica JacksonHave you ever wondered if you are doing everything you can to engage and support all of the students in your class no matter their race, home language or culture? Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching and Learning provides teachers with the tools they need to support their diverse student population. By placing an emphasis on literacy and valuing students’ culture, educators can help their students feel more confident and engaged in their learning.CE; CD; LAL; SHC; SED; PRE; K; BE; IE

36. Through the Eyes of Lucy Calkins: How To Implement a Successful Writer’s WorkshopRachelle Pritchard and Valerie LevyThis presentation will take you through all the steps of a Writer’s Workshop. Enjoy tips and tricks in making your Writer’s Workshop the most successful for your students. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how to plan their Writer’s Workshop, successful conferring tips and relatable mentor texts.LAL; K; 1st; 2nd; BE

9:45-10:45 A.M. (CONT’D)SESSION V (PRESENTATIONS 24-36)

37. Helping Those Who Hurt: Creating a Connected Culture (Repeat of 48)Jill MolliA positive school climate is a prerequisite for developmentally appropriate discipline strategies. Children are motivated to behave through healthy relationships or through awards (stars, stickers, point system, etc.). Healthy relationships teach children to value one another while rewards teach children to value material things. Come learn the Conscious Discipline secrets to building relationships with students who struggle with connection.SED; T; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; IE

38. You’ve Gotta Laugh! Laughter’s Role in Social-Emotional Learning (Repeat of 49)Clint DarrEmbrace the power of laughter, and learn how it can improve your early childhood program and energize you, your staff and your students. Practice laughter yoga with a certified instructor, and discover techniques, tips and strategies for using humor and laughter in your early childhood program as well as in your personal life.SED; 3rd; IE

39. Putting the P in Professional DevelopmentStephanie Chandler Directors and owners, do your staff members complete clock-hour training that is easy and available, or do they seek out training that will advance them as professionals? Benjamin Franklin once said that if you fail to plan, then you are planning to fail. Learn how to challenge your staff to use clock-hour training to advance their knowledge, skills and quality of work.ECP; FP; I; T; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; AL

40. Environment as the Third Teacher: A Reggio-Inspired Environment (Repeat of 12)Lori Steele and Joan BishopOur classroom environments serve as sources of inspiration and encourage kids to dive deeper into their interests and learn independently based on their understandings and perceptions. Join us to learn more about our journey to become a Reggio-inspired school. We will share the tools we use to be more intentional and utilize our classrooms to become the third teacher.CE; PRE; BE

41. After Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): The Healing Journey ContinuesKimberly Spence This presentation will explore the long-term developmental and social outcomes for families affected by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Identify concrete methods to help families suffering from NAS transition to the home successfully. Discuss the developmental follow-up and care that need to be provided to optimize outcomes for infants with NAS.HV; FP; I; T; PRE; AL

11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.SESSION VI (PRESENTATIONS 37-47 OR LUNCH 1)

42. Peer-Mediated Interventions: Promoting Social Interactions for Young Children with DisabilitiesJena Randolph and Brooke BarnesPeer-mediated interventions focus on developing social communication skills for children with disabilities through structured interactions with classmates. This presentation will provide an overview of the use of peer mediation to increase social engagement for young children with disabilities.SE; K; AL

43. Chitchatting with Children: Create Meaningful Conversations (Repeat of 54)Teresa Waters and Connie HarmonThis presentation will discuss the importance of meaningful conversations with children. We will explore the parts of a conversation, look at research, review articles and share how to have developmentally appropriate conversations with children. Additionally, there will be suggestions on how to incorporate conversations into your daily routine.ECP; PRE; BE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd

44. Early Childhood Homelessness and StressDonna Cash and Carolyn StemmonsHomeless children who reach school age have encountered stressors that affect their social, physical and academic lives. Being homeless creates stressors that manifest themselves in a number of behaviors. In this presentation, participants will explore these behaviors and learn about stressors faced by homeless families and their children, as well as what educators need to do to help identify homeless students.SHC; FP; I; T; PRE; K; AL

45. Nature Revealed: Making the Most of Your Curriculum in Nature (Repeat of 56)Steven Juhlin Join us as we explore and pick apart the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Nature Revealed curriculum. We will discuss curriculum-integration and how to obtain free resources, professional development and ways to make this curriculum more effective in meeting your needs.ECP; PRE; AL

46. Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Robotics and Technology Is the Future (Repeat of 57)Bridget Welch Are you scared of integrating technology into your early childhood classroom? Come learn about different ways that technology can be integrated into the classroom and can help children learn to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers. We will be exploring everything from robots and green screens to digital breakouts and coding in this presentation.STEM; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; AL

11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. (CONT’D)SESSION VI (PRESENTATIONS 37-47 OR LUNCH 1)

48. Helping Those Who Hurt: Creating a Connected Culture (Repeat of 37)Jill Molli A positive school climate is a prerequisite for developmentally appropriate discipline strategies. Children are motivated to behave through healthy relationships or through awards (stars, stickers, point system, etc.). Healthy relationships teach children to value one another while rewards teach children to value material things. Come learn the Conscious Discipline secrets to building relationships with students who struggle with connection.SED; T; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; IE

49. You’ve Gotta Laugh! Laughter’s Role in Social-Emotional Learning (Repeat of 38)Clint Darr Embrace the power of laughter, and learn how it can improve your early childhood program and energize you, your staff and your students. Practice laughter yoga with a certified instructor, and discover techniques, tips and strategies for using humor and laughter in your early childhood program as well as in your personal life.SED; 3rd; IE

50. Let the Wiggles in: Implementation and Benefits of a Motor Lab!Lori UlrichDo you ever want to get your students’ wiggles out? We really do need to get movement into our students. Come learn about the why and how of implementing a motor lab with specific activities that can build a strong foundation for our students and can help them reach cognition. If you ask our students why they go to the motor lab, they will tell you that they are getting their bodies ready to learn!PD; K; BE; IE

51. Coaching Teachers Through Evidence-Based StrategiesKarrie Snider Engage yourself in evidence-based coaching characteristics and practices for improving your support of a diverse early childhood workforce. Examine roles and strategies, and test common coaching dilemmas and challenges through research, practice and informative presentations.ECP; PRE; AE

12:30-1:30 P.M.SESSION VII (PRESENTATIONS 48-58 OR LUNCH 2)

47. Economic Literacy for Young Learners: Interactive Learning with Math, Money and Children’s LiteratureBetty Porter Walls Join an informative, interactive, fun, interdisciplinary and standards-based learning experience that focuses on economic literacy and monetary principles for primary students. Play money, picture books and manipulatives are used to teach counting, quantity, coin recognition, and the concepts of spending, saving and decision-making. Participants will view lessons done in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and will receive a resource packet.M; K; IE

52. Mindfulness in Early Childhood: Make and Take Strategies and Interventions (Part 1 of 2) Please note: It is recommended participants attend Part 2 of 2 – Presentation 64Melanie Fitzgerald Participants will gain an increased understanding of mindfulness and a plan on how to begin implementation in their classrooms. This presentation includes an introduction to mindfulness, the importance of it in the early childhood classroom, meditations and an introduction to developmentally appropriate mindfulness activities in early childhood. Participants will learn how to begin basic mindful listening, movement and awareness in their classrooms and buildings.CE; ECP; LM; SED; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; AL

53. Documenting Parents as Teachers Services for DESE ReimbursementEarly Learning StaffJoin the DESE Early Learning staff as we provide direction on the use of the new Parents as Teachers National Center (PATNC) records and information needed for reimbursement. The staff will also discuss the Compliance Review Process and have time for questions at the end of the presentation.LM; FP; BE

54. Chitchatting with Children: Create Meaningful Conversations (Repeat of 43)Teresa Waters and Connie HarmonThis presentation will discuss the importance of meaningful conversations with children. We will explore the parts of a conversation, look at research, review articles and share how to have developmentally appropriate conversations with children. Additionally, there will be suggestions on how to incorporate conversations into your daily routine.ECP; PRE; BE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd

55. Supporting Leadership Growth Among Staff with Conscious Discipline: The Director’s Role in Early Childhood ProgramsCindy Rouner Relationships within our school family can be difficult. As the leader, how can you model composure and empathy toward the family you have the opportunity to lead? Come be an active part of uncovering how to develop relationships, leaders and staff who respond with composure and empathy and improve the quality of your program.LM; PRE; AL

56. Nature Revealed: Making the Most of Your Curriculum in Nature (Repeat of 45)Steven Juhlin Join us as we explore and pick apart the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Nature Revealed curriculum. We will discuss curriculum-integration and how to obtain free resources, professional development and ways to make this curriculum more effective in meeting your needs.ECP; PRE; AL

12:30-1:30 P.M. (CONT’D)SESSION VII (PRESENTATIONS 48-58 OR LUNCH 2)

57. Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Robotics and Technology Is the Future (Repeat of 46)Bridget Welch Are you scared of integrating technology into your early childhood classroom? Come learn about different ways that technology can be integrated into the classroom and can help children learn to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers. We will be exploring everything from robots and green screens to digital breakouts and coding in this presentation.STEM; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; AL

58. The Brain Architecture Game (Repeat of A-3)Kathy Twellman Strong brains take all of us working together. We will explore the powerful role of relationships and environment on early brain development and discover how support systems in the community can turn toxic stress into tolerable stress. And, of course, we will build some brains!SED; FP; AL

59. Connection=Cooperation: Brain Smart Ways to Create Caring Classrooms Full of MagicJill MolliThe transition from home to school can be treacherous for both teachers and children. Come learn four magical activities that will support the value system you wish to build in children and provide experiences that help children (and us) shift from a disorganized to an organized internal state. These four activities are designed to create a biochemistry that balances and integrates brain function, mind and body.SED; T; PRE; K; IE

60. Social Skills: Tips for Success and Full Inclusion for All LearnersDr. Clarissa Willis Social skills include those life skills that we use every day. This interactive presentation will deal with the social-skill issues of children with special needs and their typically developing peers. Learn about the seven skills needed for success in life and how to practice these skills in the context of a fully inclusive classroom setting.PRE

61. Oodles and Nuudles of Art: Discover the Creative ProcessSharron KrullExplore and learn about lots of really cool new art materials, unique paints and collage stuff that will spark children’s creative energy and joy for art. Review the difference between process focused and product focused art. Learn how to provide open-ended art experiences that are age-appropriate, inviting and fun.EAM; T; PRE; K; 1st; IE

62. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleMarcia TateThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey has been on the New York Times best-seller list since the 1980s because its content is just as valuable today as it ever was. While actively engaged, you will become acquainted with the seven principles that effective people attempt to practice daily in both their personal and professional lives. You will walk out of this presentation as a person changed for the better!FP

2:00-3:30 P.M.SESSION VIII (PRESENTATIONS 59-71)

63. Phonological Awareness: Building the Foundation to Reading ReadinessTracy Shelly This presentation will invite attendees to forget about letters for a short time and be introduced to an abundance of activities and lessons that lay the foundation to reading readiness without directly teaching letters. Language-based approaches, strategies and lessons (for the struggling student to the more advanced, higher level student) will be demonstrated and discussed.LAL; PRE; K; AL

64. Mindfulness in Early Childhood: Make and Take Strategies and Interventions (Part 2 of 2) Please note: It is recommended participants attend Part 1 of 2 – Presentation 52Melanie FitzgeraldParticipants will gain an increased understanding of mindfulness and a plan on how to begin implementation in their classrooms. This presentation includes an introduction to mindfulness, the importance of it in the early childhood classroom, mediations and an introduction to developmentally appropriate mindfulness activities in early childhood. Participants will learn how to begin basic mindful listening, movement and awareness in their classrooms and buildings.CE; ECP; LM; SED; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; AL

65. Special Resources for Special Little OnesLisa HellmanParticipants will learn about a variety of resources for families of children with special needs such as autism, blindness, dyslexia and other disabilities. A discussion panel will consist of representatives from different organizations that serve this demographic.SE; PRE; AL

66. The Power of Dramatic PlayDiane Miesner and Fred MiesnerExplore how to enhance your dramatic-play area with a wide variety of free and inexpensive props. Go beyond the usual kitchen/house center and turn your area into a veterinary clinic, flower shop, office, taco restaurant and more.CE; PRE; AL

67. Identification of Narcotic Addiction in Pregnancy: Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral for Treatment OptionsJaye ShykenLearn about high-risk pregnancy and addiction medicine, and discuss the rise and implications of narcotic addiction in pregnancy. Recommendations will be provided for home visitors to help identify and support women who have achieved recovery as well as interventions for women who have not yet achieved drug use remission.HV; FP

2:00-3:30 P.M. (CONT’D)SESSION VIII (PRESENTATIONS 59-71)

68. Spot It, Teach It: DyslexiaVada Postlethwait and Susan SmithA dyslexic kindergarten teacher and her mother will share their story about early diagnosis and managing the educational process, as well as strategies used and currently implemented in the classroom. They will demonstrate what reading is like for dyslexics, share strategies that have been developed from brain based research, and show multisensory methods for teaching language and differentiated teaching.LAL; K; AL

69. PAT Documentation: The How, What and WhyAbby Susman and Stephanie KaneLearn to structure your documentation to include the necessary and ideal components of the home visit. Discuss and share strategies for completing notes that are timely, helpful for families and comply with guidelines for reimbursement and state compliance. In this interactive presentation, parent educators will have the opportunity to hone their documentation skills and get their documentation questions answered.HV; FP; AL

70. One Book at a TimeBrandy Van de Riet Read-alouds can be one of the most instructional moments of your child’s day. Learn how to take advantage of these learning opportunities as lessons are shared and resources are provided for making every book count. Reading with children opens the door to connecting on a deeper cognitive level one book at a time.LAL; FP; T; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; AL

71. How To Conduct a Self-Assessment of the Self-Study for High-Quality ClassroomsPamela Speer This presentation will provide a structured approach to program improvement that considers all of the necessary components of a high quality classroom. Content will focus on determining strengths and weaknesses, developing plans as needed, making improvements documenting progress, evaluating results, and determining next steps. Self-assessment of the self-study is an essential step toward achieving accreditation, but all programs also may engage in self-study even if they have no intention of seeking accreditation.CE; PRE; BE

3:45-5:15 P.M.CLOSING KEYNOTE ADDRESS

From Scars to Stars: Creating a Picture Book on a Difficult TopicBrian Lies

72. The Roots of Stories (Repeat of 87)Brian LiesBrian Lies will discuss his own life as a reader, how he stopped reading in third grade and his development as an author/illustrator of children’s books. He will cover the importance of awakening a sense of wonder in students, keeping an eye out for life-changing spark moments and the importance of imagination during uncertain times.LAL; I; T; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; IE

73. The Monster in the Closet: Understanding Stress in Young ChildrenDr. Clarissa Willis Learn the signs of stress in young children and strategies for helping them cope. In addition, information will be provided about the worried child. More and more young children are exhibiting challenging behaviors brought on by the stress in their world. Help them learn to cope with everyday stresses using fun, easy to implement strategies.PRE

74. Express Yourself: Promoting Social-Emotional Development Through the ArtsSharron KrullShow me, tell me – how do you feel? Encourage creativity and self-expression through music, movement, dramatic play and the visual arts (painting, sculpting and drawing). These activities can help children learn to manage their emotions, practice self-control, share, take turns and consider other people’s feelings. Join us to experience creative self-expression that helps promote children’s social-emotional development.EAM; SED; T; PRE; K; IE

75. STEM: Creating an Outdoor STEM Learning EnvironmentDr. Gyniquea Davis and Linda VoelkelSTEM exposes students to inquiry, dialogue, reasoning skills and critical thinking. At the Ritenour School for Early Childhood Education, we have created an outdoor STEM learning environment. Learn the benefits of an outdoor STEM learning area, the process we used to create and utilize our outdoor learning space, and get examples of units you can implement in your outdoor space. With help from the presenters, you will begin the process of creating a similar space inside your school or as a part of an outdoor environment.CE; LAL; M; S; SE; STEM; PRE; K; 1st; BE; IE

8:15-9:15 A.M.KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Engagement Through Discovery and CreativityKevin Carnes

9:30-10:30 A.M.SESSION IX (PRESENTATIONS 72-86)

76. Business and Personnel Practices: What’s Legal and What’s NotJudy Simpson In this presentation, we will discuss what is and is not legal when managing your early childhood business based on U.S. Department of Labor regulations. We will learn about best practices and model how to write center and parent policies, along with a discussion of useful information from Tom Copeland’s book (as featured by NAEYC) Managing Legal Risks in Early Childhood Programs.LM; FP; BE; IE; AE; AL

77. Building a Positive School EnvironmentJessica Deschu and Jessica YatesJoin our lively presentation as we discuss building a positive school environment for teachers and students through routines, rituals and structures based on relationships and life-lessons. Learn how to create a school family that empowers teachers and children to have a sense of safety and caring and how to bring joy back into the classroom.CE; PRE; AL

78. STEM: Architecture and Novel Engineering in Early ChildhoodMichelle Miller and Brittany ColemanEarly exposure to STEM has been found to support a child’s overall academic growth. During this presentation, you will get to see several fun and new examples of architecture/building and Novel Engineering you can use in your classroom. You also will have a chance to build and create during this presentation and take items with you.LAL; M; S; SE; STEM; PRE; K; BE

79. True Project-Based Learning (PBL)Sarah MiesnerPBL is all the rage lately, but how is it truly implemented and managed in order to engage all students? Come watch as the presenter goes through tried and true models where all students are actively engaged, take ownership and increase their learning to a deeper level even outside of the classroom. Learn how to manage the chaos, assess understanding, embed projects across the curriculum and create a classroom filled with excited learners.STEM; 2nd; AL

80. Developing Linguistically Advantaged ChildrenErnesto RodriguezDeveloping linguistically advantaged children in the classroom is critical to closing the achievement gap, and this begins in pre-K. This presentation will focus on best practices that promote language, social awareness and readiness of the whole child in your classroom. Participants will explore opportunities to engage children in meaningful exchanges throughout the day. This includes activities that promote social competence and social awareness, as well as language and literacy, with children pre-K to first grade.LAL; PRE; K; 1st; IE

81. Creating the Trauma-Informed ClassroomPeggy ThoenenThis presentation will focus on the development of the trauma informed approach in the preschool setting in an effort to decrease preschool expulsions. We will discuss the steps we can take to create a trauma informed environment to ensure that children have the setting necessary to learn, grow and develop.CE; ECP; SED; PRE; BE

82. Now This Makes SenseTracy James and Amy LewisChildren are always trying to make sense of the world in which they live. Join us as we help you develop number sense by playing games and facilitating other learning activities to ensure a deeper mathematical thinking. Then you will see how “now this makes sense.”M; PRE; K; AL

83. Separation and Divorce: How Teachers Can Best Support Children and Families During the ProcessErin Angst Baker and Beth GeyerParticipants will learn what research indicates that children from birth to age 5 need to help them adjust during and after divorce. There will be a group discussion on what a teacher’s role as a professional should be, how teachers can best support children and parents during a difficult time of transition, and how to provide a school environment where all family members can feel safe, cared for and valued.SED; PRE; AL

84. When You Wish Upon a Star: Fostering the Love of Creative Drawing and Writing Through Early Journaling ExperiencesLana Bohl and Lesa CarrollBy sharing research, firsthand examples and direct instruction, we will lead teachers to a new and clarified understanding of the myriad benefits of this most misunderstood component of the development of language and literacy in the early childhood learner. We will demonstrate methods of directing and encouraging journal writing and we will share novel ideas that allow teachers to expand their use of journaling.LAL; PRE; K; BE

85. Building Relationships While Sharing Books with Young Children: A Support to Social Emotional Development for Parent EducatorsJanis Smalley and Sheila LewisDuring this presentation, we will discover how parents can use books to explore social emotional topics with their children. From attachment to making friends to dealing with huge emotions, the presenters will share age appropriate books and strategies that parent educators can utilize with parents as part of their everyday routine. We will engage the audience in connecting shared books to parent child activity pages in the PAT curricula.HV; LAL; SHC; SED; FP; I; T; PRE; BE; AL; IE; AE

9:30-10:30 A.M. (CONT’D)SESSION IX (PRESENTATIONS 72-86)

86. Itty-Bitty Book ClubBridget Welch and Gretchen BrashearHave you ever wanted to join a book club? How about a book club for children ages 5 and under? Come discover how we started a literacy program in two different districts that got families involved in the school library, and learn about the different activities and books we have shared with families.SHC; FP; T; PRE; BE; IE

87. The Roots of Stories (Repeat of 72)Brian Lies Brian Lies will discuss his own life as a reader, how he stopped reading in third grade and his development as an author/illustrator of children’s books. He will cover the importance of awakening a sense of wonder in students, keeping an eye out for life changing spark moments and the importance of imagination during uncertain times.LAL; I; T; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; IE

88. Recycle Your Way to STEAMKevin CarnesCome discover STEAM learning opportunities using everyday materials. Using recycled material, cardboard and other simple items you have in your classroom and the surrounding environment combines imaginative exploration and hands-on problem solving. As we twist, bend, tear, cut and decorate, real world STEAM experiences are brought to life for all participants. Small groups will collaborate in the creation of simple machines, design cause and effect experiments and build one of a kind constructions. Prepare for fun as our creations spark STEAM learning through play!STEM; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; AE

89. Be the Best Version of You: Self-Care for the Successful Teacher (Repeat of 103)Lisa Edinger Since teaching demands such high levels of energy, it is vitally important that early educators practice self-care habits. This presentation will focus on simple yet effective ways to combat fatigue, replenish energy, establish new thought/behavior patterns, maintain motivation, and stay inspired and connected with your teaching vision.LM; FP; AL

90. Caring for a Baby Is to Touch the FutureRhodanne SchillerHow do we teach infants and toddlers to have an appreciation for themselves and others, and why is it important? These questions are fully discussed and answered through facilitated dialogue using specific real life situations and demonstrations of research informed strategies that are proven to be effective.SHC; FP; I; T

91. It’s OK: We Speak TechnologyAshley Hemme and Jennifer RoderTechnology does not have to be a foreign language. Learn new ways to use technology in your early childhood classroom. You will walk away with expertise in Google Drive, the SMART Board, blogging, podcasting and building a classroom community.CE; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; IE

10:45-11:45 A.M.SESSION X (PRESENTATIONS 87-100)

92. Missouri Building Block Award Books: Having Fun in the Preschool Classroom with Activities, Voting and Adapting for Special NeedsDarla Wells and Amanda ElmoreParticipants will learn about the Missouri Building Block Award nominees, activities to do with each one (including a make-and-take) and how to adapt these books for children with special needs. This will be an interactive session with lots of ideas addressing where each book might fit into your preschool curriculum and creative ways to do class voting.PRE; BE; IE

93. Wow! What Did You Make? (No, Really, What Is It?)Patti White and LaKesha WootenThis presentation will challenge early childhood educators to take on multiple perspectives including that of the administrator, teacher and child. Educators will be reminded through hands-on creating and discussion that early learning is about planning and the process, not about the end product.ECP; PRE; AL

94. Developing an Early Learning Leadership CollaborativeJennifer Crouch and Dana CarrollDiscover how to form a professional collaborative to support and meet the leadership development needs of early childhood program directors. Building leaders within early childhood programs have the potential to increase the quality of the entire program. In this presentation, we will discuss ways to seek funding, recruit participants and share resources to keep participants engaged.LM; FP; AL

95. Linking Families, Schools and CommunitiesJennifer KlostermanThis presentation will discuss the transition out of preschool and into the public school. The purpose of the program is to build on community and family engagement and promote families to actively participate in their children’s education. It takes a community to raise a child!SHC; K; AL; 1st; 2nd

96. Guided Math: An Old Concept in New Curricular AreasTracy James and Shawna CochranCome on a guided math journey with us as we spend time looking at two different approaches in two different classrooms that get the same outcome a feeling of accomplishment and improved math understanding.M; K; 1st; IE; AE

97. Gardening with Young Children: How Sowing Seeds Grows More than PlantsSara StarbuckLearn easy steps to engage children in gardening, and help them discover where food originates. Anyone can garden with children whether you have a large lot or only room for a few containers, and whether your program is in the country or the city. You do not have to know a lot; you only have to be willing to start.ECP; PRE; IE

10:45-11:45 A.M. (CONT’D)SESSION X (PRESENTATIONS 87-100)

98. Revealing the Whole Child Through the Art of JournalingLesa Carroll and Lana BohlThrough this activity-based presentation, participants will learn techniques and day to day applications that will enhance the effectiveness of journaling in their classrooms. We will focus on how developmental milestones are not only made visible but are also supported through the art of journaling. (This is a continuation of information from “When You Wish Upon a Star: Fostering the Love of Journaling Through Creative Writing and Drawing Experiences.” Presentation #84)LAL; PRE; K; IE

99. Bring Parents into the Classroom with P.L.A.Y. Days: Powerful Learning Activities with YOU!Rachel Lemkemann and Katy SmithDo the parents of your preschool students wonder how children learn through play? Are you looking for ways to bring parents into the classroom to strengthen the connection between home and school? In this presentation, you will learn how these teachers created P.L.A.Y. Days and how you can easily incorporate their ideas into your early childhood program.SHC; PRE; AL

100. Quality Trickles Down: The Importance of Directors and Leaders in Early Childhood ProgramsMichelle Mathews and Tracey StantonImproving the quality of early childhood programs takes time and an intentional plan. This presentation will explore specific tools and resources that will help directors and leaders develop a quality improvement plan in order to create a model program for staff, children and families.LM; PRE; AL

101. Music in the Inclusive ClassroomJan Inman and Karen BaseMusic is a universal language used by all ages and all developmental levels. Enjoy an interactive presentation with examples of how music can be used throughout the day to stimulate development and learning, decrease challenging behaviors, and make activities interesting and enjoyable to increase participation.EAM; PRE; AL

102. Implementing Yoga and Movement for Home Visits and Group ConnectionsMallory Baurichter and Kristin WallsParent educators and early childhood professionals will walk away with the tools necessary for teaching strength and balance in both body and mind. Promote the ability to teach self-regulation, emotional balance, body awareness and mindfulness through fun, purposeful movement.SED; FP; I; T; PRE; AL

103. Be the Best Version of You: Self-Care for the Successful Teacher (Repeat of 89)Lisa Edinger Since teaching demands such high levels of energy, it is vitally important that early educators practice self-care habits. This presentation will focus on simple yet effective ways to combat fatigue, replenish energy, establish new thought/behavior patterns, maintain motivation, and stay inspired and connected with your teaching vision.LM; FP; AL

12:00-1:00 P.M.SESSION XI (PRESENTATIONS 101-114)

104. Beyond Proximity: Developing and Experiencing CommunityRhodanne Schiller How do we teach preschool children to have an appreciation for themselves and others, and why is it important? These questions are fully explored through facilitated dialogue using specific real life situations and demonstrations of research informed strategies that are proven to be effective. (This presentation is an extension of “Caring for a Baby Is to Touch the Future.”)SHC; SE; FP; PRE; K

105. How To Keep a New Parent Educator OnboardMary Ann Sander and Katie EpemaAre you having trouble retaining PAT staff? Are you tired of paying to train a new parent educator every year? Come join this interactive presentation as we provide and discuss information on the retention of parent educators that is relevant to programs of any size. We will start with advertising your parent educator position and will go through the entire process of hiring, training and supporting your parent educator. This presentation is geared toward those who hire and/or supervise and support parent educators. Be sure to bring your questions!HV; FP; IE; AE

106. Diversity in the Making: Meeting of the MindsSaundi McLain-Kloeckener and Amber SoberyCan you eat with chopsticks, wear a sara or do a tinikling dance? These activities and more will be explored by having fun while learning about different ways to show, honor and teach diversity in your classroom community.CD; 1st; IE

107. Dairy Foods To Grow OnErin McGrawIn this interactive presentation, join us for an overview of nutrition, how to get kids cooking with dairy and information on resources available to enhance your nutrition curriculum.ECP; PRE; K; AL

108. Phonemic Awareness for Older Students: Why It Matters and What It Looks LikeMica ByrumFor many students, a deficit in higher level phoneme analysis skills can contribute to a lack of response to intervention. The key is to provide a phoneme analysis introduction embedded within phonics instruction. During this interactive and engaging presentation, participants will be guided through the process of layering these critical skills into an effective phonics lesson plan.LAL; 2nd; 3rd; AL

109. No-Drama DisciplineLisa Eberle-Mayse What do you think of when you hear the word discipline? For many of us, this word might be associated with punishment or rigid rule enforcement. However, the original meaning of the word was to teach. This presentation will explore the ideas presented by Daniel Siegel in his book No-Drama Discipline. By combining current brain research with real-world strategies, you will learn new ways to help children develop self-control and make better, pro-social choices.SED; PRE; AL

12:00-1:00 P.M. (CONT’D)SESSION XI (PRESENTATIONS 101-114)

110. Kindergarten KrazeBethann Stieferman and Jackie DowningA team of kindergarten teachers will share tried and true ideas that enhance student learning and meet our criteria for teacher observations. We will be giving out resources for a variety of curriculum areas as well as ways to keep students more engaged. Plus, some bonus things that just work!CE; LAL; M; K; AL

111. Just Calm Down: Recognizing and Addressing Stress in Children and FamiliesGina Dattilo and Jennifer RushHave you ever wondered what childhood stress looks like in the classroom? How does stress impact behavior and the brain? Learn how to support children in building resiliency and coping strategies to be successful in the classroom.SED; FP; I; T; PRE; K; 1st; 2nd; 3rd; BE; IE

112. Quality Assurance Report PilotJo Anne Ralston Come learn more about the Quality Assurance Report and the plan for creating a pilot. This is a joint effort among the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Health and Senior Services, Department of Mental Health, Department of Social Services, and the Missouri Head Start State Collaboration Office. It will provide a continuous quality improvement process for early learning programs and consumer education information for families.LM; FP; I; T; PRE; AE

113. Onboarding New Staff: A Link to LongevityTracey Stanton and Michelle MathewsStaff turnover is an ongoing issue in the field of early childhood education. Attend this presentation to discover strategies that will strengthen your current onboarding practices and will grow your staff’s longevity.LM; PRE; AL

114. Cultivating Our Future: Growing the Next Generation of TeachersAlbert J. Sanders JrEarly Childhood Teachers as recruiters for the teaching profession? Absolutely! Early Childhood teachers are the foundation of our education system and a front line for the profession. View the early childhood classroom as a place for cultivating the teaching profession and understanding your role in this mission. This presentation will help create an awareness to more clearly understand the critical nature of creating community, engaging families, and utilizing restorative justice in order to prepare our youngest learners for the teaching profession. Join in a journey to notice and name the joys of teaching and how to intentionally share that joy with our youngest learners and their families. Let’s work together to invite our youngest learners to the teaching profession!ECP; PRE; BE

Diane Addison D-19Director of Missouri Parents as Teachers Professional Development Program, Hannibal School District

Jennifer Albano C-13Parent Educator, Wentzville School District

Erin Angst Baker 83Senior Teacher, University of Missouri Child Development Lab

Karen Armstrong 20Conservation Education Consultant, Missouri Department of Conservation

Brooke Barnes 31, 42Research and Training Specialist, Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Karen Base 101Inclusion Specialist, United 4 Children

Mallory Baurichter 102Family Yoga Instructor, Sunlight Family Yoga

Paula Berry 23Coordinator, Project Construct

Joan Bishop 12, 40Title I Paraprofessional, Belton School District

Lana Bohl 84, 98Preschool Teacher, Sacred Heart Catholic Preschool

Tammy Boshoff 28Preschool Teacher, Rolla School District

Jordan Boyer 30Second Grade Teacher, Dexter R-XI School District

Gretchen Brashear 86Special Education Teacher, Kingston K-14 School District

Jenni Brasington, Featured, 11, 17

Abby Buhman 22Assistant in Early Childhood Classroom, Northwest Missouri State University

Mica Byrum 108Consultant, 95 Percent Group Inc.

Kevin Carnes, Keynote, 88

Dana Carroll 94Vice President of Early Childhood and Family Division, Community Partnerships of the Ozarks

Lesa Carroll 84, 98Director, Sacred Heart Catholic Preschool

Patsy Carter A-6, B-11Director, MO-CHILD Center for Excellence

Donna Cash 44McKinney-Vento Program Coordinator, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Stephanie Chandler 39Coordinator of Children’s Programs, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Dr. Ira Chasnoff, Keynote, C-12

Ronda Chesney 3Facilitator, Project Construct

Shawna Cochran 96Kindergarten Teacher, Rolla School District

Brittany Coleman 78Preschool Teacher, Ritenour School District

Jennifer Crouch 94Early Childhood Education Center Manager, Ozarks Technical Community College

Clint Darr 38, 49Afterschool Regional Educator, Missouri Afterschool Network

Gina Dattilo 111Inclusion Specialist-Eastern Region, United 4 Children

Dr. Gyniquea Davis 75Elementary Principal, Ritenour School District

Jessica Deschu 77Instructional Coach/Preschool Teacher, Jefferson City School District

Jackie Downing 110Kindergarten Teacher, Blair Oaks School District

Early Learning Staff A-1, 53Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Lisa Eberle-Mayse 109Director of Inclusion Services, United 4 Children

Lisa Edinger 89, 103Pre-K Teacher, Eldon School District

Amanda Elmore 92Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, Rolla School District

Katie Epema C-16, 105Parents as Teachers Coordinator, Jefferson City School District

Melanie Fitzgerald 19, 52, 64Effective Practice Specialist, Special School District of St. Louis County

Cathy Fosnot, 18, Keynote

Connie Gabel 6, 16Preschool Teacher, Normandy School District

Diann Gano, Featured, 1, 7

Beth Geyer 83Instructor, University of Missouri Child Development Lab

Carla Godfrey C-14, D-18Missouri Consultant, Parents as Teachers

Michael Gramling, Keynote, 8

Connie Harmon 43, 54Early Childhood Specialist, Community Partnership of the Ozarks

Julie Harter 19Student Support Facilitator, Special School District of St. Louis County

Paula Harvey C-14, D-18Missouri Consultant, Parents as Teachers

Lisa Hellman 65Youth Services Librarian, Wolfner Library

Ashley Hemme 91Preschool Teacher, Marshall School District

Tisha Hensel D-19Parent Educator, Raytown School District

Dezzie Houston 35Teacher Assistant, Ritenour School District

Jan Inman 101Inclusion Specialist, United 4 Children

Jessica Jackson 35Preschool Teacher, Ritenour School District

Tracy James 82, 96Kindergarten Teacher, Rolla School District

Alexandra James A-2, B-8Assistant Professor of Clinical Child Health, MU Pediatrics

Debbie Jameson 27Director of English Language Arts, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Steven Juhlin 45, 56Statewide Education Program Coordinator, Missouri Department of Conservation

Stephanie Kane 69Parents as Teachers Supervisor, Rockwood School District

Shauna Kerperin D-17Parents as Teachers Coordinator, Blair Oaks School District

Mernell King A-4, B-10Director of Training and Technical Assistance, Green Light Training

Jennifer Klosterman 95BRIDGE Program Manager, Central Missouri Community Action

Sharron Krull, Featured, 26, 61, 74

Melissa Lamb C-13Parent Educator, Wentzville School District

Beth Ann Lang 33Chief Program Officer, Child Care Aware of Missouri

Shelli Lee 2, 9Facilitator, Project Construct

Rachel Lemkemann 99Preschool Teacher, St. Charles School District

Valerie Levy 36Librarian, Lexington R-V School District

Amy Lewis 82Kindergarten Teacher, Rolla School District

Sheila Lewis 85Parents as Teachers Coordinator, Center School District

Brian Lies, Keynote, 72, 87

Beth Loethen 32First Steps Area Director, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Rebekah Massey 30Second Grade Teacher, Dexter R-XI School District

Michelle Mathews 100, 113Director/Assistant Teaching Professor, University of Missouri

Erin McGraw 107Nutrition Educator, St. Louis District Dairy Council

Saundi McLain-Kloeckener 106Retired Educator

Kathy Mertzlufft B-7WIC Nutrition Coordinator, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Kylee Meyer C-16WERDCC Parents as Teachers Supervisor, Hannibal School District

Diane Miesner 66Preschool Teacher, St. Andrew Preschool

Fred Miesner 66Preschool Assistant Teacher, St. Andrew Preschool

Sarah Miesner 79Second Grade Teacher, Nixa School District

Michelle Miller 78Preschool Teacher, Ritenour School District

Jill Molli, Featured, 37, 48, 59

Kathi Moore 20Conservation Education Consultant, Missouri Department of Conservation

Brett Moore A-2, B-8Assistant Professor of Clinical Child Health, MU Pediatrics

Paris Neverls-Doss 6, 16Preschool Teacher, Normandy School District

Kathy Nicholson B-9, 24Early Childhood Coordinator, Palmyra R-I School District

Paula Nowak 5, 15Preschool Assistant Teacher, Wellington-Napoleon R-IX School District

Misty O’Keefe 33Chief Business Officer, Child Care Aware of Missouri

Wendy Parrett 34Conservation Education Consultant, Missouri Department of Conservation

Nicole Petet 5, 15Preschool Teacher, Wellington-Napoleon R-IX School District

Betty Porter Walls 47Assistant Professor, Harris-Stowe State University

Vada Postlethwait 68Kindergarten Teacher, Chilhowee R-IV School District

Rachelle Pritchard 36Kindergarten Teacher, Lexington R-V School District

Jo Anne Ralston 112Early Learning Coordinator, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Jena Randolph 31, 42Assistant Research Professor and Training Division Director, Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Missy Riley D-17Director of Early Childhood and Parents as Teachers, Springfield School District

Janet Rinehart 4, 10, 23Director, Project Construct

Jennifer Roder 91Preschool Special Education Teacher, Marshall School District

Ernesto Rodriguez 80Director of Early Childhood, Scholastic Education

Cindy Rouner 29, 55Director, Leet Center for Children and Families

Jennifer Rush 111Inclusion Specialist-Southeastern Region, United 4 Children

Mary Ann Sander 105Consultant, Parents as Teachers Learning Communities Project

Albert J. Sanders Jr. 114Preschool Teacher, Saint Louis Public Schools

Michael Schiller 13, 21Consultant, Michael Schiller Consulting

Rhodanne Schiller 90, 104Early Childhood Consultant

Lisa Schlientz D-21State Breastfeeding Coordinator, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Lisa Scroggs 27Assistant Director of English Language Arts, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Jill Sederburg 28Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, Rolla School District

Tracy Shelly 63Special Education Process Coordinator, Odessa School District

Jaye Shyken 67Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Judy Simpson 76President and Chief Operating Officer, Today Care Children’s Centers

Janis Smalley 85Lead Parent Educator, Hickman Mills School District

Katy Smith 99Preschool Teacher, St. Charles School District

Susan Smith 68Retired Teacher

Karrie Snider 29, 51Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education, University of Central Missouri

Amber Sobery 106First Steps Special Instructor and Families First Parent Advisor

Pamela Speer 71Executive Director, Missouri Accreditation

Kimberly Spence 41Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Tracey Stanton 100, 113Infant Toddler Specialist, St. Louis Children’s Hospital Child Development Center

Sara Starbuck 97Associate Professor, Southeast Missouri State University

Lori Steele 12, 40Title I Teacher, Belton School District

Carolyn Stemmons 44Assistant Director, Missouri Head Start State Collaboration Office

Bethann Stieferman 110Kindergarten Teacher, Blair Oaks School District

Abby Susman 69Parent Educator, Mehlville School District

Marcia Tate, Keynote, 25, 62

Peggy Thoenen 81Therapist, Clear Creek Counseling and Consulting

Kathy Twellman A-3, 58Parents as Teachers Coordinator, Wentzville School District

Lori Ulrich 50Instructional Coach, Sullivan School District

Brandy Van de Riet 70Educational Consultant, Missouri Educational Consulting

Michelle Vaught 14Lead Preschool Teacher, Leet Center for Children and Families

Linda Voelkel 75Preschool Teacher, Ritenour School District

Kristin Walls 102Owner/Lead Instructor, Sunlight Family Yoga

Teresa Waters 43, 54Early Childhood Specialist, Community Partnership of the Ozarks

Beth Weaver B-9, 24Parent Educator, Canton R-V School District

Bridget Welch 46, 57, 86Media Specialist, Clinton County R-III School District

Darla Wells 92Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, Rolla School District

Patti White 93Director of Head Start, Independence School District

Brian Williams C-15, D-20Executive Director, Randolph County Caring Community Partnership

Dr. Clarissa Willis, Featured, 60, 73

LaKesha Wooten 93Early Education Lead Coach, Independence School District

Jessica Yates 77Kindergarten Teacher, Jefferson City School District

Erika Yocom 14, 22Lead Preschool Teacher, Leet Center for Children and Families

Ashley AngleKindergarten Teacher, Jefferson City School District

Kim BaxKindergarten Teacher, Cole County R-V School District

Tammie BentonHead Start Program Director, Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation

Gretchen BerhorstSupervisor, Early Learning, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Lana BrooksDirector, Early Learning, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Joy BudineKindergarten Teacher, St. Joseph School District

Stephanie ChandlerCoordinator of Children’s Programs, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Debbie DiefenderferRetired Educator

Jeannie EdwardsRetired Educator

De Frink-HedglinRetired Educator

Sharon GibsonParents as Teachers Coordinator, Potosi R-III School District

Patty GrasinskiTitle I Preschool Teacher, Hickman School District

Ronda GuthRetired Educator

Kathy HallProgram Support Coordinator, Parents as Teachers National Center

Carrie HaynesFirst Grade Title I Teacher, Dexter R-XI School District

Stephanie HolderOccupational Therapist

Virginia HolderRetired Educator

Kathy HowellSecond Grade Teacher, New Bloomfield R-III School District

Tracy JamesKindergarten Teacher, Rolla School District

Katrina KoenigsfeldChild Care Provider, Bailey’s Learn and Play

Angie KoettingData Supervisor, Early Learning, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Brenda KovalParent Educator/Supervisor, Pleasant Hill R-III School District

Shelli LeeFacilitator, Project Construct

Jeff LevySuperintendent of Schools, Lexington R-V School District

Beth LoethenFirst Steps Area Director, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Kathy LortsDirector of Professional Development, OACAC Head Start

Jodeen ManessSupervisor, Early Learning, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Freda MarkleyConsultant, Missouri Preschool Program Learning Communities

Robin McClayPreschool Teacher, St. Joseph Cathedral School

Darla McDonoughRetired Kindergarten Teacher

Mary McWilliamsPreschool Teacher, Lamar R-I School District

Terri MickRetired Educator

Phong NguyenPreschool Teacher, Sunshine Center, Independence School District

Kathy NicholsonEarly Childhood Coordinator, Palmyra R-I School District

Felicia PowersAssistant Principal, Dexter R-XI School District

Jo Anne RalstonCoordinator, Early Learning, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Dr. Colleen RatcliffRetired Educator

Janet RinehartDirector, Project Construct

Rhodanne SchillerEarly Childhood Consultant

Amanda SeeleyPreschool Director, Elsberry R-II School District

Emily SimsSupervisor, Early Learning, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Pamela SpeerExecutive Director, Missouri Accreditation

Jill SteffensEarly Childhood Director, M&M’s Kid’s Kampus

Carolyn StemmonsAssistant Director, Missouri Head Start State Collaboration Office

Beth StiefermanHome Visiting Program Manager, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Cheryl StockAssistant Director, Special Education Effective Practices ECSE, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Merilee ThoenenRetired Educator

Deanne TwehusKindergarten Teacher, Blair Oaks R-II School District

Rita WhiteRetired Educator

Sherry WilsonConsultant, Missouri Preschool Program Learning Communities

Debbie WoodKindergarten Teacher, Columbia School District

CYY NOTES