Professional Documents
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Program Booklet-Broward Early Childhood Educators Conference 2010
Program Booklet-Broward Early Childhood Educators Conference 2010
Program Booklet-Broward Early Childhood Educators Conference 2010
TITLE SPONSOR
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PENNY WESTBERRY
Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc.
Chief Executive Officer
What better way to do this than to offer a full day of affordable professional development
workshops? As in past years, this conference was planned with you in mind, and I am sure
that you will find the workshops interesting and informative. For this, we have to thank the
conference planning committee, led by Family Central Inc., and other dedicated early care
and education system partners and professionals from within the community who spent
many months planning this wonderful educational opportunity.
I applaud your participation in this conference and celebrate your dedication to early
learning. As each year passes, I see the pursuit of excellence for children and families
continue to blossom. Enjoy the workshops.
Lamb is past chairman of the American Bankers Association's Legislative Liaison Advisory
Committee, is a member of the ABA's Government Relations Committee, and serves on the board of
ABA BankPAC. He is past chairman of the Pennsylvania Business Roundtable's Government Affairs
Committee, is a member of the board of directors of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, the
Invest in Kids Working Group, and the management committee of the Partnership for Quality Pre-
Kindergrten.
Lamb earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science and economics from Boston College.
Quality learning in a child‘s early years is essential for their long-term success. That‘s why PNC Bank
developed Grow Up Great, a 10-year, $100 million investment in school readiness to help prepare
children from birth to age five for success in school and life. Founded by The PNC Financial Services
Group, Grow Up Great is considered to be one of the most comprehensive corporate-based school
readiness programs in the nation. The program provides leadership, advocacy, resources and
volunteers to assist parents, caregivers and communities in their efforts to increase the potential for
young children to succeed
In addition to an advisory council of some of the nation‘s most highly respected early childhood
experts, PNC Grow Up Great has partnered with equally esteemed nonprofit organizations to guide
this initiative including Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame
Street, and Family Communications, Inc., producer of Mister Rogers‘ Neighborhood.
At PNC, we‘re very proud of our commitment to early childhood education, and volunteerism is a
large part of this commitment. PNC employees receive 40 paid hours off a year to volunteer through
the Grow Up Great program. Volunteerism is not only a vital part of the Grow Up Great program, but
also something that our employees feel strongly about. We continue to seek and create lasting
relationships with early childhood education centers in our communities so they may benefit from
these volunteer opportunities. PNC is dedicated to providing resources to help children succeed in
school and, ultimately, in life. When we provide assistance to high-quality early education and school
readiness initiatives, we‘re quite literally making an investment in our future. Please visit
www.pncgrowupgreat.com to learn more.
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Legislative Award Recipient
Ari Abraham Porth
Since 1995, Ari has served as an Assistant State Attorney for Broward
County. Since November 3, 2004, he has been serving the residents of
Coral Springs, Tamarac, Lauderhill, Sunrise and North Lauderdale as
their State Representative. In the House, Ari is assigned to the Health
Services Policy Council and ranking Democrat on the Health Regulations
Committee.
Ari has made children‘s issues the cornerstone of his time in the
legislature. He was the House sponsor of landmark legislation relating to
Autism and collaborated with former foster youth on two important bills
relating to our most vulnerable youth. For the past three sessions he‘s
hosted youth from foster and relative care in Tallahassee to serve as
pages and messengers.
Community service and volunteerism are important parts of Ari‘s life. He plays an active role in a
number of organizations including Past President for the B‘nai B‘rith Justice Unit, Board Member of
the Coral Springs/Parkland Chapter and National Commission Member of the Anti-Defamation
League (ADL), Board Member of the Coral Springs Multi-cultural Advisory Committee, Past Chair of
the Florida Ocean Sciences Institute (an alternative school for juvenile offenders), Founding Board
Member of the Business Professionals for the Children‘s Home Society, Committee Member for Legal
Aid of Broward County‘s ―Annual For the Public Good‖, Board Member for the Hatikvah House (a
group home in Coral Springs for developmentally disabled adults).
Ari and his wife Tatyana reside in Coral Springs with their son,Gabriel, and their Golden Retriever,
Lilly.
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Keynote Speaker – Preschool VPK
David Garcia M.S., BCBA
Mr. Garcia is the Clinical Director for Behavior Analysis, Inc. and its Florida
Autism Treatment Centers. He earned his Master of Science degree in Behavior
Analysis from the University of North Texas in 1996 and is nearing completion of
his doctoral studies at Florida Atlantic University. He is a Board Certified
Behavior Analyst and provides training, mentoring and supervision to other
individuals seeking certification in behavior analysis.
Mr. Garcia has taught behavior analysis and teacher education courses at
Florida Atlantic University and Florida Gulf Coast University. He taught Behavior Analysis Certification Board-
approved preparation courses for students seeking behavior analysis certification. In addition to his extensive
training and teaching experience he is currently an expert witness for the Dade County judicial system on
issues related to students with autism and recently co-developed several new graduate level University courses
for Florida Atlantic University as part of the Florida Autism Endorsement Program for the Exceptional Student
Education department.
Mr. Garcia has also published several studies related to problem behaviors and persons with disabilities and
has served as a guest reviewer for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. Most recently, he was selected as
the Outstanding Clinician of the Year by the University of Miami/Nova Southeastern University Center for
Autism and Related Disabilities.
Lois‘ initial goal for Creative Beginning Steps was to remain within the state of Florida
for the first 3 years. However, Lois is proud to say that she has presented several
highly successful workshops for the NAEYC conference in Chicago, Texas, and
Washington; this year, she will again be presenting her NEW art workshop, which is filled with even more squishing
and squashing. Along with Ron Mohl, from Lakeshore Learning, Lois was a Keynote presenter at the Early Learning
Coalition of Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Conference and a Featured Presenter at this year‘s FLAEYC
Conference, as well as presenting at numerous Early Childhood conferences throughout Florida. She is the author of
2 Early Childhood books, Creative Beginning Steps to Art and Creative Beginning Steps to Reading and a Reading
Partner from the Early Literacy Coalition in Palm Beach County. In 2009, Lois was named Adjunct Professor of the
Year for her Early Childhood teaching
In her spare time, Lois loves to squish-squash yummy dishes in the kitchen, read, relax in her pool, and of course,
spend time with her husband and son!
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Title Sponsor
PNC Bank
Special Sponsors
A.D. Henderson Foundation
Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc.
Key Sponsor
Lakeshore Learning
Sponsors
Children’s Services Council of Broward
Kaplan Early Learning Company
Champion Sponsors
Becker’s School Supplies
JK Children Supply, Inc.
School Specialty Childcraft Education Corp.
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-Conference Schedule-
(.5 CEUs 3 workshop sessions)
Conference Workshop: October 16, 2010
8:00 - 8:30
Preschool/VPK/Director Infant/Toddler
(Large Auditorium) (Small Auditorium)
Welcome Welcome
Dr. Carol Wasserman, Yanick Goutier, Director of Early Care and
VP of Voluntary Prekindergarten and Special Education, Family Central, Inc.
Projects, Family Central, Inc.
Keynote Introduction
Katherine Danio, Program Director Penny Westberry, CEO
A.D. Henderson Foundation The Early Learning Coalition of Broward
County, Inc.
Legislative Award
Dr. Barbara Weinstein, President/CEO, Keynote Presenter
Family Central, Inc. Lois Wachtel
Creative Beginning Steps
Title Sponsor Special Presentation
Thomas Lamb, SVP Government Affairs, Title Sponsor Special Presentation
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Thomas Lamb, SVP Government Affairs,
PNC Bank‘s ―Grow Up Great‖-An PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Unprecedented Initiative for Early Childhood PNC Bank‘s ―Grow Up Great‖-An
Education Unprecedented Initiative for Early Childhood
Education
Keynote Introduction
Penny Westberry, CEO Closing Remarks
The Early Learning Coalition of Broward Katherine Danio, Program Director
County, Inc. A.D. Henderson Foundation
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Broward Early Childhood
Educators Committee
Dr. Carol Wasserman-Chair
Family Central, Inc.
Yanick Goutier-Co-Chair
-T HAN K YO U -
Family Central, Inc.
Broward Early Childhood Educators Committee
Ana Maria Malavenda-Garcia
One Step At A Time Learning Academy
I want to thank the Broward Early Childhood Educators
Andrea Zabel Conference Committee for its commitment and dedication
Broward County, Quality Rating System to providing a quality professional development day for Infant/
Angie Michel Toddler, VPK/Preschool teachers and directors. Throughout the
Children‘s Services Council year you have taken time to devote yourself to this conference
which truly speaks to your character. As a result of your diligence
Anita Platt
Broward County, Quality Rating System
in the planning of this wonderful professional development day,
the young children of Broward, their
Bethany Marcusson teachers and directors will all benefit.
Family Central, Inc.
My sincerest thanks for your ongoing support.
Diane Tischler -Carol Wasserman-
Soref JCC
Infant Toddler, VPK/Preschool Teachers and Directors
Dr. Ilene Miller
Broward County Public Schools
Our thanks to all the teachers and directors who nurture the
Elizabeth Gonzalez capacities of all learners as you play a key role in the children’s
A World of Knowledge Pre-School
growth and development.
Elizabeth Mustafa “You touch children’s lives forever!”
Family Central, Inc. - Carol Wasserman-
Joy Gordon
- Yanick Goutier -
New Mirawood Academy
Community Partners
Julia D. Musella
BB International Preschool
I want to thank Family Central’s VPK and Early Care and
Julie Bergstrom Education staff for their assistance with the conference as well as
First United Methodist Church Preschool the volunteers from numerous community organizations:
K. Lee Tirpak -Carol Wasserman-
Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc.
A World of Knowledge Pre-School
Khalil Zeinieh
Family Central, Inc.
Abundant Life Christian Academy
BAEYC
Layne Polakoff BB International Preschool
Wyndham Learning Center Brauser Maimonides Academy
Leticia Strasser Broward County Public Schools
Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. Broward County Child Licensing and Enforcement
Family Central, Inc.
Marjie Cohn-Dolan
BAEYC First United Methodist Church Preschool
Florida Child Care Professional Credential Students
Mary Jean Woika
Nova Southeastern University Hollywood Hills United Methodist School
Jack & Jill Children‘s Center
Michelle Sponder
Family Central, Inc.
One Step At A Time Learning Academy Piper High School
Volunteer Broward
Monica Pujol-Nassif Wyndham Learning Center
Family Central, Inc. Youth Impact, Inc
Sharon Cohen
Children‘s Services Council A Special Thank You
A.D Henderson Foundation – 1,000 CEU Scholarships
Stacy Angier
Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc.–1,000 Resource Books
Abundant Life Christian Academy
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NOTES AND GUIDELINES FOR THE DAY
1. We are excited about hosting a conference for 1,000 participants. Please be respectful of each
other when trying to enter a workshop session.
2. Each workshop session has a capacity of participants (stated in program). The presenter
assistant has the corresponding number of stickers to issue for CEUs. Therefore, no additional
participants can enter that session regardless of the number of seats physically in the room.
3. If you have entered a room that has been deemed full, you WILL NOT receive a colored label for
your class, and you WILL NOT receive your CEU credits.
4. If a Presenter Assistant or Hall Monitor advises you that the class is full, please proceed to the
next workshop quickly.
5. Please make sure to complete your Conference Evaluation which will be given to you at the end
of session 3. Your responses are valuable in assisting the committee in future planning
6. Lunch- each of you has the type of lunch you selected written on your badge. Please find the line
with the corresponding name (i.e. ham) to get your lunch.
7. Please feel free to visit with the exhibitors and then get your lunch to help us serve lunch to 1,000
people in a calm and effective manner.
As we journey through another school year, remember that you are each child’s role model.
Submitted by:
Elizabeth Gonzalez, Owner/Director
A World of Knowledge Preschool and Learning Center
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PLEASE NOTE THAT ROOMS HIGHLIGHTED ARE THE CONFERENCE SESSION CLASSROOMS
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12
13
14
15
Workshop Session I 9:15 AM – 11:15 AM
D: Directors Track
Views expressed in the workshops are the presenters and are not to be P: Preschool/VPK Track
attributed to Family Central, Inc., the Early Learning Coalition of Broward I/T: Infant/Toddler Track
County, Inc. and any other partners and sponsors of this conference.
Room 100 Activities to Increase Language and Literacy for Young Children
Preschool/VPK &
Infant/Toddler Suzanne Gellens, M.S.- Florida Association for the Education of Young Children
This workshop will help teachers to understand how young children acquire language and what
Session I
Language & activities can help them begin the process of learning to read and write. The presenter will
Literacy
introduce the book, ―Activities That Build the Young Child‘s Brain‖, a resource when writing
lesson plans for the preschool classroom. Explore recent brain research and get tips on how to
create a brain compatible classroom. The presenter will discuss different ways to use books to
Rm Capacity 75 help children build critical thinking skills and encourage creative writing.
Room 522 An Overview of the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards
Director
Antrica T. Morgan - Agency for Workforce Innovation- Office of Early Learning
Professional Florida‘s Early Learning and Developmental Standards is a comprehensive document containing
Development age- appropriate information and reflections concerning how young children explore, create, and
Session I
think. They provide the early learning community with a seamless set of standards that will aid
the efforts to improve the quality of care and education for all young children. The session will
provide an overview, video clips, and instruction on how to appropriately incorporate these
standards into every daily experience planned and implemented for the young children in the
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providers‘ care.
Assessment and provide information about Broward County‘s uniform screening service, an overview of the newly
Evaluation
revised ASQ screening tool, and age-appropriate windows to developmental benchmarks.
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Room 133 Assessing Dual Language Learners: Hands-On Strategies for Supporting
Preschool/VPK
Monolingual English-Speaking Teachers in the Assessment Process
Screening Carol Bellamy - Teaching Strategies Inc.
Assessment and The presenter will provide an overview of the structure of Teaching Strategies GOLD
Evaluation
assessment system. Examine the areas of development and learning and then look at those
Session I
specific objectives and dimensions which detail the developmental skills and abilities for all
children birth through kindergarten. Participants will learn how the dimensions can be viewed as
a progression of development and learning starting with the simplest skill to a more complex
expectation. We will discuss how the objectives and dimensions of the system can be used to
Rm Capacity 20 assess all children, including children who are English-language learners and children with
special needs.
Involvement & esteem. Productivity and happiness depends on how a student sees him/herself. Early childhood
Support
practitioners at the earliest grade levels hold the keys to future happiness in their hands as they
are in a unique position to mold the student‘s belief system for a lifetime. Participants will receive
Rm Capacity 20 some practical ways to do this.
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Room 108 Collaborating with Parents for a Child’s Success
Preschool/VPK
Stacey Hoaglund - Family Network on Disabilities
This training will focus on educating school staff (teachers or administrators) on how to facilitate
Family collaboration with the parents of the children in their center/school. Educators will learn how
Involvement &
Session I
children can exhibit a much truer level of success when all parties are focused on the strengths
Support
and needs of the individual student. This training will encompass typically developing students
who may require enriching activities to spur their academic and social interest, children with
behavioral needs that are not necessarily associated with developmental delays or disabilities,
Rm Capacity 20
and children with special needs that may require additional classroom and home supports and
strategies.
this hands-on workshop you‘ll have fun with several easy-to-implement projects that will
showcase a variety of important fine-motor skills. You will discover the scope of art activities and
how they can relate to all areas of your children‘s development. Instructions for additional
Rm Capacity 30 projects will be available.
Appropriate effective manner. All developmental areas will be taken into consideration so that they will be
Practices
able plan activities that will stimulate the children‘s imagination. Participants will discuss
cognitive, language development, social -emotional and physical activities.
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Room 213 Developmental Milestones and Early Intervention Services Within a Child Care Setting
Infant/Toddler
Barbara Kalish, Ph.D, Kathy Carroll, M.S., CCC-SLP & Debbie Goboff –
Child Growth & Children‘s Diagnostic & Treatment Center
Development In this workshop, the presenters will discuss what skills and behaviors to expect at various ages
Session I
(birth to three years) and how to recognize warning signs for children who may not be developing
typically. They will share practical teaching activities and strategies that promote growth in each
area of development. Participants will receive an overview of the Broward Early Steps Program
provided by Infant Toddler Developmental Specialists (ITDS), examine the process for referring a
child who may have a developmental delay, and specifically discuss how the ITDS consults with
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the infant/toddler classroom teachers and support staff.
Appropriate problems‖ in the classroom, or why your students seem frustrated, it could be as simple as
Practices
understanding the different ―learning styles‖ of your students. Every child comes into the world
ready to learn. Children may learn through a combination of the different styles, but there is one
style that they may favor over the others. ~Visual, Auditory, Physical (Kinesthetic) ~. We all have
Rm Capacity 20 learning styles. Which one is yours?
homes that have been visited by the Child Protection Investigation Services (CPIS) due to
violence, criminal activity, drug abuse, and/or neglect. She will discuss a county wide drowning
prevention initiative that is being implemented through the Broward drowning prevention initiative
that is being implemented through the Broward County Drowning Prevention Task Force, which
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targets families involved with CPIS. She will also explore causes of drowning and near drowning
incidents.
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Room 106 Eating Smart from the Start
Preschool/VPK
Tamika S. Handfield MS, RD, LD/N - Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition
Health & Safety to Youth (FLIPANY)
According to the Centers for Diseases (CDC), 1 in 7 low-income, pre-school age children is
Session I
obese. Childhood obesity is so prevalent that it is now termed an epidemic indicating the dire
need to introduce healthy eating to children at an early age. This highly interactive and dynamic
workshop will aim to provide preschool educators with the tools needed to teach their students
about healthy eating by encouraging the providers to select and prepare nutritious, safe, and low-
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cost meals and snacks for the children in their care.
inaccurate performance appraisals. Participants will discuss the link between an accurate job
description and the performance appraisal and will learn how to prepare for and present a
performance appraisal to the employee. Different types of performance appraisals will be
discussed, including the benefits of each, as well as the value of the employee conducting a Self-
Rm Capacity 20
Appraisal.
Appropriate muscles, senses, intellect, emotion, and social interaction. Discover block play for your infants
Practices
and toddlers, and why it is so much more than just mathematics and spatial relationships.
Rm Capacity 25
Development like to increase your confidence and finesse? Decrease resistance when handling these
situations by learning professional methods for communicating effectively that eliminate
communication snags and excuses for avoiding difficult conversations. The presenter will provide
Rm Capacity 20 instant solutions, interactive discussion, and a resource handout to take home.
Language & Reading and writing is a process that cannot be separated. Children increase their vocabularies
Literacy and command of the language through a variety of literacy experiences. This workshop will give
the teacher and teacher assistant ideas for setting the stage for Emergent Literacy in their
Rm Capacity 20 preschool classrooms.
the Language and Communication Standard by understanding its intent. Listening leads to
speaking. Speaking leads to vocabulary. From vocabulary we get sentences and structure but
then what? How does the child make the connective phrases towards emergent literacy? The
connection between knowing and implementing the standards is made utilizing two simple but
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appropriate to early childhood literature books: CAPS FOR SALE by Esphyr Slobodkina, and
THE HUNGRY CATERPILLAR by Eric Carle.
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Room 105 Identifying and Reducing Inappropriate Behavior in Young Children
Preschool/VPK
Dana Fredebaugh, Ph.D - Nova Southeastern University
Behavior Teachers, parents, and classmates tend to feel that some children ―misbehave all the time‖.
Participants will discuss what this ―misbehavior‖ looks like. The presenter will share methods of
Session I
Management
objectively observing a child‘s behavior in the classroom and other settings, to help teachers
determine when, why, and where a child tends to exhibit inappropriate behavior. The presenter
and participants will then share strategies for reducing the inappropriate behavior and explore
Rm Capacity 20 when it may be appropriate to refer a child for evaluation.
Management simply by creating developmentally appropriate classroom rules, schedules and routines, and
using them intentionally. The training will include a power point, video clips, interactive activities
and ―make ‗n takes‖. By the time you leave, you will be equipped to make the necessary
Rm Capacity 25 changes in your classroom to help reduce inappropriate and disruptive behaviors.
Professional Participants will develop an understanding of phonological awareness benchmarks along with
Development age-appropriate instructional and environmental strategies to prepare children for kindergarten.
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efficacy) in addition to the academic domains, is important as research demonstrates that these
skills are significantly related to school readiness and future school success. It is critical to use
observational assessment to systematically document children's skills, knowledge, behavior, and
academic accomplishments, in addition to implementing continual progress monitoring. The
Rm Capacity 20 presenter will discuss research-based observational assessment practices and explore future
directions for strengthening early childhood assessments.
Literacy by doing. After discussing the importance of reading and bookmaking through the eyes of a
child, we will look ―outside of the box‖ and design creative individual and class books. A potato
chip can, a rolling pin, brown bags, and a soft sock will magically transform into books. W ith a
few simple creases and folds, we will put a ―new‖ twist on traditional All About Me and Pop-Up
Rm Capacity 40 books. Bring your imagination, as we create numerous class books together!
Room 215 Moving Beyond the Diagnosis: Supporting Young Children with Special Needs
Infant/Toddler
Lydia Bartram, MSW & Karen Slattery - Educational Research Center for Child Development
Session I
Special Needs This workshop will explore factors that affect typical development and instruction on how
participants can identify potential developmental delays in young children. In addition, the
presenter will introduce strategies to support children with special needs and their families by
Rm Capacity 25 helping them move beyond the diagnosis both in the classroom and at home.
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Media Center Music, Movement and Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom
Preschool/VPK
Lori Burns - Pearson Education
Music and During this workshop, participants will explore the stages of music and motor development in
Session I
Movement young children and the connection to social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Participants will
investigate the relationship between strong motor-skill development and musical concepts that
relate to higher-level cognitive functions. Strategies and music activities discussed will include
experiences that develop phonemic awareness and phonemic skills. Examples include songs,
Rm Capacity 20 finger plays, rhyme, and sequence patterns.
Movement playing violin, bass, saxophone, and accordion. The leader will examine various musical
components such as melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo, meter, instrumentation, and
multiculturalism. Each song will include a performance, an analytical discussion, and a question
and answer session. Suggestions will be provided for integrating musical ideas in the early
Rm Capacity 50 childhood curriculum.
Appropriate observe and document their students objectively. They will explore how to reflect on their
Practices
documentation and design documentation panels, in order to create developmentally appropriate
curriculum that can be customized to each child‘s skills level. Through this process the children
will be able to scaffold their education and teachers will build close relationships with their
Rm Capacity 20 students and their families.
Room 107 PBS Positive Behavior Supports: Building Relationships and Creating Supportive
Preschool/VPK
Environments
Behavior Maria Hernandez & Karina La Banca - Family Central, Inc.
Session I
Management The Positive Behavior Support Model is a proactive, team-based approach for creating and
sustaining a safe and effective environment in centers to promote social-emotional development
in children. The aim is prevention of problem behavior and the use of data-based problem-
Rm Capacity 20 solving for addressing existing behavior concerns.
Speech and General aspects of speech and language development in the birth to 5 child will be presented.
Language Red flags will be discussed to assist staff with identification of potential problems and when to
Development
make appropriate referrals.
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Development Presenters will disseminate information regarding the Florida Core Competencies for Early Care
and Education Practitioners, and review the purpose of the document, the impact it will have on
the state of Florida, and how these competencies fit into the professional development initiative
across the state. The presentation will address how the Florida Core Competencies can be used
Rm Capacity 20 within an education setting.
Developmentally Some people have rocks in their gardens; some people have them in their pockets. I have rocks
Appropriate in my head. Come and learn some fun and interesting ways you can include rocks across the
Practices
curriculum. Participants will have the opportunity to experience hands-on activities as well as
Rm Capacity 30 obtain valuable lesson/materials information to take home.
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Room 550 Staffing Your Center, Total Costs and Options for Success
Director
Laurance A. Milov - The Education Team: Your Placement Solution
Administration Passion and enthusiasm are not always enough to ensure the successful management of an
early childhood education center. Many directors, increasingly bogged down by the burdens of
Session I
indirect employment costs and their management responsibilities, are left with less time for the
children and parents. Time consuming tasks, such as recruiting and training qualified staff,
completing extensive and complex background screenings, and payroll all take valuable time and
money away from their efforts. The focus of this presentation will be to introduce strategies that
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can offer directors/owners the opportunity to cut costs while spending more time doing what they
love every day.
Room 312 The Gift of Calm: Stress Release Routines to Empower Children and Adults with
Preschool/VPK
Lifelong Skills for Wellness and Learning
Behavior Jonathan Eastman, M.S. - Brainheart Guidance Inc.
Management Teaching and modeling composure is the foundation of Conscious Discipline® to foster social-
Session I
emotional & academic competence in young children. Through movement, songs, demonstration
and role-play enhance your knowledge of how the brain functions best. The presenter will
provide information on how to respond to upset children as well as specific ways to teach
children to calm themselves using child friendly visuals and props. Participants will practice active
Rm Capacity 40 calming exercises and ―language of safety‖ to integrate into the daily routine for increased
cooperation and learning.
Room 219 The Plastic Brain: Unlocking the Full Potential of Students with Developmental
Infant/Toddler
Delays
Special Needs Dr. John Conde, DC, DACNB - The Conde Center For Chiropractic Neurology
In this presentation, Dr. Conde will discuss Functional Disconnection Syndrome, an electrical
Session I
imbalance in brain activity between the right and left sides of the brain. He will reveal how it can
impact your classroom through children who exhibit learning or behavioral disorders such as
AD/HD, Tourette‘s syndrome, autism, and Asperger‘s syndrome He will share practical strategies
concerning the teaching styles these children require and specific techniques on how to control
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behavioral outbursts and lack of concentration.
Development
the state during 2009-2010, and will be available statewide beginning in Fall 2010. It can be used
in conjunction with many broad screening tools, but it looks specifically at emergent reading,
mathematical thinking, and language/vocabulary skills. This session will primarily focus on early
literacy skills and how the assessment tool can be used by teachers to assist in planning
Rm Capacity 20 instruction to meet children's needs.
Language & used to convey experiences or meaning. Information will be shared about how children learn a
Literacy
first language and the steps they take to acquire a second language. Multiple hands-on activities
will be conducted throughout this training.
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Development Often they are totally burnt out and may even leave the field altogether. Time management
strategies can minimize this statistic and give directors gained control over their environment.
Topics covered are: Learning to Control Interruptions, Developing a Proactive vs. a Reactive
Rm Capacity 20 Leadership Strategy and Overcoming the Top Time Management Challenges.
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Room 211 Tools to Enhance Thinking in Young Children
Infant/Toddler
Dr. Angela K. Salmon & Dr. Teresa Lucas - Florida International University
Brain Research A growing body of evidence supports the efficacy of deliberately nurturing very young children‘s
& Cognitive thinking abilities and encouraging their understanding of what thinking is. In this session, you will
Session I
Development
get acquainted with Harvard‘s Project Zero Visible Thinking approach and the use of strategies
that can be used successfully right away with students of any age. The big ideas that will be
covered in this session are: The Young Child‘s Inner Mind, Cultural Forces that Promote Thinking
Dispositions and Cultures of Thinking, Teaching Strategies that Work in Early Childhood Settings
Rm Capacity 25
and the Use of Documentation for Collaborative Inquiry and Learning.
education, and those who experience poor early childhood development, are less likely to be
successful in school and in life. Through lecture, videos and experiential exercises, the
participants will learn to identify trauma or chronic stress, and understand its impact on the social
and emotional development of very young children. Discuss the use of play therapy techniques
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that can reduce the effects of trauma and create resiliency for these children.
Assessment and they develop a joy for learning. The presenter will discuss the fundamental building blocks for
Evaluation
effective learning and share why it is important to treat the ―whole‖ child. She will explore the fact
that all children have strengths and weaknesses and they possess different learning styles.
Participants will also receive information on physiological, environmental, or developmental
Rm Capacity 20 barriers that prohibit children from progressing.
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Workshop Session II 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
D: Directors Track
P: Preschool/VPK Track
Views expressed in the workshops are the presenters and are not to be I/T: Infant/Toddler Track
attributed to Family Central, Inc., the Early Learning Coalition of Broward
County, Inc. and any other partners and sponsors of this conference .
Professional Participants will explore the seven key phrases to keep in mind when working to improve the
Development quality of care they provide and their overall score on an Early Childhood Environment Rating
Scale (ECERS-R) assessment. They will also walk away with ideas for making improvements to
the 6 primary subscales (a Quality Improvement Plan).
Rm Capacity 20
children with physical fitness opportunities. Participants will learn about some trends and take
back some ideas related to incorporating physical fitness into the curriculum. Attendees will
learn techniques through a brief presentation, hands-on activities, a sample lesson plan, and an
open discussion. The presenter will encourage participants to get up, get moving and have some
Rm Capacity 35 fun!
Room 522 An Overview of the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards
Director
Antrica T. Morgan - Agency for Workforce Innovation- Office of Early Learning
Professional Florida‘s Early Learning and Developmental Standards is a comprehensive document containing
Development age- appropriate information and reflections concerning how young children explore, create, and
Session I I
think. They provide the early learning community with a seamless set of standards that will aid
the efforts to improve the quality of care and education for all young children. The session will
provide an overview, video clips, and instruction on how to appropriately incorporate these
standards into every daily experience planned and implemented for the young children in the
Rm Capacity 20 providers‘ care.
Development classroom. Participants will explore the book, ―Activities That Build the Young Child‘s Brain‖, a
resource that will help them when writing lesson plans for the infant or toddler classroom. The
concept of ―task talking‖ to help increase language acquisition will be introduced and attendees
will have an opportunity to participate in songs and a variety of fun activities that will compliment
Rm Capacity 100 the classroom curriculum.
demonstrate and provide a hands-on activity related to the theme. The presenter will discuss
how people in Africa use their natural resources and reuse their materials. Participants will
discover how mathematical thinking, cognitive thinking and fine motor skills can be implemented
in the hands-on art activity. They will also learn the importance of using different types of shapes,
Rm Capacity 20 colors, and texture to enhance children‘s critical and creative thinking skills.
23
Room 216 ASQ For Developing Infants and Very Young Children [Birth-2 years]
Infant/Toddler
Claudette Hinds - Family Central, Inc.
Session I I
Screening This workshop was developed for facilities with ELC service agreements. The presenter will
Assessment and provide information about Broward County‘s uniform screening service, an overview of the newly
Evaluation revised ASQ screening tool, and age-appropriate windows to developmental benchmarks.
Rm Capacity 25
Room 133 Assessing Dual Language Learners: Hands-On Strategies for Supporting Monolingual
Preschool/VPK
English-Speaking Teachers in the Assessment Process
Carol Bellamy - Teaching Strategies Inc.
Screening The presenter will provide an overview of the structure of Teaching Strategies GOLD
Assessment and assessment system. Examine the areas of development and learning and then look at those
Session I I
Evaluation
specific objectives and dimensions which detail the developmental skills and abilities for all
children birth through kindergarten. Participants will learn how the dimensions can be viewed as
a progression of development and learning starting with the simplest skill to a more complex
expectation. We will discuss how the objectives and dimensions of the system can be used to
Rm Capacity 20
assess all children, including children who are English-language learners and children with
special needs.
Room 209 Baby Einstein? Baby Mozart? What REALLY Makes Babies Smart?
Infant/Toddler
Karen Kerr - The Parent/Teacher Foundation
Let‘s get back to baby basics! How do infants and toddlers learn? How do we support that
Session I I
Developmentally
Appropriate learning? What Interferes with infant/toddler learning? Explore routine, room arrangement,
Practices materials and interactions that foster brain development.
Rm Capacity 25
Management When we lose our temper, it is something we do not need to retrieve. Next, we will cook a batch
of Wordy Durds which teaches that letters must work together to make words. This is a fun and
quick lesson on teamwork, not to mention delicious! Then we will also create a few Scar Faces.
All people are unique- we come in different shapes, sizes, and color, but all of us need to be
Rm Capacity 20 accepted. As we create this recipe, we learn the importance of acceptance.
Art this hands-on workshop you‘ll have fun with several easy-to-implement projects that will
showcase a variety of important fine-motor skills. You will discover the scope of art activities and
Rm Capacity 30
how they can relate to all areas of your children‘s development. Instructions for additional
projects will be available.
This workshop will give an overview of the training and credential requirements to meet DCF
Professional Child Care Licensing Standards for employment.
Development
Rm Capacity 20
Professional similarities seeing similarities between these concepts and discipline problems within the early
Development childhood arena. He presents a lesson on arriving at discipline by being better leaders. This
workshop focuses on the ―positive‖ side of discipline. Bradley talks about the power of a good
Rm Capacity 20 Discipline Policy and what that policy should contain. The use of a Behavior Intervention Policy
and Behavior Intervention Meetings are also discussed.
24
Room 119 Drowning Prevention
Preschool/VPK
Kim Burgess - Broward County Health Department
The presenter will introduce a recent study conducted by the Broward County Health Department
Health & Safety that shows a relationship between the cases of drowning involving children in Broward County, to
Session I I
homes that have been visited by the Child Protection Investigation Services (CPIS) due to
violence, criminal activity, drug abuse, and/or neglect. She will discuss a county wide drowning
prevention initiative that is being implemented through the Broward drowning prevention initiative
that is being implemented through the Broward County Drowning Prevention Task Force, which
targets families involved with CPIS. She will also explore causes of drowning and near drowning
Rm Capacity 20
incidents.
Developmentally muscles, senses, intellect, emotion, and social interaction. Discover block play for your infants
Appropriate and toddlers, and why it is so much more than just mathematics and spatial relationships.
Practices
Rm Capacity 25
Professional highlights recent studies which identify the key attributes of effective teachers. Tips and
Development suggestions on how to nurture these qualities in your staff will also be offered.
Rm Capacity 20
Reading and writing is a process that cannot be separated. Children increase their vocabularies
Language & and command of the language through a variety of literacy experiences. This workshop will give
Literacy the teacher and teacher assistant ideas for setting the stage for Emergent Literacy in their
preschool classrooms.
Rm Capacity 20
Appropriate the Language and Communication Standard by understanding its intent. Listening leads to
Practices
speaking. Speaking leads to vocabulary. From vocabulary we get sentences and structure but
then what? How does the child make the connective phrases towards emergent literacy? The
connection between knowing and implementing the standards is made utilizing two simple but
appropriate to early childhood literature books: CAPS FOR SALE by Esphyr Slobodkina, and
Rm Capacity 20
THE HUNGRY CATERPILLAR by Eric Carle.
Behavior simply by creating developmentally appropriate classroom rules, schedules and routines, and
Management using them intentionally. The training will include a power point, video clips, interactive activities
and ―make ‗n takes‖. By the time you leave, you will be equipped to make the necessary
Rm Capacity 25 changes in your classroom to help reduce inappropriate and disruptive behaviors.
Participants will be trained on how to present ―It‘s Okay to Play in VPK‖ to parents in their
VPK programs. They will receive the training manual and CD-ROM to present the training. The
training is for directors who have VPK classrooms in their centers and will provide an overview,
Rm Capacity 20
objectives, and instructional plan to conduct the workshop for their parents.
25
Room 104 “I’ve Told Her 100 Times! Why Won’t She Listen?”
Preschool/VPK
Eliana Millan, M.S., BCBA - Behavior Analysis, Inc.
This presentation will provide participants with the common reasons why children do not always
Session I I
Behavior follow instructions while providing examples of commonly encountered scenarios in classrooms.
Management Participants will also learn proven, practical, and easy to use strategies for improving this
behavior. The presentation will conclude with an opportunity for participants to ask questions
Rm Capacity 20 regarding their specific students.
Room 126 KidVisionVPK.org – How to Develop Exciting Learning Units Promoting VPK Education
Preschool/VPK
Standards Achievement
Penny Bernath, M.S. - WPBT2 / KidVisionVPK.org
VPK Participants will learn how to develop exciting standards-rich thematic learning units. We will talk
Session I I
about integrating Florida VPK Education Standards lessons into typical preschool themes and
how to use the KidVisionVPK.org video field trips to enhance the learning experience.
Participants will review the VPK Standards then select a Kid Vision VPK field trip / theme. They
will watch the field trip together, discuss the provided lesson plans that relate to the field trip, and
review the student assessments and the take home pages. Attendees will brainstorm and
Rm Capacity 20
present a hands-on standards lesson plan that will be original and useful!
Administration Therefore, it makes sense to be prepared to recruit and select the best possible candidates. This
workshop will help you avoid the pitfalls resulting in legal dilemmas and hiring the wrong
candidate. We will discuss relevant legal concepts including ―at-will‖ employment, and
discrimination. Additionally we will look at the documentation recommended at all stages of the
Rm Capacity 20 employment relationship.
Language & foundation of the reading and spelling process. The presenter will provide information on how to
Literacy teach children to lock the sounds and shapes of the alphabet into memory through a body
movement that directly relates to the Animal/Letter, allowing them to utilize the alphabet
immediately. She will share strategies to teach children how to use these Animal/Letters to begin
Rm Capacity 20 the sound blending process needed in reading, spelling and writing.
Room 118 Math and Literacy: Using Children’s Books to Foster Math Skills in Preschool Children
Preschool/VPK
Mary Jean Woika, M.Ed. & Wilma de Melendez, Ph.D. - Nova Southeastern University-
Fischler School of Education and Human Resources
Math & Science During this fun-filled, hands-on session, participants will experience the process young children
Session I I
go through while engaging in mathematical inquiry. Favorite children‘s books will be viewed for
illustrating important math skills to foster in young children. The Florida State and VPK standards
will be reviewed so that participants can be made aware of how to link the activities planned
based on the math concepts from the children‘s books. A discussion on the materials and
environment needed to support children in math will also be described, in addition to the
Rm Capacity 20
understanding that mathematical learning can happen in any setting.
Room 105 Missing Milestones: When To Take Action With Infants and Toddlers
Infant/Toddler
Dana Fredebaugh, Ph.D. - Nova Southeastern University
This presenter will discuss the developmental milestones for infants and toddlers and describe
Session I I
Child Growth & many of the ―warning signs‖ that teachers and caregivers should look for that might indicate a
Development developmental delay or disability. Each developmental area (cognitive, speech/language, motor,
social/emotional, self-help) will be addressed as well as vision and hearing. Participants will
discuss steps for documenting concerns and referring children for screening or assessment. The
Rm Capacity 25 presenter will share useful resources including a list of websites and checklists.
26
Media Center Music, Movement and Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom
Preschool/VPK
Lori Burns - Pearson Education
During this workshop, participants will explore the stages of music and motor development in
Session I I
Music and young children and the connection to social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Participants will
Movement investigate the relationship between strong motor-skill development and musical concepts that
relate to higher-level cognitive functions. Strategies and music activities discussed will include
experiences that develop phonemic awareness and phonemic skills. Examples include songs,
Rm Capacity 20 finger plays, rhyme, and sequence patterns.
Developmentally observe and document their students objectively. They will explore how to reflect on their
Appropriate documentation and design documentation panels, in order to create developmentally appropriate
Practices
curriculum that can be customized to each child‘s skills level. Through this process the children
will be able to scaffold their education and teachers will build close relationships with their
Rm Capacity 20 students and their families.
Professional message no matter what you have tried? Sometimes personality styles clash and communication
Development becomes difficult. Early childhood educators understand how vital it is to share information
accurately with families to prevent things from going wrong. Being able to demonstrate verbal
and nonverbal skills that make communication clear also enhance the success of the child. This
Rm Capacity 20 workshop will offer strategies to help participants give and receive information clearly.
Speech and Red flags will be discussed to assist staff with identification of potential problems and when to
Language make appropriate referrals.
Development
Rm Capacity 20
Developmentally in my head. Come and learn some fun and interesting ways you can include rocks across the
Appropriate curriculum. Participants will have the opportunity to experience hands-on activities as well as
Practices obtain valuable lesson/materials information to take home.
Rm Capacity 30
Art discuss many fun, creative, hands on, and imaginative ways to encourage this growth. Leaving
behind the traditional paintbrush, we will think outside of the box, using plungers, plastic, balls,
balloons, dog toys and so much more to create. In this totally interactive workshop, participants
will understand the importance of the art process rather than the end products by becoming
Rm Capacity 30 artists and creating various open-ended, fun and sometimes messy art projects.
27
Room 550 Staffing Your Center, Total Costs and Options for Success
Director
Laurance A. Milov - The Education Team: Your Placement Solution
Passion and enthusiasm are not always enough to ensure the successful management of an
Administration early childhood education center. Many directors, increasingly bogged down by the burdens of
Session I I
indirect employment costs and their management responsibilities, are left with less time for the
children and parents. Time consuming tasks, such as recruiting and training qualified staff,
completing extensive and complex background screenings, and payroll all take valuable time and
money away from their efforts. The focus of this presentation will be to introduce strategies that
can offer directors/owners the opportunity to cut costs while spending more time doing what they
Rm Capacity 20 love every day.
Participants will explore several strategies to assist them in becoming more effective supervisors
Administration including how to handle common problems in the workplace and how to improve staff morale.
We will also discuss effective ways to communicate with and motivate staff in an effort to
Rm Capacity 20 increase productivity.
Are you afraid of science? Aren‘t sure what the scientific method is? Children already know what
Science it is! Learn how to provide a simulating and supportive environment that encourages scientific
exploration.
Rm Capacity 35
Room 213 The ABC’s of ESE: A Brief Introduction on Working with Children with Varying
Infant/Toddler
Exceptionalities
Annette Rodriguez, Ed. S.
Session I I
Special Needs
This workshop will provide a brief introductory overview of varying exceptionalities with a focus
on developmental delays, autism, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and Speech /language
disorders. The presenter will share helpful strategies and techniques for early childhood
Rm Capacity 25
practitioners working with children who have special needs.
Room 219 The Plastic Brain: Unlocking the Full Potential of Students with Developmental Delays
Preschool/VPK
Dr. John Conde, DC, DACNB - The Conde Center For Chiropractic Neurology
Special Needs In this presentation, Dr. Conde will discuss Functional Disconnection Syndrome, an electrical
Session I I
imbalance in brain activity between the right and left sides of the brain. He will reveal how it can
impact your classroom through children who exhibit learning or behavioral disorders such as
AD/HD, Tourette‘s syndrome, autism, and Asperger‘s syndrome He will share practical strategies
concerning the teaching styles these children require and specific techniques on how to control
Rm Capacity 20 behavioral outbursts and lack of concentration.
Evaluation manner that made sense to you six months later? If these questions make you pause, then come
refresh your note-taking skills and develop a keen eye for classroom observations! We know
the early childhood environment is a busy work setting for children and adults, but teachers can
capture important milestones for their students by planning observations and taking simple but
Rm Capacity 20 revealing notes.
28
Room 547 Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Accountability and Readiness Rate
Director
Melinda Webster & Hope Colle - Florida Department of Education Office of Early Learning
Session I I
VPK - The presentation will outline the accountability system for Florida‘s Voluntary Prekindergarten
Administration (VPK) Education Program and how VPK providers‘ readiness rates are calculated. Information
about the components of the Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener (FLKRS) will also be
Rm Capacity 20
shared with participants.
Health & Safety The Bo Alvarez Children‘s Foundation presents ―Water Safety for Kids‖ to help child care
educators effectively teach water safety principles to their preschoolers. These valuable learning
Rm Capacity 20 techniques and materials may save a child‘s life when outside the classroom.
discuss feeding difficulties with children and explore some of the myths associated with these
issues. She will delve into the concept that eating is, in reality, a learned behavior and that the
―instinct‖ to eat only starts the process. Just as children learn to eat, so can children be taught to
Rm Capacity 20 not eat by the circumstances of their lives. Enjoy a fascinating presentation that explores how
and why this learning takes place.
29
Workshop Session III 2:15 PM – 4:00 PM
D: Directors Track
Views expressed in the workshops are the presenters and are not to be P: Preschool/VPK Track
attributed to Family Central, Inc., the Early Learning Coalition of Broward I/T: Infant/Toddler Track
County, Inc. and any other partners and sponsors of this conference .
Cognitive what they are doing. Review and discuss the book ―Activities That Build the Young Child‘s Brain‖,
Develop
a resource when writing lesson plans for the VPK classroom. Explore recent brain research and
get tips on how to create a brain compatible classroom. The presenter will provide ideas for
extension activities to use in learning centers and circle time and attendees will have an
opportunity to participate in songs and a variety of fun activities that will compliment the
Rm Capacity 45
classroom curriculum.
demonstrate and provide a hands-on activity related to the theme. The presenter will discuss
how people in Africa use their natural resources and reuse their materials. Participants will
discover how mathematical thinking, cognitive thinking and fine motor skills can be implemented
in the hands-on art activity. They will also learn the importance of using different types of shapes,
Rm Capacity 20 colors, and texture to enhance children‘s critical and creative thinking skills.
& Cognitive
Development participants maximize their children‘s learning potential. She will share her views on how a multi-
faceted learning modality will allow children to be more effective in processing learned
information and new skills in addition to complex sensory information which contributes to the
development of skills necessary for independent and functional learning at home, school and in
Rm Capacity 25 the community while eliminating unwanted behaviors.
Management
When we lose our temper, it is something we do not need to retrieve. Next, we will cook a batch
of Wordy Durds which teaches that letters must work together to make words. This is a fun and
quick lesson on teamwork, not to mention delicious! Then we will also create a few Scar Faces.
All people are unique- we come in different shapes, sizes, and color, but all of us need to be
Rm Capacity 20 accepted. As we create this recipe, we learn the importance of acceptance.
30
Room 546 Creating Quality Environments
Director
Brittney Coe, M.S. & Rebecca Freedman, M.S. - Mailman Segal Institute of Nova Southeastern
Developmentally University
Appropriate One of the most important responsibilities of a preschool director is to ensure that quality
Session I I I
Practices programming is happening in all classrooms. Presenters will share a list of classroom quality
indicators including classroom management techniques, teacher-parent communication, and
curriculum and teaching strategies. Along with the classroom quality indicator checklist,
participants will review and discuss an observation form that was developed at MSI for
accountability purposes. Presenters will show how these observations can be a useful tool when
Rm Capacity 25
evaluating the staff throughout the school year.
Administration
This session will give proven strategies and ideas for overcoming the challenges associated with
difficult employees. Topics covered will include Dealing with Tardiness and Absences, Creative
Methods for ―De-hiring‖, and Doing Negative Things in a Positive Manner such as using the
Rm Capacity 25 concept of ―Mutual Resignation‖.
homes that have been visited by the Child Protection Investigation Services (CPIS) due to
violence, criminal activity, drug abuse, and/or neglect. She will discuss a county wide drowning
prevention initiative that is being implemented through the Broward drowning prevention initiative
that is being implemented through the Broward County Drowning Prevention Task Force, which
targets families involved with CPIS. She will also explore causes of drowning and near drowning
Rm Capacity 20
incidents.
Special Needs The presenter will give a comprehensive overview of autism spectrum disorder and how it affects
children‘s ability to function in all aspects of society. Participants will receive strategies on how to
educate young children with autism along with information on community resources and public
Rm Capacity 20
school preschool programs/services.
Developmentally
Appropriate muscles, senses, intellect, emotion, and social interaction. Discover block play for your infants
Practices and toddlers, and why it is so much more than just mathematics and spatial relationships.
Rm Capacity 25
Room 522 How to Incorporate Diversity into the Classroom and at Parent Meetings
Director
Mirella Baker Bemmel, M.A. - Broward College
Cultural Diversity Is your classroom culturally diverse? What happens when you cannot communicate with a parent
because of a language barrier? This interactive workshop will explore different pathways for
Session I I I
creating an environment rich in possibilities for exploring diversity. Participants will consider the
practical implications of existing knowledge about cultural influences on early learning and review
how to incorporate fun and safe activities into their program that address cultural, ethnic and
linguistic differences. In addition, there will be discussions about interaction among colleagues,
Rm Capacity 25 and the importance of making successful connections with parents.
31
Room 125 I Know It. How Do I Do It?
Preschool/VPK
Norma S. Cahen, M.S. - Temple Kol Ami Emanuel Early Childhood Program
VPK - Develop You know and understand the VPK Language and Communication Standard. But do you know
Appropriate how to appropriately implement it? This workshop is designed to help the educator work through
Session I I I
Practices the Language and Communication Standard by understanding its intent. Listening leads to
speaking. Speaking leads to vocabulary. From vocabulary we get sentences and structure but
then what? How does the child make the connective phrases towards emergent literacy? The
connection between knowing and implementing the standards is made utilizing two simple but
appropriate to early childhood literature books: CAPS FOR SALE by Esphyr Slobodkina, and
Rm Capacity 20
THE HUNGRY CATERPILLAR by Eric Carle.
Room 104 “I’ve Told Her 100 Times! Why Won’t She Listen?”
Preschool/VPK
Eliana Millan, M.S., BCBA - Behavior Analysis, Inc.
This presentation will provide participants with the common reasons why children do not always
Session I I I
Behavior
Management follow instructions while providing examples of commonly encountered scenarios in classrooms.
Participants will also learn proven, practical, and easy to use strategies for improving this
behavior. The presentation will conclude with an opportunity for participants to ask questions
Rm Capacity 20
regarding their specific students.
Room 126 KidVisionVPK.org – How to Develop Exciting Learning Units Promoting VPK Education
Preschool/VPK
Standards Achievement
VPK Penny Bernath, M.S. - WPBT2 / KidVisionVPK.org
Participants will learn how to develop exciting standards-rich thematic learning units. We will talk
Session I I I
about integrating Florida VPK Education Standards lessons into typical preschool themes and
how to use the KidVisionVPK.org video field trips to enhance the learning experience.
Participants will review the VPK Standards then select a Kid Vision VPK field trip / theme. They
will watch the field trip together, discuss the provided lesson plans that relate to the field trip, and
review the student assessments and the take home pages. Attendees will brainstorm and
Rm Capacity 20
present a hands-on standards lesson plan that will be original and useful!
Language &
Literacy environment in their Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. Participants will see a variety of ways to
incorporate language throughout the school day which in turn will enhance overall language
development. Many of the strategies are easily implemented and can be used with all Pre-
Rm Capacity 20 Kindergarten students, including those who have disabilities.
Literacy foundation of the reading and spelling process. The presenter will provide information on how to
teach children to lock the sounds and shapes of the alphabet into memory through a body
movement that directly relates to the Animal/Letter, allowing them to utilize the alphabet
immediately. She will share strategies to teach children how to use these Animal/Letters to begin
Rm Capacity 20 the sound blending process needed in reading, spelling and writing.
32
Room 118 Math and Literacy: Using Children’s Books to Foster Math Skills in Preschool Children
Preschool/VPK
Mary Jean Woika, M.Ed. & Wilma de Melendez, Ph.D. - Nova Southeastern University-
Math & Science Fischler School of Education and Human Resources
During this fun-filled, hands-on session, participants will experience the process young children
Session I I I
go through while engaging in mathematical inquiry. Favorite children‘s books will be viewed for
illustrating important math skills to foster in young children. The Florida State and VPK standards
will be reviewed so that participants can be made aware of how to link the activities planned
based on the math concepts from the children‘s books. A discussion on the materials and
environment needed to support children in math will also be described, in addition to the
Rm Capacity 20
understanding that mathematical learning can happen in any setting.
kindergarten. Explore ways that teachers can intentionally gather assessment information on
objectives which may not present themselves naturally in the classroom. The trainer will suggest
ways that teachers can plan developmentally appropriate experiences for the preschool
classroom based on observational data. Participants will walk away with ready-to-implement
Rm Capacity 20
ideas for individualizing the support they provide and to assist them to be more intentional and
engaging with curriculum planning.
Development message no matter what you have tried? Sometimes personality styles clash and communication
becomes difficult. Early childhood educators understand how vital it is to share information
accurately with families to prevent things from going wrong. Being able to demonstrate verbal
and nonverbal skills that make communication clear also enhance the success of the child. This
Rm Capacity 25 workshop will offer strategies to help participants give and receive information clearly.
Developmentally This workshop will focus on the importance of assessments and how to use them. The presenter
Appropriate will show you easy ways to record meaningful observations and include your students‘ work. She
Practices will explain how simple it is to compile a portfolio that can be used as an effective teaching tool
and also provide an overview of your student‘s progress.
Rm Capacity 20
Room 314 Practical Strategies for Preventing and Dealing with Challenging Behavior
Preschool/VPK
David Garcia, M.S., BCBA - Behavior Analysis, Inc.
Behavior This presentation will provide participants with the essential skills for maintaining a classroom
Session I I I
Management environment that minimizes or eliminates disruptive and challenging behavior. The skills covered
are simple, practical, and easy for any teacher to use. Ineffective strategies commonly used in
classrooms will also be reviewed. Lastly, how to successfully deal with challenging behavior
when it does occur is addressed. The presentation will conclude by providing participants with an
Rm Capacity 40 opportunity to ask questions directly related to their classroom needs.
Developmentally
Appropriate wonders to create AMAZING toys and books, especially for Infants & Toddlers. Following in the
Practices footsteps of our children, we will learn by ―doing,‖ as we play with boxes to design classroom
toys, fold paper to construct classroom books, and with an artistic twist, we will ―use‖ music as a
Rm Capacity 150 toy in our classroom. Totally interactive, FUN learning!
33
Room 212 Snap, Crackle, Glop: The Importance of Sensory Activities in Infant and Toddler Early
Infant/Toddler
Learning Environments
Developmentally Sande Gruskin, M.S.
Appropriate Much learning for infants and toddlers takes place through the senses. Touching, seeing,
Session I I I
Practices hearing, smelling and tasting involve the active involvement of the child as he or she interacts
with the environment. The refinement of the senses is also related to reading and writing. The
senses feed imagination and cultivate the capacity to think (Eisner, 2003). This workshop will
provide participants with the theoretical and developmental knowledge to select and/or develop
open-ended, hands-on, sensory experiences that support infant and toddler sensory awareness
Rm Capacity 25
and learning.
Room 550 Staffing Your Center, Total Costs and Options for Success
Director
Laurance A. Milov - The Education Team: Your Placement Solution
Administration Passion and enthusiasm are not always enough to ensure the successful management of an
early childhood education center. Many directors, increasingly bogged down by the burdens of
Session I I I
indirect employment costs and their management responsibilities, are left with less time for the
children and parents. Time consuming tasks, such as recruiting and training qualified staff,
completing extensive and complex background screenings, and payroll all take valuable time and
money away from their efforts. The focus of this presentation will be to introduce strategies that
can offer directors/owners the opportunity to cut costs while spending more time doing what they
Rm Capacity 25
love every day.
Administration
including how to handle common problems in the workplace and how to improve staff morale.
We will also discuss effective ways to communicate with and motivate staff in an effort to
increase productivity.
Rm Capacity 25
Developmentally
Appropriate session will cover the five ingredients of active learning and discussion will focus on why active
Practices learning is such an integral part of early childhood and especially the High/Scope framework.
Come prepared to create a successful recipe for your setting!
Rm Capacity 20
Room 213 The ABC’s of ESE : A Brief Introduction on Working with Children with Varying
Preschool/VPK
Exceptionalities
Annette Rodriguez, Ed. S.
Session I I I
Special Needs
This workshop will provide a brief introductory overview of varying exceptionalities with a focus
on developmental delays, autism, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and Speech /language
disorders. The presenter will share helpful strategies and techniques for early childhood
Rm Capacity 20 practitioners working with children who have special needs.
Room 303 The Art of Bookmaking and Creating Oral History Stories
Preschool/VPK
Dr. Nancy Brown & Dr. Janet Towell - Toppel Early Childhood Education Institute at FAU
Language & Participants will actually create original books with oral history stories through hands on
Session I I I
Literacy bookmaking and storytelling experiences. They will learn how to use these experiences in a
practical way in preschool classrooms, and to analyze the art of bookmaking in terms of the
learning standards for literacy and school readiness. Participants will also discover new aspects
Rm Capacity 20 of cultural diversity and identity development through shared storytelling.
34
Room 121 The Art of Playing – How to Play Strategy Games with Your Children While Enhancing
Preschool/VPK
TheirThinking Abilities and Life Skills
Developmentally Dori Larea, M.A. Ed. - Mind Lab
Mind Lab — an innovative and research based program designed to teach students ages 4-6 to
Session I I I
Appropriate
Practices enhance their thinking skills and life skills using a series of well-selected board games. During
the workshop teachers learn appealing thinking games designed to pose a mutual challenge for
all ages through an experimental learning process. The games learned during the workshop
create a stimulating and enjoyable environment that unites the learners for a spell of thinking and
Rm Capacity 20 working together, and provides lots of fun.
Health & Safety This ―outside the box‖ workshop will explore the importance of caring for ourselves so that we
are best able to take care of others. We will delve into the positive effects of healthy eating, daily
exercise, deep breathing and meditation as tools to manage our stress as well as all other
Rm Capacity 25
aspects of general wellness.
Room 219 The Plastic Brain: Unlocking the Full Potential of Students with Developmental Delays
Infant/Toddler
Dr. John Conde, DC, DACNB - The Conde Center For Chiropractic Neurology
Special Needs In this presentation, Dr. Conde will discuss Functional Disconnection Syndrome, an electrical
Session I I I
imbalance in brain activity between the right and left sides of the brain. He will reveal how it can
impact your classroom through children who exhibit learning or behavioral disorders such as
AD/HD, Tourette‘s syndrome, autism, and Asperger‘s syndrome He will share practical strategies
concerning the teaching styles these children require and specific techniques on how to control
Rm Capacity 25 behavioral outbursts and lack of concentration.
VPK-
Professional Specifically she will review the 2 areas, Language and Vocabulary Development and
Development Mathematical Development. In addition, she will outline future topics that will soon be available,
all free of charge. There will be a question and answer period after the presentation.
Rm Capacity 20
Music and Discover how to have fun using music throughout the day and across the curriculum. Learn how
Movement to use music to get children to listen, to learn classroom rules, ease transitions and focus
attention. The presenter will share her thoughts on how to use music beyond just music time.
Rm Capacity 45
Come and be ready to move!!
Music and This session will focus on how and when to use music with infants and toddlers. Discuss what
Movement kind of music is appropriate and why the boombox should be off.
Rm Capacity 25
Development involved in the autonomic nervous system. It is identified with all the muscles from head to hand
to foot. Vision is so connected to your past and present performances that they must be
interpreted as one action system and the two must be regarded as inseparable. Participants of
the seminar will learn how vision development and child development are tightly linked together.
Rm Capacity 20 Hands-on demonstrations and question and answer period will be included.
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Room 106 Water Safety for Kids
Preschool/VPK
Michelle Rice Alvarez, M.S.P.T. - Bo Alvarez Children‘s Foundation
Session I I I
Health & Safety The Bo Alvarez Children‘s Foundation presents ―Water Safety for Kids‖ to help child care
educators effectively teach water safety principles to their preschoolers. These valuable learning
techniques and materials may save a child‘s life when outside the classroom.
Rm Capacity 20
SPECIAL SPONSOR
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SPONSORS
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CHAMPION SPONSORS
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Thank you to our Donors:
Laurie Sallarulo
Robin Bartleman
US Imaging Solutions
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PLEASE BE SURE TO VISIT THE EXHIBITOR TABLES
American Fund Raising Family Central Inc., Training Academy Pearson Assessments
Company, Inc.
Blue Flamingo Gifts, Inc. Heritage Treasures Screen Print & Soaring For Success Consulting
Embroidery Firm
Brainheart Guidance Inc. JK Children Supply Inc. The Conde Center for Chiropractic
Neurology
Broward Assoc. for the Education Kaplan Early Learning Company The Education Team
of Young Children (BAEYC)
DC Direct Supplies National Institute of Child Care Young at Art Children's Museum
Management (NICCM)
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SPECIAL SPONSOR
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KEY SPONSOR
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