Early Childhood Conference

Children from infancy develop attachments to significant others in their immediate social environment. Dr. Tiedeman will share the research behind the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) and a free curriculum that can be used by caregivers and teachers to help children from a very early age have the skills to be successful in life. The presentation will focus on cooperation, empathy, and effective communication through games and activities. Participants will be able to leave with a free PK-K kit and materials.

Big Questions (Content Area 2: Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development)
Heidi Douma, B.A. in Early Childhood online program director, Northwestern College 

Learn how to engage young children in high-level thinking by asking high-level questions. Attendees will discover how to use high-level questions in your classroom interest areas and as part of your daily routine, as well as how to encourage families to use high-level questions with their children at home.

REAL Colors (Content Area 6: Maintaining a commitment to professionalism)
Lori Hayungs, Human Sciences Specialist, Family Life, Northwest Iowa Counties 

Attendees will learn how to improve communication with others through gaining a better understanding of human behavior.

Coaching Practices in Early Intervention (Content Area 4: Building productive relationships with families)
Kecia Hickman and Martha Drayer, Early Childhood Teachers/Consultants, Northwest AEA 

This session will cover current research on the effects of coaching in early intervention. We will delve into key principles and best practices for working with parents and families in natural environments. Participants will develop an understanding of family-guided routines based interventions (FGRBI) and how they are being used to coach parents and caregivers to encourage appropriate child development. Practical tools for implementing family guided routines-based interventions will be shared, as well as strategies for effective collaboration when working with adult caretakers. This workshop will introduce methods for building parent capacity as their child's first teacher and greatest advocate. 

Meal Squeeze (Content Area 1: Planning a safe, healthy learning environment)
Tonya Huenink, Registered Dietician  

Join Tonya, RDN, LD to learn the nutrition requirements of young children and simple meal and snack ideas to help meet those requirements. Attendees will learn about the division of responsibility in feeding and how to foster a positive relationship with food in young children.

Trauma (Content Area 1: Planning a safe, healthy learning environment or Content Area 3: Supporting children’s social and emotional development)
Laura Heitritter, Instructor in Education, Northwestern College 

Many early childhood professionals will work with children who have experienced early loss and trauma. The effects of this trauma can be profound. To best support these young children and in fact create environments where all young children feel confident and positive about school and learning, a foundation in trauma research is helpful. Experiencing trauma in the early years can cause the child to perceive threats in classrooms where no threat exists. Join Laura Heitritter to discuss how early childhood professionals can create safe, consistent, loving environments where all kids can thrive.

Administrator Networking (Content Area 1: Planning a safe, healthy learning environment)