Chiefs of Ontario office hosting Early Childhood Development Conferences
PROVIDING OUR CHILDREN WITH THE TOOLS FOR LIFE
2006 First Nations Early Childhood Development Conference
Why Attend?
Participants of the conference will deepen their understanding of the expanding early childhood knowledge base, develop skills that improve professional preparation and practice, and sharpen their ability to use effective, active learning approaches for families. The conference will include workshops and plenary sessions that give participants time to reflect, network and dialogue with one another about practical applications of these ideas. Innovative strategies will be presented to address the cognitive, social, emotional and physical needs of young children. Participants will have opportunity to expand their professional networks with other early childhood educators and exhibitors representing early childhood organizations and associations. The conference will benefit those seeking to gain ideas about what has been effective in the development of early childhood programs in various First Nations communities. Ultimately, participants will return to their organizations with an action plan, resources, other practical tools, and supportive professional relationships.
What to Expect?
The conference theme is “Providing Our Children with the Tools for Life.” Early childhood educators recognize the critical importance of children’s early years and share a common goal to prepare children to start school ready to learn, and to grow to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Although a wide range of topics will be presented, workshop presentations will relate to cooperation in the community and elements of success in programming. Areas of particular interest in the conference include the following:
- Status of Early Childhood Development Programs in Ontario First Nations
- Showcasing Cooperation (Models of Successful Program Integration)
- Case Management and Child Welfare and Reporting (Confidentiality and Liability)
- Staff Development (Communication, Presentation, and Team Building
- Program Planning and Proposal Writing (Fundraising)
- Traditional Aboriginal Child-rearing Practices (Role of the Child in the Family; Behaviour Modification; Role of Grandparents)
- Elements of Successful Early Childhood Development Programming (Parental and Family Support; Special Needs; Elders; Teen Parenting; Pregnancy Prevention)
- Early Years Screening and Identification (Speech and Language Pathology; Hearing and Sight; Autism; Grief and Loss; Exceptional Children; Mental Health; Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder; Physically Disabled Children)
- Integration of Special Needs in Programming (Program Modification and Management)
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- Language and Cultural Programming
- Child Physical Health (Diabetes, Obesity, Recreation, Communicable Diseases)
- Parenting
- Models of Community Planning (Outreach, External Resource Development)
- Healing Through Laughter
- Behavioural Management (Difficult Children)
- First Nations Culture within ECD Curriculum
- School Readiness (Math, Discipline)
- Parental and Community Involvement
- Nutrition (Requirements, Deficiencies, and Menu Planning)
- Building Community Partnerships
Who Should Attend?
The conference is designed for early childhood educators and community workers who mentor early childhood professionals and parents of young children, including:
- Teacher educators
- Program directors and administrators
- Principals
- Researchers
- Policymakers
- Curriculum and instructional coordinators
- Teacher mentors and coaches
- Resource and referral specialists
- Educational consultants and trainers
- Early childhood specialists in Ontario First Nations
How to Register?
Check the website http://chiefs-of-ontario.org/ regularly for updates as registration information will be posted shortly. For more information please call Cara at 519-750-1016 or email cara@coo.org