Kennebec Valley Community College FIRST Annual Early Childhood Symposia 

 7:30-8:30 - Registration and Breakfast

Breakfast will be provided to you by the KVCC Cafe

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8:30-9:15 - Keynote

Being the Difference

The science about the importance of the first five years of life is clear: positive relationships for our youngest Mainers are the most important contribution to ensuring their success in school and throughout their lives.  Throughout Maine, thousands of early care and education professionals welcome children into their schools, their centers and their homes while their parents work or go to school.  What happens in these settings is important to each and every on of these children and their caregivers; but more importantly is WHO happens for these children in these settings.

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• 9:30-11:30 - Morning Workshop A  THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL. 

Building Strong Kids, Strong Families and Strong Communities

This two-hour session will offer the foundation of the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's), discuss the potential implications for children during the lifespan, and provide an in-depth discussion about resilience from the perspective of the early care and education professional in their relationship with children as well as their familis. 

• 9:30-11:30 - Morning Workshop B THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL.

Natural Playgrounds: Why They Matter & Practical Steps Towards Creating Great Outdoor Spaces

Why 'Natural' Playground?  What does this mean and how does it work?  This 2 hour workshop will explain why richer outdoor play environments provide richer learning opportunities.  Well-designed spaces support the many many ways children play and learn and can be integral to the childrens growth and development - but "rich" doesn't need to mean expensive!

We will discuss the role of the outdoor environment in children's lives and introduce the design principles and development needs that shap effective outdoor learning /  play spaces.  We will sahre compelling reserach findings on play environments and show recent examples of both local and international innovative early childhood play space deisgs.

• 9:30-11:30 - Morning Workshop C

STEM

STEM, its easier than you think.

Science is Scary.  I'm no good at math.  WE don't have the money for science.  Leave the excuses at the door!  Join Chris Dorman in discovering what STEM education looks like in early education.  Bring tips, share stories, and ask questions! _______________________________________________________

11:45-12:45 - Lunch

Provided to you by the KVCC Cafe

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• 1:00-2:00 - Afternoon Session 1 - Workshop A THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL

Moody Cow Meditates presented by Eva Goulette

This class will be taught exactly as it is presented to preschoolers, but with adult language, so that the participants can experience first-hand how the story of Moody Cow guides their students to discover mindfulness and how it can be used as a tool to help regulate emotional reactions when things aren't going well.  We will also discuss how it can be adapted for various age groups.  Participants will have fun listening to the sotyr of Peter, The Moody Cow and his very, very bad day.  As things go from bad to worse for Peter, his grandftaher steps in to teach him a valuable tool to calm himself and diffuse his anger.  Peter's grandfather introduces him to mindfulness jars, and Peter experiences first-hand how he can use the jar to slow his breathing.

• 1:00-2:00 - Afternoon Session 1 - Workshop B

STEM for Brawlers and Crawlers, ages Birth - 3

STEM starts at birth.  How can we as educators ensure our students get a jump start on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math at an early age?  It's not rocket science.  (That's a little advanced for this group).  Join Chris Dorman, STEM librarian at the Maine State Library, as she gives you tips, tricks, and ideas of how to incorporate STEM into everyday activities.

• 1:00-2:00 - Afternoon Session 1 - Workshop C THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL. 

Mud Pies and Mountains: Supporting Learning Through Nature Play

Join us to learn how to integrate nature play into your teaching practice in a traditional preschool environment.  This workshop will include practical tips& tricks, share a bit of research behind why this is so critical to children's development, and help you build a collection of activities to use year-round with your students, as well as their parents.

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• 2:15-3:15 - Afternoon Session 2 - Workshop A

Active Play!

Are you looking for new, fun, exciting ways to get your kids phsycially active and having fun in the classroom? This is a fun, interactive workshop on Active Play! Active Play is a program developed by Dr. Diane H. Craft; all activiteis in this program are super fun and geared toward children 18months to 6 years old.  All materials and equipment are inexpensive, and are easily obtained.  Each activity is organized to be easy to lead, in both small and large areas, indoors and out. lastly, Active Play is a way for children to have fun together with countless hours of healthy fun!

• 2:15-3:15 - Afternoon Session 2 - Workshop B

Stem For Walkers and Talkers, Ages 3-5

It's never too early for STEM and ages 3-5 are the best years in which indroduce inquiry, problem solving, and science concepts.  Nervous?  Don't be!  Join Chris Dorman, STEM librarian at the Maine State Library to understand how to STEM up your normal routine to create your own little scientists.

• 2:15-3:15 - Afternoon Session 2 - Workshop C

 Practical applications to build Resiliency in your classroom

This one-hour session will provide a "roll-up-your-sleeves" opportunity to explore successes and challenges in the child care setting, both with families and with children.  We will explore what's working and what challenges exist, and work together to use the science to reframe out experiences and our responses.

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3:30 - 4:00 Closing Remarks, Evaluations and Raffle