implement and modifiable stretches that can be done in a variety of places , including a chair in the teacher lounge ! Self-care is more critical for educators than ever before , and this session will support teachers in self-care strategies so they can support the children and families they work with .
Presented by : Kristi Kirinch Main Topic : Educator Self-Care and Mental Health OA Approved
SATURDAY , APRIL 30 10:00AM
FEATURED SESSION Curiosity , Imagination , and Wonder : Inspiring Learning and Development Saturday , April 30 , 10:00-11:30 Humans are born to be curious . Babies want to explore their world . Toddlers and twos find everything new and exciting . Preschoolers celebrate discoveries and create fanciful personal worlds . Unfortunately , the sense of wonder and questioning are frequently deemed inappropriate or , at the very least inconsequential . Our brains were designed to be stimulated with experiences , interactions , and options that promote extensive neural firing and wiring — thus leading to cognitive development and learning . Wonder , curiosity , and imagination support higher-order thought processing and lead to self-satisfaction , meaning-making , and a sense of relevance . Let ’ s explore together how to bring back the joy , excitement , and wonder of learning .
Presented by : Keith Pentz Main Topic : Child Development and Learning through Play OA Approved
Gender Development and Identity in Young Children : The Role of the Early Childhood Professional ( Part 1 ) Saturday , April 30 , 10:00-11:30 Participants in this session will analyze their role as an educator in helping families and children during gender development and identity stages . We will review theories of gender development , the stages of gender development , and how to provide support to children as they explore their gender choices . Participants will recognize that this is a time for children ’ s exploration , and children have many questions about who is a boy and who is a girl , which is developmentally appropriate . Take back information to share with families and provide support through this stage of development .
Presented by : Pamela Millar Main Topic : Gender Deveopment and Expression ; Family Engagement , Connection and Support OA Approved
Live Like a Toddler : Encouraging the Educator Explorer in You ( Part 2 ) Saturday , April 30 , 10:00-11:30 Toddlers are exploratory , risk takers , and imaginative . This is an encouraging and uplifting session for all educators and administrators alike . As adults sometimes forget the importance of play , laughter , and risk taking , toddlers are the masters of these practices . During this session , educators are encouraged to reimagine their dreams , dare to create something new and exciting in their classrooms , and tap into a new zeal of joy for the field of early childhood education and more .
Presented by : Tatiana Wells Main Topic : Leadership , Professionalism and Ethics OA Approved www . oaeyc . org / conference
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