ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE

Home Events ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE

Cultivating Inclusive Preschool Environments

for the benefit of all children

Friday, May 4th • 8:00am to 3:00pm
Cost: $99

*Cost includes water, coffee, decaf coffee, hot and iced teas, materials and CEUs
*Purchase orders are accepted. Please contact Patricia Klier by email or at (614) 253-6933 x232.

WHY INCLUSION? WHY NOW?

Inclusion remains at the forefront of discussion in the world of preschool. Inclusive classrooms improve academic, social and behavioral outcomes for children as well as develop greater empathy and acceptance of differences. Yet, despite these benefits inclusion remains a challenge.

At this conference, you will explore how to design and cultivate an inclusive preschool environment that allows all children access to the curriculum and how to develop intentional teaching strategies to build social relationships between typically developing children and those with special needs.

Social-emotional development is a key indicator for a child’s future. Intentional teaching strategies that focus on social relationships, problem solving and cooperation between peers are paramount for preschool development and future success.

This conference is open to all families, higher education students, professionals and administrators.

*with applications relevant to K-3 settings

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  1. Describe how current research supports the use of inclusive practices to benefit young children with and without developmental delays.
  2. Apply principles of Universal Design to organize an inclusive preschool environment that allows all children to access the curriculum.
  3. Develop a plan to foster social connections between children with and without special needs.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Matthew Brock, PhD
Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Studies and CCEC Faculty Associate College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University

Dr. Matthew Brock is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Studies and a CCEC Faculty Associate at the College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University. Dr. Brock’s research primarily focuses on inclusion of students with significant disabilities in general education classrooms and practitioner training on implementation of evidence-based practice. Prior to receiving his doctorate, Matt worked as a preschool and elementary special education teacher, U.S. Peace Corps special education worker, and technical assistance specialist with the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Brock was the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award from TASH for potential for leadership in teaching, scholarship, and service on behalf of people with significant disabilities.

Angel Rhodes, PhD
Officer of Early Childhood Education and Development for the Governor’s Office

Dr. Angel Rhodes completed her Ph.D. at the Ohio State University with a focus on Clinical Counseling and School Counseling, and a specialization in childhood development. Dr. Rhodes was appointed to Ohio Governor John Kasich’s Office in 2012 as Ohio’s first Officer of Early Childhood Education and Development in which she coordinates all state work for early childhood in the Ohio Departments of Education, Health, Job and Family Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services and Developmental Disabilities.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE:

SCHEDULE:

  • 7:30 – 8:00am
    Registration Opens and Visit Resource Tables
  • 8:00 – 8:30am
    Keynote: The State of Preschool
  • 8:35 – 9:45am
    How Inclusion Benefits Children of All Abilities
  • 9:45 – 10:00am
    Break and Visit Resource Tables
  • 10:00 – 11:30am
    Organizing Preschool Environments Using Principles of Universal Design
  • 11:30 – 12:30pm
    Lunch
  • 12:30 – 1:15pm
    Parent Panel: The Benefits of Inclusion from a Family Perspective
  • 1:15 – 1:30pm
    Break and Visit Resource Tables
  • 1:30 – 2:45pm
    Cultivating Social Connections Between Children With and Without Special Needs
  • 2:45 – 3:00pm
    Wrap-Up: Q+A, Evaluations, Announcements and CEUs

LUNCH:

Lunch is not included with your registration. There are many restaurants within walking distance of the conference, including:

If you would prefer to pre-order a boxed lunch from the Creekside Conference Center for an additional $13, please select that option during registration. Boxed lunches include chips, an apple, gourmet cookie, bottled water or soda and your choice of sandwich:

  • Roast Beef (roast beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, creamy horseradish and swiss cheese on sesame)
  • Creekside Club (turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado and mayo on wheat)
  • Roasted Vegetable Wrap

IMPORTANT: Due to a severe airborne allergy, nuts, peanuts, shellfish and fish products are not allowed at the event, even in sealed packaging.

CEUs:
Certificates of attendance will be provided and CEUs are being requested from:

  • Ohio Approved/Step Up to Quality
  • Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board
  • Ohio Department of Development Disabilities Early Intervention
  • Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board
  • Ohio Occupational Therapy Board

RESOURCES & PARTNERSHIPS:
This annual conference will showcase early childhood education resources from statewide organizations and partners.

Partnership opportunities are available for those interested in showcasing their business or organization. Learn more here: Cultivating Inclusion Partnership Opportunities.

PURCHASE ORDERS:
Purchase orders are accepted. Please contact Patricia Klier by email or at (614) 253-6933 x232.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:
No cancellations or refunds. An alternate may be sent without additional charge provided the change. For more information or if you have special needs to address, please contact us at (614) 253-6933 x232 or email Patricia Klier.

Date, Time and Venue
  • May 4, 2018
  • 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • Creekside Conference Center

    101 Mill Street Suite #300,

    Gahanna, OH, 43230

  • Google Map
About Organizer

The Childhood League Center
Established in 1945, The Childhood League Center is a leader in early childhood education and interventions for children with special needs and those at risk. Each year, The Center serves nearly 500 kids birth to age 6.