The
2010 Conference Report is complete. See who attendend and the great things they had to say about South Dakota's largest Early Childhood Education conference.
What a fantastic conference! Thanks goes out to everyone who played a part in ensuring it's success. It truly was a "Journey of Discovery". Special thanks goes out to all in attendance, featured speakers, presenters, exhibitors, committee memebers and
Watertown CVB and
Events Center staff for all of your hard work. The conference would not have been the same without any of you!
The conference began with pre-conference presentations from Jim Gill and Mark Hoog.
Jim Gill is a children's author and musician, but also holds a graduate degree as a child development specialist. Jim's primary goal is to promote active play between adults and children
with his music. Jim Gill's presentation, "
May There Always Be Music! May There Always Be Books!, featured a number of songs that Jim uses to make a connection to literacy. Jim discussed using music as a context for active play and how a play-based program provides an inclusive environment for children. I was fortunate enough to catch up with Jim to talk a little bit later. Here is the video:
Mark Hoog is a motivational speaker, bestselling author, Executive Director of the Children's Leadership Institute and a Captain with United Airlines. Through his the bestselling
Growing Field books series, Mark is introducing children across the globe to the life-changing messages of personal growth, self-empowerment, and leadership. I sat down with Mark a little later to discuss this further:
Dr. Becky Bailey was our keynote speaker on Friday. Dr. Bailey is an award-winning author, renowned teacher, and internationally recognized expert in childhood education and developmental psychology. Dr. Bailey is the founder of
Loving Guidance, Inc., a company dedicated to crating positive environments for children, families, schools, and businesses. While I did not have the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Bailey, but we have heard extremely positive comments from all who attended her session. Thank you again Dr. Bailey for attending out conference!!
We also received some perspective from attendees, both from Early Childhood Education professionals, and Head Start parents. Here are a few videos: