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Preschool Teachers Adventure Conference

Directors Early Childhood Educators

Mother’s Day Out and

Preschool Teachers

Featuring workshops for

Sponsored by The Adventure Programs at

Windwood Presbyterian Church 10555 Spring Cypress Road, Houston, TX 77070 www.ptacconference.org

Pre-Conference CPR/First Aid

SIDS/Shaken Baby Course

Add to your professional training by attending this informative class provided by Unique Services. By attending this class you will become certified by the American Heart Association in both CPR and First Aid.

Please note that this is a PRE-CONFERENCE class! When: Monday, July 24, 2017 Time: 9:00 am until 1:00 pm Location: Windwood Presbyterian Church Activity Center 10555 Spring Cypress Road Houston, TX 77070 Cost: $30.00 per person if registered to attend PTAC. $40.00 if NOT registered to attend PTAC. Fee payable in advance (see registration form).

Registration Deadlines We are offering a 10% discount to those who get their registra-tion forms and fees to us by May 31, 2017. If you register for all three days by May 31st, you will receive a free conference t-shirt! Your registration forms and fees should be postmarked or hand delivered by no later than June 30, 2017 to avoid a late fee. Seating is limited, so we recommend that you register as soon as possible. Should we reach capacity and are unable to accommo-date you, your registration fees will be refunded. Registration paperwork postmarked after June 30, 2017 will incur a $30 late fee.

Training Hours and CEU’s In accordance with the standard for training, for each FULL day that you attend PTAC, you are eligible for 6 clock hours. If you attend all three days (including speakers) of PTAC you will be eligible for a total of 18 clock hours. Certificates for training hours will be provided with your registration materials. For a processing fee of $25, you may obtain 1.8 CEU’s from Texas Southern University — but you must attend all 3 days. If you wish to be eligible to receive CEU’s for your conference attendance, you must insure that your conference registration form, your CEU request form, and your fees are postmarked no later than June 30, 2017.

Refund Policy Registration fees are non-refundable, but are transferable to another early childhood professional.

No Children Allowed PTAC has no childcare available on the premises. Children can-not attend PTAC or be on the premises at any time during the conference.

Questions? Should you have any questions about PTAC, please call The Ad-venture Preschool at 281-378-4080. Extra forms and workshop handouts can be downloaded at: www.ptacconference.org

Our Speakers Each day, we will take the opportunity to start the day together in our Worship Center and our ’satellite’ rooms, while we enjoy vari-ous nationally recognized speakers and performers of interest to all. We meet again for an afternoon speaker after the last work-shop session.

Conference Workshops Each workshop is 50 minutes long and will have open seating on a first-come, first-served basis. We have special workshop sessions for those involved with Mother’s Day Out and/or Preschool — each session has up to 20 workshops to choose from! Directors can choose from workshops designed specifically for them.

We will have the conference/presenter handouts available ONLINE for you to print out BEFORE you arrive. Workshop notes/handouts will be posted (www.ptacconference.org) as they become available.

Start/End Times Registration begins at 7:30 am, followed by Praise and Worship from 7:50 to 8:05 am. Keynote Speakers run from 8:10 am until 9:00 am each day, with conference workshops starting immedi-ately thereafter. We have an Afternoon Presenter from 2:35—3:30 pm each day.

Cancelled or Full Sessions Last minute cancellations will be posted outside the session rooms and highlighted in our morning announcements. It is una-voidable that some of your chosen sessions will be full, but be aware that some of the workshops will be repeated. Workshops that repeat on that day are noted at the end of the workshop description.

We recommend that you have at least two alternates chosen in advance for each session time. In fairness to all participants, sav-ing more than one seat in a session will not be allowed. Please respect “Session Full” signs, as sitting on the floor is a violation of Fire Safety Codes.

Cost Cost to attend is: 1 day = $100, 2 days = $180, 3 days = $250. Your fees include admission to speakers and workshops, conti-nental breakfast and a catered lunch each day.

The Adventure Preschool would like to take the opportunity to invite you to the 20th Annual Preschool Teachers Adventure Conference to be held July 25, 26, and 27, 2017. We have evolved from a small conference for MDO and Preschool teachers — into a conference that now serves over 650 Early Childhood Professionals and Directors per day! We have nationally acclaimed speakers, along with practical and imaginative workshops, where you will find opportunities to be trained, encouraged, and motivated! We hope that you are able to cele-brate our 20th Anniversary with us!

Session 1 Workshops Tuesday, July 25, 2017 9:30 am - 10:20 am

Director’s Track

MDO/Preschool Track

Fiscal Fitness Speaker: Tym Smith This session will help directors review their financial strengths, understand cost control, and eliminate static cost so that more money can be budg-eted on classroom and curriculum expenses. FA: Professional Development

Staff Development for Directors Speaker: Albert Wright A competent, friendly staff that respects each other and accepts your leadership is a must for your school. If you can achieve this, parents who want their children to have the best will seek after your school. It all starts with you. This session will help you develop your staff in a positive way so everyone can work in a creative and calm place! FA: Professional Development

STEM for Infants & Toddlers: Putting Little Problems MDO in Their Way to Engage It’s never too early for children to begin to make sense of the world around them. Join us to discover how thoughtful questioning and inten-tional planning will magnify the STEM already present in your classroom centers. You will leave this session with 12+ play-based STEM activities to nurture the habits of mind (persistence, generalization, creativity, organization, etc.) necessary for scientific inquiry with your bottle-toting babblers! Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Dr. Carrie Cutler FA: Professional Development Child Growth & Development MDO Our early childhood programs are essential for the advancement of in-fants and toddlers. In this session, we will explore classroom strategies to enhance the children’s developmental skills. Speaker: Natasha Owoseni FA: Child Growth & Development Connecting Games to Play With Infants & Toddlers MDO Building strong relationships between adults and children is the most important part of infant and toddler caregivers’ jobs. Participants will come away with at least 20 ideas for songs and games to help them con-nect with their young children. Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Diane Goyette FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

The First 12 Days of School PRES It’s often been said that, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” That is particularly true with children and their parents! This session will offer some great ideas to help your children get to know you and for your children to build relationships with each other. Speaker: Dr. Jean Feldman FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Early Intervention, INCLUSION & Special Ed. 101 MDO/PRES Children’s special needs are evident sometimes long before they are formally diagnosed. Preschool personnel often need to address tough issues when realizing that a child’s development is atypical. This session focuses on the basics of effective documentation, the Early Intervention process, Special Education in the public school setting, as well as part-nering with parents. Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Erika Sanchez FA: Care of Children With Special Needs Teaching With Power MDO/PRES Master teachers engage and empower their students. They teach with power and now you can learn the secret sauce to effective teaching in any context and to any class. During this interactive and experiential workshop participants will discover the four parts of power teaching. Speaker: Dr. Rick Chromey FA: Professional Development

Keynote Speaker — LaDonna Gatlin LaDonna Gatlin grew up on stage performing with her brothers, the legendary Gatlin Brothers. In the mid-1970’s this “gutsy” Texas native chose to follow her heart and “sing a different song” apart from her famous family. That “song” has taken her from corporate powerhouses to the prison cells of death row — and just about everywhere in between! She is the author of The Song in You: Finding Your Voice, Redefining Your Life. She is also a contributing writer in the best-selling book series, Chicken Soup for the Soul. Through her experience as a performer, professional speaker, and author, LaDonna has developed an expertise in show-ing people how to tune up their lives, so that their success becomes — well — music to their ears!

Footnote Speaker — Dr. Jean Feldman Dr. Jean Feldman’s noteworthy educational career has spanned more than 40 years. She has served as a class-room teacher, instructor of adults, author, and consultant. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the National Kindergarten Alliance, and the International Reading Associa-tion. Her list of degrees include a B.A. from the University of Georgia, a D.A.S.T. from Emory University, and both a M.A. and a Ph.D from Georgia State University. Dr. Feldman inspired teachers across the country with her engaging songs and creative activities that help make teaching and learning FUN! She is the author of sev-eral books and has also published a number of recordings that are used by school systems across the country.

Registration: 7:30 am Praise & Worship: 7:50—8:05 am Welcome: 8:05—8:10 am Keynote Speaker: 8:10—9:00 am


MDO/Preschool Track

Making Your Discipline Problems Disappear! PRES Learn how to PREVENT discipline problems, how to deal with them effec-tively when they arise, with a special focus on what is going on in the minds and hearts of children when they misbehave. With this under-standing, you can better know how to respond and mold them. Speaker: Karl Bastian FA: Discipline & Guidance Art “Smart”ies — Teaching Through the Arts PRES Are you willing to dance, paint, act and jingle some bells? Then join our marching band to teach Literacy. “Sculpt” your way to number sense and be “dramatic” when learning social skills. The Arts have it all when it comes to engagement, creativity, and learning. So let’s think, plan, and behave in more creative ways! Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Chris Smith FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Teaching Preschoolers About Praise PRES God inhabits our praise — lives in it, makes Himself known through it. Where God inhabits, Satan cannot be. Ooooh, that’s good! Therefore, we need to teach kids to praise in all situations. We will look at the sev-en words for praise and give you examples you can incorporate to re-lease preschoolers to praise God in all ways. Offered in sessions 1 & 4 Speaker: Tina Houser FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Let’s Process Art! PRES Art isn’t only about making projects, it’s about exploring materials, crea-tive expression and experimenting with new ideas! Children don’t al-ways have to end up with a perfect product. Let’s explore how to imple-ment process-focused art explorations into the early childhood class-room. Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Kendolyn Pope FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Keeping the Brain in Mind: Calming the Emotional Tides PRES This workshop offers numerous practical and indispensable strategies for teachers who struggle to find solutions to children’s challenging behav-iors. Teachers will examine evidence-based brain research on the causes of children’s difficult behaviors and the role of the teacher in providing safe and responsive environments that promote cooperation and con-nection. Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Stacie Williams FA: Discipline & Guidance Fun With Physics! PRES This session introduces teachers to the wonders of physics through mag-nets, sound, simple machines, flight, and color and light. Participants will do attention-getting experiments, such as using a ping pong ball and blow drier to teach about air pressure. Sound cups, tuning forks, spin-ning pennies and feathers bring understanding about sound and flight. Using magnets for car races and painting are part of the fun! Catapults and shadow puppets round out this hands-on session. Your students will love learning about physics! Offered in sessions 1, 2, 3, and 5. Speaker: Barbara Cargill FA: Math & Science The Importance of Answering the Questions, “Why?” PRES Oh the magical question, “Why?” — A preschoolers most favorite ques-tion in all the world! It’s not always a fan favorite with adults, but it real-ly should be! This question should be gold to a teacher because it means a child is listening, that they are tuned in and want to know more! This question can be a gateway to explosive learning if we are ready! Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Lori Buxton FA: Teacher-Child Interactions

I’m Sorry or I Was Wrong. . .Which is Best? PRES What is the best way to lay a foundation when they are young so that they can have deeper, more long-lasting relationships when they are older? Join us as we discuss conflict resolution with young children. Learning to say the right words early can make a difference for a lifetime! Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Peggy Osborne FA: Child Growth & Development Developmental Milestones 3.0 (3 to 5 years) PRES This workshop contains an overview of developmental milestones for preschool-aged children. Speaker: Christi Priddy FA: Observation & Assessment Girls, Girls, Girls! PRES Girls are uniquely designed by God. Join us in learning how to use their unique design to foster educational, spiritual, and emotional growth in them. Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Courtney Osborne FA: Child Growth & Development Gather Round, It’s Circle Time! PRES Ever wonder, “Why didn’t I think of this sooner?” Participants will learn a collection of innovative organizational tips, classroom management techniques, transition activities, behavior management plans, and ways to repurpose materials. Fun and fast-paced! Good for new and veteran teachers of all ages! Offered in sessions 1 & 5. Speaker: Marlyn Kramer FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Assessment Made Easy— PRES Simplifying the Process of Assessing the Children Every teacher in every age group needs an assessment system. This workshop will focus on the importance and need for early assessment and early intervention. Classroom observation strategies and a child assessment format will also be discussed. Participants will be given di-rection and instruction in the use of an assessment format and discuss the value of parent/teacher communication. Speaker: Bradley Smith FA: Observation & Assessment Room Set-Up PRES Your classroom environment is extremely important to your teaching success! Let’s discuss how to create a room that makes sense to a child, increases learning, and decreases negative behaviors. Children should be inspired by your classroom, not overwhelmed or bored. Your room is the most important teaching tool you have! Speaker: Kara Gore FA: Child Growth & Development Hooked on Books! PRES Children love picture books! Join Ms. Miller as she presents supple-mental music and game activities that coordinate with age appropriate picture books featuring familiar and new book authors. Offered in ses-sions 1 & 2. Speaker: Devora Miller FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum


Director’s Track

The Director’s Role When Working With Challenging Behaviors Speaker: Tym Smith Every school has children with unmet needs, but how does the director support these teachers? When do you step in? How do I explain this to parents? All these questions are answered in this imperative session. FA: Professional Development The Inclusion Classroom: How to Build & Execute a LRE Speaker: Albert Wright LRE refers to the setting where a child with a disability can receive an appropriate education designed to meet his or her educational needs, along-side peers without disabilities. Least restrictive environment (LRE), is one of several vital components in child development and plays a critical role, influencing where a child spends his or her time at school, how services are provided, and the relationships the child develops within the school community. FA: Professional Development

MDO/Preschool Track

STEM for Infants & Toddlers: Putting Little Problems MDO in Their Way to Engage It’s never too early for children to begin to make sense of the world around them. Join us to discover how thoughtful questioning & inten-tional planning will magnify the STEM already present in your classroom centers. You will leave this session with 12+ play-based STEM activities to nurture the habits of mind (persistence, generalization, creativity, organization, etc.) necessary for scientific inquiry with your bottle-toting babblers! Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Dr. Carrie Cutler FA: Professional Development Supporting Skill Development MDO Classroom structure & routines help children advance in their various skill development. Speaker: Natasha Owoseni FA: Child Growth & Development Fostering Language & Literacy for MDO Infants & Toddlers Through Play Play is the best way for children to learn and develop, including language and literacy. Participants will learn over 15 games & playful experiences that help children develop language & learn literacy skills — and they will have fun doing it! Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Diane Goyette FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Singing & Dancing Letters MDO/PRES Music is MAGIC! Come and learn songs that are a delightful way to put letter and sounds in children’s brains. You can use them at circle time to start your day, or use them for a “brain break” when children need to release wiggles. Speaker: Dr. Jean Feldman FA: Music & Movement Early Intervention, INCLUSION & Special Ed. 101 MDO/PRES Children’s special needs are evident sometimes long before they are formally diagnosed. Preschool personnel often need to address tough issues when realizing that a child’s development is atypical. This session focuses on the basics of effective documentation, the Early Intervention process, Special Education in the public school setting, as well as partner-ing with parents. Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Erika Sanchez FA: Care of Children With Special Needs Fun With Physics! PRES This session introduces teachers to the wonders of physics through mag-nets, sound, simple machines, flight, and color and light. Participants will do attention-getting experiments, such as using a ping pong ball and blow drier to teach about air pressure. Sound cups, tuning forks, spin-ning pennies and feathers bring understanding about sound and flight. Using magnets for car races and painting are part of the fun! Catapults and shadow puppets round out this hands-on session. Your students will love learning about physics! Offered in sessions 1, 2, 3, and 5. Speaker: Barbara Cargill FA: Math & Science

Why Kids Misbehave PRES Controlling a classroom is similar to fire prevention and protection. You only have two choices! SNIFF or SNUFF! Smoke detector or fire extin-guisher — proactive or reactive. In this insightful workshop, teachers will learn the reason children misbehave & how to respond. Offered in ses-sions 2 & 5. Speaker: Rick Chromey FA: Discipline & Guidance Partner with Parents to Provide “Lifestyle Learning” PRES Many young parents want to provide integrated, school and home learn-ing experiences for their kids. Teachers can equip them with teaching strategies and activities that reinforce classroom lessons. The intentional “lifestyle learning” parents provide cements abstract concepts, helps kids hone new skills and provides the repetition and relevance needed to make learning meaningful and memorable. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Karen Apple FA: Parent Communication Whomp! Swish! Beep! Silly Sounds All Around! PRES Learn to play with sounds — silly or not so silly — as we explore the se-quential elements of phonological awareness. We’ll be shaking a leg and shaking some eggs. Fill up your ’sound’ toolkit with poetry, dance and the ‘elephant prance’. This is truly “Info-To-Go” — so children can know! Offered in sessions 2 &5. Speaker: Chris Smith FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Grey Matters PRES Mind-blowing — that describes the grey matter that we call the brain! The more you know about what’s going on in the preschooler brain, the better you’ll be able to teach them. Go ahead and practice saying, “Now I totally get that!” What’s actually happening in the grey matter of a preschooler? And how do you tweak your teaching now that you under-stand their brains better? Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Tina Houser FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Connect to CALM: The Four Essential Tools of Engagement PRES Do you find that some days you are just trying to survive? Are you often-times bewildered by children’s oppositional, disruptive, and defiant be-haviors? During this session, participants will learn four essential tools for responding to the most difficult behavior situations. Join us as we apply these tools to the most common and difficult behaviors. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Stacie Williams FA: Discipline & Guidance Hooked on Books! PRES Children love picture books! Join Ms. Miller as she presents supple-mental music and game activities that coordinate with age appropriate picture books featuring familiar and new book authors. Offered in ses-sions 1 & 2. Speaker: Devora Miller FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

MDO/Preschool Track

Ten Things That Really Great Teachers Do! PRES You don’t become the best by accident. You don’t stumble into great-ness. Greatness is the culmination of a series of good decisions that we make about what we do, how we do it, and why we do it. This session will map ten decisions that great teachers make to ensure that a child’s early learning experiences are meaningful, magical, and fun! Speaker: Lori Buxton FA: Professional Development I’m Sorry or I Was Wrong. . .Which is Best? PRES What is the best way to lay a foundation when they are young so that they can have deeper, more long-lasting relationships when they are older? Join us as we discuss conflict resolution with young children. Learning to say the right words early can make a difference for a lifetime! Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Peggy Osborne FA: Child Growth & Development Music & the Brain PRES Join us in learning how music affects our brain and it’s development. How can we use music properly to benefit our children? Offered in ses-sions 2 & 5. Speaker: Courtney Osborne FA: Music & Movement Teaching Special Children PRES We will explore wheat it takes to teach children with unique needs. As Early Childhood Professionals, we do not have to know it all or be specifi-cally trained on every need that a child might have. However, we must do our homework, get to know our children and their families, and attempt to meet each child at their own level of development with a positive attitude! We will discuss popular terms, share stories, and learn how to honor each child that walks through our door. . . EVERY child is unique and special! Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Kara Gore FA: Care of Children with Special Needs

Play: The Springboard to Learning PRES Participants will discover the characteristics of play; the importance of play on the neurological and cognitive development of young children; how play can foster problem solving, pre-math, pre-reading, and science skills in the young child. Classroom management techniques to promote play and open-ended play manipulatives will also be introduced. Offered in sessions 2 & 3. Speaker: Marlyn Kramer FA: Advance Physical & Intellectual Comp. Temper Tantrums 101 PRES Come learn to decipher why a child tantrums, what is normal behavior and how to help a child overcome tantrums before they become a dis-traction in the classroom. Speaker: Christi Priddy FA: Child Growth & Development 101 Transition Activities PRES The content of this workshop is based on the book, “101 Learning & Transition Activities,” by Bradley Smith & Adam Smith (published by Thomas Delmar Learning ©2006). And is a collection of fun and engaging activities for teachers to share with children. Participants will learn the definition of transition activities, be introduced to the Seven Elements of Good Transition Activities, and will then apply those seven elements into seven activity categories. Speaker: Bradley Smith FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Earth Science for Preschool PRES Have you observed student examining rocks, watching clouds or being fascinated by the wind? Children are naturally curious about the earth. Come learn how to build upon spontaneous experiences and lay the foundation for success in science classes. Leave with more than 25 activ-ities to share immediately! Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Kendolyn Pope FA: Math & Science


Session 3 Workshops Tuesday, July 25, 2017 11:30 am - 12:20 pm

Director’s Track

**LUNCH #1 IS SERVED DURING THIS TIME

The Purple Cow: A Lesson in Making Your Program Stick Out! Speaker: Tym Smith Come learn ways to create your unique selling points and determine what makes your school different than those around you! FA: Professional Development

The Effective Administrator — Managing Your Administrative Work Speaker: Bradley Smith This workshop covers administrative work management, time management, as well as proper use of space as a motivating factor in work produc-tion. Also included are an overview of delegation techniques and proper control during meetings through agenda and setting time limits. Lastly, the concept of adding value to oneself is introduced as a method to decrease the high turnover rates in early education managers and leaders. FA: Professional Development

MDO/Preschool Track

**LUNCH #1 IS SERVED DURING THIS TIME Infant & Toddler Development MDO The physical, mental, and social/emotional health of every person begins to develop at birth as our bodies grow quickly, our brains experience enormous activity and we begin to build trusting relationships with those around us! Let’s discuss the who, what, when, where, and how of in-fant/toddler development! Speaker: Kara Gore FA: Child Growth & Development

Responsive Interactions & Guidance MDO Daily guidance and positive interactions with the children in your care helps the child to actively engage in activities conducive for their age and development. Speaker: Natasha Owoseni FA: Discipline & Guidance

The Benefits of Music with Infants & Toddlers MDO Studies have shown that early musical training benefits children even before they can walk or talk. Your infants and toddlers that participate in interactive music classes will smile more, communicate better, and show earlier and more sophisticated brain responses to music. This session will show you how to integrate music into your everyday routine. Speaker: Brooke Wright FA: Music & Movement

Girls, Girls, Girls! PRES Girls are uniquely designed by God. Join us in learning how to use their unique design to foster educational, spiritual, & emotional growth in them. Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Courtney Osborne FA: Child Growth & Development

MDO/Preschool Track

Keep Your Cool So the Kids Around You Don’t’ Lose Theirs! MDO/PRES Preschoolers are on a behavioral learning curve. They look at us to pro-vide models they are bound to follow. Adopt attitudes, strategies, and simple techniques to maximize classroom management and teach young learners how to “cool their engines, keep cool & successfully motor on.” Speaker: Karen Apple FA: Teacher-Child Interactions Tips for Teaching Tots MDO/PRES It’s no secret that little students don’t sit still for a lesson! Nor should they! God wired our little ones to be constantly on the move — unless they are sleeping. And — it’s difficult to teach if they aren’t awake! So, how do you engage the hearts and minds of our littlest active learners while maintaining control? Discover secrets to leading preschoolers that will make learning a delight for you as well as for them! Offered in ses-sions 3 & 5. Speaker: Karl Bastian FA: Teacher-Child Interactions Learning Through Play — Centers & Circle Time PRES Centers and circle time are exciting ways of learning for little minds and hands! We will share many teaching games and manipulatives that are fun and can be incorporated in with your lesson plans. A fun and exciting learning experience promotes a confident and joyful child and sends them on their way better prepared for the next step in their education — and beyond! Speakers: Cindy Baxter & Leisha Davis FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Dealing With Those Little Angels (and Devils): PRES Connecting Spiritual Life & Behavior James Dobson was famous for encouraging adults to “shape the will” of children without “breaking the spirit”. That’s a wonderful thing to say, but just how does one accomplish that in the classroom? Just what can young children understand about being spiritual people? How can we shape their wills without breaking their spirits? This session will look at the extraordinary opportunity to teach spiritual truths to children that will last them their whole lives! Speaker: Rev. Kevin Rudolph FA: Child Growth & Development

Fun With Physics! PRES This session introduces teachers to the wonders of physics through mag-nets, sound, simple machines, flight, and color and light. Participants will do attention-getting experiments, such as using a ping pong ball & blow drier to teach about air pressure. Sound cups, tuning forks, spinning pennies & feathers bring understanding about sound & flight. Using mag-nets for car races & painting are part of the fun! Catapults & shadow puppets round out this hands-on session. Your students will love learn-ing about physics! Offered in sessions 1, 2, 3, and 5. Speaker: Barbara Cargill FA: Math & Science

Play: The Springboard to Learning PRES Participants will discover the characteristics of play; the importance of play on the neurological and cognitive development of young children; how play can foster problem solving, pre-math, pre-reading, and science skills in the young child. Classroom management techniques to promote play and open-ended play manipulatives will also be introduced. Offered in sessions 2 & 3. Speaker: Marlyn Kramer FA: Advance Physical & Intellectual Comp.

Let’s Process Art! PRES Art isn’t only about making projects, it’s about exploring materials, crea-tive expression & experimenting with new ideas! Children don’t always have to end up with a perfect product. Let’s explore how to implement process-focused art explorations into the early childhood classroom. Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Kendolyn Pope FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Keeping the Brain in Mind: Calming the Emotional Tides PRES This workshop offers numerous practical & indispensable strategies for teachers who struggle to find solutions to children’s challenging behav-iors. Teachers will examine evidence-based brain research on the causes of children’s difficult behaviors & the role of the teacher in providing safe & responsive environments that promote cooperation & connection. Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Stacie Williams FA: Discipline & Guidance

Session 4 Workshops Tuesday, July 25, 2017 12:30 pm - 1:20 pm

Director’s Track


Early Intervention, INCLUSION & Special Ed. 101 Speaker: Erika Sanchez Children’s special needs are evident sometimes long before they are formally diagnosed. Directors and preschool personnel often need to address tough issues when realizing that a child’s development is atypical. This session focuses on the basics of effective documentation, the Early Interven-tion process, Special Education in the public school setting, as well as partnering with parents. FA: Professional Development NAC: The National Administrator Credential — Why You Need It! Speaker: Bradley Smith There is a greater need for practical experience-based credential programs today than there probably ever has been before. Statistics tell us that the average Child Care Center Director will only last 3-5 years in their position — and when leaving — are very likely to leave the industry all togeth-er. Find out what the National Administrator Credential can do to help minimize this statistic. The average NAC holder will stay in their position longer, be better equipped, be more successful and will be far less likely to get caught in a lawsuit or financial crisis. Find out why everyone you know in early education “needs” to take this course and earn this credential! FA: Professional Development

MDO/Preschool Track

**LUNCH #2 IS SERVED DURING THIS TIME Music Magic for 2’s and 3’s MDO Need some new song and game ideas to “get the wiggles out” of your little ones? Join Ms. Miller for an active session of music activities appro-priate for 2 and 3 year olds. Speaker: Devora Miller FA: Music & Movement

Potty Training 101 MDO Come learn the ins and outs of potty training! Learn how to read a child’s cues to know when they are ready to conquer potty training and how to partner with parents to make this transition easy and exciting! Speaker: Christi Priddy FA: Child Growth & Development

Session 3 Workshops Tuesday, July 25, 2017 11:30 am - 12:20 pm


Director’s Track

The Director Top 10 Speaker: Tym Smith Come have an open discussion about the top ten challenges directors face each day and how to eliminate these frustrations! Included in this session will be an overview of the new licensing health evaluation. FA: Professional Development

Effective Staff Evaluations Speaker: Bradley Smith Effective evaluations are an integral part of staff management and creating an environment of growth and positive motivation. This session provides basic instructions to avoid challenges associated with evaluating employees — including minimizing conflict and legal issues. The evaluation system developed by HandPrint Products will also be introduced. FA: Professional Development


MDO/Preschool Track

Connecting Games to Play With Infants & Toddlers MDO Building strong relationships between adults and children is the most important part of infant and toddler caregivers’ jobs. Participants will come away with at least 20 ideas for songs and games to help them con-nect with their young children. Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Diane Goyette FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Communicating With Parents: We’re All on the Same Side MDO/PRES Preschool is the best time to lay positive foundations for home/school relations. This session offers suggestions for back-to-school events, par-ent conferences, and everyday teacher-parent interactions. The present-er will also give ideas for overcoming barriers to communication. Come learn how to build powerful partnerships between home and school! Offered in sessions 4 & 5. Speaker: Dr. Carrie Cutler FA: Parent Communication The Inclusion Classroom: How to Build & Execute LRE MDO/PRES LRE refers to the setting where a child with a disability can receive an appropriate education designed to meet his or her educational needs, alongside peers without disabilities. Least restrictive environment (LRE), is one of several vital components in child development and plays a criti-cal role, influencing where a child spends his or her time at school, how services are provided, and the relationships the child develops within the school community. Speaker: Albert Wright FA: Care of Children with Special Needs Teaching With Style MDO/PRES We all teach with personality — and in this fun, interactive workshop you will discover your unique style (game show host, chef, professor, or coun-selor). Plus, you’ll discover how to use your style to spark learning! Speaker: Rick Chromey FA: Professional Development Art “Smart”ies — Teaching Through the Arts PRES Are you willing to dance, paint, act and jingle some bells? Then join our marching band to teach Literacy. “Sculpt” your way to number sense & be “dramatic” when learning social skills. The Arts have it all when it comes to engagement, creativity, and learning. So let’s think, plan, and behave in more creative ways! Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Chris Smith FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Teaching Preschoolers About Praise PRES God inhabits our praise — lives in it, makes Himself known through it. Where God inhabits, Satan cannot be. Ooooh, that’s good! Therefore, we need to teach kids to praise in all situations. We will look at the seven words for praise & give you examples you can incorporate to release preschoolers to praise God in all ways. Offered in sessions 1 & 4 Speaker: Tina Houser FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Fit & Fun for Everyone! PRES Come join us for an interactive session to learn a variety of ways to exer-cise your heart for preschool children in a large group, small group, in-doors, outdoors, on a fit & fun budget — or no budget at all! Exercising your heart can be done anywhere and everywhere! Come learn ways to exercise your heart in the classroom, outside & everywhere in between! Speaker: Stella King FA: Music & Movement Music for Preschool PRES Are you ready to get energized? Come to this high-energy session that will introduce you to ways to help keep those little one’s attention through a variety of popular songs that keep kids enthused and excited to participate in music! Learn how to incorporate puppets and visual aids into your music! You don’t have to be a strong singer to teach children how much fun music, movement, and learning can be! Offered in ses-sions 4 & 5. Speaker: Shelley Akins FA: Music & Movement The Importance of Answering the Questions, “Why?” PRES Oh the magical question, “Why?” — A preschoolers most favorite ques-tion in all the world! It’s not always a fan favorite with adults, but it really should be! This question should be gold to a teacher because it means a child is listening, that they are tuned in and want to know more! This question can be a gateway to explosive learning if we are ready! Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Lori Buxton FA: Teacher-Child Interactions

Making the Connection: Math & the Bible? Yes! PRES Join us to learn how to lay a strong foundational understanding of math with preschoolers. You will leave with ideas for hands-on math activities and will also learn how to connect math with well-loved Bible stories! Offered in sessions 4 & 5. Speaker: Peggy Osborne FA: Math & Science

MDO/Preschool Track

Music Magic for 2’s and 3’s MDO Need some new song and game ideas to “get the wiggles out” of your little ones? Join Ms. Miller for an active session of music activities ap-propriate for 2 and 3 year olds. Speaker: Devora Miller FA: Music & Movement

Developmental Stages of Children (Infant/Toddlers) MDO This session will discuss foundational learning stages for infants and toddlers. We will discuss developmental milestones and potential de-lays in the development of children. Speaker: Natasha Owoseni FA: Child Growth & Development

MDO/Preschool Track

Fostering Language & Literacy for MDO Infants & Toddlers Through Play Play is the best way for children to learn and develop, including language & literacy. Participants will learn over 15 games and playful experiences that help children develop language and learn literacy skills — and they will have fun doing it! Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Diane Goyette FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Communicating With Parents: We’re All on the Same Side MDO/PRES Preschool is the best time to lay positive foundations for home/school relations. This session offers suggestions for back-to-school events, par-ent conferences, and everyday teacher-parent interactions. The present-er will also give ideas for overcoming barriers to communication. Come learn how to build powerful partnerships between home and school! Offered in sessions 4 & 5. Speaker: Dr. Carrie Cutler FA: Parent Communication Impossible Co-Parenting: MDO/PRES How to Deal With Difficult Parents Building relationships with parents is a huge part of an educator’s job, but dealing with difficult parents can seem impossible at times. This session will show you how to take on the idea of co-parenting, even with individuals that seem impossible to get along with. In these types of situations, it’s important to focus on the outcome, and not the current turmoil! Speaker: Albert Wright FA: Parent Communication Why Kids Misbehave PRES Controlling a classroom is similar to fire prevention and protection. You only have two choices! SNIFF or SNUFF! Smoke detector or fire extin-guisher — proactive or reactive. In this insightful workshop, teachers will learn the reason children misbehave & how to respond. Offered in ses-sions 2 & 5. Speaker: Rick Chromey FA: Discipline & Guidance Tips for Teaching Tots MDO/PRES It’s no secret that little students don’t sit still for a lesson! Nor should they! God wired our little ones to be constantly on the move — unless they are sleeping. And — it’s difficult to teach if they aren’t awake! So, how do you engage the hearts and minds of our littlest active learners while maintaining control? Discover secrets to leading preschoolers that will make learning a delight for you as well as for them! Offered in ses-sions 3 & 5. Speaker: Karl Bastian FA: Teacher-Child Interactions Whomp! Swish! Beep! Silly Sounds All Around! PRES Learn to play with sounds — silly or not so silly — as we explore the se-quential elements of phonological awareness. We’ll be shaking a leg and shaking some eggs. Fill up your ’sound’ toolkit with poetry, dance and the ‘elephant prance’. This is truly “Info-To-Go” — so children can know! Offered in sessions 2 &5. Speaker: Chris Smith FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Grey Matters PRES Mind-blowing — that describes the grey matter that we call the brain! The more you know about what’s going on in the preschooler brain, the better you’ll be able to teach them. Go ahead and practice saying, “Now I totally get that!” What’s actually happening in the grey matter of a preschooler? And how do you tweak your teaching now that you under-stand their brains better? Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Tina Houser FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Partner with Parents to Provide “Lifestyle Learning” PRES Many young parents want to provide integrated, school and home learn-ing experiences for their kids. Teachers can equip them with teaching strategies and activities that reinforce classroom lessons. The intentional “lifestyle learning” parents provide cements abstract concepts, help kids hone new skills and provides the repetition and relevance needed to make learning meaningful and memorable. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Karen Apple FA: Parent Communication Fit & Fun for Everyone — Pumped Up! PRES Come join us for an interactive session where you will learn ways to add exercise to any activity. You can add exercise to everything that you do! From science, to math, to letter learning — there is always time to exer-cise your heart! Come learn how you can make ‘activ’ ities active! Speaker: Stella King FA: Music & Movement Fun With Physics! PRES This session introduces teachers to the wonders of physics through mag-nets, sound, simple machines, flight, and color and light. Participants will do attention-getting experiments, such as using a ping pong ball & blow drier to teach about air pressure. Sound cups, tuning forks, spinning pennies and feathers bring understanding about sound and flight. Using magnets for car races and painting are part of the fun! Catapults & shad-ow puppets round out this hands-on session. Your students will love learning about physics! Offered in sessions 1, 2, 3, and 5. Speaker: Barbara Cargill FA: Math & Science Helping Children With Separation PRES Young children can really struggle with this critical transition and it’s not just leaving Mommy or Daddy at the beginning of the day. They often struggle with leaving their beloved teacher or their favorite friends at the end of the day. Children are still developing their sense of time and space and can have a difficult time understanding that each goodbye isn’t forever. In our time together we will talk through what a child expe-riences during separation and create strategies to support and equip young children for these daily changes. Speaker: Lori Buxton FA: Child Growth & Development Making the Connection: Math & the Bible? Yes! PRES Join us to learn how to lay a strong foundational understanding of math with preschoolers. You will leave with ideas for hands-on math activities and will also learn how to connect math with well-loved Bible stories! Offered in sessions 4 & 5. Speaker: Peggy Osborne FA: Math & Science Music & the Brain PRES Join us in learning how music affects our brain and it’s development. How can we use music properly to benefit our children? Offered in ses-sions 2 & 5. Speaker: Courtney Osborne FA: Music & Movement Teaching Special Children PRES We will explore wheat it takes to teach children with unique needs. As Early Childhood Professionals, we do not have to know it all or be specifi-cally trained on every need that a child might have. However, we must do our homework, get to know our children and their families, and attempt to meet each child at their own level of development with a positive attitude! We will discuss popular terms, share stories, and learn how to honor each child that walks through our door. . . EVERY child is unique and special! Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Kara Gore FA: Care of Children with Special Needs



MDO/Preschool Track

Gather Round, It’s Circle Time! PRES Ever wonder “Why didn’t I think of this sooner?” Participants will learn a collection of innovative organizational tips, classroom management techniques, transition activities, behavior management plans, and ways to repurpose materials. Fun and fast-paced! Good for new and veteran teachers of all ages! Offered in sessions 1 &5. Speaker: Marlyn Kramer FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Music for Preschool PRES Are you ready to get energized? Come to this high-energy session that will introduce you to ways to help keep those little one’s attention through a variety of popular songs that keep kids enthused and excited to participate in music! Learn how to incorporate puppets and visual aids into your music! You don’t have to be a strong singer to teach chil-dren how much fun music, movement, and learning can be! Offered in sessions 4 & 5. Speaker: Shelley Akins FA: Music & Movement

Connect to CALM: The Four Essential Tools of Engagement PRES Do you find that some days you are just trying to survive? Are you often-times bewildered by children’s oppositional, disruptive, and defiant be-haviors? During this workshop, participants will learn four essential tools for responding to the most difficult behavior situations. Join us as we apply these tools to the most common and difficult behaviors. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Stacie Williams FA: Discipline & Guidance Earth Science for Preschool PRES Have you observed student examining rocks, watching clouds or being fascinated by the wind? Children are naturally curious about the earth. Come learn how to build upon spontaneous experiences and lay the foundation for success in science classes. Leave with more than 25 activ-ities to share immediately! Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Kendolyn Pope FA: Math & Science

Afternoon Speaker Tuesday, July 25, 2017 2:35 pm - 3:30 pm

Dr. Jean Feldman All Conference Attendees should report to the Worship Center at this time.

The Outdoor Learning Center Where the Bible Comes to Life!

While you are here for PTAC, be sure to visit our Outdoor Learning Center! Located on the northwest side of our Children’s Building, the Outdoor Learning Center is home to God’s Rainbow Promise, Noah’s Ark, Jonah’s Big Fish — and much more! The area provides a wonderful setting for children of all ages to learn about the Bible — the at-mosphere, alive with structure and water features, ap-peals to all the senses! If you are interested in doing something similar on your own campus — we would be happy to share our experiences with you!

Registration: 7:30 am Praise & Worship: 7:50 —8:05 am Welcome: 8:05—8:10 am Keynote Speaker: 8:10—9:00 am

Keynote Speaker — Dr. Rick Chromey Dr. Rick Chromey (CEO, Leading from the Edge Presentations and Training) equips leaders to lead, trainers to train and teachers to teach. Rick has special expertise in emerging culture, motivational theory and creative communication. Besides a masters in education, Dr. Chromey also holds an earned doctorate in Leadership and the Emerging Culture. Rick's ability to translate topics and re-imagine information into memorable nug-gets of insight has made him a popular instructor and trainer. Rick is at his best when training people to be highly-motivated, productive and creative. His workshops on leadership styles, creative communication and human motivation (a.k.a. the GROWLS) are guaranteed to spark fresh insights and ideas

Session 1 Workshops Wednesday, July 26, 2017 9:30 am - 10:20 am

Director’s Track

Dealing With Difficult Parents — Conflict & Negotiation Management Speaker: Bradley Smith Do you find conflict and negotiation to be difficult? This session outlines a format for dealing effectively with difficult parents and children. The principles discussed will also help with family and work relationships, as well as business negotiations. Concepts include “in the box thinking” and the use of a reflective listening strategy. FA: Professional Development

Employment Law Speaker: Cindy Pirtle Each year, directors and administrators of private preschools attempt to steer their institutions through the pitfalls and potholes of Employment Law. The side roads are filled with questions about employee rights, forms of discrimination, and whether or not there are any significant protec-tions against dismissal. The major highway of questions concern employee contracts, at will employment and violations of employee handbooks/rules and regulations. Join the trip, enjoy the ride and feel safer at the wheel of your school’s employment decisions! Offered in sessions 1 & 4. FA: Professional Development

MDO/Preschool Track

Brain Games for Young Children MDO Come and have fun learning simple games to help build the minds of young children. Connections on the outside build connections on the inside! Speaker: Tym Smith FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Red Flag Behaviors: What To Do RIGHT MDO When You Think Something Might Be WRONG Learn about the characteristic red flag behaviors teachers may experi-ence in the classroom for ages infant through preschool. Participants will learn strategies for observation and documentation, as well as how to talk with administrators and parents. Find out what you can do to initi-ate the early intervention process. Offered in sessions 1, 2, 4 & 5. Speaker: Erika Sanchez FA: Observation & Assessment

Can I Count On You? MDO When a baby learns to trust when he is young. . .he is wired for the rest of his life! But won’t I spoil the baby if I meet all of his needs right away? HELP! Join us as we talk about what research is saying about this topic and what strategies are good to be using in the classroom! Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Peggy Osborne FA: Teacher-Child Interactions

Fired Up Praise & Worship Times for Kids MDO/PRES Come and join Jana and get some fresh ideas on how to pump up your praise and worship time to bring out the best in your students! Speaker: Jana Alayra FA: Music & Movement

ADHD & Executive Function MDO/PRES Come and explore this developmental disorder of self-control and brain-storm effective classroom management strategies. Learn how to make curriculum adjustments, increase incentives, maintain a strong relation-ship with parents, and develop self-management skills for young chil-dren. Receive resource information that will be come an available tool for your continuing educational journey. Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Susan MacHugh FA: Care of Children with Special Needs

Effects of the Media on Young Children MDO/PRES We are experiencing a significant increase in television programming and advertising that is targeted at young children with no shortage of devices available for them to access to television, games, and videos. Research is coming out every day pointing to the effects of over-exposure to media and technology. Learn how we can educate and support parents in pro-moting healthy balance in this technology-filled world. Offered in ses-sions 1 & 3. Speaker: Lori Buxton FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Footnote Speaker — Jana Alayra Jana Alayra is an artist with whom many can identify. She is a wife, mother, and friend, busy with the daily routine of tending to the lives of her three daughters and producer husband, Ron. Whether leading a small group with her guitar, or singing for a thousand children and their families, Jana's enthusiasm and love for Christ are evident, sincere and inspiring. When people leave one of Jana's concerts or testimonials, they often say that not only were they entertained and encouraged, but they felt they made a new friend. Jana shares openly about the pain and sorrows in her life, as well as Christ's victory through it all. Her humor and hope are truly encouraging. Hers is a unique ministry of sorrow, celebration, and faith.


MDO/Preschool Track

The Power of Play MDO/PRES Play is the foundation of learning. Come and learn about why play is important and ways that you can engage children, infants through PreK, in a fun, learning rich environment. Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Courtney Osborne FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Bringing Stories to Life PRES There is a reason that Jesus used stories to tell about life. Life IS a story. History is “HIS Story.” Learn the secrets of how to be an amazing story-teller and how to have your kids on the edge of their seats when you tell stories! Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Karl Bastian FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Don’t Burn the Bacon! PRES Participants in this session will learn the safety issues of cooking with young children, benefits of classroom cooking, TEKS that can be imple-mented through cooking, and examples of how to successfully imple-ment cooking projects in the classroom. Speaker: Marlyn Kramer FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Science. . . The “S” in STEM PRES You can become a scientist exploring Project Air. . . Air. . . Everywhere! We will generate some questions. . . Is air real? Can you prove it? Can it be your friend? Will it play with you? Is it strong? Is it heavy? We will experiment to discover the answers. . . But watch out! We may end up with more questions than we started with! Offered in sessions 1 & 5. Speaker: Chris Smith FA: Math & Science Ten Essential Math Skills to Develop in the Early Years PRES Math instruction in preschool should be intentional and purposeful (not accidental or incidental). Concepts of number should be the focus, but rather than teaching with rote procedures or memorization, preschool teachers should use hands-on, developmentally appropriate strategies to engage learners in building concepts of number sense. Learn dozens of engaging tasks that help children develop number sense concepts in meaningful ways. Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Dr. Carrie Cutler FA: Math & Science Implementing Ideas: Ignite, Illuminate, & Inspire Young Minds PRES How do we foster the development of children with creativity and flexi-bility to ensure that we are educating and supporting 21st century learn-ers? How can our classrooms, our plans and the experiences that we plan follow the interests and curiosity of the child? Questions, activities, and resources will be a part of this session as we examine and discuss research on learning and share thoughts and successful strategies togeth-er. Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Sharon Jackson FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Children’s Health & Physical Activity PRES Statistics reveal an alarming increase in childhood obesity. We will ex-plore fun and creative ways to engage children in physical activities and healthy eating to incorporate healthier lifestyles. Speaker: Natasha Owoseni FA: Music & Movement Alakazam! You’re Instantly a Better Teacher! PRES Haven’t you sometimes wished that you could just say the magic word and you’d be better at teaching preschoolers? Well, it’s almost like mag-ic. There are some INSTANT tweaks to your teaching — that won’t cost you bucks — but will make you so much better at what you do. Join me for the magic! Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Tina Houser FA: Professional Development

Fine Motor Skills. . . Write Out of the Box! PRES Engaging and hands-on presentation of the fine motor development of young children 3-6 years old. This session contains essential, rarely ad-dressed information for educators of all young children, which supports pencil grasp and pre-writing development across the curriculum. Activi-ties & techniques are ready to use in the classroom tomorrow! Speaker: Marianne Gibbs FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Your Daily Schedule — So Much to Balance! PRES Your classroom daily schedule should be a balance of many types of ac-tivities, with a minimum of waiting in between. Learn how to make your day as full of fun and learning as possible, with many opportunities for individual and small group interactions with children. With a strong, balanced schedule, your classroom will have fewer discipline problems, too! Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Diane Goyette FA: Professional Development Fun With Physics! PRES This session introduces teachers to the wonders of physics through mag-nets, sound, simple machines, flight, and color and light. Participants will do attention-getting experiments, such as using a ping pong ball and blow drier to teach about air pressure. Sound cups, tuning forks, spinning pennies and feathers bring understanding about sound and flight. Using magnets for car races and painting are part of the fun! Catapults and shadow puppets round out this hands-on session. Your students will love learning about physics! Offered in sessions 1, 2, 3, and 5. Speaker: Barbara Cargill FA: Math & Science Battling Burnout: How to Fight the Invisible War PRES Burnout is a type of psychological stress that creates an invisible battle that doesn’t fight fair. Battling burnout requires effort and self-realization, but can lead to exhaustion, lack of enthusiasm, feeling of ineffectiveness, and frustration. Learn to recognize the signs of burnout and stabilize yourself and those around you so that your team can reach it’s full potential! Speaker: Albert Wright FA: Professional Development Temper Tantrums 101 PRES Come learn how to decipher why a child tantrums, what is normal behav-ior and how to help a child overcome tantrums before they become a distraction in the classroom. Speaker: Christi Priddy FA: Observation & Assessment The Bible: A Promise & A Plan From a Bigger Than Big God PRES From the beginning to end, God’s Word is about a relationship God wants with us and every one of our kids. Discover what some of our favorite Bible stories reveal about God’s promises, His great, big plan and the boundless depth of His character. People, chronology, context and a few fun facts can take your Bible lessons from good to GREAT and make each learning adventure life changing! Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Karen Apple FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Cooking With Kids PRES Let’s get cooking! Cooking with young children can be a daunting task, but it can be done! In this workshop, we’ll explore how to introduce young children to the math and science concepts inherent in the cooking process. We’ll have fun as we measure, pour, scoop, and stir our way through quick and easy recipes that everyone is sure to love! Partici-pants will leave with a cookbook full of recipes, tips for classroom and time management during cooking projects. Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Kendolyn Pope FA: Child Health


Director’s Track

Financial Analysis — What Your Accountant Doesn’t Know To Tell You Speaker: Bradley Smith Bradley has helped literally hundreds of centers analyze their financial structure and reporting systems. This session includes a structure and strate-gy to use in analyzing a center’s financial reporting system, including developing a checklist of the most important information to be gleaning from each monthly and annual report. Topics will include: FTE — what does it mean; recognizing the most important information from a financial report and learning to interpret what the numbers are telling you. FA: Professional Development Understanding Kid Culture Speaker: Dr. Rick Chromey Today’s children are growing up in a world that’s vastly different from the one we knew. Every generation emerges within a technological culture that defines them. The Boom generation thrived on black & white television and vinyl records. Gen X grew up on color television and cassettes. Mil-lennials enjoyed satellite television and CDs while today’s iTech generation is growing up digital: MP3s and streaming video. How does rapid tech-nological change impact or influence our ministry to children? FA: Professional Development

MDO/Preschool Track

Sensory Stimulation & Creative Development MDO Don’t be afraid to make a mess! Come and learn productive ways to meet these basic cognitive skills with infants and toddlers. Speaker: Tym Smith FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Red Flag Behaviors: What To Do RIGHT MDO When You Think Something Might Be WRONG Learn about the characteristic red flag behaviors teachers may experi-ence in the classroom for ages infant through preschool. Participants will learn strategies for observation and documentation, as well as how to talk with administrators and parents. Find out what you can do to initi-ate the early intervention process. Offered in sessions 1, 2, 4 & 5. Speaker: Erika Sanchez FA: Observations & Assessment Can I Count On You? MDO When a baby learns to trust when he is young. . .he is wired for the rest of his life! But won’t I spoil the baby if I meet all of his needs right away? HELP! Join us as we talk about what research is saying about this topic and what strategies are good to be using in the classroom! Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Peggy Osborne FA: Teacher-Child Interactions ADHD & Executive Function MDO/PRES Come and explore this developmental disorder of self-control and brain-storm effective classroom management strategies. Learn how to make curriculum adjustments, increase incentives, maintain a strong relation-ship with parents, and develop self-management skills for young chil-dren. Receive resource information that will become an available tool for your continuing educational journey. Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Susan MacHugh FA: Care of Children with Special Needs Preventing & Responding to Relational Aggression MDO/PRES in a Preschool Classroom Teachers are spending more and more time trying to put out these rag-ing infernos of emotion in young children. How can we reach and teach children who are struggling to self-regulate? What is driving the out-bursts and can it be managed? What kind of environment can we create that promotes appropriate responses to extreme emotion? Join the conversation as we discuss strategies for these challenging behaviors. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Lori Buxton FA: Teacher-Child Interactions TECHnique MDO/PRES We live in a technology-rich environment. Come and learn about what technology is safe and acceptable for our children. How can we bring technology into our classrooms with best practices? Sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Courtney Osborne FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Secrets of Effective Kid Communicators PRES What is the difference between a teacher and a communicator? A teach-er can change minds, but a communicator can change hearts. Learn the subtle secrets of what gives some teachers that extra edge of effective-ness when they teach. Learn how to engage and inspire those you influ-ence. Develop some often over-looked skills that will give your teaching extra impact! Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Karl Bastian FA: Teacher-Child Interactions

The Bible: A Promise & A Plan From a Bigger Than Big God PRES From the beginning to end, God’s Word is about a relationship God wants with us and every one of our kids. Discover what some of our favorite Bible stories reveal about God’s promises, His great big plan and the boundless depth of His character. People, chronology, context and a few fun facts can take your Bible lessons from good to GREAT and make each learning adventure life changing! Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Karen Apple FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Technology — The “T” In STEM PRES Explore the possibilities for our little learners that involve learning to code, experimenting with robotics, and using technology to learn and create. Can you move the turtle over the bridge? Can you create a color story or chronicle the birth of a butterfly? Let’s take a look at what amazing opportunities are out there for our “Tiny Techies.” Speaker: Chris Smith FA: Music & Science

Here’s One for the Little Guy — PRES Fitting Math into the Early Childhood Curriculum Uncertain how to squeeze math into an already crowded day? Learn five easy principles and plenty of lesson ideas for integrating worthwhile mathematics with students’ natural curiosity, literacy, assessment, and play. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Dr. Carrie Cutler FA: Math & Science

Implementing Ideas: Ignite, Illuminate, & Inspire Young Minds PRES How do we foster the development of children with creativity and flexi-bility to ensure that we are educating and supporting 21st century learn-ers? How can our classrooms, our plans and the experiences that we plan follow the interests and curiosity of the child? Questions, activities, and resources will be a part of this session as we examine and discuss research on learning and share thoughts and successful strategies to-gether. Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Sharon Jackson FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Potty Training 101 PRES Come learn the ins and outs of potty training! Learn how to read a child’s cues to know when they are ready to conquer potty training and how to partner with parents to make this transition easy and exciting! Speaker: Christi Priddy FA: Child Growth & Development


MDO/Preschool Track

Session 3 Workshops Wednesday, July 26, 2017 11:30 am - 12:20 pm

Director’s Track

**LUNCH #1 IS SERVED DURING THIS TIME Responding to Kid Culture Speaker: Dr. Rick Chromey Responding to Kid Culture takes off where “Understanding Kid Culture” ended. How do we as early childhood professionals relate to and teach kids — when the times we grew up in are so different from what children today are exposed to? This interactive workshop will give you ideas to under-standing and teaching today’s kids. FA: Professional Development National CDA — Deconstructed & Simplified — Why ALL of Your Teachers Need a CDA Speaker: Bradley Smith Earning and maintaining a CDA (Child Development Associate) is becoming a standard in many programs. Participants will learn the key compo-nents necessary to earning and achieving the CDA. Basic myths and misinformation will be uncovered and dispelled. Recent changes in the pro-gram will also be explained including renewal procedures and strategies for earning the credential under the new guidelines. In addition, although it is not yet law in Texas for lead teachers to have a CDA, the instructor will discuss federal changes that will eventually bring this to Texas as a mini-mum requirement. FA: Professional Development

MDO/Preschool Track

**LUNCH #1 IS SERVED DURING THIS TIME The Benefits of Music with Infants & Toddlers MDO Studies have shown that early musical training benefits children even before they can walk or talk. Your infants and toddlers that participate in interactive music classes will smile more, communicate better, and show earlier and more sophisticated brain responses to music. This session will show you how to integrate music into your everyday routine. Speaker: Brooke Wright FA: Music & Movement

Developmental Milestones 2.0 (12 months to 3 years) MDO This session contains an overview of developmental milestones for chil-dren ages 12 months to 3 years. Speaker: Christi Priddy FA: Observation & Assessment

I’m Sorry or I Was Wrong. . .Which is Best? PRES What is the best way to lay a foundation when they are young so that they can have deeper, more long-lasting relationships when they are older? Join us as we discuss conflict resolution with young children. Learning to say the right words early can make a difference for a lifetime! Speaker: Peggy Osborne FA: Child Growth & Development

Rockin’ Rodeo PRES Saddle up and get galloping with the Noodle Lady! Come ready to talk to your horse, clean up after your horse, feed your horse and lasso the calves! Easy and cheap equipment. Make and take your lasso! Yee Haw! Offered in sessions 3 & 5. Speaker: Diane Havens FA: Music & Movement

Play, Play & More Play — Learning Through Play PRES How powerful is play to the growth and development of children? Play is effective in increasing the creative power in children and promoting healthy brain development. Essentially, it’s beneficial for children to enhance developmental stages and incorporate play as one of the key components on their road of developmental discovery. In this session, we will discover how powerful play is and ways to increase opportunities for play in our daily educational programs. Speaker: Natasha Owoseni FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Question: What’s Most Important to Learn? PRES Answer: Executive Function skills. HOLD ON — don’t leave! That sounds a little scary, doesn’t it? The four basic executive function skills are vital for preschoolers to master and we will show you a bunch of fun ways to help them do just that! In typical “Tina Houser style”, there’ll be lots of practical hands-on examples. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Tina Houser FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Calming Your Classroom: Helping the Explosive Child Cope PRES Sometimes a child tends to react in extreme ways to certain situations. These extremely challenging behaviors can feel like explosions because they happen so quickly and are so powerful. The child’s behavior is tell-ing us that they don’t have the skills to handle the situation appropriate-ly. We can work to address the underlying problem, help the child cope with stress, and teach the child new skills. Get ready to help your class-room become a calmer place. Sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Diane Goyette FA: Teacher-Child Interactions

Fun With Physics! PRES This session introduces teachers to the wonders of physics through mag-nets, sound, simple machines, flight, and color and light. Participants will do attention-getting experiments, such as using a ping pong ball and

blow drier to teach about air pressure. Sound cups, tuning forks, spin-ning pennies and feathers bring understanding about sound and flight. Using magnets for car races and painting are part of the fun! Catapults and shadow puppets round out this hands-on session. Your students will love learning about physics! Offered in sessions 1, 2, 3, and 5. Speaker: Barbara Cargill FA: Math & Science Impossible Co-Parenting: PRES How to Deal With Difficult Parents Building relationships with parents is a huge part of an educator’s job, but dealing with difficult parents can seem impossible at times. This session will show you how to take on the idea of co-parenting, even with individuals that seem impossible to get along with. It’s important to fo-cus on the outcome, and not the current turmoil! Speaker: Albert Wright FA: Parent Communication Connecting Our Favorite Stories with Math & Science PRES Story time is often a teacher’s favorite time of the day, and science or math might be a least favorite. Learn how to extend classic stories into simple math and science lessons that can be taught quickly with minimal prep and supplies. Favorite stories can be wonderful starting point for lessons across the curriculum. Offered in sessions 2 & 5) Speaker: Kendolyn Pope FA: Math & Science The 12 Prerequisites for Handwriting Skill Acquisition PRES Informative discussion-based session identifies, analyzes, and explains facilitation of the key components determining handwriting readiness in young children (e.g. hand dominance acquisition, crossing of the midline, & 10 other topics). Set children up for future, efficient handwriting suc-cess with your new knowledge! Speaker: Marianne Gibbs FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

MDO/Preschool Track

Music for Preschool PRES Are you ready to get energized? Come to this high-energy session that will introduce you to ways to help keep those little one’s attention through a variety of popular songs that keep kids enthused and excited to participate in music! Learn how to incorporate puppets and visual aids into your music! You don’t have to be a strong singer to teach chil-dren how much fun music, movement, and learning can be! Offered in sessions 3 & 4. Speaker: Shelley Akins FA: Music & Movement Ten Essential Math Skills to Develop in the Early Years PRES Math instruction in preschool should be intentional and purposeful (not accidental or incidental). Concepts of number should be the focus, but rather than teaching with rote procedures or memorization, preschool teachers should use hands-on, developmentally appropriate strategies to engage learners in building concepts of number sense. Learn dozens of engaging tasks that help children develop number sense concepts in meaningful ways. Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Dr. Carrie Cutler FA: Math & Science Keep Your Cool So the Kids Around You Don’t’ Loose Theirs! MDO/PRES Preschoolers are on a behavioral learning curve. They look at us to pro-vide models they are bound to follow. Adopt attitudes, strategies, and simple techniques to maximize classroom management and teach young learners how to “cool their engines, keep cool & successfully motor on.” Speaker: Karen Apple FA: Teacher-Child Interactions Effects of the Media on Young Children PRES/MDO We are experiencing a significant increase in television programming and advertising that is targeted at young children with no shortage of devices available for them to access to television, games, and videos. Research is coming out every day pointing to the effects of over-exposure to media and technology on the cognitive, emotional, physical and social develop-ment of young children. What can we do? How can we educate and support parents in promoting healthy balance in this technology-filled world? Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Lori Buxton FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Fit & Fun for Everyone! PRES Come join us for an interactive session to learn a variety of ways to exer-cise your heart for preschool children in a large group, small group, in-doors, outdoors, on a fit & fun budget — or no budget at all! Exercising your heart can be done anywhere and everywhere! Come learn ways to exercise your heart in the classroom, outside & everywhere in between! Speaker: Stella King FA: Music & Movement

Helpful Hodgepodge PRES Ever wonder “why didn’t I think of this sooner?” Participants will learn a collection of innovative organizational tips, classroom management tech-niques, transition activities, behavior management plans, and ways to repurpose materials. Fun and fast-paced! Good for new and veteran teachers of all ages! Speaker: Marlyn Kramer FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Dealing With Those Little Angels (and Devils): PRES Connecting Spiritual Life & Behavior James Dobson was famous for encouraging adults to “shape the will” of children without “breaking the spirit”. That’s a wonderful thing to say, but just how does one accomplish that in the classroom? Just what can young children understand about being spiritual people? How can we shape their wills without breaking their spirits? This session will look at the extraordinary opportunity to teach spiritual truths to children that will last them their whole lives! Speaker: Rev. Kevin Rudolph FA: Child Growth & Development Cooking With Kids PRES Let’s get cooking! Cooking with young children can be a daunting task, but it can be done! In this workshop, we’ll explore how to introduce young children to the math and science concepts inherent in the cooking process. We’ll have fun as we measure, pour, scoop, and stir our way through quick and easy recipes that everyone is sure to love! Partici-pants will leave with a cookbook full of recipes, tips for classroom and time management during cooking projects. Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Kendolyn Pope FA: Child Health

Alakazam! You’re Instantly a Better Teacher! PRES Haven’t you sometimes wished that you could just say the magic word and you’d be better at teaching preschoolers? Well, it’s almost like mag-ic. There are some INSTANT tweaks to your teaching — that won’t cost you bucks — but will make you so much better at what you do. Join me for the magic! Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Tina Houser FA: Professional Development

Fun With Physics! PRES This session introduces teachers to the wonders of physics through mag-nets, sound, simple machines, flight, and color and light. Participants will do attention-getting experiments, such as using a ping pong ball and blow drier to teach about air pressure. Sound cups, tuning forks, spin-ning pennies and feathers bring understanding about sound and flight. Using Your students will love learning about physics! Offered in sessions 1, 2, 3, & 5. Speaker: Barbara Cargill FA: Math & Science

Session 3 Workshops Wednesday, July 26, 2017 11:30 am - 12:20 pm

Session 4 Workshops Wednesday, July 26, 2017 12:30 pm - 1:20 pm

Director’s Track

**LUNCH #2 IS SERVED DURING THIS TIME Employment Law Speaker: Cindy Pirtle Each year, directors and administrators or private preschools attempt to steer their institutions through the pitfalls and potholes of Employment Law. The side roads are filled with questions about employee rights, forms of discrimination, and whether or not there are any significant protec-tions against dismissal. The major highway of questions concern employee contracts, at will employment and violations of employee handbooks/rules and regulations. Join the trip, enjoy the ride and feel safer at the wheel of your school’s employment decisions! Offered in sessions 1 & 4. FA: Professional Development Delegation 101 — Tricks & Strategies for Delegation in the 21st Century Speaker: Bradley Smith Bradley has consistently trained, mentored, and coached thousands of directors and managers in delegation and delegation tactics. This session is an overview of the concepts that make administrative delegation effective and attainable. Topics covered include: Incremental delegation; use of a circular organizational structure and macro management; a sub-team concept, and how to develop a strategy for delegating — including what to delegate first. FA: Professional Development

MDO/Preschool Track

**LUNCH #2 IS SERVED DURING THIS TIME Understanding Licensing Rules for Infants & Toddlers MDO Children 0–18 months have completely different licensing regulations than preschool children. From group size, basic care requirements, to diaper changing, this session is imperative for any caregiver working in these early childhood classrooms. Speaker: Tym Smith FA: Professional Development Together Time with Infants, Toddlers & Older Twos MDO Come and discover the importance of creating an age appropriate setting for the youngest children. See how you can engage these children by designing an inviting and tranquil setting where infants and toddlers can gather together to explore and learn. Offered in sessions 4 & 5. Speaker: Susan MacHugh FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Age Appropriate Activities & Curriculum for Infants MDO Curriculum is not only what and how you teach but also why you teach. It is important that we plan activities to support the major areas of so-cial/emotional development in infants. As educators, we are not babysitters, and therefore must engage infants. With the correct activi-ties, we can promote coordination, sensory development, and visual stimulation. Speaker: Albert Wright FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum The Power of Play MDO/PRES Play is the foundation of learning. Come and learn about why play is important and ways that you can engage children, infants through PreK, in a fun, learning rich environment. Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Courtney Osborne FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Music for Preschool PRES Are you ready to get energized? Come to this high-energy session that will introduce you to ways to help keep those little one’s attention through a variety of popular songs that keep kids enthused and excited to participate in music! Learn how to incorporate puppets and visual aids into your music! You don’t have to be a strong singer to teach chil-dren how much fun music, movement, and learning can be! Offered in sessions 3 & 4. Speaker: Shelley Akins FA: Music & Movement Self-Care Strategies: Intentional Interventions MDO/PRES For Instructors How can we translate the care we provide daily for little ones into taking the time to care for ourselves as well? The importance of self-care and the realization that a few intentional moments focused on our own needs can ensure that we are effective and healthy in our classrooms each day. The focus will center on approaches to address physical, men-tal, emotional, and spiritual wellness for those who work with children every day. Offered in sessions 4 & 5. Speaker: Sharon Jackson FA: Professional Development Bringing Stories to Life PRES There is a reason that Jesus used stories to tell about life. Life IS a story. History is “HIS Story.” Learn the secrets of how to be an amazing story-teller and how to have your kids on the edge of their seats when you tell stories! Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Karl Bastian FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Fit & Fun for Everyone — Pumped Up! PRES Come join us for an interactive session where you will learn ways to add exercise to any activity. You can add exercise to everything that you do! From science, to math, to letter learning — there is always time to exer-cise your heart! Come learn how you can make ‘activ’ ities active! Speaker: Stella King FA: Music & Movement Engineering — The “E” in STEM PRES Are you up to the challenge? Then join us for an interactive experience in solving problems using play and open-ended play materials to explore the possibilities of engineering in an early childhood classroom that pro-motes curiosity and higher level thinking. Design — build — test — and then try, try again! Become an engineer! Speaker: Chris Smith FA: Math & Science Learning Through Play — Centers & Circle Time PRES Centers and circle time are exciting ways of learning for little minds and hands! We will share many teaching games and manipulatives that are fun and can be incorporated in with your lesson plans. A fun and exciting learning experience promotes a confident and joyful child and sends them on their way better prepared for the next step in their education — and beyond! Speakers: Cindy Baxter & Leisha Davis FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Playground Safety & Active Supervision PRES Just how effective is your playground safety plan? Many times we be-lieve that our centers are compliant, when in reality, there are so many components lacking to ensure all children are safe and that their outdoor play areas are free from harm. In this session, we will explore ways to ensure safety compliance at all times. Speaker: Natasha Owoseni FA: Discipline & Guidance Red Flag Behaviors: What To Do RIGHT MDO When You Think Something Might Be WRONG Learn about the characteristic red flag behaviors teachers may experi-ence in the classroom for ages infant through preschool. Participants will learn strategies for observation and documentation, as well as how to talk with administrators and parents. Find out what you can do to initi-ate the early intervention process. Offered in sessions 1, 2, 4 & 5. Speaker: Erika Sanchez FA: Observations & Assessment Errorless Learning. . . Who Knew? PRES This session involves significant self-reflection and interaction using a strategy for reflective learning called Errorless Learning. The session en-gages learners in a meta-cognitive approach to assessing their own teaching strategies and shares a new way to evoke children’s esteem during the process of acquiring academic mastery. Speaker: Marianne Gibbs FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Your Daily Schedule — So Much to Balance! PRES Your classroom daily schedule should be a balance of many types of ac-tivities, with a minimum of waiting in between. Learn how to make your day as full of fun and learning as possible, with many opportunities for individual and small group interactions with children. With a strong, balanced schedule, your classroom will have fewer discipline problems, too! Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Diane Goyette FA: Professional Development



Director’s Track

Something Always Interrupts My Plan! Speaker: Peggy Osborne There is so much to do in ministry! How do I prioritize and manage my time effectively? How do I determine what IS important? God? Family? Ministry? How does it all fit together? FA: Professional Development

Dealing With Difficult Employees Speaker: Bradley Smith As a Director/Manager/Leader, your success is directly linked to the success of your employees. This session will give proven strategies and ideas for overcoming the challenges associated with difficult employees. Topics include: Dealing with tardiness and absences; creative methods for “de-hiring”; and doing negative things in a positive manner, such as using the concept of “Mutual Resignation”. FA: Professional Development

MDO/Preschool Track

Abuse & Neglect 2.0 MDO Being aware of child abuse laws and regulations is more than being able to recognize a bruise. Come and learn more about the laws surrounding this difficult subject, as well as tips for keeping our children safe. Speaker: Tym Smith FA: Professional Development Together Time with Infants, Toddlers & Older Twos MDO Come and discover the importance of creating an age appropriate setting for the youngest children. See how you can engage these children by designing an inviting and tranquil setting where infants and toddlers can gather together to explore and learn. Offered in sessions 4 & 5. Speaker: Susan MacHugh FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Age Appropriate Activities & Curriculum for 1’s & 2’s MDO Curriculum isn’t only what and how you teach but also why you teach. It is important that we plan activities to support development in our 1 and 2 year olds classes. As educators, we are not babysitters, and must en-gage our children with age appropriate activities. With correct activities and curriculum, we can promote creative movement, problem solving, and sensory development. Speaker: Albert Wright FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum TECHnique MDO/PRES We live in a technology-rich environment. Come and learn about what technology is safe and acceptable for our children. How can we bring technology into our classrooms with best practices? Sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Courtney Osborne FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Preventing & Responding to Relational Aggression MDO/PRES in a Preschool Classroom Teachers are spending more and more time trying to put out these rag-ing infernos of emotion in young children. How can we reach and teach children who are struggling to self-regulate? What is driving the out-bursts and can it be managed? What kind of environment can we create that promotes appropriate responses to extreme emotion? Join the conversation as we discuss strategies for these challenging behaviors. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Lori Buxton FA: Teacher-Child Interactions Self-Care Strategies: Intentional Interventions MDO/PRES For Instructors How can we translate the care we provide daily for little ones into taking the time to care for ourselves as well? The importance of self-care and the realization that a few intentional moments focused on our own needs can ensure that we are effective and healthy in our classrooms each day. The focus will center on approaches to address physical, men-tal, emotional, and spiritual wellness for those who work with children every day. Offered in sessions 4 & 5. Speaker: Sharon Jackson FA: Professional Development

Secrets of Effective Kid Communicators PRES What is the difference between a teacher and a communicator? A teach-er can change minds, but a communicator can change hearts. Learn the subtle secrets of what gives some teachers that extra edge of effective-ness when they teach. Learn how to engage and inspire those you influ-ence. Develop some often over-looked skills that will give your teaching extra impact! Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Karl Bastian FA: Teacher-Child Interactions Reaching Millennial Parents PRES The celebrated “Baby On Board” generation (b. 1982-2004) is now par-enting and emerging iTech Generation (born since 2005). Millennial parents don’t “helicopter” like Gen Xers and Boomers did, but they do drone (“hover”) parent. In this insightful session you’ll learn the latest research and historical analysis on Gen Y and why you’ll need to change some things as you teach and lead this new generation of parents. Speaker: Dr. Rick Chromey FA: Parent Communication Science. . . The “S” in STEM PRES You can become a scientist exploring Project Air. . . Air. . . Everywhere! We will generate some questions. . . Is air real? Can you prove it? Can it be your friend? Will it play with you? Is it strong? Is it heavy? We will experiment to discover the answers. . . But watch out! We may end up with more questions than we started with! Offered in sessions 1 & 5. Speaker: Chris Smith FA: Math & Science Here’s One for the Little Guy — PRES Fitting Math into the Early Childhood Curriculum Uncertain how to squeeze math into an already crowded day? Learn five easy principles and plenty of lesson ideas for integrating worthwhile mathematics with students’ natural curiosity, literacy, assessment, and play. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Dr. Carrie Cutler FA: Math & Science Red Flag Behaviors: What To Do RIGHT MDO When You Think Something Might Be WRONG Learn about the characteristic red flag behaviors teachers may experi-ence in the classroom for ages infant through preschool. Participants will learn strategies for observation and documentation, as well as how to talk with administrators and parents. Find out what you can do to initi-ate the early intervention process. Offered in sessions 1, 2, 4 & 5. Speaker: Erika Sanchez FA: Observations & Assessment

Question: What’s Most Important to Learn? PRES Answer: Executive Function skills. HOLD ON — don’t leave! That sounds a little scary, doesn’t it? The four basic executive function skills are vital for preschoolers to master and we will show you a bunch of fun ways to help them do just that! In typical “Tina Houser style”, there’ll be lots of practical hands-on examples. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Tina Houser FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum


MDO/Preschool Track

The Power of Praise — Encouraging Children PRES Motivation is the factor in all that we do for the young children that we serve. We will discuss positive affirmations and motivational tips to help encourage the children in our care. Speaker: Natasha Owoseni FA: Teacher-Child Interactions I Can Do It By Myself! PRES A fun and self-reflective workshop that focuses on raising awareness among teachers and sharing new strategies for developing the self-help and independence skills of young children. Speaker: Marianne Gibbs FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Calming Your Classroom: Helping the Explosive Child Cope PRES Sometimes a child tends to react in extreme ways to certain situations. These extremely challenging behaviors can feel explosions because they happen so quickly and are so powerful. The child’s behavior is telling us that they don’t have the skills to handle the situation appropriately. We can work to address the underlying problem, help the child cope with stress, and teach the child new skills. With these strategies, you will be ready to help your classroom become a calmer place. Sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Diane Goyette FA: Teacher-Child Interactions Gather Round, It’s Circle Time! PRES Ever wonder “Why didn’t I think of this sooner?” Participants will learn a collection of innovative organizational tips, classroom management techniques, transition activities, behavior management plans, and ways to repurpose materials. Fun and fast-paced! Good for new and veteran teachers of all ages! Offered in sessions 1 &5. Speaker: Marlyn Kramer FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Rockin’ Rodeo PRES Saddle up and get galloping with the Noodle Lady! Come ready to talk to your horse, clean up after your horse, feed your horse and lasso the calves! Easy and cheap equipment. Make and take your lasso! Yee Haw! Offered in sessions 3 & 5. Speaker: Diane Havens FA: Music & Movement Connecting Our Favorite Stories with Math & Science PRES Story time is often a teacher’s favorite time of the day, and science or math might be a least favorite. Learn how to extend classic stories into simple math and science lessons that can be taught quickly with minimal prep and supplies. Favorite stories can be wonderful starting point for lessons across the curriculum. Offered in sessions 2 & 5) Speaker: Kendolyn Pope FA: Math & Science Fun With Physics! PRES This session introduces teachers to the wonders of physics through mag-nets, sound, simple machines, flight, and color and light. Participants will do attention-getting experiments, such as using a ping pong ball and blow drier to teach about air pressure. Sound cups, tuning forks, spin-ning pennies and feathers bring understanding about sound and flight. Using magnets for car races and painting are part of the fun! Catapults & shadow puppets round out this hands-on session. Your students will love learning about physics! Offered in sessions 1, 2, 3, and 5. Speaker: Barbara Cargill FA: Math & Science

Developmental Milestones 3.0 PRES This session provides an overview of the developmental milestones for preschool-aged children ages 3 to 5 years. Speaker: Christi Priddy FA: Observation & Assessment

Afternoon Speaker Wednesday, July 26, 2017 2:35 pm - 3:30 pm

Jana Alayra All Conference Attendees should report to the Worship Center at this time.

The opinions expressed by presenters and/or exhibitors are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference Planning Committee, The Adventure Preschool, or Windwood Presbyterian Church. The Conference Plan-ning Committee does not officially endorse any particular product, program, teaching method, activity or handout presented at this conference.

Registration: 7:30 am Praise & Worship: 7:50—8:05 am Welcome: 8:05—8:10 am Keynote Speaker: 8:10—9:00 am

Keynote Speaker — Dennis Lee Dennis Lee has been performing for children and the people who care for children for over 41 years. He is a gifted, award winning ventriloquist, author, storyteller, and musician from Dallas, Texas who has crafted 36 episodes for TV, DVD’s, CD’s, countless children’s books, and hundreds of songs. As remarkable as that sounds, it is Dennis Lee’s humble spirit, contagious enthusiasm, and kind heart that remain his greatest gifts. His intention when performing is to have each audience member walk away with their sides aching with laughter, their hearts filled with encouragement, and their lives uplifted and changed for the better!

Director’s Track

MDO/Preschool Track

Age Appropriate Activities & Curriculum for Infants MDO Curriculum is not only what and how you teach but also why you teach. It is important that we plan activities to support the major areas of so-cial/emotional development in infants. As educators, we are not babysitters, and therefore must engage infants. With the correct activi-ties, we can promote coordination, sensory development, and visual stimulation. Speaker: Albert Wright FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

The Benefits of Music with Infants & Toddlers MDO Studies have shown that early musical training benefits children even before they can walk or talk. Your infants and toddlers that participate in interactive music classes will smile more, communicate better, and show earlier and more sophisticated brain responses to music. This session will show you how to integrate music into your everyday routine. Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Brooke Wright FA: Music & Movement

Montessori Method Basics: Components of the Classroom for 2’s MDO Come and learn the basics of the Montessori classroom and apply some of the techniques tomorrow! Here you learn techniques that will bring peace to your classroom and foster independence in your students! Learn how to beautify your classroom to make it an inviting living space where children, and you, will love to come. Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Kimberly Stephens FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Adding “Relationship Time” to Your Curriculum MDO/PRES Most of the brain’s development happens within the first 5 years of life, and the most important influence on this development is the responsive relationship of a caring adult. When you create opportunities for build-ing and maintaining adult-child relationships into your classroom, you are providing the best brain-building tool that there is! Make relation-ships your top priority. Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Diane Goyette FA: Teacher-Child Interactions Time Out: Self Care for Caregivers MDO/PRES Another day has come and gone, you have driven home after giving of yourself at work all day. Now, as you turn the key to enter your home, another day of work begins! Do you find yourself always giving and giv-ing and feeling empty? This session is an opportunity to develop and share strategies to refill! Speaker: Thecia Jenkins FA: Professional Development Science Center on a Shoestring! PRES Is your science center stocked with a few rocks, a magnifying glass and a dead insect or two? Are you stumped about how to make your science center more inspiring and impactful? Come learn how to build your sci-ence center with 10 inexpensive and easy to find items. Then, discover the many activities you can do! Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Kendolyn Pope FA: Math & Science

What Do You Represent: Vision & Mission Statements for Your School Speaker: Natasha Owoseni When you look at the features of your school, what do you see? What do others see? We will discuss our vision/mission statements for our facili-ties and ensure that we are walking what we profess. FA: Professional Development

B is for Balance Speaker: Lori Buxton “Balance” always looks good on paper, but how in the world do we get to that magical place? Is it real? Is it a mirage that we will chase for the rest of our careers? A balanced life doesn’t have to be a dream. Join us for this important discussion about intentional leadership and intentional living. Remember, if you aren’t okay, no one else is okay! FA: Professional Development

Footnote Speaker — Anita Renfroe It’s been a wild decade going from “stay-at-home-mom” to “YouTube comedic Phe-mom-enon” — but Anita Renfroe doesn’t mind. With her unique brand of estrogen flavored musical comedy and blend of sass, edge and slightly offbeat takes on All Things Female, audiences at her comedy concert tours, viewers of Good Morning America appearances and the YouTube masses who enjoyed her William Tell version of everything a Mom says, would say that Anita just tells it like it is. Some would say she just says what everyone else is thinking, but won’t say out loud. Anita tours with her own comedy concerts and inspirational women’s conferences where she routinely packs out venues across the United States.

Session 1 Workshops Thursday, July 27, 2017 9:30 am - 10:20 am


MDO/Preschool Track

Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Guidelines for MDO/PRES Ensuring Your Expectations are Realistic Yet Challenging Teaching practices should attend to the child as an individual, be aligned with his age and level of development, and responsive to his interests and cultural background. This is a tall order! Join us to learn what DAP is and how it informs your work. We’ll discuss developmental milestones, expectations for learners, and setting up a DAP classroom. Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Dr. Carrie Cutler FA: Child Growth & Development Making Your Class Rock! PRES “You Rock!” is one of the highest compliments a child can give a teacher. What makes some classrooms more fun than others? Why are some teachers remembered into adulthood when most are quickly forgotten? What can set YOUR class apart from all the rest? While at the same time, have a greater life impact? Rock your class and rock a kid’s world! Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Karl Bastian FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Generations: Boom, X, Millennials, iTech PRES Currently four American generations are active in the social fabric of our country and each one is distinctive. In this session, you’ll discover the differences between the Boom (1943-1960), Gen X (1961-1981), Millen-nial (1982-2004), and the emerging iTech (2005-present) generations and how to interact, lead, and engage each one. If you want to know where we’ve come from and where we’re going, this session is for you! Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Dr. Rick Chromey FA: Parent Communication Sculpture: A 3-D Experience! PRES Explore the world of three dimensional art for young children. Join us in creating “hi-flying” art, floating sculpture, glitz and glitter creations, weaving wonders and more! Get that creativity flowing — and learn to encourage children’s highest level of thinking! Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Chris Smith FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Assessments & Observations PRES This session will discuss tips and techniques to help teachers make the most of assessments in their classrooms. Speaker: Tym Smith FA: Observation & Assessment

Teaching Holy Habits PRES There’s never a better time to lay a foundation for Holy Habits: Praying, serving, and scripture memorization. There are many other Holy Habits, but these are especially appropriate to start teaching our littlest ones. You’ll get all kinds of NEW ideas to lead your kids to embrace these three Holy Habits. Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Tina Houser FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Stick It With Science! PRES This session covers a mix of topics including weather and natural disas-ters. Through engaging demonstrations and hands-on experiments, teachers will gain fresh ideas about teaching temperature, wind, rain, evaporation, condensation, and much more. Making the water cycle in a baggie and participating in wind experiments is always fun! Teachers will also learn how to address the unpredictable forces of nature in gentle, captivating ways like building and erupting a volcano, creating model droughts and floods, and role playing the importance of First Responders during a mock earthquake. Of course, there is a focus on how to stay safe in harsh weather or natural disasters. Offered in sessions 1, 2, 3, 5) Speaker: Barbara Cargill FA: Math & Science

Faith Development for Young Children PRES Learn how to develop a faith based Christian circle time for preschoolers. See how songs, Bible stories, art projects, and drama can build upon a young child’s curiosity and understanding of God’s creation of the world leading to the birth of Jesus Christ and His ministry. Find out how pup-pets, flannel figures, and concrete activities can illustrate to young chil-dren just how much God loves us! Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Susan MacHugh FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Check Your Face & Other Body Parts at the Door! PRES Spend this session checking out yourself and how your physical affect and actions may impact the young children you serve. A unique oppor-tunity to reflect on your physical self and how that contributes to build-ing esteem, rapport, & trust in young children. Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Marianne Gibbs FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Making the Connection: Math & the Bible? Yes! PRES Join us to learn how to lay a strong foundational understanding of math with preschoolers. You will leave with ideas for hands-on math activities and will also learn how to connect math with well-loved Bible stories! Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Peggy Osborne FA: Math & Science Boys, Boys, Boys! PRES Oh no! A roster FULL of boys! This session will focus on constructive ways to teach our boys how to reach their educational, spiritual, and emotional needs. Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Courtney Osborne FA: Child Growth & Development Identify, Avoid, & Plan Ahead: Strategies for Self-Defense PRES/MDO This interactive session will help you learn strategies and techniques to increase your defensive skills, intuition and awareness of self defense. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss local crimes. Hands-on training includes a variety of self defense techniques, including strike and release. Everyone can learn self defense! Offered in sessions 1, 2, & 3. Speaker: Melanie Michaelchuk FA: Professional Development Emotional Development in Young Children PRES How young children experience and interpret the world around them influences their sense of security, confidence, self-image and much more! We will discuss responsive caregiving, how to help children deal with challenges, and the importance of discussing “feelings’ with even the youngest of children. Emotionally healthy children grow up to be-come compassionate, self-confident, and empowered adults! Speaker: Kara Gore FA: Child Growth & Development

Remember: Last minute cancellations will be posted outside the session rooms and high-lighted in our morning announcements. It is unavoidable that some of your chosen sessions will be full, but be aware that many of the workshops are repeated during the day. If a workshop session will be repeated, it will be noted in italics at the end of the session de-scription.

Director’s Track

Professionalism & Ethics Speaker: Natasha Owoseni As directors, we are the face and heart of the school. In this session, we will discuss what professional leadership is and what it looks like when it is carried out daily in the facility and how to demonstrate leadership consistently. FA: Professional Development The DNA of Difficult People Speaker: Lori Buxton Dear Lori: Why are difficult people, well. . . So difficult? Why do they act that way? Is it me or is it them? They are driving me crazy, but I need them, so do I groom’em or broom’em? Dear Leader: These are great questions and I will add one more to our discussion: How much of what we are doing is about fixing them vs. understanding them? Join me for these answers and much more! FA: Professional Development

Canoeing the Mountains: Leading into a Future that is Nothing Like the Past Speaker: Rev. Kevin Rudolph Lewis and Clark, in their famous adventure to discover a water route from the Mississippi to the Pacific ocean, used canoes for their trip — until they hit the Rocky Mountains! How do you lead in a future that is not like the past? That is the challenge for today’s leadership. Using insights from Tod Bolsinger’s book, Canoeing the Mountains, we will look at what it takes to lead in a situation that is radically different from where we have come from. The short answer is adaptive leadership. Join us as we discover how to forge ahead into uncharted territory! FA: Professional Development


MDO/Preschool Track

Age Appropriate Activities & Curriculum for 1’s & 2’s MDO Curriculum isn’t only what and how you teach but also why you teach. It is important that we plan activities to support development in our 1 and 2 year olds classes. As educators, we are not babysitters, and must en-gage our children with age appropriate activities. With correct activities and curriculum, we can promote creative movement, problem solving, and sensory development. Speaker: Albert Wright FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum The Benefits of Music with Infants & Toddlers MDO Studies have shown that early musical training benefits children even before they can walk or talk. Your infants and toddlers that participate in interactive music classes will smile more, communicate better, and show earlier and more sophisticated brain responses to music. This session will show you how to integrate music into your everyday routine. Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Brooke Wright FA: Music & Movement Montessori Method 2 for 2’s MDO In this session, you will learn a teaching method that you are sure to use! It’s called “the three period lesson”. We will also learn what “work rugs” are, how to teach your students to focus, concentrate, work inde-pendently, respect their classroom and others. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Kimberly Stephens FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Do You DAP? MDO/PRES Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Action DAP means meeting children where they are and helping them to reach challenging and achievable goals. Identify the five aspects of good teach-ing, and explore examples of developmentally appropriate practices and activities for each. You will be ready to provide what your children need most to grow and learn! Offered in sessions 2 and 5. Speaker: Diane Goyette FA: Child Growth & Development Sculpture: A 3-D Experience! PRES Explore the world of three dimensional art for young children. Join us in creating “hi-flying” art, floating sculpture, glitz and glitter creations, weaving wonders and more! Get that creativity flowing — and learn to encourage children’s highest level of thinking! Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Chris Smith FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Becoming a Reflective & Intentional Teacher PRES Are you ready to take your career to the next level? This open discussion will focus around reflection and making the most of teachable moments using your own experiences. Speaker: Tym Smith FA: Professional Development

Growing Smart Kids MDO/PRES Today’s youth are being born into a global world where everything is digital and social media has created an alternate reality. Though it is an exciting time, it also has challenged the ability of today’s generation to develop healthy social and emotional skills. This session provides an introduction to emotional intelligence and strategies to develop the next generation’s emotional literacy to build a foundation for self-esteem, growth mindset, and working with others. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Thecia Jenkins FA: Child Growth & Development

Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Guidelines for MDO/PRES Ensuring Your Expectations are Realistic Yet Challenging Teaching practices should attend to the child as an individual, be aligned with his age and level of development, and responsive to his interests and cultural background. This is a tall order! Join us to learn what DAP is and how it informs your work. We’ll discuss developmental milestones, expectations for learners, and setting up a DAP classroom. Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Dr. Carrie Cutler FA: Child Growth & Development

Creative Arts Help Make Bible Truths “Sticky” PRES Music, graphic arts, and movement help develop the right brain in a school setting that generally stimulates and nurtures left brain thinking. Activities full of interactive music, art, and movement help make God’s Word understandable and “STICKY”. Speaker: Karen Apple FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Roots & Fruits: PRES Planting, Tending, & Harvesting a Classroom of Learners Learning happens, but how? Is it by plan or planting? Is it by gimmicks or guidance? In this insightful workshop we will investigate the parable of the soils to discover how learning is organic and driven by human needs of grace, community, empowerment, dignity, pleasure and securi-ty. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Dr. Rick Chromey FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Making the Connection: Math & the Bible? Yes! PRES Join us to learn how to lay a strong foundational understanding of math with preschoolers. You will leave with ideas for hands-on math activities and will also learn how to connect math with well-loved Bible stories! Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Peggy Osborne FA: Math & Science Boys, Boys, Boys! PRES Oh no! A roster FULL of boys! This session will focus on constructive ways to teach our boys how to reach their educational, spiritual, and emotional needs. Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Courtney Osborne FA: Child Growth & Development

Session 3 Workshops Thursday, July 27, 2017 11:30 am - 12:20 pm

Director’s Track


DiSCover Optimal Team Performance Speaker: Thecia Jenkins Discover the secret to building a team that is engaging, productive, and decreases conflict! This interactive session introduces the DiSC Behavioral Analysis to equip teams to function cohesively so that they are able to better communicate, effectively handle conflict, and motivate each other to meet their organizational goals. FA: Professional Development Finders, Keepers — Becoming the Provider of Choice Speaker: Lori Buxton “Mirror, mirror on the wall, how do I become the best provider of all?” Such a great question! In our time together we will evaluate what “the best” looks like from the perspective of the child, the family, the staff and the community. We will answer questions like, “Do I know what they need and do I have it?” and “Do I understand what they want and can I provide it?” We will then turn those answers into both our invitation to enroll and our inspiration to stay! FA: Professional Development

MDO/Preschool Track

**LUNCH #1 IS SERVED DURING THIS TIME Music for Little Ones MDO Are you ready to get energized? Come to this high energy session that will introduce ways to help keep those little one’s attention through a variety of popular songs that keep kids enthused and excited to partici-pate in music. You don’t need to be a strong singer to teach children how much fun music, movement, and learning can be! Sessions 3 & 5. Speaker: Shelley Akins FA: Music & Movement

Montessori Method Basics: Components of the Classroom for 2’s MDO Come and learn the basics of the Montessori classroom and apply some of the techniques tomorrow! Here you learn techniques that will bring

peace to your classroom and foster independence in your students! Learn how to beautify your classroom to make it an inviting living space where children, and you, will love to come. Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Kimberly Stephens FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Understand the Texas Pre-K Guidelines PRES “Will my child be ready for kindergarten?” This is a common question all early education teachers hear from parents. It is also a question you have to be careful answering. Come learn the basic information about the Texas Pre-K guidelines and how it can help you prepare children for success. Speaker: Tym Smith FA: Child Growth & Development

MDO/Preschool Track


Oh My Goodness! PRES Aren’t those words you love to hear come out of the mouths of your preschoolers when you’ve introduced something new? In this session, we’re going to give you lots of “Oh my goodness” activities that will have your kids fascinated. When you hear those three words, you know you’ve cleared the way for learning! Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Tina Houser FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Faith Development for Young Children PRES Learn how to develop a faith based Christian circle time for preschoolers. See how songs, Bible stories, art projects, and drama can build upon a young child’s curiosity and understanding of God’s creation of the world leading to the birth of Jesus Christ and His ministry. Find out how pup-pets, flannel figures, and concrete activities can illustrate to young chil-dren just how much God loves us! Offered in sessions 1 & 2. Speaker: Susan MacHugh FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Sit Right,” “Walk Right,” “Hold It Right,” & PRES Other Useless Commands In this session, we explore the dynamic developmental processes behind desired functional classroom behaviors. Dig deeper into understanding the development of the young child while broadening your perspective and implementation strategies. Speaker: Marianne Gibbs FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Identify, Avoid, & Plan Ahead: Strategies for Self-Defense PRES/MDO This interactive session will help you learn strategies & techniques to increase your defensive skills, intuition and awareness of self defense. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss local crimes. Hands-on training includes a variety of self defense techniques, including strike and release. Everyone can learn self defense! Offered in sessions 1, 2, & 3. Speaker: Melanie Michaelchuk FA: Professional Development

Cooking With Kids PRES Let’s get cooking! Cooking with young children can be a daunting task, but it can be done! In this workshop, we’ll explore how to introduce young children to the math and science concepts inherent in the cooking process. We’ll have fun as we measure, pour, scoop, and stir our way through quick and easy recipes that everyone is sure to love! Partici-pants will leave with a cookbook full of recipes, tips for classroom and time management during cooking projects. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Kendolyn Pope FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Stick It With Science! PRES This session covers a mix of topics including weather and natural disas-ters. Through engaging demonstrations and hands-on experiments, teachers will gain fresh ideas about teaching temperature, wind, rain, evaporation, condensation, and much more. Making the water cycle in a baggie and participating in wind experiments is always fun! Teachers will also learn how to address the unpredictable forces of nature in gentle, captivating ways like building and erupting a volcano, creating model droughts and floods, and role playing the importance of First Responders during a mock earthquake. Of course, there is a focus on how to stay safe in harsh weather or natural disasters. Offered in sessions 1, 2, 3, 5) Speaker: Barbara Cargill FA: Math & Science Preschool Stressors PRES Many preschool children face family challenges or life changes that can easily shape their behavior at school. A new baby, divorce, poor par-enting, or a death in the family can all have a profound influence on a child’s development. We will discuss how young children interpret stress around them, how children react to stress, and how to empower chil-dren to handle these issues. We can find effective ways to help not only the child — but the family as well! Speaker: Kara Gore FA: Child Growth & Development

MDO/Preschool Track

**LUNCH #2 IS SERVED DURING THIS TIME STEM for Infants & Toddlers: Putting Little Problems MDO in Their Way to Engage It’s never too early for children to begin to make sense of the world around them. Join us to discover how thoughtful questioning and inten-tional planning will magnify the STEM already present in your classroom centers. You will leave this session with 12+ play-based STEM activities to nurture the habits of mind (persistence, generalization, creativity, organization, etc.) necessary for scientific inquiry with your bottle-toting babblers! Offered in sessions 4 and 5. Speaker: Dr. Carrie Cutler FA: Professional Development

Fit & Fun for Everyone — Pumped Up! PRES Come join us for an interactive session where you will learn ways to add exercise to any activity. You can add exercise to everything that you do! From science, to math, to letter learning — there is always time to exer-cise your heart! Come learn how you can make ‘activ’ ities active! Speaker: Stella King FA: Music & Movement


Session 4 Workshops Thursday, July 27, 2017 12:30 pm - 1:20 pm

Director’s Track


Too Close, Too Comfortable: Personal vs. Professional Relationships Speaker: Natasha Owoseni Each day, we educate our children concerning boundaries — while the staff and leadership daily overstep the same principles we teach. In this ses-sion, we will discuss the differences between personal and professional relationships and how not to cross professional boundaries. FA: Professional Development Something Always Interrupts My Plan! Speaker: Peggy Osborne There is so much to do in ministry! How do I prioritize and manage my time effectively? How do I determine what IS important? God? Family? Ministry? How does it all fit together? FA: Professional Development

Session 3 Workshops Thursday, July 27, 2017 11:30 am - 12:20 pm

MDO/Preschool Track

Music & the Brain MDO/ PRES Join us in learning how music affects our brain and it’s development. How can we use music properly to benefit our children? Sessions 3 & 5. Speaker: Courtney Osborne FA: Music & Movement Dealing With Those Little Angels (and Devils): PRES Connecting Spiritual Life & Behavior James Dobson was famous for encouraging adults to “shape the will” of children without “breaking the spirit”. That’s a wonderful thing to say, but just how does one accomplish that in the classroom? Just what can young children understand about being spiritual people? How can we shape their wills without breaking their spirits? This session will look at the extraordinary opportunity to teach spiritual truths to children that will last them their whole lives! Speaker: Rev. Kevin Rudolph FA: Child Growth & Development Making Your Class Rock! PRES “You Rock!” is one of the highest compliments a child can give a teacher. What makes some classrooms more fun than others? Why are some teachers remembered into adulthood when most are quickly forgotten? What can set YOUR class apart from all the rest? While at the same time, have a greater life impact? Rock your class and rock a kid’s world! Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Karl Bastian FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Partner with Parents to Provide “Lifestyle Learning” PRES Many young parents want to provide integrated, school & home learning experiences for their kids. Teachers can equip them with teaching strat-egies and activities that reinforce classroom lessons. The intentional “lifestyle learning” parents provide cements abstract concepts, help kids hone new skills and provides the repetition and relevance needed to make learning meaningful & memorable. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Karen Apple FA: Parent Communication

Fit & Fun for Everyone! PRES Come join us for an interactive session to learn a variety of ways to exer-cise your heart for preschool children in a large group, small group, in-doors, outdoors, on a fit & fun budget — or no budget at all! Exercising your heart can be done anywhere and everywhere! Come learn ways to exercise your heart in the classroom, outside & everywhere in between! Speaker: Stella King FA: Music & Movement

Identify, Avoid, & Plan Ahead: Strategies for Self-Defense PRES/MDO This interactive session will help you learn strategies and techniques to increase your defensive skills, intuition and awareness of self defense. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss local crimes. Hands-on training includes a variety of self defense techniques, including strike and release. Everyone can learn self defense! Offered in sessions 1, 2, & 3. Speaker: Melanie Michaelchuk FA: Professional Development

Check Your Face & Other Body Parts at the Door! PRES Spend this session checking out yourself and how your physical affect and actions may impact the young children you serve. A unique oppor-tunity to reflect on your physical self and how that contributes to build-ing esteem, rapport, & trust in young children. Offered in sessions 1 & 3. Speaker: Marianne Gibbs FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Stick It With Science! PRES This session covers a mix of topics including weather and natural disas-ters. Through engaging demonstrations and hands-on experiments, teachers will gain fresh ideas about teaching temperature, wind, rain, evaporation, condensation, and much more. Teachers will also learn how to address the unpredictable forces of nature in gentle, captivating ways like building and erupting a volcano, creating model droughts and floods, and role playing the importance of First Responders during a mock earthquake. Of course, there is a focus on how to stay safe in harsh weather or natural disasters. Offered in sessions 1, 2, 3, 5) Speaker: Barbara Cargill FA: Math & Science



Director’s Track

Establishing & Maintaining an Effective Organization Speaker: Natasha Owoseni In order to be successful directors, it is essential to have an enhanced understanding of effective management and leadership within the childcare setting. Being a successful leader motivates those who are following you as you build a collaboration to accomplish your vision/mission/goals/educational philosophies for your school. FA: Professional Development

Turn Your Falling Stars Into Super Stars! Speaker: Lori Buxton If there aren’t enough really great teachers to fill our classrooms, how do we turn the struggling teachers we have into the super star teachers we need? This reflective conversation will give us new eyes to recognize the potential in the people on our team and challenge our strategies and com-mitment to developing that potential! If you can’t find them, you must grow them! FA: Professional Development

MDO/Preschool Track

Advance Toddler Development MDO Toddlers are wonderful and weird! They are experiencing difficult physi-cal challenges and working towards important developmental mile-stones. Additionally, they lack crucial social skills and need extremely specific environments! We will put ourselves in their shoes! Speaker: Kara Gore FA: Child Growth & Development

Adding “Relationship Time” to Your Curriculum MDO/PRES Most of the brain’s development happens within the first 5 years of life, and the most important influence on this development is the responsive relationship of a caring adult. When you create opportunities for build-ing and maintaining adult-child relationships into your classroom, you are providing the best brain-building tool that there is! Sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Diane Goyette FA: Teacher-Child Interactions

Generations: Boom, X, Millennials, iTech PRES Currently four American generations are active in the social fabric of our country. In this session, you’ll discover the differences between the Boom (1943-1960), Gen X (1961-1981), Millennial (1982-2004), and the emerging iTech (2005-present) generations and how to interact, lead, and engage each one. If you want to know where we’ve come from and where we’re going, this session is for you! Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Dr. Rick Chromey FA: Parent Communication

Teaching Holy Habits PRES There’s never a better time to lay a foundation for Holy Habits: Praying, serving, and scripture memorization. There are many other Holy Habits, but these are especially appropriate to start teaching our littlest ones. You’ll get all kinds of NEW ideas to lead your kids to embrace these three Holy Habits. Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Tina Houser FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Cooking, Snack Time & Conversation With Preschoolers PRES Come and experience the art of cooking with young children. Learn how to measure, mix, and create age appropriate and theme-based snacks. Find out about the necessary equipment needed to build a successful kitchen in your preschool classroom. Offered in sessions 4 & 5. Speaker: Susan MacHugh FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

The Inclusion Classroom: How to Build & Execute LRE PRES LRE refers to the setting where a child with a disability can receive an appropriate education designed to meet his or her educational needs, alongside peers without disabilities. Least restrictive environment (LRE), is one of several vital components in child development and plays a criti-cal role, influencing where a child spends his or her time at school, how services are provided, and the relationships the child develops within the school community. Speaker: Albert Wright FA: Care of Children with Special Needs Learning Through Play — Centers & Circle Time PRES Centers and circle time are exciting ways of learning for little minds and hands! We will share many teaching games and manipulatives that are fun and can be incorporated in with your lesson plans. A fun and exciting learning experience promotes a confident and joyful child and sends them on their way better prepared for the next step in their education — and beyond! Speakers: Cindy Baxter & Leisha Davis FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum On-Going, Authentic Assessment — Letting the Parents In PRES Authentic assessment – a system of observation, documentation, and analysis that helps track a child’s progress toward meeting early learning expectations – is one of the most important tools that early childhood educators use in the classroom. This session will discuss how to help parents understand the process. Speaker: Chris Smith FA: Parent Communication Science Center on a Shoestring! PRES Is your science center stocked with a few rocks, a magnifying glass and a dead insect or two? Are you stumped about how to make your science center more inspiring and impactful? Come learn how to build your sci-ence center with 10 inexpensive and easy to find items. Then, discover the many activities you can do! Offered in sessions 1 & 4. Speaker: Kendolyn Pope FA: Math & Science

MDO/Preschool Track

Growing Smart Kids MDO/PRES Today’s youth are being born into a global world where everything is digital and social media has created an alternate reality. Though it is an exciting time, it also has challenged the ability of today’s generation to develop healthy social and emotional skills. This session provides an introduction to emotional intelligence and strategies to develop the next generation’s emotional literacy to build a foundation for self-esteem, growth mindset, and working with others. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Thecia Jenkins FA: Child Growth & Development

STEM for Infants & Toddlers: Putting Little Problems MDO in Their Way to Engage It’s never too early for children to begin to make sense of the world around them. Join us to discover how thoughtful questioning and inten-tional planning will magnify the STEM already present in your classroom centers. You will leave this session with 12+ play-based STEM activities to nurture the habits of mind (persistence, generalization, creativity, organization, etc.) necessary for scientific inquiry with your bottle-toting babblers! Offered in sessions 4 and 5. Speaker: Dr. Carrie Cutler FA: Professional Development

MDO/Preschool Track


Montessori Method 2 for 2’s MDO In this session, you will learn a teaching method that you are sure to use! It’s called “the three period lesson”. We will also learn what “work rugs” are, how to teach your students to focus, concentrate, work inde-pendently, respect their classroom and others. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Kimberly Stephens FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Music for Little Ones MDO Are you ready to get energized? Come to this high energy session that will introduce ways to help keep those little one’s attention through a variety of popular songs that keep kids enthused and excited to partici-pate in music. You don’t need to be a strong singer to teach children how much fun music, movement, and learning can be! Sessions 3 & 5. Speaker: Shelley Akins FA: Music & Movement

Do You DAP? MDO/PRES Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Action DAP means meeting children where they are and helping them to reach challenging and achievable goals. Identify the five aspects of good teach-ing, and explore examples of developmentally appropriate practices and activities for each. You will be ready to provide what your children need most to grow and learn! Offered in sessions 2 and 5. Speaker: Diane Goyette FA: Child Growth & Development

Music & the Brain MDO/ PRES Join us in learning how music affects our brain & it’s development. How can we use music properly to benefit our children? Sessions 3 & 5. Speaker: Courtney Osborne FA: Music & Movement

Unleashing Your Own Creativity PRES You can spend years using other’s ideas, but then when the resource is gone or used up, you are stuck needing something else. Learn how to unleash your own creativity. EVERYONE is creative! You just need to learn how to tap into your God-given creativity, and then the ideas will gush out and into your lessons! Speaker: Karl Bastian FA: Professional Development

Roots & Fruits: PRES Planting, Tending, & Harvesting a Classroom of Learners Learning happens, but how? Is it by plan or planting? Is it by gimmicks or guidance? In this insightful workshop we will investigate the parable of the soils to discover how learning is organic & driven by human needs of grace, community, empowerment, dignity, pleasure and security. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Dr. Rick Chromey FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Keep Your Cool So the Kids Around You Don’t’ Loose Theirs! MDO/PRES Preschoolers are on a behavioral learning curve. They look at us to pro-vide models they are bound to follow. Adopt attitudes, strategies, and simple techniques to maximize classroom management and teach young learners how to “cool their engines, keep cool & successfully motor on.” Speaker: Karen Apple FA: Teacher-Child Interactions

The Family Connection PRES Whether it’s a simple cup of coffee “connection,” providing family sup-port, or deepening parent engagement with interactive solutions, WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER! Join in a time of exploring specific tools, strate-gies and creative solutions for strengthening parent involvement with a hands-on approach because — at the close of the day — a child’s success is overwhelmingly dependent on the positive involvement of parents. Let’s make it happen! Speaker: Chris Smith FA: Parent Communication

The Nine Essential Learning Centers PRES Ready for some fun and great ideas? This session is loaded with pictures and examples! We will discuss the national recommendations for learn-ing centers in an early childhood classroom. Speaker: Tym Smith FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Oh My Goodness! PRES Aren’t those words you love to hear come out of the mouths of your preschoolers when you’ve introduced something new? In this session, we’re going to give you lots of “Oh my goodness” activities that will have your kids fascinated. When you hear those three words, you know you’ve cleared the way for learning! Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Tina Houser FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Cooking, Snack Time & Conversation With Preschoolers PRES Come and experience the art of cooking with young children. Learn how to measure, mix, and create age appropriate and theme-based snacks. Find out about the necessary equipment need to build a successful kitch-en in your preschool classroom. Offered in sessions 4 & 5. Speaker: Susan MacHugh FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Making Sense of Sensational Senses! PRES This engaging workshop gives insight into the world of our SEVEN senses and how those senses affect the lives of children and each one of us on a daily basis. Learn about rationale, activities, and practical techniques to assist students with sensory challenges and promote more effective classroom learning. Speaker: Marianne Gibbs FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Stick It With Science! PRES This session covers a mix of topics including weather and natural disas-ters. Through engaging demonstrations and hands-on experiments, teachers will gain fresh ideas about teaching temperature, wind, rain, evaporation, condensation, and much more. Making the water cycle in a baggie and participating in wind experiments is always fun! Teachers will also learn how to address the unpredictable forces of nature in gentle, captivating ways like building and erupting a volcano, creating model droughts and floods, and role playing the importance of First Responders during a mock earthquake. Of course, there is a focus on how to stay safe in harsh weather or natural disasters. Offered in sessions 1, 2, 3, 5) Speaker: Barbara Cargill FA: Math & Science Impossible Co-Parenting: MDO/PRES How to Deal With Difficult Parents Building relationships with parents is a huge part of an educator’s job, but dealing with difficult parents can seem impossible at times. This ses-sion will show you how to take on the idea of co-parenting, even with individuals that seem impossible to get along with. It’s important to fo-cus on the outcome, and not the current turmoil! Speaker: Albert Wright FA: Parent Communication Cooking With Kids PRES Let’s get cooking! Cooking with young children can be a daunting task, but it can be done! In this workshop, we’ll explore how to introduce young children to the math and science concepts inherent in the cooking process. We’ll have fun as we measure, pour, scoop, and stir our way through quick and easy recipes that everyone is sure to love! Partici-pants will leave with a cookbook full of recipes, tips for classroom and time management during cooking projects. Offered in sessions 2 & 5. Speaker: Kendolyn Pope FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum

Afternoon Speaker Thursday, July 27, 2017 2:35 pm - 3:30 pm Anita Renfroe All Conference Attendees should report to the Worship Center at this time.

Karen Apple is a licensed children’s minister for kids, birth through fifth grade, with experience designing two over the top weekday preschools in Charlotte, NC. She speaks at national conferences & is a contributing writer for K! Maga-zine & the Children’s Ministry Brain Trust. Karl Bastian, aka “The Kidologist,” is the founder of Kidology.org and the host of KidminTalk.com. A veteran children’s pastor who received a Call to kids ministry at the age of ten, his life Mission is to Equip and Encourage those who minister to children. Through speaking, writing, and training, Karl seeks to chal-lenge others to reach and teach kids for Jesus through a relational ministry approach. Cindy Baxter loves working with children! She started her career with the Illi-nois State Dept. of Education in Springfield and after moving to Houston, worked 30 years for Cy-Fair ISD. She has been teaching with the Adventure Preschool for 13 years, and has also taught Bible School, Sunday School, and Summer Camp here at Windwood. Lori Buxton has been involved in Early Care & Education since 1995 & has served children & their families on many levels, including classroom teacher, trainer, children’s pastor & executive child care administrator. Lori is the found-er of the Gulf Coast Directors Network in southeast Texas. Barbara Cargill, director of Wonders of the Woodlands Science Camp, helps teachers enhance and supplement their science curriculum with fresh, innova-tive ideas. Dr. Rick Chromey is the Founder and President of MANNA! Educational Ser-vices International, a non-profit organization that creates “training that’s curious-ly Divine!” He travels widely empowering leaders to lead, teachers to teach and parents to parent. Rick lives with his wife Linda in beautiful Boise, ID and in his spare time enjoys St. Louis Cardinal baseball. www.mannasolutions.org Dr. Carrie Cutler is a frequent presenter at local, regional, and national confer-ences on mathematics and early childhood education. She is also an adjunct professor in the College of Education at the University of Houston, and at the University of Houston-Downtown.

Leisha Davis has been teaching and shaping little minds for over 10 years. There is nothing more rewarding to her than seeing a young child’s eyes light up while learning. Prior to working in the education field, Leisha worked at IBM for 20 years in various roles. During her year at IBM she volunteered many hours to tutoring K-2nd grade reading and math skills. Marianne Gibbs, MOT, OTR, is an occupational therapist & education speaker. She is a national speaker and the creator of “Fine Motor Skills. . . Write Out of the Box.” Kara Gore has worked in the ECE field for over 20 years. Besides teaching in various ECE programs, she previously worked for Child Care Licensing as a Licensing Specialist. Kara has served as an expert witness/consultant in child care legal cases for TASS and has taught courses at Brazosport College. Diane Goyette is a Master Registered Level Trainer with the Texas Early Child-hood Professional Development System, a Child Development Specialist, & a certified Child Care Health Consultant. She is the owner of Early Childhood Specialties LLC, and serves as adjunct profession at Sam Houston State Uni-versity. Diane Havens is the owner of Kids in Action, Inc. She has a BA in Education and has taught children for over 30 years. She created Kids in Action to provide a valuable tool for children to develop to their maximum potential with out fear of failure or competition. Her goal for each child is to have fun and feel good about themselves and their accomplishments. Tina Houser has been a writer of church school curriculum for over 20 years. She is a popular workshop presenter, always bringing energetic and engaging topics to her audiences. She is a published author in the areas of storytelling and bringing the Bible to children. Sharon Jackson has directed a successful birth to five Head Start program for over 17 years. Sharon’s background includes work in public and Montessori education, as well as for profit, in home, faith based and military child care in the United States and overseas. She has also served as an NAEYC validator, a leader in faith based settings, and an active community child care trainer and advocate.

MDO/Preschool Track


Prayer Can Be Exciting for Preschoolers! PRES Do you hear the same prayers over and over again with your preschool-ers? Do they seem to be just “rote” words? Do the children pray togeth-er as a group? Individually? Join us as we talk about real communion

with God — the child talking to Him and listening to Him all through the day! Speaker: Peggy Osborne FA: Age Appropriate Curriculum Respectful Interactions Between Teacher & Child PRES Early interactions between teacher and child not only set the stage for future years in education, but are critical to forming strong foundations for life. Teachers must honor each child’s developmental level, unique traits and talents, and development an emotional bond with each sweet student! Speaker: Kara Gore FA: Teacher-Child Interactions


Thecia Jenkins is a graduate of Texas Wom-an’s University and has earned certificates in Behavioral Counseling, Diversity Manage-ment, and Life Coaching. She is the sole proprietor of Bold Profession Seminars and Consulting. Her background includes over 20 years in the health and social services sector. Stella King has been in the recreation field for over 17 years, directing day camps, sleep away camps and special events. She cur-rently teaches Fit & Fun and P.E. at The Adventure Preschool and ascribes to the

motto, “We don’t learn to play, we play to learn!” Marlyn Kramer is the founder/CEO of ECE Training Dynamics, LLC, and a Master Registered Trainer with the Texas Early Childhood Professional Devel-opment System. She holds a Master’s Degree in ECE. Ms. Kramer is passion-ate about young children and incorporating developmentally appropriate prac-tices in the early childhood classroom. Susan MacHugh is a registered trainer with the Texas Early Care & Education Career Development System. She is an early childhood consultant, a former preschool director/head teacher, and the support group leader for the King-wood/Humble/ Atascocita Chapter of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association. Melanie Michaelchuk is a 2nd degree black belt in TaeKwonDo and is a stu-dent of Krav Maga. She has participated in local & national TaeKwonDo tour-naments and is the owner of SMA Safety Solutions, a company that offers personal, home, and office safety and security products and seminars. Devora Miller, music specialist & speaker, has been teaching music & theatre arts to children, toddlers through sixth grade, for over 25 years. Ms. Miller has also created Big Books That Sing!, a line of educational resource products to promote literacy, multi-sensory teaching, and aid for emergent readers. She is the music specialist at The Briarwood School and teaches creative dramatics at Grace Presbyterian Church. Courtney Osborne taught kindergarten & pre-kindergarten for six years before staying home with her twins. She enjoyed her years in the classroom in private school, public school, and home bound student instruction. Courtney has en-joyed serving in the youth ministry, children’s ministry, and teaching kindergar-ten for her church’s home school enrichment program. Peggy Osborne has been in the field of education for over 25 years. Peggy spent 14 years in the elementary classroom, teaching pre-k kindergarten, 2nd & 4th grades. She has served as an administrator within the College Station ISD’s Early Childhood Dept. She is a Conscious Discipline® Certified Instruc-tor. Natasha Osoweni is the founder, presenter, and executive owner of Integrity Training & Professional Services. She has many years of education experi-ence in both childcare and traditional school settings. She is currently the owner/director of Heritage Love Academy. Cindy Pirtle was educated at both the University of Oklahoma and Oxford University in England. Cindy practiced trial law for ten years and in 2012, she completed her Certificate of Christian Studies from Fuller Theological Semi-nary. Though her Texas law license remains active, Cindy currently serves as the Director of Adult Discipleship at Windwood Presbyterian Church. Kendolyn Pope has worked in the field of early childhood education for over 15 years. She has both a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development and a Master’s Degree in Museum Education. Kendolyn

loves working and playing with children and engaging them in conversation. She brings her experiences as a nanny, classroom teacher and Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Children’s Museum of Houston to her current work as Director of Faith Schools. Christi Priddy is a 2006 graduate of the University of Mary Harden-Baylor. Following graduation, she worked for 8 years as an Early Intervention Special-ist before moving into the private classroom setting. Her work history has en-hanced her extensive knowledge of child development with a focus on develop-mental delays & intervention strategies. Christi is currently the Co-Director of Weekend Children’s Ministries and serves as a consultant in the community on appropriate developmental behaviors in children. Erika Sanchez has been passionate about doing what is right for little children for over 20 years. She holds an M.Ed. In Special Education and a B.A. in Spe-cial Education and Early Childhood. The opportunity to work in a variety of settings, public and private and as a preschool administrator has given her a wealth of experiences to share! Erika is currently a Spec. Ed. Kindergarten Inclusion teacher for Cy Fair ISD. Bradley Smith has been an adult educator and motivational speaker for over 20 years. His knowledge and expertise in the areas of child care center man-agement, human resources, leadership, business issues and classroom proce-dures have made him a much sought-after conference and seminar leader. Chris Smith is the Early Childhood Consultant for Enid Public Schools in Okla-homa, and a national workshop presenter with over 30 years experience. She combines current brain research and “best practice” strategies to create excit-ing and innovative learning activities for young children Tym Smith began working in the Early Childhood Development field in 1986. After spending more than five years in the classroom, he advanced to fill vari-ous positions, including Education Specialist, Assistant Director, Site Manager, & then, Director. Tym has served as an NAEYC Validator since 2002 & is a certified trainer. Kimberly Stephens has been teaching preschool for 22 years. She is infant and toddler Montessori certified by the American Montessori Society and holds a Director’s certification. She currently teaches toddlers at a Montessori pre-school in Spring, Texas. Stacie Williams works as an educational consultant & trainer, providing sup-port for teachers & caregivers who work with children who engage in challeng-ing behaviors. Stacie holds a master’s in Early Childhood Education & a gradu-ate certificate in Early Childhood Special Education. She is passionate about helping teachers build powerful connections with children & families. Albert Wright is a Master Level Registered Trainer with over 20 years of expe-rience in the childcare industry. His focus has always been doing what’s best for children by training directors and teachers on achievement motivation and how it benefits today’s classroom. Albert is the owner of Wright One Training. Brooke Wright is a singer/songwriter from Dallas, Texas, who has a huge passion for music and teaching children. With a BA in vocal performance and a member of the America Christian Song-writers Association, Brooke has toured the nation singing and has led workshop for many conferences. Brooke has led worship for children for the past 15 years, teaching music and movement and shar-ing the gospel!

____ Tuesday—July 25, 2017

____ Wednesday—July 26, 2017

____ Thursday—July 27, 2017

Preschool Teachers Adventure Conference CONFERENCE SPECIAL OFFER!

July 25, 26, and 27, 2017

Registration Form

Please Print!

First Name ______________________________ Last Name ____________________________ Email Address: _________________________________ **This is how we will contact you with additional information!

Position (circle one): Director / Assist Dir / PreK / MDO / Children’s Ministries / Elementary / Other: _______

School or Organization ____________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________ Phone ______________________ I will be attending PTAC on:

*Registration Fee: $_________

EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION DISCOUNT & FREE T-SHIRT for 3-Day Registration Only My conference registration & payment MUST be postmarked on or before May 31, 2017. I am subtracting 10% of my registration fees as a bonus for registering early. (Minus 10% Discount: $________) Free t-shirt size: (circle one) S M L XL XXL (circle one)

*Discount & Free t-shirt is ONLY for those registering for ALL THREE DAYS. You must circle a size to reserve your shirt. If size is not circled t-shirt will not be ordered. You will not be contacted to confirm t-shirt size.

I will be attending the Pre-Conference CPR/First Aid/SIDS/Shaken Baby Course on Monday, July 24, 2017 at an additional cost of $30.00 if attending PTAC or $40 if not attending PTAC. Payable in advance, with this registration form.

_____ Yes: NOT attending PTAC ____Yes: Attending PTAC ____ No: Do not need CPR/First Aid/SIDS/Shaken Baby Course Payment: $_________

Late Fee After June 30, 2017 Add $30: $_________

TOTAL ENCLOSED $______

Send completed form(s) and make ONE check payable to: TAPS 10555 Spring Cypress, Houston, TX 77070

281 378 4080, Fax: 281 378 4081 www.ptacconference.org

Cost: (includes continental breakfast,& lunch )

1 day = $100.00 ____ 2 day = $180.00 ____ 3 days = $250.00 ____

Registration fees are non-refundable. You may transfer your registration to another attendee for Summer PTAC 2017 only.

CEU NOTE: Per Council for Professional Recognition, CEU credit is no longer required to renew CDA. There are other options; however, we still offer the op-portunity to obtain CEUs. 1.8 Hours total for 3 days

$25 CEU Payment: $________

Continuing Education Registration Form

Preschool Teachers Adventure Conference 2017

PTAC July 25, 26, & 27

Student Registration Information

Last Name: _______________________________ First Name: ___________________________________

Previous Last Name: _______________________ Date of Birth: _________________

Phone No. Home: __________________________ Cell:__________________________

Address: _______________________________________City: ______________State:_____ Zip:_______

Mailing Address: (if different) _____________________________________________________________

Gender: ___M ___F

Course Selection

Course Title Location Start Date Course Fee

PTAC Summer Conference 2017 Offsite 7/25/2017 $25.00

Student Signature:_________________________________________________________

CEU’s are only available if you attend all 3 days of the PTAC conference.

Check in and Check out will be required for all 3 days.

Please make checks out to The Adventure Preschool or TAPS and attach this form and

the PTAC registration form to your check.

Forms must be received no later than June 30th 2017 to receive CEU’s

PTAC Summer Conference 2017 hosted by

The Adventure Preschool

10555 Spring Cypress Rd., Houston, TX 77070

281 378 4080, Fax: 281 370 4081

La Quinta Inn & Suites Element Vintage Park 18828 State Hwy 249 14555 Vintage Preserve Pkwy Houston, TX 77070 Houston, TX 77070 1-800-230-4134 1-800-997-5148 Comfort Suites Hwy 249 at Louetta Staybridge Suites Houston NW 21222 Tomball Parkway 18828 Hwy 249 Highway 249 & Louetta Houston, TX 77070 Houston, TX 77070 1-888-305-3366 1-800-230-4134

For each day that you attend PTAC you will be eligible to receive 6 clock hours, for a total of 18 clock hours for the 3 day conference. The clock hours certificate will be handed to you at registration. There will be stickers passed out for each workshop that you attend.

If you attend all three days of PTAC, you are eligible to receive 1.8 CEU’s from Texas Southern University

for a processing fee of $25.00. Your CEU request form, along with the $25.00 fee needs to be received by The Adventure Preschool by no later than June 30, 2017. Check In and Check Out will be required for all 3 days.

The cost of PTAC (1 day = $100.00, 2 days = $180.00, 3 days = $250.00) includes admission to speakers

and workshops, continental breakfast and a catered lunch. The Director’s Track is available only to Directors. Workshops will be available for Mother’s Day Out Pro-

viders and Preschool Teachers. If you have any questions regarding the Preschool Teachers Adventure Conference, please call The Ad-

venture Preschool at 281-378-4080. Fax: 281-378-4081 Our website is: www.ptacconference.org

We are GREEN! You’ll be able to download additional brochures, forms, and workshop handouts from our website listed above. Participants will be responsible for downloading and printing the workshop handouts that they want for their personal use.

Home 2 Suites by Hilton—Willowbrook 7815 Willowchase Blvd. Houston, TX 77070 1-281-897-8200 ** Mention PTAC when making reservations

DIRECTIONS: The easiest approach to our facility is to follow State Highway 249 (also called the Tomball Parkway) west towards Tomball. Take the Spring Cypress Road exit and turn right on Spring Cypress. Windwood Presbyterian Church is about one mile down on the right.

Sponsored by The Adventure Preschool

A Ministry of Windwood Presbyterian Church

10555 Spring Cypress RoadHouston, TX 77070 Phone: 281-378-4080

early hildhood educators mother’s day out th preschool

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