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Saturday, June 18
 

8:00am EDT

Check-In
Saturday June 18, 2022 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Popp Martin Student Union Leave blank

9:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

Keynote by Kelly Starling Lyons
Presenters
avatar for Kelly Lyons

Kelly Lyons

Kelly Starling Lyons is an award-winning children’s book author, teaching artist and founding member of the Brown Bookshelf, which raises awareness of Black voices writing for young readers. Her mission is to center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship and heritage. She has written more th... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Popp Martin Student Union, General Assembly Hall, Room 340

10:45am EDT

Partner Playground Break
Saturday June 18, 2022 10:45am - 11:00am EDT
Popp Martin Student Union Leave blank

11:00am EDT

Fred Rogers Production Panel
Presenters
RL

Roberta L. Schomburg Ph.D

Advisor for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie, and Alma’s Way, Fred Rodgers Productions
Roberta L. Schomburg is an advisor for the award-winning Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, new puppet series, Donkey Hodie, and animated series, Alma’s Way. She also serves as a consultant on other projects for the company. She began working as a child development consultant in 1982... Read More →
avatar for Kristin DiQuollo

Kristin DiQuollo

Supervising Producer, Donkey Hodie, Fred Rodgers Productions
As Supervising Producer of Donkey Hodie, Kristin DiQuollo provides leadership and creative vision to Fred Rogers Productions’ newest preschool series, which is inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Prior to joining the company, she led production of broadcast... Read More →
avatar for Chris Loggins

Chris Loggins

Supervising Producer, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Fred Rodgers Productions
Chris Loggins is Supervising Producer for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, overseeing all aspects of television production, working closely with partners on everything from scripting through final episode delivery and beyond, and directing live-action segments for the series. An Emmy... Read More →
avatar for Olubunmi Mia Olufemi

Olubunmi Mia Olufemi

Supervising Producer, Alma’s Way, Fred Rodgers Productions
Olubunmi Mia Olufemi is Supervising Producer of Alma’s Way, the new PBS KIDS series created by Sonia Manzano and produced by Fred Rogers Productions. Mia is responsible for overseeing all phases of production, serving as the company’s liaison with the animation studio and broadcaster... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Popp Martin Student Union, General Assembly Hall, Room 340

12:00pm EDT

Lunch
Saturday June 18, 2022 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Popp Martin Student Union Leave blank

1:00pm EDT

Ditch the Textbook & Embrace the Tech
This interactive presentation will introduce 2–3 teachers to innovative ways to bring tech into the classroom with a focus on literacy instruction. Teachers will explore hyperdocs, coding activities and more with a specific focus on literacy and fluency. Many resources, including ready-to-make templates, will be shared.Teachers will have the opportunity to brainstorm ways to incorporate the tools and resources into their literacy instruction.

Presenters
avatar for Lauren Boucher

Lauren Boucher

Southeast Consultant Digital Teaching & Learning, NC Dept of Public Instruction
Lauren Boucher has been in public education for over 15 years. She has taught 3rd grade, gifted education in grades K-8, and was a district level Digital Teaching and Learning Coach for over 8 years. She joined the NCDPI as the Southeast Digital Teaching & Learning Consultant in January... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 102

1:00pm EDT

Computational Thinking for All Children: Embedding Foundational Concepts to Empower Future Coders
This session will describe some of the foundational concepts in computational thinking (CT) and provide activity examples for early intervention providers and early childhood practitioners. Learn about the importance and how-tos of embedding CT into early learning opportunities, including story time, and how young children are ready and eager to engage in such activities.

Presenters
avatar for Jessica Amsbary

Jessica Amsbary

Technical Assistance Specialist, FPG Child Development Institute - UNC Chapel Hill
Dr. Jessica Amsbary is a Technical Assistance Specialist at the FPG Child Development Institute where she engages in research and development related to STEM innovations for young children with disabilities and supporting provider and family use of evidence-based practices for toddlers... Read More →
avatar for Christine Harradine

Christine Harradine

Research Investigator/TA Specialist, UNC Chapel Hill
avatar for Megan Vinh

Megan Vinh

Co-Director, STEMIE


Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 281

1:00pm EDT

Serve and Return: You Make a Difference
The Birth to Three Network provided through Child Care Resources Inc. is an opportunity for early educators and administrators to build relationships while working together toward a shared goal. During our sessions, we share stories and make connections. Serve and return aligns with social-emotional concepts and skills related to building positive relationships within the classroom. This training will allow early childhood educators to explore the meaning of serve and return to better support the children in their care.

Presenters
avatar for Natasha Brown

Natasha Brown

Regional Infant-Toddler Specialist, Child Care Resources Inc.
Natasha Brown is an Infant Toddler Specialist for Child Care Resources, Inc. providing coaching and training to early educators and administrators working in early childhood programs that serve children birth to three throughout Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties... Read More →



Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 290

1:00pm EDT

Imagining Equity: Starting with Our Youngest
This session will focus on early literacy as a catalyst for introducing equity in early childhood. Imagining Equity is a professional development opportunity created to support Catawba County’s Early Childhood workforce in creating equitable and affirming classroom learning environments. Social justice for preschoolers? Yes! Building our future world starts with our youngest. During this session, explore and discuss how mindfully selected children’s books can provide the opportunity for early childhood professionals to reflect on their own biases while simultaneously planting seeds of racial equity in children.


Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 147

1:00pm EDT

Mind Full or Mindful?
The materials in our classroom, how the furniture is arranged and the routines we keep affect children in our care. Their classroom experiences start and end with the teacher. In this session, we’ll discuss displays in the classroom and how to ensure that they are meaningful to children. (Examples include: center tags with a child’s name in print and their picture; classroom schedules with pictures of the activity and the activity written out in print; and asking children to describe their drawing and writing their description next to it.) We will also discuss how to clear your mind and become a more mindful teacher to promote engagement within your classroom.

Presenters
avatar for Meagan Hopes

Meagan Hopes

Child Development Specialist, Child Care Resources Inc.


Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 124

1:00pm EDT

Meet the Bee-Bots
Learn all about Bee-Bots and leave with instructional lesson ideas to take back to your classroom. Bee-Bots are a digital tool to introduce students to coding. It enhances the engagement of any lesson and encourages collaboration among scholars, preparing them for future jobs where these essential skills are needed. Get an introduction with a video of an authentic application of scholars using Bee Bots, learn a variety of instructional uses and practice using the Bee-Bots. Standards will be taken from Math and ELA NC standard Course of Study; standards will be selected on each grade level from kindergarten to 2nd grade. This presentation will share ideas on how to use letter recognition and early phonic skills with the use of Bee-Bots. A list of ideas will be provided. The presenters will also share comprehension ideas for different grade levels.

Presenters
avatar for Alicia Vosburgh

Alicia Vosburgh

Principal, Eastern Elementary


Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 165

1:00pm EDT

Beginning Readers & Decodable Text: What, Why & How
Learning to read can feel like climbing a mountain. It is full of adventure, trepidation, challenges and victories. In this session, discover how utilizing decodable text with beginning readers can provide stable footholds as they crack the alphabetic code. Participants will learn what decodable texts are, why they are useful in the process of becoming a skilled reader and how they can best be put to use with K–3 students. Leave with practical tools for implementing decodable text in your K–3 classroom.

Presenters
avatar for Mary Derfel

Mary Derfel

Education Program Consultant, Office of Early Learning, NCDPI
Mary Stanley Derfel serves in the NC DPI Office of Early Learning as an Early Education Consultant for the Piedmont Triad Region. Mary’s 18 years of educational experience include serving as a classroom teacher, a curriculum facilitator, and instructional coach. She received her... Read More →
AP

Angela Preston

Early Education Consultant, NCDPI
Dr. Angela Preston is an Early Education Consultant for the Southwest region within the Office of Early Learning. She supports districts in the Southwest region with implementation of science of reading practices, coaching supports, and RtA legislation. Prior to her role at NCDPI... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 103

1:00pm EDT

Deep Dive into Data Literacy
Take a deep dive into data literacy through the lens of assisting leadership to address problems. As a leader there are many demands and expectations to meet outcomes. To meet outcomes, data literacy defines questions, data collection, data comprehension, and data interpretation from the beginning. This data literacy approach provides an understanding on how using data helps leadership, data culture, and governance.

Presenters

Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 133

1:00pm EDT

Science of Reading Implementation Isn't An Event, It's a Process
Just as research in reading should adhere to the norms of science so should implementation. The science of implementation is structured around five overarching frameworks. This session will help you think about developing and sustaining the infrastructure you need to implement effective and well-operationalized approaches to teaching reading. When data, systems and evidence-based practices are an integrated approach, then equity and access are centered and every child achieves.

Presenters
avatar for Donna Albaugh

Donna Albaugh

Early Education Consultant, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Mother, daughter, sister, loves to learn and have fun.
KB

Kelly Bendheim

RtA Implementation Coordinator, Office of Early Learning, NCDPI



Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 155

1:00pm EDT

Meeting Families Where They Are
Hear about WHRO’s literacy programs for schools and families in the community and VPM’s work with partners around The Basics Initiative as well as how to incorporate PBS KIDS Edcamps into family engagement work. Then learn how to access and implement PBS KIDS resources and other initiatives into existing work with families for maximum impact.

Presenters
MJ

Mary Jo Grieve

Director Early Childhood Education, Virginia Public Media
Mary Jo Grieve joined the VPM team in October 2015 and has over 40 years in Early Childhood Care and Education Field as a classroom teacher, program director, administrator, advocate, and school owner. She comes with a multitude of experience as a public policy field organizer with... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 145

1:00pm EDT

Parents & Early Childhood Professionals Come Together to Support Families Experiencing Homelessness
Parents and early childhood education professionals can partner to promote the resilience of young children and their families experiencing homelessness. This session will increase awareness of the experiences of homelessness from national research and the perspective of parents in North Carolina, and will provide guidance for how to best meet the needs of these families in early childhood education settings. We will discuss the ways in which language and literacy skills are developed in early childhood via everyday interactions with nurturing adults, both caregivers and early childhood educators. Children become self-directed, motivated learners when they are in stable and safe environments. We will discuss ways this supportive environment can be provided to young children experiencing homelessness. We will also present parents’ requests for “homework support” as programming they value, and offer practical suggestions for implementing research-based methods that foster early literacy.


Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 168

1:00pm EDT

Transition to Kindergarten: Sharing Student Information Between Pre-K & Kindergarten
This session will provide the background for the state’s Transition to Kindergarten initiative and the development of a transition report that will be used by pre-K teachers to collect and share child development information with families and the receiving kindergarten teachers. Presenters will also share additional family and teacher resources to support smooth transitions into kindergarten.

Presenters
LS

Leslie Simmons

Early Childhood Education Consultant, NCDPI


Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 294

1:00pm EDT

A Playful Pedagogy: Including All Children in Outdoor Play & Learning
Gain resources for building the foundations of literacy using outdoor play and learning environments. Explore creative ways to expand vocabulary and to enhance comprehension (e.g., story stones, making letters and writing words using natural materials, reading, listening, sharing stories and describing observations.) Learn how to use nature to scaffold literacy learning by creating scavenger hunts to reinforce words, pictures and descriptions and by listening to the variety of sounds outdoors to provide a richer and more meaningful way to help with language and pre-reading skills. Finally, participants will begin assembling their own STEAM kit, which will include booklists and additional activities to help students enrich their vocabulary.

Presenters
avatar for Kathy Osborne (she/her/hers)

Kathy Osborne (she/her/hers)

Kidzone Coordinator, North Carolina Zoo
Kathy Osborne has been the Kidzone Coordinator at the North Carolina Zoo since 2016. She is also a North Carolina Certified Environmental Educator, an NAI Certified Interpretive Guide, a Project Learning Tree Early Childhood facilitator, and Project WILD facilitator. She has 15 years... Read More →
avatar for Linda Kinney

Linda Kinney

Nature Play and School programs manager, North Carolina Zoo
Linda has over 30 years experience working in both formal and informal education. For the past twenty-one years, Linda has worked in Education at the North Carolina Zoo and is currently the Nature Play and School programs manager. Linda also leads professional development trainings... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 159

1:00pm EDT

An Educator's Influence on Preschool Hygiene: Where Do We Go from Here?
As our world has been flipped upside down due to the pandemic, our children have been immensely impacted academically and social-emotionally. This presentation is a call-to-action to our community (especially our school community), educators, and a child’s first educator: their parent(s)/caregiver(s). This presentation will focus on us as a whole being the change agents within our community and a child’s microsystem to help promote healthy behavior and introduce how to utilize books, songs and poems to support proper hand hygiene. Creating awareness in a fun, memorable way will help promote sustainability and positive outcomes related to being germ conscious. Participants will be involved in open discussions, breakout sessions and a small planning session related to curriculum and assessment.

Presenters

Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 169

1:00pm EDT

I Am Molly! Molly Is Me! Using Informational Text with PBS KIDS to Teach Values in This Ever-Changing World
Alaska Public Media will share how Molly of Denali can be used in communities and schools to engage families and help parents, educators and nontraditional educators discuss values or race with young children aligned with Common Core Standards. Participants will receive a list of Molly of Denali Level-One “I Can Read” books, which help children learn to sound out words and sentences. The simple concepts and familiar words support children eager to start reading independently. Participants will engage in creating an artifact for the Molly of Denali Museum.

Presenters
SM

Stephanie McFadden

Alaska Public Media
Stephanie Joined Alaska Public Media in 2017. Stephanie is a retired Navy Cryptologist and has over 30 years of experience working with the Department of Defense, the Federal Government, and non-profit agencies. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Stephanie works... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 109

1:00pm EDT

How Are We Feeling? Using Children's Books to Enhance Social-Emotional Literacy
Emotional literacy—the ability to identify, understand and respond to emotions in yourself and others in a healthy manner—is essential for school readiness. We will look at the importance of emotional literacy and the ways children’s books can make intentional teaching of emotions fun and easy.


Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 166

1:00pm EDT

STEMulate Learning: Making the Case for STEM in Early Childhood Education
PBS Charlotte has teamed with SMART Start of Mecklenburg County to create Creative Coders, a series of workshops that engage students and families in hands-on learning utilizing PBS ScratchJr and PBS LearningMedia. Designed for pre-K students, educators and families with children ages 3–8, the workshops use guided play to introduce both kids and grown-ups to exciting digital and tangible tools designed to support the development of science inquiry and engineering design practices. Creative Coders introduces young students to the principles of programming and gets them excited about coding and STEM.

Presenters

Saturday June 18, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 161

1:55pm EDT

Outdoor Partner Playground
Saturday June 18, 2022 1:55pm - 2:20pm EDT
Courtyard

2:30pm EDT

Using Data to Build Capacity: Landscape Study of Prenatal-Age 3 Services & Supports in Meckenburg County
Explore how data can drive a community’s capacity for systems-change. By assessing strengths, needs, and gaps, we can influence and inform Mecklenburg County’s systems of support for families with young children.

Presenters
JS

Jennifer Stamp, MSW

Chief Strategy Officer, Mecklenburg Partnership for Children
I am a nonprofit executive with over 20 years experience in philanthropy, program management and legislative advocacy. I have a MS from the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. My goal is to continuously improve my programmatic implementation and evaluation... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 147

2:30pm EDT

Making Connections: Using Children's Books to Support Identity, Equity & Inclusion
Explore ways to select books to enable children to both have their lives reflected and to gain insight to the lives of others. Participants will discover how to use books that authentically portray children and families of diverse cultures, languages, configurations and circumstances. Sources and examples will be provided for sparking rich conversations and promoting inclusion.

Presenters
avatar for Camille Catlett

Camille Catlett

Consultant, University of Toledo
Camille Catlett is a scientist at the University of North Carolina's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. She has helped over 30 states to organize collaborative professional development efforts that support the full participation of each young child and his or her family... Read More →
avatar for Jessica Amsbary

Jessica Amsbary

Technical Assistance Specialist, FPG Child Development Institute - UNC Chapel Hill
Dr. Jessica Amsbary is a Technical Assistance Specialist at the FPG Child Development Institute where she engages in research and development related to STEM innovations for young children with disabilities and supporting provider and family use of evidence-based practices for toddlers... Read More →



Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 161

2:30pm EDT

Go NAPSACC: Building a Foundation of Health Equity
This presentation will describe key child health disparities, their link to child literacy and learning outcomes and the important role child care providers play in creating a more equitable future. The presenter will introduce Go NAPSACC, an evidence-based, online platform that guides child care providers through an improvement process proven to lead to healthier child care environments. As we cover Go NAPSACC Best Practices, we will highlight practices related to health topics and classroom education as well as resources available in the Go NAPSACC Tips & Materials Library to help meet these practices. We will provide examples of booklists related to nutrition and gardening, practices for reinforcing language development at meal times, incorporating literacy/numeracy into physical activities. We will also provide background information on the connections between nutrition, physical activity and cognitive development.


Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 166

2:30pm EDT

Creating with Littles
Want to get our youngest scholars creating using technology? First, discover easy ways to promote student agency. Next, experience how digital tools, like Wixie, Pear Deck, Google Slides and Flipgrid, can provide our students opportunities to create. This presentation helps students become more independent readers and writers by providing them scaffolds that help them better share their ideas electronically using a variety of media. It also provides them Universal Design for Learning as they have increased access to ways to represent their learning.

Presenters
avatar for Debbie Tannenbaum

Debbie Tannenbaum

School Based Technology Specialist, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
An educator with over twenty years of experience, Debbie Tannenbaum works each and every day to “transform” learning using technology. During her time in education, she has served both as a classroom teacher in various grades and as an elementary technology coach. Outside of the... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 103

2:30pm EDT

Three Early Reading Strategies You Need to Know
What are early reading strategies? Are they all the same? Forget the long lists of strategies. Learn three easy-to-use reading strategies that will make a difference for beginning readers, from putting individual sounds together to tackling multisyllabic words. These strategies are based in the science of reading and have been successfully used by teachers, students and parents.

Presenters
avatar for Heather Aiken, PhD

Heather Aiken, PhD

Research Scientist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute


Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 281

2:30pm EDT

The Case for Collaboration
There is a proverb that says, “To go fast, go alone; to go far, go together.” In this session you will hear from two organizations who take that proverb seriously, collaborating with many local organizations, including each other, and have embedded collaboration as a value to better meet the early childhood education challenges we face.

Presenters
LC

Lisa Cloninger

CDSA Director, Mecklenburg CDSA
avatar for Elizabeth Kabalka

Elizabeth Kabalka

Programs Director, Smart Start of Mecklenburg
Elizabeth Kabalka relocated to Charlotte in summer of 2019 with her family from Tennessee. She currently serves as Programs Director for Smart Start of Mecklenburg County, where she oversees the annual investment of more than 12 million in state funds, focused on the needs of children... Read More →



Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 109

2:30pm EDT

Families as Partners: Using Everyday Tools to Increase Learning Outcomes in Children
This session will explore North Carolina’s use of digital resources to support family engagement throughout the state. In this workshop, teachers, parents and caregivers will build upon and examine how their important roles evolve as children grow and develop. During this highly interactive session, participants will also be asked to reflect and share on what is working for them around family engagement. Lastly, this session will discuss how North Carolina partnered with Teaching Strategies, LCC to increase access to valuable resources for both teachers and families alike throughout the state.

Presenters
AM

Alexandra Morris

State-level Family Engagement Coordinator, NC DCDEE


Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 294

2:30pm EDT

Family Connections: Integrating Age-Appropriate Literacy Activities in the Home Environment
What does a family-early childhood educator partnership look like in early childhood education? And how can an early childhood educator encourage age-appropriate literacy learning opportunities in a home environment? This presentation will discuss and explore how early childhood educators and diverse families can connect to enhance the quality of a young child’s language and literacy.

Presenters
avatar for Justina Vaughan, MAT

Justina Vaughan, MAT

Mentor/ Evaluator, Early Educator Support Office at UNC Charlotte
Justina Vaughan is an experienced early childhood professional with 12 years in early care and education. She is a full-time Mentor/Evaluator in the Early Educator Support Office at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte of the Center for Educational Measurement and Evaluation... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 102

2:30pm EDT

Sparking Children's Interests: The Key to Engaged Learning
As developmentally appropriate practice is considered, teachers are encouraged to use children’s interests to plan for learning. Participants will learn how to use NCFELD with intentionality to support individual learning needs and gain knowledge of strategies to effectively facilitate learning. We’ll also discuss how this topic aligns with the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards.

Presenters
ML

Melissa Ledbetter

Mentor/Evaluator, Early Educator Support Office at UNC Charlotte
Melissa Ledbetter is a Mentor/Evaluator for the Early Educator Support Office at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Previously, Melissa served as an Education Supervisor for Yadkin Valley Economic Development District Incorporated (YVEDDI)-Head Start for eight years. In her... Read More →
BH

Brooke Hough, MAT

Mentor/Evaluator, Early Educator Support Office at UNC Charlotte
Brooke Hough graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in child development and received a master's degree in birth to kindergarten education from Salem College where she also obtained her teaching license. Brooke has taught Pre-K (in both public and private settings... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 168

2:30pm EDT

Amplify Your Read Aloud with Active Reading
We often read aloud books in our classrooms cover to cover, leaving little room for conversation and a lot of room for withdrawal of students. Amplify your read alouds with Active Reading! Active Reading is the practice of reading aloud a children's book by asking questions, building vocabulary, and connecting to the child's world. Attend this session to learn tips to elevate your reading in the classroom setting, as well as easy tips to share with families to improve reading at home. You will see the "ABCs of Active Reading" modeled with an interactive read aloud, and then we will spend time practicing so you will feel ready to amplify your read alouds in your classroom!

Presenters
avatar for Elyse Berrier, M. Ed.

Elyse Berrier, M. Ed.

Library Program Coordinator, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library



Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 165

2:30pm EDT

Honoring Culture in the Classroom with PBS KIDS
All children’s cultural identities deserve to be affirmed in early learning classrooms. In this workshop, you will learn about multicultural education, culturally relevant pedagogy and strategies for embracing various cultures within your classroom as well as how to engage families in an inclusive, culturally responsive way, utilizing PBS KIDS digital media content. Participants will also receive book ideas that promote multiculturalism in the classroom and a booklist from PBS KIDS.

Presenters

Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 169

2:30pm EDT

PBS LearningMedia 101
In this hands-on session, educators will explore PBS LearningMedia through an early learner lens. The resources available are for all students and offer children the opportunity to experience learning in an engaging and interactive way. Educators will participate in a hands-on lesson incorporating literacy and PBS KIDS. Participants will walk away empowered with new ideas and resources that they can use in their classrooms right away.

Presenters
avatar for Celia Santos

Celia Santos

PBS NC
Link to presentation for today: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U_yL27DA3Mbbh2DhNE7CSFbfzovXgxai/view?usp=sharing



Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 132

2:30pm EDT

The Sounds of Reading: Phonological Awareness in Today's Classroom
The Sounds of Reading focuses on phonological awareness, covering many concepts: rhyming, alliteration, sentence segmentation, syllables, onsets, rimes and phonemes. Each concept will be defined and explained followed by classroom application, including example activities. Connections to NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development, the NC Early Learning Inventory and kindergarten–first grade literacy standards will be discussed.

Presenters
KB

Kelly Bendheim

RtA Implementation Coordinator, Office of Early Learning, NCDPI
JF

Jessica Fitzgerald

Early Education Consultant, NCDPI
Jessica Fitzgerald is the Northwest Early Education Consultant. Prior to her current position, she taught pre-k and kindergarten and earned her national board certification in early childhood. In addition to teaching in the classroom, she served as a Digital Learning Facilitator in... Read More →
SM

Sarah Morrison

Early Education Consultant, NC Department of Public Instruction
Sarah Morrison is an Early Education Consultant in the Office of Early Learning at the NC Department of Public Instruction. She has previously served as a preschool and kindergarten teacher and as an instructional coach at the elementary and middle school levels. She holds National... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 155

2:30pm EDT

Using Data to Improve Reading Instruction in K-3 classrooms
Data, data, data—what do we do with it? In this session, participants will gain an understanding of the importance of using assessment data to improve student outcomes. The major outcome of the presentation will be to show how to impactfully analyze and use the data to inform, monitor and adjust instruction. In North Carolina, the two data sources used in elementary schools include DIBELS 8 and NC Early Learning Inventory. We will give a brief overview of these statewide formative/summative assessments and how to use these tools to drive instruction.

Presenters
avatar for Thomas Merritt

Thomas Merritt

Southeast Early Education Consultant, NCDPI
Thomas Merritt serves as an Early Education Consultant for the Northeast Region. He collaborates with colleagues to build capacity in his region and across the state focusing on analysis of student data, how data informs best instructional practices, the role of leadership in improving... Read More →
avatar for Kelly Pratt

Kelly Pratt

NC DPI Office of Early Learning, Early Literacy Consultant for the Western region
Kelly Pratt currently serves in the NC DPI Office of Early Learning as the Early Literacy Consultant for the Western region. Prior to her current role with NCDPI, Kelly spent the majority of her career as an educator in Buncombe and Henderson counties. Most recently, she served as... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 290

2:30pm EDT

Using ProwerPoint and Screencast-O-Matic to Create Learning Activities for Early Learners
This presentation will show educators how to create educational content that can be housed on YouTube for their students by using PowerPoint and their free Screencast-O-Matic accounts. Participants will also be provided with the opportunity to create materials that enhance literacy among early learners. Literacy resources to use will also be incorporated in the workshop.

Presenters
BW

Bre Wilson

Other, South Carolina ETV


Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 124

2:30pm EDT

Painting with a Twist of Literacy: Connecting Books with Painting
A canvas walk through a children’s book. This session will give participants the experience of creating art while learning practices to engage children in literacy activities. Through the creation of their own art pieces, participants will be able to both experience the joy of creation and the connection with others while presenters guide them through a story and art experience.

Presenters
avatar for Holly Wells, M. Ed.

Holly Wells, M. Ed.

Child Development Specialist, Child Care Resources Inc.



Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 145

2:30pm EDT

The Lit Fuse
Let’s get lit together! The fusion of early literacy, art and media makes a huge impact on children’s cognitive, social-emotional, language and physical development. Join in as we discuss these connections and creative ways to engage children birth to age five in early literacy.

Presenters
avatar for Jennelle Lewis

Jennelle Lewis

Early Literacy and Outreach Coordinator, Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties



Saturday June 18, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 159

3:30pm EDT

Supporting Social Emotional Learning through Classroom & Family Partnerships
Join Babies First NC as we share our remarkable experience working with ten early childcare education centers to launch an easy and impactful Social Emotional Learning (SEL) project. This two-part project added to the SEL skill level and connection between centers and their families while enhancing the center’s quality of care. Babies First NC provided instruction and coaching for early educators and families on how to implement developmentally appropriate social-emotional skills for children through literacy and supporting materials. Find out how this special project enhanced SEL, literacy, family engagement as well as physical and mental wellness for early childhood educators, children and families.

Presenters
avatar for Teresa Boykin

Teresa Boykin

Babies First NC , Infant Toddler Program Specialist, Childcare Services Association
avatar for Asata Virgo

Asata Virgo

Infant Toddler Program Specialist with the Babies First NC, Child Care Services Association
Asata is an Infant Toddler Program Specialist with the Babies First NC project housed in Child Care Services Association. Asata is an Early Intervention Specialist, Registered Circle of Security Parenting ™Facilitator, and Registered Circle of Security Classroom Approach ™Facilitator... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 133

3:30pm EDT

Building on an Equitable Foundation: Mirrors, Windows & Sliding Glass Doors
This session builds upon approaches of Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Doors aligning to Dialogic Reading and NC Foundations to support the construction of an equitable literacy footing for all children, nurturing their cultural curiosity. Participants will reflect on using literacy to promote children’s positive self-identity, awareness and appreciation of their culture and culture of others, and support development of inclusivity.

Presenters
DB

Dr. Brenda K. Williamson

DCDEE/Durham Technical Community College
Dr. Brenda K. Williamson has 36 years of experience in the field of early childhood education in a vast array of positions that have impacted the lives of children and their families in conjunction with adult learners. She has served as a task force member for The NC Foundations for... Read More →
avatar for Margo Ford Crosby, M.Ed

Margo Ford Crosby, M.Ed

Owner and Operator, TLC Consulting
Margo Ford Crosby is in her 14th career year as an early childhood professional. She has worked in the non-profit sector, public school 11 plus years, and an instructor at community colleges. Family engagement, self-awareness, and literacy are her passions. An extension of her work... Read More →
avatar for Tammy Sneed

Tammy Sneed

Director, Goddard School in Durham, NC.
Tammy Sneed has over 20 years of experience in the field of early care and education. She has served as associate director for Methodist Home for Children, founder of Eagle's Nest Early Education Advocates, as well as an Equity Leader with NCAEYC Equity Circle. Also, she has presented... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 124

3:30pm EDT

Playful, Inclusive & All Day Long: STEM for Each and Every Child
Let’s practice inclusive STEM learning and engagement opportunities for each and every child. We will discuss how to intentionally plan for and use strategies to ensure young children with and without disabilities are engaged in playful, child-centered and inexpensive STEM experiences within their everyday routines and activities. We’ll also share how STEM can support language and literacy development. Come away with curated book lists, storybook conversation tip sheets and examples of open-ended questions.

Presenters
avatar for Jessica Amsbary

Jessica Amsbary

Technical Assistance Specialist, FPG Child Development Institute - UNC Chapel Hill
Dr. Jessica Amsbary is a Technical Assistance Specialist at the FPG Child Development Institute where she engages in research and development related to STEM innovations for young children with disabilities and supporting provider and family use of evidence-based practices for toddlers... Read More →
avatar for Christine Harradine

Christine Harradine

Research Investigator/TA Specialist, UNC Chapel Hill
avatar for Megan Vinh

Megan Vinh

Co-Director, STEMIE


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 281

3:30pm EDT

The Coalescence of STEM & Early Childhood Education: Opting to Engage
Research is clear that young children begin to acquire knowledge from birth and the first five years is the most rapid period of development. STEM principles should be taught in the same manner as the basics that contribute to the development of cognitive and social-emotional domains. This presentation will empower caregivers to introduce STEM activities and concepts to young children. Participants will have the opportunity to use a developmentally appropriate children’s book and demonstrating the literacy strategy of making a connection through a STEM-based hands-on activity.


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 166

3:30pm EDT

Gray or White Matter? Both Matter for Literacy
Reading is a relatively new human invention. From infancy, children have a neural scaffolding in place upon which environmental factors refine and build reading skills. Join us for an in depth look at new brain research which postulates that the neural basis for literacy may emerge even before an infant is born and is well established by age 2.


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 290

3:30pm EDT

Behavior as Communication: Guiding Children’s Positive Social-Emotional Development
Viewing children’s behaviors as communication requires new skills that provide opportunities for children to explore their emotional expression and social interactions, rooted in a deeper understanding of children’s development. Informed by CSEFEL Pyramid Model and NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development, this session offers interactive scenario/problem-solving and discussions that will provide a foundation for new practices. It will include the CSEFEL/Pyramid Model Book Nook lists that can be used with children to support positive social behaviors. Participants will reflect on their current supports, analyze areas of growth and apply new skills in a collegial group setting.


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 294

3:30pm EDT

Supporting Children's Emotional & Social Development
During this hands-on session, caregivers will learn strategies to support children to develop positive interactions, identify and manage their emotions and recognize and address the feelings of others. By using the wheel of emotions, manipulatives and breathing techniques, caregivers will be able to address topics such as self-awareness, positive interactions, identifying and managing emotions and recognizing the feelings of others. Participants will walk away with new techniques and many useful tips and resources that they’ll be able to incorporate in their classrooms. Participants will also review multiple picture books and will receive a comprehensive list of literacy materials that address self-awareness, how to identify feelings and emotions and how to develop positive relationships.

Presenters
avatar for Elyse Berrier, M. Ed.

Elyse Berrier, M. Ed.

Library Program Coordinator, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 165

3:30pm EDT

Tech Up the Math
Discover ways that you can create transformative math learning experiences. Give students ways to visualize the math concept in a way not possible without technology, use multimodal learning and empower them to interact with their classmates’ math thinking. See how technology tools like Wixie, Flipgrid and Pear Deck’s Flashcard Factory can help you tech up your math instruction. This presentation helps build on our students’ numerical literacy. It also teaches them to better visualize math concepts, promotes math conversations between students and allows them to express their mathematical knowledge in more than one way.

Presenters
avatar for Debbie Tannenbaum

Debbie Tannenbaum

School Based Technology Specialist, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
An educator with over twenty years of experience, Debbie Tannenbaum works each and every day to “transform” learning using technology. During her time in education, she has served both as a classroom teacher in various grades and as an elementary technology coach. Outside of the... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 103

3:30pm EDT

A Great Place to Work: Creating a Healthy Organizational Climate
Early childhood administrators often have a global impression that things are going well or not so well at their center but lack specific information on which program areas contribute to those impressions. Through thought-provoking questions and engaging exercises, you will learn how to assess the organizational climate of your program that will help you create a great place to work.

Presenters
avatar for Priscilla Hayes

Priscilla Hayes

Region 6 Infant Toddler Specialist, Child Care Resources, Inc
Priscilla is an Infant Toddler Specialist for Child Care Resources, Inc. In her role as a Specialist, she supports early educators and administrators across the region (Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties) engage in continuous improvement in teaching and learning... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 169

3:30pm EDT

Career Navigation & Recruitment of Bilingual Early Childhood Educators
Representation matters. This presentation introduces Charlotte Bilingual Preschool’s new, innovative program designed to build a pipeline of bilingual early childhood educators. By increasing the number of high-quality, dual language ECE teachers, we can reduce educational disparities impacting Latinx children. At this presentation, attendees will learn about the importance of building career pathways in ECE for the Latinx community and how the Charlotte Bilingual Preschool is providing these opportunities.

Presenters
JS

Jennifer Stamp, MSW

Chief Strategy Officer, Mecklenburg Partnership for Children
I am a nonprofit executive with over 20 years experience in philanthropy, program management and legislative advocacy. I have a MS from the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. My goal is to continuously improve my programmatic implementation and evaluation... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 147

3:30pm EDT

It Takes TWO to Make a Thing Go Right
“Teamwork makes the dream work.” Each community is unique in the way it operates, how it is funded and its engagement and services. This session will address the importance of partnering with families and parents to increase engagement. It will also provide insight into strategies that successfully connect with communities, teachers and families and for assessing assets and needs as well as using the findings to leverage PBS KIDS resources. These insights have in turn informed a strategic focus and tailored approach to education services that meet the needs of communities, teachers and families. Participants will receive literacy tips to read to their early learners and best practices for introducing a new book, connecting school to home collaboration best practices.

Presenters
DK

Dr. Kimberly Mobley

Georgia Public Broadcasting


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 161

3:30pm EDT

In Whose Universe? Struggles in Shaping the Vision for Equitable Universal Pre-K
“Universal Pre-K” has become an oft tossed-about phrase but it is rarely well defined or envisioned. This session will take a creative and engaged approach to sharing what one large county has encountered and steps we’ve taken to align interests as we work to improve equity in early childhood education through the implementation of Universal Pre-K.


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 109

3:30pm EDT

Professional Learning Community: Equity in the Field of Early Childhood Education
This session will provide early childhood professionals with strategies and structures that empower them to create their own professional learning communities. Participants will learn about this collaborative and ongoing process that results in equitable outcomes for the children they serve. They will have the opportunity to acquire new skills, make connections with colleagues and reflect on their professional practices.

Presenters
avatar for Lindsay Schrenkel

Lindsay Schrenkel

Early Educator Support Office at UNCC
CT

Crystal Thomas

Mentor/Evaluator, Early Educator Support


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 168

3:30pm EDT

Can We Read It Again? Engaging Children with Picture Books & Early Mathematics
Welcome to a hands-on workshop on how to engage young children while reading aloud and opening the door to the world of early mathematics, among other topics. Get an overview of best practices to read aloud picture books, either in the home or in the classroom. This session is based on research evidence from early literacy and mathematics on impactful shared reading experiences that build children’s language and cognitive/academic skills. These strategies will be appropriate for early educators and family members to implement with children ages 4–7. We will draw curricular connections to Developmentally Appropriate Practice for early learning (NAEYC, 2020) and the NC Standard Course of Study in English Language Arts and Mathematics for grades K–2.

Presenters
DJ

Dr. Jill Grifenhagen

Associate Professor, NC State University


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ROOM 102

3:30pm EDT

PBS KIDS Self-Paced Learning
PBS KIDS offers free and flexible self-paced learning to help inspire pre-K–2 teachers and provide support for the classroom. Choose from several learning experiences designed to spark new ideas and expand your skill set.

Presenters
avatar for Angela Wilson

Angela Wilson

Educational Trainer, PBS North Carolina
Mentor and Evaluator | Early Educator Support Office | Center for Educational Measurement and Evaluation | Educational Leadership Department


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 145

3:30pm EDT

Multi-Sensory Literacy with PBS KIDS
Opportunities for literacy connections are all around us. How can we use even the simplest moments in our classrooms to spark literacy connections and meet each learner where they are? Join PBS North Carolina as we discuss how using the PBS KIDS model of Watch, Play, Explore, Share can provide opportunities for multisensory literacy learning.


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 132

3:30pm EDT

Science of Reading Resources for Little Learners
The presentation highlights alignment with preschool and pre-kindergarten developmental indicators in NC Foundations for Early Learning & Development. Objectives include an overview of the Science of Reading, sharing useful resources for literacy instruction within the classroom and supporting caregivers as they reinforce literacy skills at home. This session will provide early childhood educators with tools aligned to the Science of Reading for use in the classroom and to facilitate a literacy connection between home and school.

Presenters
avatar for Cameron Ammann

Cameron Ammann

Piedmont-Triad Early Education Consultant, NC DPI, Office of Early Learning
Cameron Ammann serves in the NC DPI Office of Early Learning as an Early Education Consultant for the Piedmont Triad Region. Cameron has 16 years of educational experience. These years include being a classroom teacher in grades Pre-k, kindergarten, first, and third. After leaving... Read More →
JF

Jessica Fitzgerald

Early Education Consultant, NCDPI
Jessica Fitzgerald is the Northwest Early Education Consultant. Prior to her current position, she taught pre-k and kindergarten and earned her national board certification in early childhood. In addition to teaching in the classroom, she served as a Digital Learning Facilitator in... Read More →
JW

Jenni Wilkinson

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Jenni Wilkinson serves as the North Central Early Learning Consultant in the Office of Early Learning. She brings 25+ years of experience in early education, having served as an elementary classroom teacher, reading specialist and literacy coach. Prior to this role, she served as... Read More →



Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 155

3:30pm EDT

What Does Equity & Justice Look Like in Early Childhood?
In this session, participants will learn about the ongoing racial disparities in early learning programs, as well as the factors that perpetuate these inequities. Participants also will be provided with concrete strategies—including how to facilitate the development of pre-literacy skills—that can be used to begin the work of equity and justice in early learning settings and promote better outcomes for young children.

Presenters
avatar for Jen Neitzel

Jen Neitzel

Executive Director, Educational Equity Institute
Dr. Jen Neitzel is the Executive Director of the Educational Equity Institute, which is focused on eliminating the educational and opportunity gaps within communities through systems level change. Prior to this work, Jen was a Research Scientist and Technical Assistance Provider at... Read More →


Saturday June 18, 2022 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, ROOM 159

4:20pm EDT

Block Party
Saturday June 18, 2022 4:20pm - 4:40pm EDT
Courtyard
 
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