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Networking/Interest Forums
Tuesday Networking
The National Jewish Early Childhood Network will host an open membership meeting and welcome reception. For more information, contact Helaine Groeger at 301-354-3203 or laineyg@aol.com.
8:00–11:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Chicago, CominskyJoin the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS) and Grounds for Play for aworkshop that will help child care providers plan outdoor learning environments. In addition to planning tips, recipients will receive the S.A.F.E. Play Areas book, lunch, and a tour of playgrounds. Preregistration required. Visit www.playgroundsafety.org or call 800-554-7529 for more information.
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Congress Plaza Hotel, Buckingham Room
Wednesday Networking
The Adventist Child Care Network will meet for its annual business and networking meeting. For more information, contact Christine Gillan-Byrne at 805-490-6055 or Christine@puconline.org.
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Chicago, DuSableJoin the NevAEYC for a networking meeting. Meet and mingle with the NevAEYC board. Food, beverages, and door prizes will be provided. For more information, contact Catherine Lyons at 702-895-1112 or Catherine.lyons@unlv.edu.
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Hilton Chicago, Private Dining Room #2All OMEP members are invited to attend the OMEP-USNC Board of Directors meeting. There will be opportunities for statements from non-board members during the meeting. For more information, contact Edna Ranck at edna.ranck@verizon.net.
5:00–9:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Field
Thursday Networking
Come network and meet your fellow Arizona AEYC members. Learn about the latest activities of the First Things First Board. Friends and colleagues of Arizona are welcome to attend! Contact Joanne Floth, 520-494-5031 or joanne.floth@centralaz.edu.
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Hilton Chicago, JolietAcknowledge and celebrate the wonderful diversity in our workplaces and the important work that we do for children and families at the Celebration of Diversity reception. All are welcome to join the party! This event is sponsored by the Black Caucus Interest Forum; Diversity and Equity Interest Forum; Family Child Care Interest Forum; Latino Caucus Interest Forum; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interest Forum; Men in Education Network (M.E.N.) Interest Forum; and the Tribal Early Childhood Network Interest Forum. For more information, please visit http://members.aol.com/menteach/.
8:00–10:00 p.m.
Hilton Chicago, Williford AThe Devereux Early Childhood Initiative invites DECA local program mentors to attend a regional meeting that will explorenew DECI resources, including DECA for infants and toddlers, Facing the Challenge/Classroom Moments DVDs, and the soon to be released Protective Factor Kits. Network with colleagues, discuss successes and challenges, and help plan new ways DECI can support community efforts to promote the social and emotional development of young children. For more information, contact Debi Mahler at 610-574-6141 or dmahler@devereux.org.
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Hilton Chicago, Lake ErieCome network with early care and education professionals from Florida sponsored by the Early Childhood Association of Florida. There will be doorprizes galore! Contact Suzanne Gellens, 813-878-9973 or eca@ecaoffl.org.
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Chicago, FieldThe Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Development at Tufts University invites you to a reception and book signing to celebrate early childhood educators! Meet Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Development faculty: George Scarlett, Ph.D., Deputy Chair of the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Development and author of the new book Children’s Play; Marina Bers, Ph.D., Director of DevTech Research Group and author of the new book Blocks to Robots: Learning with Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom; and Debbie LeeKeenan, M.A., Director of the Eliot-Pearson Children’s School. Also come to hear about our current graduate programs, new ideas, and development in the early childhood field. Light refreshments will be provided.
Contact Debbie LeeKeenan, 617-627-3355 or debbie.leekeenan@tufts.edu.
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Hilton Chicago, Private Dining Room 2The National Coalition for Campus Children's Centers (NCCCC) will host a networking session for those early childhood educators that work with children, families and college students on university and college campuses. For additional information contact Paula Berry, pberry@stchas.edu.
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Chicago, DuSableThe New York State AEYC invites fellow New York conference attendees to a networking reception. Meet the NYSAEYC president, governing board, and executive director. Please register by e-mail at nysaeyc@capital.net. Contact Dory VanNorden, 518-867-3517 or aeycconf@capital.net.
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Hilton Chicago, Lake MichiganThe North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) is an organization of educators, parents, and advocates who seek to elevate the quality of both young children’s lives and their schools/centers. The NAREA meeting of state/regional membership coordinators will allow collaboration and networking on future plans and goals. For more information, contact Judy Abrams at jabrams@andrew.cmu.edu
4:00–5:30 p.m.
Sheraton Chicago, OntarioThe North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) is an organization of educators, parents, and advocates who seek to elevate the quality of both young children’s lives and of their schools/centers. The NAREA annual reception and panel discussion is organized and facilitated by the contribution of representatives of Reggio Children. The NAREA lifetime achievement award will be presented. For more information, contact Judy Abrams at jabrams@andrew.cmu.edu.
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Sheraton Chicago, Chicago Ballroom 8/9All current and potential OMEP members are invited to attend the OMEP-USNC Membership Meeting and discuss their view of the future of early childhood education worldwide. For more information, contact Edna Ranck at edna.ranck@verizon.net.
4:00–5:00 p.m.
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Room E264
Friday Networking
The Adventist Child Care Network is assembling Adventist early childhood professionals for a sundown worship service. For more information, contact Christine Gillan-Byrne at 805-490-6055 or Christine@puconline.org.
6:30–8:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Chicago, DuSableJoin the Maryland AEYC for a networking reception! Come and meet with board members and fellow early childhood educators from the great state of Maryland.
Contact Greg Stevens, 301-706-5759 or gtstevns@hotmail.com.
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Hilton Chicago, Lake ErieThe National Jewish Early Childhood Network will host a Shabbat Dinner; attendance is by reservation only. For more information, contact Helaine Groeger at 301-354-3203 or laineyg@aol.com.
7:00–11:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Grand Ballroom AOMEP-USNC invites all conference attendees to its annual International Reception and Poster Session for a time of fellowship and learning with colleagues from around the world. Ingrid Pramling Samuelsson, president-elect, World OMEP, the World Organization for Early Childhood Education, and other world and national OMEP leaders will attend this event. For more information and to submit a poster session proposal, please contact edna.ranck@verizon.net.
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Hilton Chicago, Lake MichiganThe Ohio AEYC invites all attendees from Ohio to connect will colleagues and catch up with old friends. Contact Kimberly Tice, 419-946-6693 or exedirector@oaeyc.org.
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Hilton Chicago, Lake HuronParent Cooperative Preschools International is a service organization that supports and encourages parent involvement, participation, and education in early childhood education programs. Our networking meeting serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas amongst teachers, directors, and parents in cooperative preschools. Anyone interested in early childhood education, the philosophy of learning through play, and the guiding principle that parents are their children’s first teachers is welcome to attend. Contact Meg Kennedy Shaw at 734-665-2285 or megkennedyshaw@comcast.net.
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Chicago, ColumbianThe Program for Infant/Toddler Care invites PITC graduates and other early childhood professionals interested in infant/toddler topics to meet with PITC staff and faculty for refreshments and sparkling conversation. Information on PITC training and materials will be available. For additional information, visit the PITC exhibit booth or contact Alicia Tuesta at 415-289-2300 or atuesta@wested.org. 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Hilton Chicago, Lake OntarioThe Texas AEYC invites conferees to meet and mingle with the Texas AEYC board, staff, members, and friends at the Annual Texas Party. Come and enjoy great food, fun, and fellowship “Texas Style!” Contact LaShonda Brown, 800-341-2392 or lbrown@texasaeyc.org.
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Hilton Chicago, JolietUAEYC invites all Utah delegates and other interested conferees to socialize and network. Refreshments will be served. Contact Amy Funk, 801-280-3283 or uaeyc.mail@gmail.com
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Chicago, FieldCome join your Western States Leadership Network friends (past, present, and future) as we kick off the 2008 WSLN in Oregon. The theme is Bridging the Gap so come help us build bridges for June 25-29, 2008. Contact Carrie Hector, 541-752-2868 or WSLN2008@peak.org
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Sheraton Chicago, Ohio
Saturday Networking
The Adventist Child Care Network will assemble at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning for a worship service and lunch. For more information, contact Christine Gillan-Byrne at 805-490-6055 or Christine@puconline.org.
Hyatt Regency Chicago, DuSableThe National Jewish Early Childhood Network will host a closing meeting and Havdalah Service. For more information, contact Helaine Groeger at 301-354-3203 or laineyg@aol.com.
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Chicago, Columbian
Friday Interest Forums
Interest forums are groups of NAEYC members who share a common interest that is related to the NAEYC mission. They provide members with networking opportunities and the chance to learn and grow together. The following interest forums will hold annual meetings during the NAEYC Annual Conference; all members are invited to attend.
Meetings are scheduled at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and the McCormick Place Convention Center from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Regency Ballroom D.How do you envision NAEYC supporting children with special needs, their providers/teachers and their families? Join the At Risk and Special Needs Interest Forum to discuss special needs and your local affiliate, collaborative efforts with other groups (e.g., DEC), and how we can work together to promote our interests within the early childhood community. A poll will be devised to determine the interest and needs of our NAEYC online community members. Bring suggestions for updating our Web pages and come prepared to create a list of best resources to post on our Web page. Bring a list of your favorites or send them to Wonderlick.ecsepro@sbcglobal.net. Contact Mary Wonderlick at wonderlick.ecsepro@sbcglobal.net.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
McCormick Place, South Building, Room S403 BThe Black Caucus Interest Forum will hold its annual meeting and discussion of issues and topics of interest to African American early childhood professionals. Topics related to African American children will also be discussed. Contact Shyrelle Eubanks at ShEubanks@nea.org.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
McCormick Place, South Building, Room S404 B/CChildren's Global Issues Interest Forum aims to provide information to inform child advocates about children’s rights, early education in other nations, U.S. education policy related to international practices, and strategies for contacting early childhood educators in other countries. If you have an interest in global children's issues, join us at our annual conference reception! Contact Carol Darcy at crdarcy@tiac.net.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Room CC22 CThe Children of Incarcerated Parents Interest Forum focuses on communication, resources, support, and advocacy for children and families of prisoners. Increase or share your knowledge with other early childhood staff, college instructors, personnel from prison parenting programs, and people with loved ones in prison. Join our forum to generate materials in response to particular issues these children, their caregivers, and imprisoned parents face. Contact Fran Roznowski at froznowski@cpsd.us.
7:30–9:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Room CC23 CThe new Community Collaboration Interest Forum will bring together those involved in community collaborative efforts across the country to share common interests and learn from one another. After an opportunity to network, we will brainstorm about the next steps for this dynamic and innovative group. Contact Blakely Bundy at blakelybundy@comcast.net.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Room CC24 CDiversity, advantage, and disadvantage come in many patterns. Much like a kaleidoscope, the components are the same, but, with each permutation, the pattern changes. The Diversity and Equity Interest Forum is a place for people of varied backgrounds, experience, and outlooks to come together and explore the many parts of the whole. This year we will focus on the issues and roles of diversity and equity in early childhood education of people who are White/European American. Please join us and add your experiences, perspective, and voice to our discussion.Contact Chris Amirault at camirault@brownfoxpoint.org.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
McCormick Place, South Building, Room S 405 AThe Family Child Care Interest Forum strives to provide support, to encourage involvement and communication between family child care providers and their supporters, and to encourage members to participate in NAEYC and affiliate activities. Join us for a discussion on the successes and challenges facing family child care, as we move toward quality care and education for the children and families whom we serve. Contact Dawn Abel at 920-825-7594 or abelscc@dcwis.com.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
McCormick Place, South Building, Room S403 AConference participants interested in health and safety issues or child care health consultations are invited to meet with leaders and other members of the child care Health and Safety Interest Forum. Contact Sharon Ware at sharon.ware@ncmail.net or Laura Aird at LAird@aap.org.
6:00-7:30 p.m.
McCormick Place, South Buildling, Room S405 BJoin the Kindergarten Interest Forum for a dialogue session on the well-being of kindergarten. Plans include an opportunity to chat with NAEYC staff and/or governing board members about long-term goals to ensure that NAEYC intentionally supports kindergarten children and their teachers. Come prepared to share ideas and strategies that support advocacy efforts to ensure developmentally appropriate practices for education programs for 5- and 6-year-olds. Contact Kim Hughes at kimhughes@nc.rr.com.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Room CC24 A/BThe Latino Caucus Interest Forum invites conferees to meet and discuss issues/ concerns related to our work with Latino children, families, and staff. A particular focus of this gathering will be emerging leadership development. An informal reception will follow the session. Contact Luis Hernandez at luiswku@aol.com.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
McCormick Place, South Building, Room S402 AThe Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interest Forum will discuss how to provide high-quality early childhood education to all young children by facilitating improvements in the professional practice of early childhood education. Participants will discuss ending discrimination against LGBT educators; educating NAEYC members and others about the needs, rights, and well-being of the children of LGBT parents; and educating members and others about the need to develop self-esteem in all children, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. All are welcome. Questions, concerns, or agenda items can be sent to Steve Shuman at graymaleps@gmail.com.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
McCormick Place, South Building, Room S404 DThe Men in Education (M.E.N.) Network Interest Forum invites men and women to its annual meeting. Find out the status of efforts to organize men who teach children (see www.MenTeach.org). Get the latest information on the World Forum on Men in Early Childhood Education to be held in Hawaii in 2008. (For further information, check www.ccie.com/wf/projects/project_men_in_ece.php.) Share information on a variety of activities for men, fathers, and others who have an effect on the lives of young children. Learn how to recruit more men to your program, and how to support and retain the men you have. Help shape the future of the interest forum, have fun, and make friends! Contact Rodney West, Sr. at 619-472-0283 or MwalimuRodney@cs.com; Bryan Nelson, 612-724-3430 or BGNelson@MenTeach.org; Frances Carlson at 770-443-3611 or fcarlson@chattcollege.com; or, visit www.members.aol.com/menteach/.
6:00-7:30 p.m.
McCormick Place, South Building, Room S404 AThe Nannies Interest Forum is open to anyone working in or interested in the in-home care industry. This year’s meeting will offer general information on the industry, details on the NANC Nanny Credential, and a discussion of the role educators and resource/referral agencies play in nanny training. Contact Laura Brawley at Lora@AllAboutNannyCare.com.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Room CC22 APlease join the Play, Policy, and Practice Interest Forum for its annual business meeting. Enjoy a discussion of next year’s presentations, the newsletter, and other business. Everyone is welcome! Contact Lynn Cohen at lynncohen@aol.com.
6:00–9:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Room CC23 A/BCome to the Student Interest Forum andlearn what's new with NAEYC and students. Let us know whatyou feel are the important issues for students. Help us decide Student Interest Forum priorities for the coming year. Contact Mary Jamsek at mjamsek@attglobal.net.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Room CC22 BThe Technology and Young Children Interest Forum welcomes new and returning members to our annual meeting. We will report on the year’s events and invite your input on future directions for our interest forum and Web site. Visit www.techandyoungchildren.org/ or contact Lynn Hartle atlhartle@mail.ucf.edu.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Room CC23 CThe Tribal and Indigenous Early Childhood Network invites you to a discussion of current issues that are relevant to tribal and indigenous children and their families. We will showcase programs that implement quality immersion, culturally appropriate practices, and cultural presentations from other tribal and indigenous committees. For more information, please contact Alvino Sandoval at asandove@unm.edu.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
McCormick Place, South Building, Room S402 BThe Worthy Wage Interest Forum invites participants to join us in a meeting to share information, resources, and strategies for directly addressing issues affecting the early childhood workforce, including compensation, working conditions, and professional advancement opportunities. We especially encourage those working directly with children to attend. Hear about successful organizing models that affect change on the workforce and bring your ideas for strengthening the Worthy Wage movement! Contact Mary Babula at mbabula@wecanaeyc.org.
6:00-7:30 p.m.
McCormick Place, South Building, Room S106 B