NAEYC Conference Recap

This past week I was honored to attend NAEYC's annual conference. It's the largest gathering of early childhood educators.  In four day I attended 16 sessions and gained roughly 32.5 training hours on the most current childcare trends, development, and advancements.

There were over 700 sessions to choose from and here is just a sampling of what I attended:

• Major advances in assessing learning environments using the Environmental Rating Scales
• Making the most from classroom observations
• Good intentions or intentional teaching?
• Squish-Squash art
• Preserving your sanity and sense of humor when 2-6 year olds challenge them
• “It feels like home here”, creating home-like environments
• Blending roles of mentor and coach
• Getting to the heart of being a good leader
• Effective staff evaluations
• Writing for NAEYC’s publications
• Bi-lingual songs you can use in class Monday morning
• Lab-a-dab-a-doo, fun science for 4-6 year olds
• An evening of sharing project-based work
• Making learning visible with classroom documentation
• Puppet play, exploring the world of puppets and storytelling
• Representing all cultures in early childhood settings

 

At the end of the year I will present my Strategic Direction for 2015.  I have truly been changed from this conference.  My vision for this school has changed paths for the better and gained focus.  I look forward to sharing that with you and I know you all will be just as excited for our new direction as I am.  With these new goals we will certainly be THE top quality educator in Franklin, Williamson County, Tennessee, and beyond…

 

-Sara McFall, Director

NAEYC - National Association for the Education of Young Children

Thousands in attendance.

Lots of vendors showcasing the latest in educational toys, materials, equipment and curriculum.

We got to meet the writers of our curriculum, Frog Street Press!

www.frogstreet.com

Art workshop.

Dallas provided a beautiful back drop for the conference.

Mat Man from our Get Set for School curriculum!

www.hwtears.com

We got to explore the Dallas Aquarium with the most friendly penguins!

All the vendors!

Learning bi-lingual songs.

Science experiments.

Learning about the project-based approach of learning.

The amazing Mary Jo Huff presenting about puppet play and literacy.

She is truly a character and a wealth of information.

Exploring diversity in childcare.

The conference brough educators from all over the globe.

The closing ceremony was a lot of fun!