1. family and parenting
2. children

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THURSDAY
Session A
Thursday November 13, 9am-4pm (Full day sessions)
A1. What Teachers Need to Help Children Succeed
Marcy Whitebook, Ph.D., researcher, author, and director of the Center for the Study of Child Care
Employment (CSCCE), University of California-Berkeley
Imagine a child care workforce that has all the supports and resources they need to give their very best
to children every day… Imagine teachers and providers who are growing, learning, leading, and
supporting themselves and their families. Join us for a day of reflective inquiry, deep conversation, and
re-commitment to the essence of “quality early education”: skillful and competent teachers.
Twenty-five years ago, Marcy Whitebook co-authored the groundbreaking National Child Care Staffing
Study, establishing for the first time a link between child care quality and the retention & compensation
of the child care workforce. Previously she founded the Child Care Employee Project which eventually
became the Center for the Child Care Workforce (CCW), organizational home for the grassroots effort
known as the Worthy Wage Campaign of the 1990’s. Dr. Whitebook’s work continues with her newest
project: SEQUAL (Supportive Environmental Quality Underlying Adult Learning), a multi-purpose tool for
examining and improving environments in which early childhood teaching staff work and learn. She will
share this and more with us at this day-long pre-conference event. Level: INT/EXP; Age level: Adults;
PRO
A2. Inclusive Child Care: Working Together To Support Children with Special Needs
Presenters:
Mary Joslin, Wisconsin Division for Early Childhood; Robyn Morris, Family Engagement Coordinator,
Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative; Cindy Muhar, Family Living Educator, Milwaukee County
UW-Extension; Lori Wittemann, Program & Policy Specialist, Wisconsin Birth to 3 Program
Regena Floyd-Sambou, Inclusion, Health and Wellness Analyst, Department of Children and Families; Gail
Cismoski, Wisconsin Child Find Coordinator, CESA #6; Sally Drenoske, Early Childhood Special Educator,
Sun Prairie School District; Elizabeth Knudten, Program Director, Sun Prairie Nursery School
Are you a child care provider or school or Birth-to-3 provider who serves children with special needs or
disabilities in a child care setting? This full day session will help you work together with special
education resource providers to better support children with diverse abilities. We will address how child
care center policies, together with strong relationships with resource providers, can increase your
capacity to teach and nurture all children and families in a community. Ample time will be included for
discussion and application to your individual situation.
Participants will learn strategies and resources to support all children to be successful, including:
 How to improve identification of children with special needs or disabilities
 How to talk with families when there is a concern about a child
 How to communicate when parents and classroom settings don’t agree
 Information about Child Find
 Implementing systematic screening for all children
 What you need to know about the referral process
 How parents’ rights are protected
 Determining eligibility for services
 How the IFSF or IEP is developed; roles of the child care teacher and parent
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
Roles and relationship between child care settings and those who provide special education
services
 Resources available within Wisconsin to support inclusion of children with special needs
Level: INT/EXP; Age level: Birth-6; INC
A3. Adult Learner Course
Kim Fabich, Early Childhood Consultant, Work and Family Consulting, Inc
The Adult Learner Course will fulfill the requirement for adult education for those providing approved
training for early childhood professionals. Upon completion of this course, participants will receive a
certificate for a total of 8 hours of continuing education (6 hours in person, 2 hours take home
assignment). Level: INT/EXP; Age level: Adults; PRO
FRIDAY
Full Day Featured Session
Session B/C/D
Friday, November 14, 10:30am-4pm
B/C/D Learning to See: Connecting observation skills, documentation, and intentional teaching
Kelly Matthews, Early Childhood Consultant, A Place for You Consulting; Ijumaa Jordan, ECE
Consultant, Ijumaa Jordan Consulting
This full day workshop explores how we can learn to see with our full selves – working to understand
the cultural framework we each live in as well as applying observation skills to real life classroom life.
We will investigate our definition and purpose for observation, practice seeing the details of
interactions, and contextualize learning beyond discreet academic skills. Level: EXP; Age group: All
children; OSA
Session B
Friday, November 14, 10:30-11:45am (Single sessions)
B1. A Case for Compensation: Engaging the voices of the child care workforce
Marci Whitebook, Director, Center for the Child Care Workforce
Marcy Whitebook, Ph.D. co-authored the historic National Child Care Staffing Study (1989) which 25
years ago documented the link between child care quality and teacher compensation. Join us in a
collective reflection of what’s happened over these 25 years as the early childhood landscape has
changed and how we must once again raise the public discourse on this important link to quality. Marcy
will share what we are learning about the consequences of low compensation, the hidden costs to the
public, and potential policy solutions. Level: EXP; Age group: Adults; P
B2. Developing Healthy Sleep Habits and Preventing Sleep Problems in Young Children
Maya Garbuz, Sleep Consultant, Madison Sleep Consultant
Young children spend more than half of their lives sleeping, yet we focus much of our attention around
the waking half. This presentation will focus on the importance of sleep and the impact of sleep
deprivation on children. Participants will learn to identify causes of sleep disruption. Prevention and
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intervention strategies will be explored that can be applied by educators and parents. Level: ALL; Age
group: All children; DEV
B3. Teaching Social Skills Through Play (FULL, added additional session C8 10/13)
Erin Perez, MA, LPC, Counselor, Consultant and Trainer
Make learning social skills fun by teaching it through play! We will review important social skills that
children should be learning in early childhood, and discuss ways to identify skills for development
Participants will learn strategies to implement play techniques that support children in learning those
social skills. Level: BEG-INT; Age group: 1-6 yrs; GUI
B4. Mindfulness in Early Childhood Education: Research findings and classroom applications
Lisa Thomas Prince, Education Outreach Specialist, Center for Investigating Healthy Minds; Simon
Goldberg, Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Investigating Healthy Minds
Mindfulness – being in a state of active, open attention on the present moment – is an overall wellness
tool to improve the lives of both teachers and children. Beginning with a brief review of findings from
the scientific literature, this session will focus on mindfulness practices that can be used within early
educational settings. Based on our work with 4K and 5K students and teachers, we will share practices
designed to promote emotion regulation, prosocial behavior, and prolonged attention in young children.
Level: BEG; Age group: 4-6 yrs; GUI, PRE
B5. Activities and Games: Supporting 3-5 year old Motor Development
Sue Addamo, Licensed Physical Therapist, Madison Metropolitan School District; Marcy Worzala,
Licensed Occupational Therapist, Madison Metropolitan School District; Kara Hoelker, Licensed
Occupational Therapist, Madison Metropolitan School District
Participants will become knowledgeable regarding typical sensory, gross, and fine motor skills for 3-5
year olds. A variety of resources will be provided, as well as opportunities for group discussion and
reflection on ways to incorporate motor learning through play. Level: ALL; Age group: 3-6 yrs; DEV, SAF
B6. Adding on to Thinking Skills with Meaningful Math
Amy Alt, Early Childhood Specialist/Youngstar Consultant, 4-C; Lisa Jones, Curriculum Director, Red
Caboose Child Care
Meaningful, intentionally planned, hands-on mathematical opportunities provided to young children
encourage the expansion of mathematical thinking skills. A hands-on introduction to activities for
children between the ages of 0-5 will be provided, along with goals and objectives for each activity.
Level: BEG-INT; Age group: Birth-5 yrs; LRN
B7. Public Policy and Quality Improvement in Wisconsin: YoungStar and Race To the Top Updates
Bridget Cullen, Program and Policy Analyst, Department of Children and Families; Amanda Besner,
Program and Policy Supervisor, Race to the Top
What’s current, what’s new, what’s coming? Join staff from Wisconsin’s Department of Children and
Families to hear updates, discuss quality improvement initiatives, and ask questions. Level: ALL; Age
group: Birth-5 yrs; ADM
B8. Culturally Relevant Early Childhood Programs: What does this mean?
Robin Fox, UW Whitewater Professor and Chair of Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UW
Whitewater; Ann Terrell, Milwaukee Public Schools
Because we live, work and nurture children who are growing up in a diverse world, it is important for us
as early childhood educators to consider how our programs are culturally relevant to all the children and
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families we work with. The panel members will share their understanding of "culturally relevant"
programs based on their own personal and professional experiences as early childhood educators
working in diverse roles. Level: INT-EXP; Age group: All children, Adults; DIV
B9. Enriching your Work with Children and Families Living in Poverty
Stephanie Kober, Family Program Director/Childcare Director, HALO, INC; Katie Svendsen, Childcare
Manager, HALO, INC
Quality early education should be available to all children, regardless of economic background. Through
a simulation activity, participants will take a moment to walk in another families shoes, and experience
the world of a poverty-stricken family. With this knowledge, we will explore what is needed to ensure
that every child receives the highest quality, most fulfilling learning opportunities available. Level: ALL;
Age group: All children, Adults; FAM
B10. Special Education 101
Sara Jane Lee, Early Childhood Program Support Teacher, Madison Metropolitan School District; Renee
Ritchie, Speech/Language, Madison Metropolitan School District
This session is designed for community preschool providers who are new to Special Education or need a
Special Education refresher. The mystery behind all the acronyms will be revealed: FAPE, IDEA, LRE, LEA
and more! Learn the difference between Child Find Screening and a Special Education Evaluation, what
you should do before you refer, and what your role is in the evaluation process. Become familiar with
the types of disabilities often seen in young children and possible placement options for special
education services. Level: BEG; Age group: 3-5 yrs; INC
B11. The ABC's of IRA's
Scott Miller, Tax Specialist, Focused Tax Solutions
Retirement may seem like a distant dream, but it doesn't have to be. This fast moving session will arm
you with information and strategies that will help make your retirement plan a reality. Learn the basics
of investing, tax-advantaged distribution strategies and lifetime income needs. Level: BEG-INT; Age
group: Adults; ADM
B12. Seeing the Learning in Play
Shannon Riley-Ayers, Intructor, Researcher, National Institute for Early Education Research
Shannon will share play research and participants will learn the benefits of play for young children as
well as the role of the teacher in children's play. The importance of observation-based assessment for
young learners will be a focus as discussions center on using play as a vehicle to assess and teach.
Participants will actively participate in observing playful learning. Level: ALL; Age group: Birth-8yrs; LRN
Session C/D
Friday, November 14, 1:15-4pm (Double sessions)
C/D1. Trauma Informed Practices: Fostering a child’s resilience and self-regulation
Katy Conley, Behavior Consultation Team Program Support Teacher, Madison Metropolitan School
District
How does trauma impact child development? What does it mean to be trauma informed? What can we
do? This workshop will provide an overview of the impact of trauma on child development and explore
what we as educators, parents and providers can do to foster resilience and self-regulation in children.
Level: ALL; Age group: All children; DEV, GUI, FAM
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C/D2. What's Hot in Early Literacy!
Gaye Tylka, Early Childhood RtI Statewide Coordinator, CESA 4; Penny Chase, Quality Improvement
Manager, SFTA; Lilly Irvin-Vitela, Executive Director, WI Head Start Association
The process of becoming a reader and writer begins at birth. Language-rich environments, supportive
adult relationships, playful teaching strategies, and repeated opportunities to feel a sense of success and
enjoyment with language and literacy experiences are essential. Join this session to discover effective,
developmentally appropriate ways to promote language and literacy learning in your setting and to
learn about new professional development opportunities available statewide. Level: ALL; Age group:
Birth-6 yrs; LRN
C/D3. PLAY = Healthy Brains for Learning and Well-Being in Life
Deborah McNelis, Founder, Brain Insights
This session provides an overview of how you are impacting developing brains every day. Through visual
demonstrations and activities you will gain inspiring insights into the importance of positive play
experiences for young children. Participants will understand what activities children need most for
healthy brain development, and learn ways to support and encourage positive play experiences.
Understand how you can have an impact on real learning in the early years. Level: BEG-INT; Age group:
Birth-4 yrs; DEV
C/D4. Risk, Race and Equity: Building hope and resilience
Dondeineita Fleary-Simmons, Board Member, NBCDI; Erica Nelson, Project Manager, Race to Equity,
WCCF
You may have seen the education reports released this year from WCCF and NBCDI called respectively
Race to Equity and Being Black is Not a Risk Factor. Join representatives from WCCF and BCDIMilwaukee to learn more about what these reports contain. We’ll discuss racial disparities AND success
stories described in the reports, and implications for policy and practice. Level: INTEXP; Age group: All
children, Adults; DIV
Session C
Friday, November 14, 1:15-2:30pm (Single sessions)
C1. Revealing the Light of the Child: Observing, Assessing and Evaluating Aunthentically in
Infant/Toddler Programs (FULL, added additional session D8 10/1)
Pamela Bennett, Early Chilhdood Consultant, Steps Along the Way, Instructor, UW Milwaukee Center for
Early Childhood Prof. Development & Leadership; Jane Robinson Administrator, Harmony House
Montessori Instructor, UW Milwaukee Center for Early Childhood Professional Development and
Leadership
The birth-to-three years are a mystical time, each child blazing his or her own trail through the
developmental continuum. As teachers, we must be knowledgeable about each child's development so
we can plan a learning environment that provides opportunities for optimal growth and development. In
this workshop, we will explore the process of observation, assessment, evaluation and intentionality in
our teaching to plan a learning environment. Level: ALL; Age group: Birth-3 yrs; DEV, OSA
C2. The Rules' Intent: Recognize and remedy frequent licensing violations (also presented in D3)
Anna Kopp, Training Officer, DCF - Bureau of Operations & Planning; Anne Carmody, Program Specialist,
DCF-Bureau of Early Care Regulations
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The State of Wisconsin has over 600 rules that licensed child care providers are expected to know and
follow. We’ll explain what serious rule violations are, identify the 20 most frequently cited rules, and
identify ways to meet the intent of the rules using examples and best practices. Level: BEG; Age group:
Adults; ADM
C3. Explore the 3R Ranch: Rhythm, rhyme, and repetion with Sing-A-Move-A-Dance (also presented in
D7)
Colleen Hannafin, Performer/Presenter, Colleen and Uncle Squaty; Brian Schellinger,
Performer/Presenter, Colleen and Uncle Squaty
Come celebrate with a new collection of music that will explore the 3 R’s of reading: Rhythm, Rhyme,
and Repetition. With patterns naturally built into song, and presented through singing, moving, and
dancing formats, we will explore many different styles of music. Learn how dance and music helps to
teach patterns, sequencing, skills around listening and following directions, and more! Level: ALL; Age
group: 3-6 yrs; LRN
C4. Medication Administration in Early Education and Child Care Settings
Carrie Holden, Training Coordinator, WECA
Do you have questions about giving children medication while in child care? Designed by the American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), this training is for adults who give medication to children, but are not
licensed health care professionals. You will learn about different types of medication, appropriate
handling and storage techniques, and considerations for writing policies that meet program, licensing,
and best practice recommendations. Level: ALL; Age group: Birth-6 yrs; SAF
C5. Oh, The Places We Go: Child portfolio basics
Jennifer Hughley, Scholarship Counselor, WECA
In this beginner’s workshop, you will learn what a child portfolio is, the purpose of creating and
maintaining child portfolios, and how child portfolios can be used in your early childhood program.
Level: ALL; Age group: Birth-5 yrs; LRN, OSA
C6. Leadership Repertoire: Tools to create and inspire future leaders
Angel Stoddard, Instructor, UW Milwaukee
“Leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders!” – Tom Peters. Let’s tie together the best
research from emotional intelligence, reflective supervision and relationship-based professional
development to increase your leadership repertoire! Attend this thought-provoking, interactive
workshop and leave with new insights into your own leadership as well as some new tools to add to
your repertoire as you strive to create more leaders. Level: INT-EXP; Age group: Adults; PRE
C7. Can We Talk? Engaging families in conversation and partnership
Robyn Morris, Family Engagement Coordinator, WSPEI; Emilie Braunel, SPDG Coordinator, EC, WI
FACETS, INC; Cheri Sylla, WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinator
This breakout session is all about working with families, building trust and setting the stage for positive
communication. Cheri, Robyn and Emilie are parents of children with disabilities and will take
participants through various scenarios. They will share strategies that can make it easier to begin
conversations with families related to developmental concerns. Resources will be shared as well. Level:
ALL; Age group: All children, Adults; FAM
C8. Teaching Social Skills Through Play (NEW! Added 10/13, repeated session, B3)
Erin Perez, MA, LPC, Counselor, Consultant and Trainer
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Make learning social skills fun by teaching it through play! We will review important social skills that
children should be learning in early childhood, and discuss ways to identify skills for development
Participants will learn strategies to implement play techniques that support children in learning those
social skills. Level: BEG-INT; Age group: 1-6 yrs; GUI
Session D
Friday, November 14, 2:45-4pm (Single sessions)
D1. Classroom and Center Safety: An interactive photo tour
Dan Riedel, Account Executive, Woller-Anger & Company, LLC
Classroom and Center Safety, how difficult can that be? When was the last time you looked at a center
through a different set of eyes? Attend this interactive seminar, take a photo tour of centers from
around the state learn about safety issues that can make a real impact. You will never look at a center
the same way again! Level: ALL; Age group: All children; SAF
D2. What's In a Child's Name? Letter learning to build confident readers and writers
Donna Jost, Preschool Resource Teacher, Madison Metro School District
What's in a child's name? A lot of literacy learning, that's what! A child's name is an important doorway
to early literacy development. Building on the natural attachment to their own names, we can
introduce children to alphabet letter names and sounds in meaningful and effective ways. In this
session, we will look at the reasons, resources, and proven methods for preparing young children to
become confident readers and writers in elementary school - all starting with their names! Level: INT;
Age group: 3-5 yrs; DEV
D3. The Rules' Intent: Recognize and remedy frequent licensing violations (NEW! Added 10/1, also
presented in C2)
Anna Kopp, Training Officer, DCF - Bureau of Operations & Planning; Anne Carmody, Program Specialist,
DCF-Bureau of Early Care Regulations
The State of Wisconsin has over 600 rules that licensed child care providers are expected to know and
follow. We’ll explain what serious rule violations are, identify the 20 most frequently cited rules, and
identify ways to meet the intent of the rules using examples and best practices. Level: BEG; Age group:
Adults; ADM
D4. When Talking Is Hard For Kids
Linda Reinert, Speech Language Pathologist, Meeker Wright Special Education Cooperative
Utilizing her book Talking Is Hard for Me!, Linda will encourage participants to recognize ways they can
assist a child to improve their expressive communication skills within daily routines. If the child could
talk, he or she would tell you, "Talking is hard for me, but here is what you can do to help!" Level: ALL;
Age group: Birth-6 yrs; INC
D5. Change is a Constant: Navigating mindfully
Lisa Mosier, Director, UWM Children's Learning Center
Change is an integral part of living that we humans cope with in a variety of different ways. In this
session, we will look at change theory to discover some inconvenient truths, talk about resistance to
change, identify barriers and explore ways to move forward into embracing change. The session will also
include time to complete a personal change inventory and share your change experiences with others.
Level: INT; Age group: Adults; PRE
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D6. Including all Children Regardless of Ability: Response to Intervention/Multi-tiered Systems of
Support
Amanda Myers, Bilingual School Psychologist, Madison Metropolitan School District; Regina Hansen,
MTSS Coach, Madison Metropolitan School DIstrict
Response to Intervention, also known as Multi-Tiered Systems of Support is a framework created to
support children with diverse needs in early childhood settings. Participants will examine the basic
foundations of this framework, the problem solving process, and methods for collecting and analyzing
data. Specific resources and strategies will be modeled so participants can apply the strategies in their
settings. This session will be especially useful for those working with children with challenging behaviors
or pre-academic concerns. Level: ALL; Age group: 3-8 yrs; INC
D7. Explore the 3R Ranch: Rhythm, rhyme, and repetion with Sing-A-Move-A-Dance (also presented in
C3)
Colleen Hannafin, Performer/Presenter, Colleen and Uncle Squaty; Brian Schellinger,
Performer/Presenter, Colleen and Uncle Squaty
Come celebrate with a new collection of music that will explore the 3 R’s of reading: Rhythm, Rhyme,
and Repetition. With patterns naturally built into song, and presented through singing, moving, and
dancing formats, we will explore many different styles of music. Learn how dance and music helps to
teach patterns, sequencing, skills around listening and following directions, and more! Level: ALL; Age
group: 3-6 yrs; LRN
D8. Revealing the Light of the Child: Observing, Assessing and Evaluating Aunthentically in
Infant/Toddler Programs (NEW! added 10/1)
Pamela Bennett, Early Chilhdood Consultant, Steps Along the Way, Instructor, UW Milwaukee Center for
Early Childhood Prof. Development & Leadership; Jane Robinson Administrator, Harmony House
Montessori Instructor, UW Milwaukee Center for Early Childhood Professional Development and
Leadership
The birth-to-three years are a mystical time, each child blazing his or her own trail through the
developmental continuum. As teachers, we must be knowledgeable about each child's development so
we can plan a learning environment that provides opportunities for optimal growth and development. In
this workshop, we will explore the process of observation, assessment, evaluation and intentionality in
our teaching to plan a learning environment. Level: ALL; Age group: Birth-3 yrs; DEV, OSA
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SATURDAY
Full Day Featured Session
Session E/F/G
Saturday, November 15, 10:30am-3:30pm
E/F/G Learning and Playing Outdoors: An Interactive Workshop
Representatives from Wisconsin Nature Action Collaboration for Children and UW Madison
Arboretum
Early childhood educators from the Wisconsin Nature Action Collaborative for Children and nature
educators from University of Wisconsin Arboretum will lead participants through a day of exploring
nature and ways to engage young children in activities that allow them to learn by exploring the
natural world—even in November! Participants in this full day session at the UW Arboretum will be
given the opportunity to be reflective on their teaching practices when children are planning and
learning outside. Reflection tools will include the teaching cycle, the Wisconsin Model Early Learning
Standards, digging deeper into early childhood scientific process, curriculum, math and literacy goals.
Join us to discover and create activities for young children using nature as the theme. Bus service to
and from the UW Arboretum will be provided. Level: ALL; Age group: Birth-6yrs; LRN
Session E
Saturday, November 15, 10:30-11:45am (Single sessions)
E1. Making It Work for Me: Getting the most out of YoungStar technical assistance and micro-grants
Amy Schuster, Program Director, WECA; Penny Chase, Quality Improvement Manager, Supporting
Families Together
Now that your YoungStar journey is underway, come to this session to understand two pieces of the
YoungStar process a little more deeply. Learn how Technical Assistance and Micro-Grants can be used to
maximize your rating. Hear how other programs have used Technical Assistance and Micro-Grants in
creative ways, and get ideas for your program. YoungStar staff will be available to answer your
questions. Level: ALL; Age group: Adults; ADM
E2. YoungStar "Acrónimos" y "Abreviaturas" de la Primera Infancia
Xochitl Ortega, Provider, X's & O's Educational Child Care; Estella Garcia-Ortega, Assistant Substitute, X's
& O's Educational Child Care
Derroche y explore algunas experiencias divertidas y entretenidas de aprendizaje con los "acrónimos" y
"abreviaturas" de la primera infancia. Esta herramienta de aprendizaje es una gran manera de compartir
una comunicación profesional y educativa en su programa. Estas se pueden utilizar de muchas maneras,
incluyendo correos electrónicos, actividades y también en comunicación escrita y verbal. Vengan y
únanse para aprender el significado de nuestros "acrónimos" y "abreviaturas" de la primera infancia.
Level: BEG-INT; Age group: All children, Adults; ADM
E3. Making Time for Books and Stories: Creating a circle time sandwich
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Lisa Murphy, Ooey Gooey, Inc.
This is not another "things to do at circle time" workshop. Actually, this session will question why we are
doing circle time in the first place. Lisa asks a very direct question: Why do we interrupt engaged
children to come to a meeting? And if we are going to bring them to the carpet for a meeting, it better
be a darn good meeting! Using a "circle time sandwich" metaphor, Lisa offers suggestions of how to
create a meaningful gathering time all the while reinforcing the importance of authentic enthusiasm on
the part of the teacher! Lisa will read a few books, sing some songs, recite some rhymes and will
conclude by reading stories written both by and for children. Level: BEG-INT; Age group: 2-8 yrs; LRN
E4. Ignite Your Passion to Lead
Pam Boulton, Director, WECA Milwaukee
This panel presentation features early childhood professionals with very diverse leadership roles,
education and experience. What they have in common is a commitment to making a difference. Come
learn about the wide variety of roles and options for being a leader in our field. Explore ways to gain
important leadership skills and consider your role as a current or future leader. Level: INT-EXP; Age
group: Adults; PRO, ADM
E5. Connection and Language Development: Floortime for Infants and Toddlers
Nancy Bradley, Owner/Director, Nancy Bradley Early Childhood Education
Floortime is a relationship-based technique that is used for connection and language development with
all children. This session will focus on infants and toddlers and includes video clips and the chance to
practice the method with colleagues. Level: ALL; Age group: Birth-2 yrs; DEV, LRN
E6. 5 Ways to Market Your Program in the Age of the Internet
Tom Copeland, Attorney, Author, Consultant
When parents search the Internet looking for a child care provider, will they find your program? Learn
how to identify the benefits of your program and use social media tools to promote them on the
Internet. Identify key marketing strategies that work. Level: ALL; Age group: Adults; ADM
E7. Simple, easy and effective techniques for Self Defense and Wellness
Charles Dean, Owner/Head Instructor, Academy of Hwa Rang Do West; Billie Buss, Owner/Head
Instructor, Academy of Hwa Rang Do East
The Academy of Hwa Rang Do Madison West has, for the past few years, offered a free self defense
class once a month. This class, held the second Saturday of each month has proven to be a tremendous
tool for people of all ages as well as a great community service. We teach basic and effective martial
arts, exercise and have a lot of fun! Level: ALL; Age group: 3yrs-Adults; PRE
E8. Moving through Literacy and Math with Yoga
Elizabeth Gach, Program Manager, University Ave. Discovery Center
Moving Through Literacy and Math with Yoga will assist you as you create a yoga flow learning
experience that helps children learn math and literacy. Take the opportunity to participate in a yoga
class while also receiving an informational packet describing the benefits of yoga. Come away with
several lesson plans to use in the classroom. Level: BEG-INT; Age group: All children; LRN
E9. You’ve learned the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards: Next steps to connecting with your
program’s mission and philosophy
Delechia Johnson, YoungStar Consultant, 4C For Children; Tracie Jarentowski, YoungStar Consultant, 4C
For Children
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What do you do once you've completed the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS)
training? How do the standards apply to your program? This session will review the basic steps in
connecting the standards to your program's mission and philosophy. Level: ALL; Age group: All children,
Adults; LRN, OSA
E10. Teaching Science with Discrepant Events and Story Telling: Pique their curiousity!
Gary Krueger, Consultant, Professor Gizmo-Amazing Science
Professor Gizmo will entertain and educate you with his remarkable science gizmos. With over 45 years
of teaching experience in his bag of tricks (gizmos), he will demonstrate topics, ideas, and techniques to
make science education FUN! The professor will demonstrate how discrepant events (events that have
you questioning why something happened) and story telling can be used to engage student's curiosity in
active science processes. Level: ALL; Age group: 4-8 yrs; LRN
E11. Read-Alouds with Dual Language Learners : What really works!
Ruth Reinl, Consultant, Early Dual Language Learning Consulting, LLC; Marci Jamrose, Teacher, Head
Start
Everyone deserves to love a good book in a shared experience with friends during large group ReadAlouds! In this session, participants will learn simple, yet highly effective strategies for increasing the
engagement and comprehension of dual language learners during story times conducted in English. A
teacher will share her experiences and demonstrate strategies through an actual Read-Aloud. Level:
ALL; Age group: 3-6 yrs; LRN, INC
E12. Child Assessment with Purpose!
Gaye Tylka, Early Childhood RtI Statewide Coordinator, CESA #4; Amanda Besner, Race To The Top
Program and Policy Supervisor, DCF
Are your children developing and learning as they should be? Do you know what they are ready to
learn? How effective are your teaching methods? Teachers gather information about children for
different purposes, at different times, using a variety of different methods. Join this session to step back
and consider the “how”, “when”, and “why” of a practical, balanced approach to child assessment.
Level: BEG-INT; Age group: 1-5 yrs; OSA
E13. Risk, Race and Equity: Building hope and resilience
Dondeineita Fleary-Simmons, Board Member, NBCDI; Erica Nelson, Project Manager, Race to Equity,
WCCF
You may have seen the education reports released this year from WCCF and NBCDI called respectively
Race to Equity and Being Black is Not a Risk Factor. Join representatives from WCCF and BCDIMilwaukee tfor an overview about what these reports contain, and continued discussion. We’ll discuss
racial disparities AND success stories described in the reports, and implications for policy and practice.
Level: INT-EXP; Age group: All children, Adults; DIV
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Special Lunchtime Sessions Lunch purchase is optional.
Saturday, November 15, 12-1pm
Self Defense Mini-Course
Charles Dean, Owner/Head Instructor, Academy of Hwa Rang Do West; Billie Buss, Owner/Head
Instructor, Academy of Hwa Rang Do East
The Academy of Hwa Rang Do Madison West has, for the past few years, offered a free self defense
class once a month. This class, held the second Saturday of each month has proven to be a
tremendous tool for people of all ages as well as a great community service. We teach basic and
effective martial arts, exercise and have a lot of fun! Level: ALL; Age group: 3yrs-Adults; PRE
Family Child Care Providers: Are You Covered?
Rex Dachenbach, West Bend Insurance; Candace May, Denman, May and Associates—a division of
TRICOR, Inc.
Smoke alarms blare, tornado sirens scream or your basement floods; thankfully everyone is safe. Will
your insurance cover the damage? What about loss of income or general liability coverage? Come to
this lunch hour session designed especially for family child care providers. Insurance representatives
specializing in family child care will discuss coverage options and answer questions. Level: ALL; Age
group: Adults; ADM
Sponsored by Satellite Family Child Care—a program of Dane County Parent Council
Session F/G
Saturday, November 15, 1:15-4pm (Double sessions)
F/G1. Involucrando y Construyendo una Comunicación Sólida con las Familias
Olga Neira, Bilingual Professional Development Counselor, WECA; Romilia Schlueter, Bilingual Quality
Improvement Specialist, SFTA
¿Alguna vez ha tenido dificultades con la participación de los padres en su programa? ¿Le gustaría tener
una variedad de materiales y recursos, que puede enviar a casa con los niños o utilizar con las familias,
para demostrar la participación de los padres en su programa? ¿Se ha quedado sin ideas o se siente
perdido en cómo involucrar a los padres en su programa?Si su respuesta fue SÍ al menos a UNA de estas
preguntas, ¡este taller es para usted! Esta capacitación ofrecerá a los proveedores de cuidado de niños,
materiales e ideas que les ayudarán a involucrar a las familias en la vida de la guardería infantil. El
contenido promueve las habilidades socio-emocionales, ayuda a entender problemas de conducta y
cómo usar enfoques positivos para ayudar a los niños en el aprendizaje de comportamientos
apropiados, con el apoyo y la participación de sus familias. Level: ALL; Age group: All children, Adults;
FAM
F/G2. Be Prepared: Save Money on Your 2014 Tax Return
Tom Copeland, Consultant
Learn how to use the new tax laws to save money on your tax return. Key record keeping tips that can
save you time when completing your 2014 and 2015 taxes. Learn what's deductible and how to claim car
and food expenses. Learn about depreciation, employees, time-space percentage, recent IRS audits, and
more. Level: ALL; Age group: Adults; ADM
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F/G3. Extreme Makeover: Intentional planning for children
Terryl Wheelock, YoungStar Coordinator, 4C - For Children; Delechia Johnson, YoungStar Consultant, 4C For Children
Have you heard about the 'Teaching Cycle' and wondered what it is and how it applies to your program?
This session will take you on a 'walk-though' of the teaching cycle process, including the relationship
between observations and planning, how to be more intentional, and document the learning taking
place is your setting. Come prepared to plan, play, and learn! Level: ALL; Age group: All children; LRN
F/G4. Guiding and Understanding Children's Behavior
Claire Lind, Lead Professional Development Counselor, WECA
There usually are no quick fixes when it comes to child guidance. Child guidance involves everyone and
everything; the family, the entire child care staff, the environment, the daily schedule, and more.
Participants will examine their own beliefs and experiences and how those beliefs and experiences
shape our understanding of guiding children’s behavior. Child guidance will be explored in a broad
range with importance placed on relationships, reflection, and resources. Level: BEG-INT; Age group: All
children; GUI
F/G5. In Our Minds, In Our Hearts, In Our Loving Arms: Healthy Relationships with Infants, Toddlers
and their Families
Pamela Bennett, Early Childhood Consultant, Steps Along the Way, Instructor, UW Milwaukee Center for
Early Childhood Prof. Development & Leadership
In this workshop, we will gather for a reflective and engaging conversation about the life of infants,
toddlers and their families in our classrooms and programs. Focusing on what matters most, we will
explore the essential pieces necessary to best support the formation of healthy relationships – with child
and family—so essential in these early years. We will explore strengths, challenges, and strategies for
change that will make a difference in the lives of the babies and toddlers that we lovingly nurture every
day. Level: ALL; Age group: Birth-3 yrs; DEV, FAM
Session F
Saturday, November 15, 1:15-2:30pm (Single session)
F1. 10 Little Hot Dogs Fryin' in the What?! Fingerplay songs & chants for transition time, circle time or
any time!
Lisa Murphy, Ooey Gooey, Inc.
Join Lisa in a sing-along of classic fingerplays that have withstood the test of time and others that are
destined to become future favorites! Leave your inhibitions at home and come ready to sing, play, clap
and shout along! Level: BEG-INT; Age group: Birth-6 yrs; LRN
F2. Staying Balanced: Work, Family, and School
Nar Doumbya, Professional Development Counselor, WECA, Laura Simkin, T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship
Counselor, WECA
How do we balance the demands to go to school, give our best to an increasing complex job, and still
have room for our family and personal lives? We don’t have all the answers, but we have some tips to
share. Together we can generate more! Topics to be covered include; time management, organizational
strategies, study skills, stress management, and resources to support your success as a student. Level:
ALL; Age group: Adults; PRO
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F3. It Can Happen to You: Allegations of abuse in the child care field
Lynn Moller, Paralegal
You love working with children and can't imagine a better job. Yet one day the unthinkable happens and
you are accused of harming a child in your care. What do you do? Should you talk to the police? Your
licensor? Child Services? Do you need an attorney? Once accused, the stigma is hard to overcome.
Learn what you can do to protect yourself. Level: ALL; Age group: All children; ADM
F4. Early Brain Development: Relating to the life course of children
Dipesh Navsaria, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public
Health
Toxic stress, adverse childhood experience and supportive relationships, oh my! Learn about the
emerging science of Early Brain and Child Development, and how it relates to the short-term and longterm life course of children. Consider ways to use this information to promote your work with children
and to foster innovative partnerships. Level: ALL; Age group: All children, Adults; DEV
F5. Building Relationships Between Schools and Families: A family perspective
Mary Pierick, Senior Instructional Specialist, UW Madison Preschool Lab; Karl Pierick, Intake Coordinator,
Imagine A Child's Capacity
Join Mary and Karl Pierick, parents of a child with autism and professionals in the field, in a discussion
about the relationships between home and school. They will share their personal story over the past 15
years in developing strong relationships with the professionals they have worked with. They ask
participants to come ready with questions and ideas in this interactive session, as it will be a time to
learn from each other and ask the questions of a family that you have always wondered about but could
not ask until now. Level: BEG-INT; Age group: All children; FAM, COM
F6. Play-based Learning: Beautiful and essential
Ann Ramminger, Professional Development Specialist, UW Madison Waisman Center
Have you ever watched the intensity of a child deep in play and wonder what beauty they behold in
their eyes? How can we work together with families to promote intentional and developmentally
appropriate play-based experiences? What research and evidence-based practices help us to make a
case to administrators and the general public to support how young children learn best? We will explore
all of these questions in this presentation. Level: ALL; Age group: Birth-6 yrs; LRN
F7. Sensory Rich Environments without Sensory Overload
Abby Abrisham, Parenting Consultant, C. P. Child Care Inc.; Jana Laughlin, Child Care Provider, CP Child
Care, Inc.
Have you ever tried to be still and let your senses explore your classroom environment? Do you believe
that the classroom environment can set the mood for children’s behavior? Young children need an
environment that encourages pro-social behavior, is conductive to learning and is rich with sensory
engagement rather than sensory overload. We will discuss how to support learning and development by
building on children’s natural curiosity. Level: ALL; Age group: Birth-6 yrs; DEV
F8. Moving through Literacy and Math with Yoga
Elizabeth Gach, Program Manager, University Ave. Discovery Center
Moving Through Literacy and Math with Yoga will assist you as you create a yoga flow learning
experience that helps children learn math and literacy. Take the opportunity to participate in a yoga
class while also receiving an informational packet describing the benefits of yoga. Come away with
several lesson plans to use in the classroom. Level: BEG-INT; Age group: All children; LRN
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Session G
Saturday, November 15, 2:45-4pm (Single sessions)
G1. Ooey Gooey Squishy Plop! Sensory play for every day!
Lisa Murphy, Ooey Gooey, Inc.
In addition to being a dynamic presentation of Lisa's signature high-0energy workshop, this one-of-akind workshop will supply you with 6 tables of hands-on art, science and sensory play activity ideas as
well as the "wolf words" that support their use in your program! Participants will be invited to come up
on stage and play with the experiences at the end of the demonstration. Level: BEG-INT; Age group: 2-6
yrs; LRN
G2. Sign Language and Early Reading Literacy: Creating an everyday benefit in your curriculum
Suzette Garay, Owner/ Director, Baby Signs 4 U LLC
Come and learn more about the Northlight Childcare Advantage Program (NCAP), which was designed
and developed for child care programs wishing to incorporate sign language into daily routines.
Participants will learn new strategies for incorporating sign language activities within existing
curriculum. You'll leave with an understanding of the benefits of using signing while reading with very
young children, and when it is appropriate to teach sign concepts when reading Level: ALL; Age group:
Birth-6 yrs; LRN
G3. Preschool Language Delays: Discovering a support path
Kerrie Fanning, Student, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Atypical language development is a vast and ambiguous area of study. Yet up until recently, minimal
research has been done in this field. Throughout this interactive, discussion-based presentation, we will
investigate the basics for assessing, supporting and encouraging the family, the child, and their language
development in the classroom and home, while keeping the child and play in mind. Level: BEG-INT; Age
group: Birth-5 yrs; INC
G4. Growing Your Garden Curriculum Year Round
Cindy Arndt, Owner, Kiddie Caboose Family Daycare; Patty Cauffman, Teacher, Kiddie Caboose Family
Daycare
This make-and-take workshop offers hands-on fun, while also sharing garden curriculum ideas for all
ages that are aligned with the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. Participants will receive
information for each one of the 5 developmental domains and have the opportunity to take home a live
mini garden. Learn how container gardening can work almost anywhere and promote social-emotional
development, language development, and learning and cognition in your child care program. Level: ALL;
Age group: 2-8 yrs; LRN
G5. Family Engagement and Race to the Top: New Opportunities
Amanda Besner, Program and Policy Supervisor, Department of Children and Families
Join representatives from the Department of Children and Families as they provide updates specific to
family engagement, Race to the Top, and YoungStar. Participants will have an opportunity to have their
questions answered. Level: BEG-INT; Age group: Birth-4 yrs; COM
G6. Creating Partnerships: Early literacy and technology at the Menominee Nation
Allison Kaplan, Faculty Associate, School of Library & Information Studies
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Through formal presentation, small group discussions, and hands-on activities, participants will learn
about building partnerships and child and adult-oriented programs that focus on enhancing early
literacy practices in the family home. Get the word out through print and electronic media as developed
by staff from the College of Menominee Nation in partnership with staff from the School of Library and
Information Studies, UW-Madison. Level: ALL; Age group: Birth-5 yrs, Adults; COM, DIV
G7. Can You Handle It?? Stress management techniques to increase relaxation
Karen Narlow, Instructor, 4C for Children
Most early childhood professionals are nurturers by nature, taking care of themselves last and rarely
saying no. Sometimes you can become overwhelmed and begin to feel stress. On other occasions the
behavior of children enrolled in the program or parent clients can cause stress not to mention your own
family or co-workers! Come and learn about some stress management and time management
techniques to help reduce your stress. Level: BEG; Age group: Adults; PRE
G8. Mother Goose Rocks My Abs
Cassie Payne, Assistant Children's Librarian, Menasha Public Library; Mickey Stratil, Lead Teacher, Cradle
to Crayons Learning Center
Get up and get ready to move! Cassie Payne and Mickey Stratil share some great ideas for music and
movement using their favorite interactive songs and activities. Great fun in or out of the classroom!
Level: ALL; Age group: All children, Adults; LRN
Key
To help determine which sessions will best match your professional role, level of experience, and topics
of interest, the workshop descriptions indicate Wisconsin Core Competencies, age group and audience
level.
Wisconsin Core Competencies
DEV
Child Development
FAM Family Systems and Dynamics
DIV
Diversity
INC
Special Needs, Disabilities and Inclusive Practices
LRN
Learning Experiences, Strategies and Curriculum
SAF
Health, Safety and Nutrition
GUI
Guidance and Nurturing
OSA
Observation, Screening
COM Family and Community Relationships
PRO
Professionalism
PRE
Planning, Reflection and Evaluation
ADM Administration and Management
Level
BEG Beginner/Overview; INT Intermediate; EXP Experienced
Age Group
(Birth-3rd grade) Indicates the appropriate age range of children that the workshop addresses, or if the
session is about and for Adults.
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