1. family and parenting
2. children

Houston Area Association
for the
Education of Young Children
2012 Spring Conference and Leadership Forum
Welcome to HAAEYC’s 2012
Spring Conference & Leadership
HAAEYC is excited to be at Cypress Creek Christian Community Center this season !
We are excited to be in
participants.
Spring-TX to host two days of training and networking for you, our
Our theme this spring “Growing into our Shoes” is focused on ways that we can cultivate early
childhood professionals in our industry. We have distinguished trainers and presenters who have
joined us with their talents to provide the best in trainings for this weekend.
We look forward to opportunities to grow with our colleagues, attend dynamic sessions with
outstanding presenters and find ways to improve and strengthen our relationship with others.
Our special thanks to Collaborative for Children for coordinating 61 scholarships to allow
participants to attend this conference and to the Texas Association for the Education of Young
Children (TAEYC) for the funds received from the TAG Grant to scholarship 11 Licensed Registered Home Providers. As always, we appreciate your participation and welcome your comments
in helping us serve our membership and guests in the most meaningful manner. Enjoy your trainings and continue to grow with HAAEYC.
Janine Groth, Dr. Amelia Hewitt, Carolyn Green
Conference Chairs
HAAEYC Officers & Directors
President: Mary Jane Gomez
Immediate Past President: Teri Jackson
Secretary: Dr. Deborah Irabor
Treasurer: Brenda Duke
Vice-President, Membership Services:
Adriana Gutierrez
Vice-President, Organizational Support: Deborah Harris
Vice-President, Outreach:
Ayesha Simpson
Vice-President, Program:
Janine Groth
Board Members at Large:
Barbie Brashear
Glynis Lansdell
Dr. Amelia Hewitt
Maria Garcia
Carolyn Green
Program Director: Kimberly Gonzalez
Karen Gatten
Dr. Carolyn Wade
President’s Welcome
Welcome to HAAEYC’s “Growing Into Our Shoes” Spring Conference. The HAAEYC Board has
worked very diligently to provide you a very informative and insightful conference. It is our
goal to continually provide you professional development opportunities that enhance your
knowledge and skills to remain current in best practices. As self-directed learners we fully
understand that quality educators strive to gain new insights, improve their skills and broaden
their perspectives so that they continue to grow professionally.
You will find that the conference presenters will feature the latest developments in the field of
early childhood education and educational practices. They will focus on sharpening classroom
skills and contribute new knowledge that will support student learning. The presenters will
provide sessions that are designed around research based documented practices so that you
can continue to become the best-equipped and effective teacher you can be.
We invite you to visit the exhibitors to learn more about some of the most up to date products
that provide educational support. We want to recognize and thank our community partners,
exhibitors and vendors that contribute to the success of the conference. Please join us in
thanking them for supporting the conference. We would especially like to recognize and
thank KAPLAN Early Learning Company for being our Platinum Conference Sponsor.
Again, welcome to HAAEYC’s Spring Conference “Growing Into Our Shoes”. Enjoy the
conference, the opportunity to exchange educational ideas and network with early childhood
educators.
Respectfully,
Mary Jane Gomez
HAAEYC President
2012 Fall Conference
Join us as we return to Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church this Fall. We will
be hosting our Leadership Forum, General Conference and TOT. Join us in
welcoming Jason Kotecki as our Keynote Speaker. Learn more about Jason’s
work at www.kimandjason.com/blog/
“Fine
Tuning Our
Happiness”
“Fine
Tuning
Your
Happiness”
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September 14—15, 2012
Visit us at www.haaeyc.org
For conference details.
Information You Need to Know
 Lunch is not included in the Registration Fee - Papa John’s Pizza and Chick-fil-A will have
lunch for you to purchase. (Chick-fil-A will have a debit / credit card option.) To ease congestion
at lunch time, we have identified your lunch time according to the color of your wristband.
Lunch A (Blue wristband -11:30 a.m.)
Lunch B (Green wristband - 12:30 p.m.)
 There are no refunds issued for nonattendance. If you register for the conference but are
unable to attend, you may substitute by giving your wristband to another early childhood educator
to allow him, or her, to attend. *Cancelations will be accepted up to seven (7) business days
before the event with a refund minus $15 processing fee per registrant.
 You must wear your wristband to participate in the conference sessions. You must have
your wristband to gain entry into the conference. Wristbands will be at the Registration Tables in
alphabet order by last name of the registered participant. *Substitutes will need to check in with
the original attendees name.
 You may participate in our Exhibitor Scavenger Hunt to receive an additional clock hour of
training for a maximum total of 8 clock hours.
 Many of our exhibitors have generously donated door prizes. Please register for these
prizes at the exhibitor booths. Names of winners will be posted in the exhibitor area by the
HAAEYC both. Winners must collect door prizes the day of the conference by 4:15 p.m.
 Please understand that speakers may cancel their presentations. In the event of a cancellation,
HAAEYC makes every effort to schedule substitutes. Announcement Posters will be posted
throughout the venue the day of the conference to help you select workshop options and plan
your day.
 Certificates will be in your program brochure the day of the conference. It is your responsibility to
receive a sticker for each session you attend. In the event you loose your certificate, please stop
by the HAAEYC Booth for assistance.
Please consider joining us as a member. You may include your membership fees along with
your conference registration and mail both to HAAEYC . If you join online, you will be directed to
the NAEYC website www.naeyc.org. *Please do not fax registrations - Payment must be
received with your registration to confirm your registrations.
We appreciate your attendance and want you to
have a successful, productive and FUN day!
 Information given at the workshop sessions does not necessarily reflect the philosophy of the
Houston Area AEYC. Please be aware that the information expressed in each workshop session
is that of the presenter. The Houston Area AEYC does not endorse any product or speaker.
Lunch Information
 Lunch is being provided today by Chick-fil-A and Papa John’s Pizza. You may place an
order and purchase your lunch ticket at registration. Below is the menu options and
pricing for each vendor. **Participants may opt to bring a lunch.

Chick-fil-A® Sandwich w/Lays
Potato Chips….....................$5.00

Chick-fil-A® Chargrilled Garden
Salad………..................……..$6.00

Garden Salad (no chicken).....$5.00

Bottled Water or canned Coke
drinks………..…....................$1.00
*all prices include tax
Pizza Slice and Drink.............$4.00
*Choice of 1 Topping


Sausage

Cheese
Pepperoni
Cash Payment Only
Debit / Credit / Cash Payment Option
CLOCK H OU R TRAINING CERTIFI CATES
Each participant will receive a certificate for the
conference. Please collect your sticker after
the end of each session.
You may obtain an additional hour of training by
participating in our Exhibitor Scavenger Hunt. Please
look for Scavenger Hunt information in the program
given out on Saturday!
CON TINU IN G E DUCA T ION UN ITS —( CE Us)
Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) are being offered
through Texas Southern University, College of Continuing
Education. A certificate for 0.6 for the Leadership Forum,
and/or 0.8 CEU at the Conference will cost $25.00. CEUs
will only be sold at the conclusion of each day. Visit the
HAAEYC booth or Registration Area after the last session of
the day to purchase your certificate. The CEU certificate will
be mailed to you. (If attending both Leadership & Conference—bring both certificates at end of Saturday’s training.)
GENERAL CONFERENCE DAY SCHEDULE
Session 1
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Session 2—Keynote
9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Session 3
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Session 4
12:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Session 5
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
EXHIBIT HALL HOURS:
7:30 A.M . – 4:00 P.M .
Leadership Forum
“Growing a Winning Team”
We are proud to feature Pam Schiller, Ph.D. for our Leadership Forum this spring. Pam is a
freelance early childhood author and consultant. She is PastPresident of the Southern Early Childhood Association-SECA and
Texas Association for the Education of Young Children-TAEYC. She
served as Head of the Early Childhood Department at the University
of Houston, where she also directed the Lab School. Pam is a highly
sought after speaker and has given numerous presentations for
organizations such as the National Association for the Education of
Young Children, the Southern Early Childhood Association for
Childhood Education International and the International Reading
Association. She has written numerous articles for early childhood
journals, including Child Care Information Exchange and Texas Child
Care Quarterly. Pam Schiller, Ph.D., is the author of five early
childhood curriculums, eleven children’s books and more than thirty
teacher and parent resource books.
“Growing a Winning Team”
This presentation is specifically designed for administrators, directors, trainers and others in
leadership positions. A successful leader in the early childhood arena is in many ways like a
winning coach. Both encourage people to work together. Both inspire people to do their best. Both
are booster of morale. A leader who carefully selects a team and practices effective coaching skills
will create a high quality environment for both children and staff. This session provides ten
strategies for helping your team blossom to their full potential—play their best game.
A lunch break will be given with a catered meal from Rudy’s
sponsored by Lakeshore Learning Materials .
Attendance to this Leadership Presentation requires registration with a name badge.
On-site registration is available for this event.
A certificate for 6 hours of training will be given to participants.
CEU’s can be purchased for $25.00 at the end of the each day, those attending both Friday and Saturday can save on
cost by bringing both certificates for verification at the end of the conference on Saturday.
Kaplan Sponsored
Keynote & Featured Breakouts
Keith L. Pentz has been in the field of education for more than 25 years.
Co-author of the nationally recognized literacy and resiliency-based conflict resolution and violence prevention curriculum, Peace by Piece, Keith
has trained more than 1,000 teachers, administrators and parents to use
the curriculum. Keith speaks to groups at the local, regional, national and
international levels, and his areas of expertise include brain-compatible
teaching and learning strategies, early literacy, learning environments,
conflict resolution, positive discipline models and early childhood curriculum and instruction.
Keynote Presentation Title – “Mindfully We Can” (Centrum)
Mindfulness plays a significant role in our successes in life. We can attain goals, be personally more
aware, apply mindful techniques to everyday endeavors and even transform the
workplace. By being mindful we learn strategies that make us more alert in our daily routines at work
and also at home.
Breakout Session 4 – “Going Beyond Behavior Management: Prevention vs. Intervention” (Forum)
Classroom management is often identified as the number one issue facing teachers. Due to a variety of
factors, children may or may not respond to expectations in a learning environment. If teachers
understand that preventive strategies related to behaviors can be put in place to negate the need for
interventions, the cause for “control” is no longer necessary. In order for preventive strategies to be
effective, simple, and yet profound, guidelines must be taken into consideration: child development,
brain/cognitive development, lighting, color, sensory stimuli, task assignment, choices/options, prior
knowledge base, language proficiency and vocabulary, number of items to comprehend, instructional
design and positive/negative influences. By establishing a learning environment that does not promote
but prevents inappropriate behaviors from occurring, academic, social and emotional standards,
outcomes and goals can be more readily achieved.
Breakout Session 5 – “Immersing Children in Science and Math—It’s a Daily Thing!” (Forum)
Opportunities for science and math activities and lessons are numerous and quite readily available to
perform throughout a day. The integration of science and math as basic curricular components exists
in literature, art, centers/interest areas, outdoor experiences, mealtime, transitions, normal rituals and
routines, conversations and other everyday experiences. Because math and science “looks different” in
a preschool setting versus time in later years, teachers, caregivers and parents can expect to apply and
direct activities in a fun yet informative manner. Concepts such as patterns, similarities and differences,
cause and effect, grouping, counting, serration, representations, hypotheses, inquiry and analysis tend
to combine both science and math ideas. This session will provide opportunity to engage in a variety of
activities and experiences to demonstrate math and science concepts. In addition, participants will
learn how to incorporate those concepts into any curriculum while at the same time using materials
that tend to be already available in most classrooms.
2012 SUMMER WORKSHOPS
Motor Skills Development
Infants’ & Toddlers’ Activities
August 3, 2012
3 p.m. –7 p.m.
Basic Preschool Motor Skills
August 4, 2012
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Advanced Motor Skills
Connecting Math and Literature to
motor skills with seasonal adventures
August 4, 2012
2 p.m. – 5 pm.
For enrollment and cost
www.houstonkidbuilders.com
Contact: Marilyn Bitsis at (713) 306-9875
CEU Hours for teachers. Parents welcome
Conference Exhibitors
Platinum Sponsor
Kaplan Early Learning Company
Gilbert Marquez
[email protected]
Bronze Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Lakeshore Learning Materials
US Toys / Constructive Playthings
Richard Gomez
[email protected]
Cecil Jackson
[email protected]
Abrams Learning Trends
Janet Wells
[email protected]
Council for Environmental
Education
Reese-Anna Baker
[email protected]
Academic Partnerships—
Houston Community College
Dr. Vanese Delahousaye
[email protected]
Stephen F. Austin State University
Discount School Supply
Kids Kount Educational
LaFaith Washington
Regina Eardley
Services L.L.S.
[email protected]
Tracy P. Brownlee
[email protected]
[email protected]
AppleABC Gifts
Teacher Gifts & School Supplies
Discovery Toys
[email protected]
[email protected]
Arbonne
Rose Brunette
Nature Playscapes
Halcyon Reese-Learned
[email protected]
Ann McKitrick
EnFocus School Portraits—
E.S.P.
STRIDES Educational Services
[email protected]
Cathy McIver
Susan Paul
[email protected]
[email protected]
Building Blocks: Stern for
Language and Learning
Fun Adventure Wildlife Books
Teaching Strategies, Inc.
Tess Adone
Tim Ostermeyer
Helen Grove
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Handwriting Without Tears, Inc.
ChildCare Careers, LLC
Ali Bentolila
Pauline Ferguson
[email protected]
[email protected]
Houston Area AEYC
Collaborative for Children
Kimberly Gonzalez
Tracy Jones
[email protected]
[email protected]
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood®
Jackie Taylor
[email protected]
Conference T-Shirts
$18
At the haaeyc booth
The mission of the
Houston Area Association
for the Education of Young Children
is to promote and support high quality
care and education for young children
through improved professional
practice and broadened
public awareness.
Church & Community Center Grounds
Annex & Gym Map 1st Floor
Annex & Gym Map 2nd Floor
Youth Center 2nd Floor
Youth Center 3rd Floor
Session 1 8:00 a.m.—9:45 a.m.
Shapes, Symbols, and Scissor Skills...
Motoring to Literacy: Connect the Fourteen Basic
Sequenced for Success!
KidBuilders' Motor Skills
Marianne Gibbs,EdD, OTR/L
Marlyn Bitsis
Room: Forum
Room: 10 (Annex)
This session highlights shape and symbol writing as
a prerequisite for handwriting and scissor skill
development of the young child. Dr. Marianne
Gibbs provides educators and administrators with
simple, but meaningful, tools to objectively
document students’ prewriting skills and
competence in scissor skills. Very helpful session
for parent conferences!
This session will connect the fourteen basic
KidBuilders' motor skills to higher academic
learning. Preschool and kindergarten teachers
will learn how to improve their students'
academics through motor development
activities and learning enhancements.
Orientation to the Texas Trainer Registry
PLAY: The New Four
and the TECPDS
Letter Word
Katie Chennesi
Joy Marie Moss
Room: 12 (Annex)
Room: 11 (Annex)
Do you currently provide training? Are interested
in providing training to those in the field of early
childhood? If so, the Texas Trainer Registry might
be an option for you. Come learn about the Texas
Trainer Registry and the Texas Early Childhood
Professional Development System (TECPDS) as a
whole. During this training we will review the steps
for applying to become a registered trainer, the
benefits of being a registered trainer and discuss
other offerings of the TECPDS.
Research consistently demonstrates that children
learn more efficiently through play. In the current
educational climate PLAY has been placed on the
back burner and instructional time has been
thought to be more important. In this session
current research will be presented that identifies
the importance of play as an educative tool.
Moving Beyond Themes: Facilitating Studies
Getting the Respect
in the Preschool Classroom
You Deserve!
Sally Robinson
Joyce Robin
Room: 14 (Annex)
Room: 13 (Annex)
Studies are in-depth investigations which help
children develop the knowledge, skills and
dispositions needed for success in kindergarten
and life. Resources that help guide teachers along
the journey to implementing studies will be
examined and discussed during this session.
Participants will witness a journey through
several actual studies done in a classroom.
By examining documentation and photos
participants will learn how to move from
themes to studies in their own classroom.
In this session you will learn techniques that will
boost the respect you deserve! By presenting
yourself as a professional you will be respected as
a professional. Watch your parents’ heads turn, see
your coworkers stop to listen, and watch your
director notice the transformation.
Session 1 8:00 a.m.—9:45 a.m.
Music and Movement
SCAN: Suspect Child
for Transitions
Abuse and Negelct
Susan Paul
John Bickel
Room: 20/21 (Annex)
Room: 22/24 (Annex)
Participants will be actively engaged during this
lively session by singing songs, performing finger
plays and movement activities. Tricks, tips and
strategies for making smooth transitions as
children navigate between classes, lunchroom,
restroom, playground, lessons, center, etc.,
will be presented.
This session explains how to identify child
maltreatment and what to do when you see it.
The goal is to help you make children safer.
Part of healthy child development is the
environment in which the child lives. With child
maltreatment professionals can make very positive
interventions when they know it exists in a family.
Creative Activities for
Understanding a Young Child’s
Infant and Toddlers
Experience of Grief
Lorraine Velazquez
Marian Mankin
Room: 23/25 (Annex)
Room: 26 (Annex)
Participants will have an opportunity to brainstorm
with other participants to come up with great
creative activities and projects. They will learn the
minimum requirements needed in homes or centers as well as develop an activity plan. The participants will team build and share their creative ideas
with other participants making it a fun and exciting
experience.
In this session we will discuss a young child’s
experience of grief. How to help grieving
preschoolers will be explored with examples
from Bo’s Place Little Friends Program for
3 and 4 year olds. Common reactions and
age appropriate grief resources will
be discussed.
What Pre-K Teachers Can Do in the
Classroom to Have the Children
Engaged and Learning Independence
Connecting with At-Risk Kids in an
Urban Environment
Amaya Bounds / Amaya Santo Tomas
Muhammad Irileria / LaQuanna Mimms
Leslie Gomez / LaTanya Adelakun
Room: 27 (Annex)
Room: 30/31 (Annex)
Participants will learn what best practices are
appropriate for 3 and 4 year olds in order to
be independent in the classroom.
Participants will explore different charts created
to improve classroom management.
Maslow said children's basic needs must be met in
order for them to be successful. Children come to
school with experiences and backgrounds that are
much different than our own. Come and learn
techniques and skills to connect with at-risk
students. Come and learn how to make lasting
connections and impressions on your students.
Session 1 8:00 a.m.—9:45 a.m.
Exploring and Experimenting in the
Preschool Classroom
Yvette Criner
Room: 33 (Annex)
This training is designed to guide teachers in
implementing science activities and learning into
the preschool program. Participants will have an
understanding of how to incorporate the world
around them into science activities, discussion and
experiments. Teachers will learn how to teach
children the science skills of observation,
classification and communication as they explore,
discover and have fun!
Leadership Lessons Improve Your Communication
Josie Field
Room: 106 (1st Floor Youth Center)
Have you wondered how to improve your
leadership skills? Do you look for ways to be
a better communicator to your team or
organization? This session will focus on
building your toolbox with ideas to become
a more respected and effective leader.
Easy and Effective Reading Strategies
Cultivating Values in a Diverse World
for Pre-Schoolers
(Spanish Session)
Bonnie Mackey Ph.D./ Susan Kaye Jennings
Teresa Villfana
Room: 202 (Youth Center)
Room: 201 (Youth Center)
In this interactive and hands-on session,
participants will be actively engaged in
four reading strategies (shared reading,
interactive read “alouds”, dialogic reading, and
visualization). The theme focuses on gardening
and springtime. Participants will leave with
hands-on manipulatives that they can put
to use on Monday morning!
Participants will have an opportunity to brainstorm
with other participants to come up with great
creative activities and projects. They will learn the
minimum requirements needed in homes or centers as well as develop an activity plan. The participants will team build and share their creative ideas
with other participants making it a fun and exciting
experience.
Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are!
Image, Sing and Move!
Activities for the Outdoor Classroom
Maurene Moffet / Susan Honn
Jo Anne Pope / Jackie Byars
Room: 205/206 (Youth Center)
Room: 203/204 (Youth Center)
Music and motor is full of singing, creative
movement and expressive play. The process
can link quality music education and motor
skills development. Come and experience the
imaginative childhood world: ocean/beach,
"my backyard," animals and transportation.
Rediscover the joy of singing and moving
with your young students.
This workshop will offer opportunities waiting
to be explored in the outdoor classroom. The
activities will include science (collecting and
observing), math (counting, sorting, categorizing)
and singing (loud and proud with space for songs
with dancing and movement).
Session 3 11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
*SESSION 1 & Session 3*
Let’s Have Fun With Yoga!
Sharon Knapp / Rosangela Silva
Room: The Loft (3rd Floor Youth Center)
Today children share the same lifestyle as their parents, rushing from school to other activities with little
rest. Yoga can restore a sense of balance to stressed-out children through fun and relaxation. In addition
creating cooperation in the classroom, yoga may also help kids maintain a healthy weight while increasing
strength, flexibility and intelligence.
Fanny Frog’s Fabulous
Motoring to Literacy—Connect the
Top Hits in Literacy and Math!
Fourteen Basic KidBuilders’ Motor Skills
Dianne Patterson / Mabel Fernandez
Lisa Steinbauer
Marlyn Bitsis
Frog Street Press
Room: Forum
Literacy and math skills are enhanced through
rhyme and music. This session will focus on
alphabet knowledge, vocabulary, modeled writing,
phonological awareness, numeral recognition and
concept of numbers.
Room: 10 (Annex)
Preschool and kindergarten teachers will
learn how to improve their students'
academics through motor development
activities and learning enhancements.
PLAY: The New Four
Oral Language Through
Letter Word
Dramatic Play and Word Walls
Joy Marie Moss
Marcela Landestoy
Room: 11 (Annex)
Room: 12 (Annex)
Research consistently demonstrates that children
learn more efficiently through play. In the current
educational climate PLAY has been placed on the
back burner and instructional time has been
thought to be more important. In this session
current research will be presented that identifies
the importance of play as an educative tool.
Learn the importance of oral language in the
early childhood classroom. Learn and try
out fun and engaging ways to develop oral
language through the dramatic play
center and word walls.
Session 3 11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Getting the Respect
You Deserve!
Joyce Robin
Room: 13 (Annex)
In this session you will learn techniques that will
boost the respect you deserve! By presenting
yourself as a professional you will be respected as
a professional. Watch your parents’ heads turn, see
your coworkers stop to listen, and watch your
director notice the transformation.
Increasing Early Care and Education Provider
Knowledge: Reduce Risk of Reading Failure
Brenda Buzzell, M.Ed.
Room: 14 (Annex)
Sample play based strategies in vocabulary,
phonological awareness and alphabet knowledge
are proven to increase preschool children’s
chances for literacy success. Evidence for
BUILDING BLOCKS FOR LITERACY®, online course
elements and activities suitable for immediate
implementation will be described to increase
provider knowledge and reduce early
reading failure.
The Mr. K Show
Brian Kasperitis / Robin Kasperitis
Top Ten Reportable Diseases That May
Room: 20/21 (Annex)
Affect Day Care Centers
The Mr. K Show is an educational tool designed
to teach positive thinking, open mindedness,
and self-awareness. At each level discussion is
encouraged about fair play, decision making,
respect for others and healthy relationships. You
will enjoy a wide variety of entertainment
including guitars, piano, singing, audience
participation, puppetry, and Mr. K's magical
sidekick, THE BABY TRUMPET. This program
is easily adaptable for special needs, topics and
concerns of individuals, organizations
and communities.
Mary Asomani-Nykaro
Room: 22/24 (Annex)
The wave of communicable disease across a
community is often first noticed in day care
centers. Learn how to prevent illness or
minimize its impact once it occurs and
what to expect when the health
department calls.
Creative Activities for
Understanding a Young Child’s
Infant and Toddlers
Experience of Grief
Lorraine Velazquez
Marian Mankin
Room: 23/25 (Annex)
Room: 26 (Annex)
Participants will have an opportunity to
brainstorm with other participants to come
up with great creative activities and projects.
They will learn the minimum requirements
needed in homes or centers as well as develop
an activity plan. The participants will team build
and share their creative ideas with other
participants making it a fun and exciting
experience.
In this session we will discuss a young child’s
experience of grief. How to help grieving
preschoolers will be explored with examples
from Bo’s Place Little Friends Program for
3 and 4 year olds. Common reactions and
age appropriate grief resources will
be discussed.
Session 3 11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Who is My Child? Understanding
Connecting with At-Risk Kids in an
Children’s Temperaments
Urban Environment
Ann Crider
Room: 27 (Annex)
Muhammad Irileria / LaQuanna Mimms
Leslie Gomez / LaTanya Adelakun
Learning more about the temperament of
Room: 30/31 (Annex)
children in your care will help you help them adapt
Maslow said children's basic needs must be met in
order for them to be successful. Children come to
school with experiences and backgrounds that are
much different than our own. Come and learn
techniques and skills to connect with at-risk
students. Come and learn how to make lasting
connections and impressions on your students.
to situations throughout their lives. How well
children can adapt their temperaments to fit the
world around them can affect how much they learn,
how well they behave and how happy a life they can
have. This is a practical, interactive session
including video and activities.
Creative Activities for
Understanding a Young Child’s
Infant and Toddlers
Experience of Grief
Lorraine Velazquez
Marian Mankin
Room: 23/25 (Annex)
Room: 26 (Annex)
Participants will have an opportunity to brainstorm
with other participants to come up with great
creative activities and projects. They will learn the
minimum requirements needed in homes or centers
as well as develop an activity plan. The
participants will team build and share their
creative ideas with other participants making it a
fun and exciting experience.
In this session we will discuss a young child’s
experience of grief. How to help grieving
preschoolers will be explored with examples
from Bo’s Place Little Friends Program for
3 and 4 year olds. Common reactions and
age appropriate grief resources will
be discussed.
Importance of Effective
Connecting To Nature With Birds
Employee Evaluations
Josie Field
Yvette Criner
Room: 33 (Annex)
Birds are always nearby and provide great
opportunities for observation and scientific
"research". Bird study can support many
common themes and provide math, science
and literacy learning. We will share ideas
and resources.
Room: 106 (Youth Center)
An employee performance evaluation is
an important tool. Like most tools, its success
depends on how you use it. This training will
inform directors on the importance of a formal
staff evaluation, different evaluation tools
and how to use the results of the evaluation for
staff development.
Session 3 11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
El Juego y
Easy and Effective Reading Strategies
Desarrollo Infantil
for Pre-Schoolers
Amydth Chumacero
Bonnie Mackey Ph.D / Susan Kaye Jennings
Room: 201 (Youth Center)
Room: 202 (Youth Center)
Esta presentación, en español, se centra en
la importancia de y cómo realzar el juego de un
niño a través de la edad del desarrollo infantil.
El objetivo es dar una introducción en los aspectos
físicos, emocionales, sociales, y cognoscitivos del
juego del niño y cómo promover juego-tiempo
eficaz a través del material/juegos apropiados en
cada una de las etapas.
In this interactive and hands-on session,
participants will be actively engaged in
four reading strategies (shared reading,
interactive read “alouds”, dialogic reading, and
visualization). The theme focuses on gardening
and springtime. Participants will leave with
hands-on manipulatives that they can put
to use on Monday morning!
Teaching Strategies GOLD Online: An
Observation-Based Assessment for Children
Birth Through Kindergarten
Maurene Moffet / Susan Honn
Sally Robinson
Room: 205/206 (Youth Center)
Room: 203/204 (Youth Center)
Music and motor is full of singing, creative
movement and expressive play. The process
can link quality music education and motor
skills development. Come and experience the
imaginative childhood world: ocean/beach,
"my backyard," animals and transportation.
Rediscover the joy of singing and moving
with your young students.
Come learn about the future of early childhood
assessment! Teaching Strategies GOLD Online
Assessment System is a seamless, efficient
approach to ongoing, observation-based
assessment for all children birth through
Kindergarten. Teaching Strategies GOLD online
demonstration will be included in the session.
Image, Sing and Move!
Session 4 12:45 p.m.—2:15 p.m.
Going Beyond Behavior Management: Prevention vs. Intervention
Keith Pentz—Kaplan Early Learning Sponsored
Room: Forum
Classroom management is often identified as the number one issue facing teachers. Due to
a variety of factors, children may or may not respond to expectations in a learning
environment. If teachers understand that preventive strategies related to behaviors can be
put in place to negate the need for interventions, the cause for “control” is no longer
necessary. In order for preventive strategies to be effective, simple, and yet profound,
guidelines must be taken into consideration: child development, brain/cognitive
development, lighting, color, sensory stimuli, task assignment, choices/options, prior knowledge base, language
proficiency and vocabulary, number of items to comprehend, instructional design and positive/negative influences.
By establishing a learning environment that does not promote but prevents inappropriate behaviors from occurring,
academic, social and emotional standards, outcomes and goals can be more readily achieved.
Session 4 12:45 p.m.—2:15 p.m.
Growing Children as Meaning Makers—
Making Meanings From New Words
Beverly Reed
Room: 10 (Annex)
Learning to Walk in the Shoes You Are Given:
Making Interactions Meaningful!
Bethany Stansell
Room: 11 (Annex)
This session will enhance teachers' understandings
of ways to teach new vocabulary words to children
from interactive read aloud sessions, as well as,
during other parts of the day. Working with books,
teachers create child-friendly definitions and
activities to engage children in actively
constructing understanding of the
new word.
If you need some easy steps to reach your
co-workers, teachers, parents or other team
members...If you want simple ways to address
concerns in your classroom, school, center or
company...Or if you want to improve your
communication skills...this session should
help you.
Parental Involvement in
Building Your Child’s Library for Career
Literacy Development
And College Readiness
Colin Dalton / Christal Burnett, Ed.D.
Patricia Jackson / John Robinson / Gail Hall
Room: 12 (Annex)
Room: 13 (Annex)
Learn how to foster collaboration with families and
other professionals to promote children’s literacy.
The presenters will impart literacy development
strategies - utilizing reading, writing and oral
language – which families can implement with
their children in everyday situations. In addition,
participants will engage in a discussion on
additional early childhood literacy development
strategies they have implemented successfully with
their own children. A handout outlining at-home
literacy development strategies will be provided.
The Houston Area Urban League in conjunction
with HISD has formulated a strategic plan to
assist with student literacy. Current practices are
examined regarding the principles necessary for
student college and career readiness. Learning
styles and metacognition are defined as essential
components of the curriculum of
Project Ready 2.0.
Increasing Early Care and Education Provider
Knowledge: Reduce Risk of Reading Failure
Make Some Music, Add Some
Brenda Buzzell, M.Ed.
Melissa McKenzie
Room: 14 (Annex)
Room: 20/21 (Annex)
Sample play based strategies in vocabulary,
phonological awareness and alphabet knowledge
are proven to increase preschool children’s
chances for literacy success. Evidence for
BUILDING BLOCKS FOR LITERACY®, online course
elements and activities suitable for immediate
implementation will be described to increase
provider knowledge and reduce early
reading failure.
Kids need to move - so let them move!
Music & Movement activities promote physical
well-being, fine/gross motor development,
prepare the brain for learning and get the
WHOLE child involved in the learning process.
Be ready for an energized session full of
music and movement fun.
Movement, Have Some Fun
Session 4 12:45 p.m.—2:15 p.m.
Health, Safety and Risk Management in
Teaching Tools and Reading Strategies
Early Childhood Education
Neelofer Tajani
Clifshaque Stokes
Room: 22/24 (Annex)
This session provides an introduction to basic
health and safety standards and recommendations
for child care centers. Participants will learn
developmentally appropriate practices as it
relates to indoor and outdoor safety, such as
minimizing hazards and creating a safe and
healthy learning environment.
Room: 23/25 (Annex)
The session will provide teachers the
importance and the need to vary instructional
strategies to cater to the profile and
interest/strengths of the students.
Understanding the Gymnastics of
Who is My Child? Understanding
Love & Discipline
Children’s Temperaments
Bruce Benko
Room: 26 (Annex)
This session will consist of age-appropriate /
developmental communication techniques,
discipline strategies and classroom tips that
will assist you when helping a child correct
their behavior.
Ann Crider
Room: 27 (Annex)
Learning more about the temperament of
children in your care will help you help them adapt
to situations throughout their lives. How well
children can adapt their temperaments to fit the
world around them can affect how much they learn,
how well they behave and how happy a life they can
have. This is a practical, interactive session,
including video and activities.
Helpful Reading Strategies—Bridging the Gap
For English Language Learners
Sensory is More Than
Steven White
Water Play
Room: 30/31 (Annex)
Tammy Davis
This presentation is designed to provide
classroom teachers with strategies and materials
that they incorporate into daily lessons to assist
ELL with comprehension reading skills in their
classroom. You will leave with new perspectives,
exciting new ideas and practical instructional
strategies to help strengthen your classroom.
Room: 33 (Annex)
Explore, discover, and experience the wonderful
world of sensory. Sensory time where children
learn can science, math, and language skills.
Session 4 12:45 p.m.—2:15 p.m.
Refining Others Requires
Defining a Shining You!
Mushira Shamsi
Room: 106 (Youth Center)
This session will describe the stages of
professional development teachers go through,
with explanations of how to understand oneself
and others in order to maximize the socioemotional development of our students.
Perspectives gained will enhance teaching with the
realization that teachers are at their best when
reaching within to teach without.
Read Aloud: How, When, What and
Why to Read to Young Children
Connie Floyd
Room: 202 (Youth Center)
Reading aloud to young children is the single
most valuable literacy activity most of us use in
our classroom but do we make the most of it? Do
we place enough emphasis on vocabulary? Do we
help children make real life connections to the
story? Do we make appropriate book selections?
In this session we will look at read aloud best
practices from the research and how best to
implement them into our classrooms. Many
wonderful titles will be shared.
Hyperactive Children: Their Profile and Sensory
Integration (SI) Techniques to Integrate
Within a Curriculum
Amydth Chumacero
Room: 201 (Youth Center)
We have all had them --children with behavior/
concentration issues that do not seem to respond
to any of our efforts. This session will cover one
possible reason for this behavior is Hyperactive
Disorder. Further, attendees will learn about
Sensory Integration and it’s techniques that can
help alleviate some of the hardship.
Welcome to the Farm:
E-I-E-I-O
Kathy Heath / Kay Houston
Room: 203/204 (Youth Center)
Want to learn how to use a thematic unit
approach to teaching appropriate cross
curricular objectives for 4 and 5 year olds?
How can we use the farm in literacy, math,
science, blocks and dramatic play work
stations? Join us as we explore the farm
to make learning both
MEANINGFUL and FUN!
YeeHaw!
*SESSIONS 4 & 5*
*SESSIONS 4 & 5*
From Mice to Dogs: Using Laura Numeroff Books
Creative Cooking in
The Classoom
To Teach Story Patterns
Susan Kaye Jennings / Bonnie Mackey
Room: 205/206 (Youth Center)
Maslow said children's basic needs must be met
in order for them to be successful. Children
come to school with experiences and
backgrounds that are much different than
our own. Come and learn techniques and
skills to connect with at-risk students. Come
and learn how to make lasting connections
and impressions on your students.
D’Wana Lynn Johnson
Room: 20/21 (Annex)
Research shows that when taught at an
early age, children can develop healthy eating
habits that will follow them throughout their
lifetime. This session will explore recipes that
can be easily implemented into the classroom.
Session attendees will participate in hands-on
cooking activities in all areas of
the curriculum.
Session 5 2:30 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
Immersing Children in Science and Math—It’s a Daily Thing!
Keith Pentz—Kaplan Early Learning Sponsored
Room: Forum
This session will provide opportunity to engage in a variety of activities and
experiences to demonstrate math and science concepts. In addition,
participants will learn how to incorporate those concepts into any curriculum
while at the same time using materials that tend to be already available in most
classrooms.
Sharpen your A.X.
Learning to Walk in the Shoes You Are Given:
Attitude and eXpectations
Making Interactions Meaningful!
Melissa McKenzie
Bethany Stansell
Room: 10 (Annex)
Room: 11 (Annex)
Feeling burned out? Do you find yourself
asking, "Why am I here?" Or maybe there is an
overwhelming sense of stress or discontent in
your center. This open, honest session will help
remind participants why we chose to become
Early Childhood Educators. We'll also look at
how to build and maintain relationships with
co-workers and how to encourage and support
each other in the workplace.
If you need some easy steps to reach your
co-workers, teachers, parents or other team
members...If you want simple ways to address
concerns in your classroom, school, center or
company...Or if you want to improve your
communication skills...this session should
help you.
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood®
Building Your Child’s Library for Career
Scholarship Project
And College Readiness
Jackie Taylor
Patricia Jackson / John Robinson / Gail Hall
Room: 12 (Annex)
Room: 13 (Annex)
The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship
project is up and running in Texas! This session
will provide you with all the information on this
program including scholarships for 2 year degrees
and CDA Assessment Scholarships. The T.E.A.C.H.
Early Childhood® Project is successfully helping
early childhood workers in 23 other states and is
growing here in Texas. Applications will be available
to take with you! Come learn about this exciting
new program that will not only assist you in
achieving your educational goals but provide
completion bonuses as well!
The Houston Area Urban League in conjunction
with HISD has formulated a strategic plan to
assist with student literacy. Current practices are
examined regarding the principles necessary for
student college and career readiness. Learning
styles and metacognition are defined as essential
components of the curriculum of
Project Ready 2.0.
Session 5 2:30 p.m.—4:00 p.m.
Stephen F. Austin
Online Degree Opportunities
LaFaith Washington
SIDS / Shaken Baby
Shannon White
Room: 14 (Annex)
Room: 27 (Annex)
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) is an
institution with a long history of educating teachers.
We are now offering 100% online programs for
some of our popular College of Education degrees—
the Master of Education in Early Childhood and
Bachelor of Science - Child Development and Family
Living Online Completer Program! Tuition rates are
reduced with a savings of up to 40%.
Successful learners will learn how to reduce
The Importance of Understanding
Childhood Immunization Schedules
Vanessa Lee
Room: 22/24 (Annex)
Providers/directors frequently trust that the
immunization provided at the time of
enrollment is current, correct and does not
review the schedule before accepting to care for
the child. My presentation will assist
administrators with children’s
immunization schedules.
the risk of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome, the leading cause of death
for infants under one year of age.
Growing Into
Toddlers
Claudia Pouncey
Room: 23/25 (Annex)
We will be learning how a toddler grows and
how they learn. We will be going through a day
in a toddler room and how what you say and do
can and will affect the learning of each child.
The benefit will be that the participants will learn
how to communicate and implement
developmentally appropriate practices.
Understanding the Gymnastics of
Green Frog,
Love & Discipline
Gold Heart
Bruce Benko
Carolyn Anne Venable “Granny Vee”
Room: 26 (Annex)
Room: 27 (Annex)
This session will consist of age-appropriate /
Carolyn Anne Venable, aka “Granny Vee”, has
delighted scores of children with her music.
She demonstrates how to inspire children to be
kind and keep the “Golden Rule” using this
music, book and puppet. The “Golden Rule”
ethic of reciprocity has been foundational to
societies worldwide.
developmental communication techniques,
discipline strategies and classroom tips that
will assist you when helping a child correct
their behavior.
Session 5 2:30 p.m.—4:00 p.m.
Helpful Reading Strategies—Bridging the Gap
Sensory is More Than
For English Language Learners
Water Play
Steven White
Tammy Davis
Room: 30/31 (Annex)
Room: 33 (Annex)
This presentation is designed to provide classroom
teachers with strategies and materials that they
incorporate into daily lessons to assist ELL with
comprehension reading skills in their classroom.
You will leave with new perspectives, exciting new
ideas and practical instructional strategies to help
strengthen your classroom.
Explore, discover, and experience the wonderful
Refining Others Requires
Defining a Shining You!
Mushira Shamsi
Room: 106 (Youth Center)
This session will describe the stages of
professional development teachers go through,
with explanations of how to understand oneself
and others in order to maximize the socioemotional development of our students.
Perspectives gained will enhance teaching with the
realization that teachers are at their best when
reaching within to teach without.
Read Aloud: How, When, What and
Why to Read to Young Children
Connie Floyd
Room: 202 (Youth Center)
Reading aloud to young children is the single
most valuable literacy activity most of us use in
our classroom but do we make the most of it? Do
we place enough emphasis on vocabulary? Do we
help children make real life connections to the
story? Do we make appropriate book selections?
In this session we will look at read aloud best
practices from the research and how best to
implement them into our classrooms.
world of sensory. Sensory time where children
learn can science, math, and language skills.
Meaningful Instruction for
Dual Language Learners
Mary White
Room: 201 (Youth Center)
As our nation becomes more global the likelihood
that our classrooms and development centers will
have more than one child from a diversity of
cultures is expanding. How do we close the everwidening achievement gap at the onset of language
development? This active session will involve not
only the research behind language acquisition,
but also effective instructional practices that each
attendee can immediately put to use.
Welcome to the Farm:
E-I-E-I-O
Kathy Heath / Kay Houston
Room: 203/204 (Youth Center)
Want to learn how to use a thematic unit
approach to teaching appropriate cross
curricular objectives for 4 and 5 year olds?
How can we use the farm in literacy, math,
science, blocks and dramatic play work
stations? Join us as we explore the farm
to make learning both
MEANINGFUL and FUN!
YeeHaw!
Houston Area Association for the Education of Young Children
2012 Spring Conference
Presented to:
__________________________________________________________________________________
In recognition of having participated in training workshops.
Session 1:
8:00 am - 9:30 am
Title: ____________________________
Core Knowledge:
Presenter: ________________________
______________________________
Session II:
Keynote Address: Mindfully We Can
Presenter: Keith Pentz
Session III:
9:45 am - 11:15 am
Core Knowledge:
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Core Knowledge:
Presenter: ________________________
______________________________
Core Knowledge:
Presenter: ________________________
______________________________
1.5
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Title: ____________________________
Core Knowledge:
Presenter: ________________________
______________________________
Additional Training Opportunity:
1.0
12:45 pm - 2:15 pm
Title: ____________________________
Session V:
1.5
Curriculum
Title: ____________________________
Session IV:
1.5
Scavenger Hunt
1.5
1.0
Core Knowledge:
Community Partnership
Mary Jane Gomez
Mary Jane Gomez, HAAEYC President
Total Clock Hours:
____________
General Conference Sessions for March 3, 2012