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Celebrating Connections 2023

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Celebrating Connections 2023
Celebrating Connections 2023
Tue, April 18, 2023 — Thu, April 20, 2023
THIS EVENT IS 100% FREE!






CC23 Stipend Application:

All stipends have been awarded. If you would like to be put on the CC23 stipend waitlist, please email smiller@rvcds.org


Registration closes April 12th!

Limited onsite registration will be available. No cash accepted on sight.



Celebrating Connections Attendee Registration Rates 2023:


Early Bird Registration Rates: January 1- February 28, 2023

 

  • Full Conference - $225
  • Two Days- $150
  • One Day- $75

 

Regular Registration Rates: March 1-March 31, 2023

 

  • Full Conference - $250
  • Two Days- $175
  • One Day- $100

 

Late Registration Rates: April 1- April 12, 2023

 

  • Full Conference - $300
  • Two Days- $225
  • One Day- $150



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Event Dates
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Registration Closes
April 20, 2023 @ 11:55 pm
Location
Address
Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
200 Civic Center Drive
Charleston, WV  USA
Summary Agenda
NEW AGENDA
Tuesday, April 18
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
B1: Water & Nature-Based Early Childhood Education
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
B2: Growing Adventurous Eaters & New Central Kitchen Model
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
B3: So Many Changes! Sense-Able Strategies for Regulation with Play Therapy!
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
B4: Early Communication Development: Foundation to Educational Success
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
B5: Connecting with Mother Nature Inside/Outside
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
A1: Everyone Needs Attention: Helping Young Child
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
A2: Using Play-Based and Routines-Based Observation to Examine Executive Function in Young Children
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
A3: What's Right With You?
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
A4: Connections Matter
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
A5: Promoting the Soc. Emot. Development of I/T
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
A6: Critical Issues in Supporting I/T & Families
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
C1: Celestial Navigation: Charting Your PD Course using WV STARS
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
C2: 3 R's to Resilience! Recognize, Respond and Reconnect to Resilience!
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
C3: Use Sign Language with Hearing Children?
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
C4: Developing Preschool Language Skills in the Classroom
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
C5: Snap, Clap, Wiggle & Giggle: An Interactive Introduction to the Music and Language Development Connection
Wednesday, April 19
8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Keynote: Connecting Through Joy
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
D1: Effectiveness of Skillstreaming in Preschool Children with Pragmatic Language Delays
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
D10: The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Effect of Child Abuse
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
D2: Sign Language, Hearing Children, and Reading - How Do the Three of These Go Together?
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
D3: You've Got to Learn to Earn!
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
D4: Federal and State Financial Aid Opportunities
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
D5: Reunification: What Role Do I Play?
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
D6: Evidence Based Literacy Practices for Infants and Toddlers
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
D7: Intrauterine Substance Exposure and How It Impacts Development
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
D8: Clear to Be Kind- Fostering Positive, Effective Communication
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
D9: Picky Eaters
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
E1: Pump up your PD: Train Smarter, Not Harder
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
E2: SLP Experiences Working with Children with History of Opioid Exposure
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
E3: Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood -WV Project Learning Tree
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
E4: Connecting Through Persuasive Communication
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
E5: Fostering Communication - Signing Language to Enhance Language & Literacy
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
E6: Let’s Move!
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
E7: 212 The Extra Degree
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
E8: Listening Well – Engaging Families
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
E9: Moving Families from Surviving to Thriving
Thursday, April 20
8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
SL1: Circles are for Squares: Making Time for Books and Stories
8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
SL2: Helping Parents Understand Executive Function in Young Children
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
F1: Get a Bigger Carpet! I'm Making a Track! Do Preschool Teachers Value Block Play?
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
F10: What Assistive Technology should you be using for your Preschooler?
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
F2: WVABLE: Promoting Independence, Financial Stability and Quality of Life for People with Disabilities
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
F3: Home Visiting Today - Meeting Families Where They Are
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
F4: Enhancing Behavior & School Readiness through Social-Emotional Learning
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
F5: A Classroom Safari
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
F6: Do You Hear What I Am Saying?
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
F7: How is Play Teaching Anything?
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
F8: Stay In Your Lane- A (Somewhat) Complete Guide to Professionalism
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
F9: James’ Journey through WV Birth to Three
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
G1: Story Writing with Young Children: How Does Your Story Start?
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
G10: Connecting Families with Care: An Intro of the Right From The Start Program
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
G2: Update Changes to the Child Care Regulations for All Types of Child Care
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
G3: Deafblindness and Early Intervention
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
G4: Teaching Young Children About Race/Ethnicity
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
G5: Alaska, The Last Frontier, A Classroom Journey
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
G6: Facilitating Transitions of Children and Families from WV Birth to Three to Pre-K
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
G7: Stress Management
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
G8: Lanterns to Lighthouses
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
G9: AAC & Me: Beyond Requesting
Sponsors

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Tuesday & Wednesday Registration
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Wednesday & Thursday Registration
Wednesday & Thursday Registration
808/900 LEFT $ 225.00 
 
Tuesday & Thursday Registration
Tuesday & Thursday Registration
894/900 LEFT $ 225.00 
 
Tuesday Only Registration
Tuesday Only Registration
839/900 LEFT $ 150.00 
 
Wednesday Only Registration
Wednesday Only Registration
844/900 LEFT $ 150.00 
 
Thursday Only Registration
Thursday Only Registration
849/900 LEFT $ 150.00 
 
 
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 Session A (All Day Institutes)
A1: Everyone Needs Attention: Helping Young Child
A1: Everyone Needs Attention: Helping Young Child
59/100 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  09:00:AM  —  04:00:PM EDT

Traditionally, early childhood teachers are taught strategies as some type of tools or a “quick fix” to control children’s behaviors. Together, we understand how we filter our understanding of discipline through emotional memory of punishment - how we perceive children’s behaviors in connection with how we remember being treated as young children. Self-reflection about what makes us adults tick emotionally is critical in helping children manage their own feelings. Let’s challenge ourselves to reflect on our own emotional histories and find strategies for responding to children in ways that support their emotional health and development. 


Tamar Jacobson, Ph.D., Author and Early Childhood Education & Development Consultant Philadelphia, PA

 
A2: Using Play-Based and Routines-Based Observation to Examine Executive Fu …
A2: Using Play-Based and Routines-Based Observation to Examine Executive Fu …
60/100 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  09:00:AM  —  04:00:PM EDT

Executive function develops at an incredibly rapid pace during the preschool years, beginning shortly after birth.  Ellen Galinsky and others have highlighted executive function as a critical preschool skill necessary for later success. Yet, experts like Peter Anderson and Natalie Reidy tell us that few attempts are made to assess executive processes in young children.  Dr. Thomas Brown, a psychiatrist at Yale University believes that observing a person’s ability to perform self-managed tasks of everyday life provides a much better measure of executive function. Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child tells us that babies aren’t born with the essential executive function and self-regulation skills, but they are born with the potential to develop them. Therefore, it is imperative that we examine the executive functioning of young children in order to develop individualized plans to achieve these essential skills.


Barbara Kuczen, PhD, Author, Consultant

 
A3: What's Right With You?
A3: What's Right With You?
61/100 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  09:00:AM  —  04:00:PM EDT

Children are often asked, overtly or covertly: “What’s wrong with you?” Adults, too focus on our faults, rather than our talents/strengths. Imagine changing the conversation to: “What’s right with you?” as we seek the unique giftedness of each child, in our peers and ourselves?

A child is more than her diagnosis. An adult is more than her shortcomings. Join us in discovering how this simple change of perspective changes every interaction for the better. Rilke encourages us to “Learn to love the questions”. “What’s right with you?” is a question to love.


Hollyelissa Bruno

 
A4: Connections Matter
A4: Connections Matter
12/30 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  09:00:AM  —  04:00:PM EDT

Anyone working with young children (through age 8) and/or their families.

Every day connections are more important than we ever believed. Our brain, our relationships and our community are all inter-connected. Science tells us that relationships have the power to shape our brains. Relationships help us learn better, work better, parent better. When we experience tough times, positive relationships help us heal. With each positive connection, we develop a healthier, stronger community. This session uses video, discussion and experiential activities. The curriculum was developed by Linda Chamberlain, PhD for the Iowa Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America and brought to West Virginia by the West Virginia ACEs Coalition and is managed by TEAM for WV Children, Inc. https://teamwv.org/prevent-child-abuse-wv/connections-matter/


Michele Baranaskas, LCSW, Partners in Community Outreach

Jessica Dianellos, MS, Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia

 
A5: Promoting the Soc. Emot. Development of I/T
A5: Promoting the Soc. Emot. Development of I/T
78/100 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  09:00:AM  —  04:00:PM EDT

Strong, competent families who are able to be deeply involved with their children are the greatest contributors to child progress and wellbeing (Dunlap, 2008). Children who live in poverty or have adverse family circumstances enter school behind heir same age peers in academic, language, behavioral and social skills. With an increase in the numbers of children living in poverty and in homes where there is substance use or domestic violence, there is an urgent need to have appropriately trained early childhood professionals who are knowledgeable and skilled in evidence-based practices for promoting social emotional development and prevention of challenging behaviors. Through nurturing and responsive parent practices children can thrive despite poverty, isolation, or family circumstance and children with disabilities can reach their fullest potential.

 

This one-day training will provide you an overview of:

  • Infant/Toddler social emotional development and how risk factors in families can impact that development
  •  The importance of periodic screening of social emotional development to support children and families
  • Rationale for building meaningful and sustained partnerships with families
  • Purpose of social emotional assessment
  • Problem solving effective and efficient planning to address the needs of children with challenging behaviors


Sheila Zickefoose & Kristy Stout, WV Birth to Three


 
A6: Critical Issues in Supporting I/T & Families
A6: Critical Issues in Supporting I/T & Families
94/100 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  09:00:AM  —  04:00:PM EDT

Parents and we as professionals may not always know about resources available to support the needs of children, especially when the child has special medical or developmental needs. This session will assist early childhood professionals and families to learn about resources, strategies, and ways to support a variety of critical issues in early childhood. Come join us and learn more about:

  • Supporting Children with Autism
  • Transition to Preschool
  • Oral Health
  • How to Talk to Children about Disability, and other important matters


Jessica Dempsey, Lauren Moore & Susan Rispress, WV Birth to Three

 
 
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 Session B
B1: Water & Nature-Based Early Childhood Education
B1: Water & Nature-Based Early Childhood Education
6/75 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  09:00:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

This hands-on workshop will demonstrate several activities from the Youth Environmental Program (YEP) and the Project Water Education Today (WET) Curriculum & Activity Guide, Getting Little Feet Wet Guide, and WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands Guide. Attendees will receive copies of eight interactive activities and a chance to explore the different aspects of water and nature, just as their students will. Most activities are correlated to educational standards and were developed specifically for teachers working with young children (ages 3-6) but can also be adapted for older students.


Tomi Bergstrom, WV Project WET Coordinator, WV Department of Environmental Protection

 
B2: Growing Adventurous Eaters & New Central Kitchen Model
B2: Growing Adventurous Eaters & New Central Kitchen Model
84/100 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  09:00:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

Come join us to learn how to “grow” adventurous eaters! Healthy eating is an important aspect for healthy development to nurture our kiddos bodies and fuel their brains. Tips, techniques, and policies will be shared as well as resources for you, your classroom, and your parents. We will save the best part for last and share a new, innovative shared serviced model: WV Central Kitchens. This model provides healthy, nutrient-dense meals that are scratch-made from WV fruits, vegetables, and local products. Menus are chef-created and kid-inspired and designed to “grow” adventurous eaters.


Raffles for classroom incentives will ensure a high energy session. And taste testing of several Central Kitchen favorite menu items will add a special touch to this session.        

 

Panel of child care directors utilizing Central Kitchen shared model service will be available for Q&A. 


Mandy Curry & Jamie Jeffrey KEYS 4 Healthy Kids/Healthy Kids, Inc.



 
B3: So Many Changes! Sense-Able Strategies for Regulation with Play Therapy …
B3: So Many Changes! Sense-Able Strategies for Regulation with Play Therapy …
36/100 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  09:00:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

We can help our children build resilience to navigate our ever-changing world, through self-care strategies and tools for self-regulation. This workshop includes education on our brains and body’s reaction to stress with Play Therapy tools and strategies to help support the development of self regulation in ourselves and the children you serve.


Katrina Jefferson, MSW, LCSW, CTT, RPT/S, PeaceTree Center for Wellness

 
B4: Early Communication Development: Foundation to Educational Success
B4: Early Communication Development: Foundation to Educational Success
48/100 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  09:00:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

Participants will learn about foundational oral language skills that correlate and directly impact the acquisition of academic skills including pre-reading, reading fluency, reading comprehension, and math. Factors impacting the development of these pre-academic skills at home, daycare, and school will be presented.


Jayne Brandel, PhD, CCC-SLP, Associate Professor, Chairperson, WVU School of Medicine

 
B5: Connecting with Mother Nature Inside/Outside
B5: Connecting with Mother Nature Inside/Outside
26/100 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  09:00:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

Toddlers to school age children will benefit from the connections with Stem, Steam, & Stream… introducing the attendees to the world of Mother Nature through the eyes of a child.   New books, music, storyboard, and nature will be the focus of this presentation. It will develop imagination, creativity, critical thinking, science & math skills. Technology in the world of ECE will be explored. The arts interact with children’s lives daily and reading is one of the most important gifts we can share with young children. BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS that explore the world of nature will be introduced and shared.


Mary Jo Huff, Storytellin’ Time

 
 
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 Session C
C1: Celestial Navigation: Charting Your PD Course using WV STARS
C1: Celestial Navigation: Charting Your PD Course using WV STARS
90/100 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  01:00:PM  —  04:00:PM EDT

When it’s time to choose what PD (Professional Development) Course to take, how do you navigate through the ocean of choices? Just as ancient sailors used STARS as tools to navigate, so can Early Childhood Professionals use tools provided by WV STARS to help create a personalized Professional Development map. In this session, you will learn how to use the PD Planning Tool to create your PD Map, discover your opportunities for growth and areas of strength, and what the next steps are in your PD Course! This session is intended for Early Childhood Professionals.


EmmaLee Griffith, WV STARS Statewide Project Manager

 
C2: 3 R's to Resilience! Recognize, Respond and Reconnect to Resilience!
C2: 3 R's to Resilience! Recognize, Respond and Reconnect to Resilience!
57/100 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  01:00:PM  —  04:00:PM EDT

3 R’s to Resilience!!!, is a Trauma Informed Strategy Building Workshop which includes education on the brain and social and emotional aspects of reactive behavior, related to our ever changing environment. Learn to recognize behavior patterns resulting from brain and body functions and how to respond to improve cooperation and outcomes. In addition, we will identify how to reconnect and recover from the challenges to build resilience in the environment.


Katrina Jefferson, MSW, LCSW, CTT, RPT/S, PeaceTree Center for Wellness

 
C3: Use Sign Language with Hearing Children?
C3: Use Sign Language with Hearing Children?
50/100 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  01:00:PM  —  04:00:PM EDT

We will talk about the benefits of using sign language with hearing children then cover some signs for words that you use every day. Sign language may be used to increase children’s language abilities. Using signs can help increase verbal vocabulary, increase interest in language and more.


Janelle St. Martin, Instructor and Interpreter, WeSign2

 
C4: Developing Preschool Language Skills in the Classroom
C4: Developing Preschool Language Skills in the Classroom
33/100 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  01:00:PM  —  04:00:PM EDT

Participants will review the language related milestones achieved by a typically developing preschooler. Activities and methods of engaging with students to develop the academic language and literacy skills of preschoolers will be presented. In addition, tools for assessing the language environment and practice with these tools will be provided.


Jayne Brandel, PhD, CCC-SLP, Associate Professor, Chairperson, WVU School of Medicine

 
C5: Snap, Clap, Wiggle & Giggle: An Interactive Introduction to the Music a …
C5: Snap, Clap, Wiggle & Giggle: An Interactive Introduction to the Music a …
2/100 LEFT  
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 @  01:00:PM  —  04:00:PM EDT

SNAP, CLAP, WIGGLE & GIGGLE will introduce all participants to the power and importance of books and music in the Early Childhood world.

Ideas can be adapted for children toddler, preschool and school age children.  Experience language, movement, science, math, and social emotional connections. Mary Jo has put together a magical, musical connection for all who work with young children.   Simple, easy to follow action songs filled with LITERACY and STEM connection. Come ready to get involved bring your cameras and take back ideas to implement immediately.


Mary Jo Huff, Author & Storyteller

 
 
Wednesday, April 18, 2023 KEYNOTE
Keynote: Connecting Through Joy
Keynote: Connecting Through Joy
467/900 LEFT  
Item photo
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  08:30:AM  —  10:00:AM EDT

Get ready for an insightful and uplifting session on building the capacity to connection through joy. Communication can be used to positively persuade in any relationship, whether it’s with ourselves or those around us. Delightfully energetic, Dr. Shannon will share tools and techniques to transform mindsets, empower individuals to collaborate, and connection organizations through joyful communication. Understanding the power of focusing on joyful human connections is the igniting ingredient for positive growth on our communities. 


Shannon Smith, M.D., Own Your Focus

 
 
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 Session D
D1: Effectiveness of Skillstreaming in Preschool Children with Pragmatic La …
D1: Effectiveness of Skillstreaming in Preschool Children with Pragmatic La …
49/100 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

This training will be a review of the capstone project completed for a doctoral project from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

As the need for social-emotional support grows substantially every year in young children, preschool teachers and support staff are responsible for intervention to remediate lacking skills. One social skills program will be reviewed along with evidence showing positive results in young preschool children with pragmatic language delays. This course will include a review of several published social skills program, sample lessons appropriate for a regular education preschool classroom and in small group setting, such as speech therapy pull-outs. Positive data results will be shared and suggestions to start a social skills program with a few small steps.

This program is appropriate for professionals working with preschool and school-aged children. The targeted audience includes regular and special education teachers, speech-language pathologists. 


Carol Zombotti, Clin. Sc. D., CCC/SLP, BCBA, West Liberty University

 
D2: Sign Language, Hearing Children, and Reading - How Do the Three of Thes …
D2: Sign Language, Hearing Children, and Reading - How Do the Three of Thes …
45/100 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

We will talk about the benefits of using sign language with hearing children when learning to read. Especially with words that have no pictures. 


Janelle St. Martin, Instructor, Interpreter, WeSign2

 
D3: You've Got to Learn to Earn!
D3: You've Got to Learn to Earn!
51/100 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

Did you know that childcare professionals can earn money for completing training? Did you know that WV STARS offers a scholarship for childcare professionals? Come to this session to find out what You’ve Got to Learn to Earn! This session is intended for childcare providers and directors working in centers, facilities, or in family home care to gain information about the WV STARS Pathway Advancement scholarship and the Pathway to Earnings program, the eligibility and documentation requirements for each, and how to apply. The more you learn, the more you can earn!


EmmaLee Griffith, WV STARS Statewide Project Manager

 
D5: Reunification: What Role Do I Play?
D5: Reunification: What Role Do I Play?
90/100 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

The purpose of this training is to be able to gain strategies of the role of home visitors during the reunification process. During this training, participants will gain an understanding of the reunification process, when and how to become an active participant as a home visitor during reunification, and strategies to support both the foster and biological families.


Sarah Feick, Skill Builders, LLC and WV Birth to Three

 
D6: Evidence Based Literacy Practices for Infants and Toddlers
D6: Evidence Based Literacy Practices for Infants and Toddlers
27/100 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

Early language and literacy begins in the first three years of life and is closely linked to a child’s earliest experiences. The interactions that young children have related to early literacy are the building blocks for language, reading, and writing. Through this training you will increase knowledge in:

  • How to assist families in achieving literacy rich home environments
  • How to assist families in using child interests to promote literacy and language development
  • How to assist families in using everyday activities and routines to teach literacy and language skills, and
  • How to adapt the home environment, materials and teaching strategies to support infants and toddlers with disabilities


Kristy Stout, MSW(VA), SW(WV), WV Birth to Three, Bluefield College

 
D7: Intrauterine Substance Exposure and How It Impacts Development
D7: Intrauterine Substance Exposure and How It Impacts Development
2/100 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

In this presentation we will review intrauterine substance exposure, NAS/NOWS and it’s impacts on early development. We will review current research, trends in care, and additional ideas on how to facilitate family advocacy and engagement. Early developmental milestones, the importance of tummy time, and bonding with caregivers will be highlighted as well as dispelling myths associated with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. We will review the challenges of core weakness and how it contributes to sensory processing challenges as a child gets older and discuss strategy ideas for common challenges observed both in the home settings (i.e. sleep, bathing, tummy time).


Cindy Chamberlin, MSPT, WV Chapter President, To the Moon and Back

 
D8: Clear to Be Kind- Fostering Positive, Effective Communication
D8: Clear to Be Kind- Fostering Positive, Effective Communication
2/100 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

Empathy, decency and professionalism go a long way in communicating effectively! Join us as we learn about simple communication practices that can make communicating in challenging situations (or with challenging people) much less stressful! 


Cate Phillips, Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council

 
D9: Picky Eaters
D9: Picky Eaters
19/100 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

How to encourage children to eat a variety of foods, including different cooking methods, family style meals, and food shapes.


Harmony Vance, B.S, Health Science, WVECTCR

 
 
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 Session E
E1: Pump up your PD: Train Smarter, Not Harder
E1: Pump up your PD: Train Smarter, Not Harder
75/100 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  04:30:PM EDT

In this session, intended for WV STARS Credentialed Professional Development Providers, you’ll get your own personal trainers to help improve your Professional Development fitness! Stacy Price and Jesse Riggs will review the Trainer and Technical Assistance Competencies, demo the self-assessment tool in WV STARS, and review PDP Renewal requirements. They’ll wrap up the session sharing external training opportunities to get you racking up non-STARS hours.


Jesse Riggs, Statewide Assistant Project Manager – Professional Dev & Distance Learning

Stacy Price, WV STARS Specialist II- Training

 
E2: SLP Experiences Working with Children with History of Opioid Exposure
E2: SLP Experiences Working with Children with History of Opioid Exposure
3/100 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  04:30:PM EDT

Children with a history of opioid exposure are an especially vulnerable population in Appalachia that often requires SLP services. A survey was completed working in WV schools to better understand their experiences, practices, and needs in helping these children. Information gleaned from this survey was disseminated to attendees and discussion occurred regarding future practice direction with children who have a history of exposure or whose lines have been impacted by substance use disorder in other ways. Practice suggestions were offered for how to proceed with development of assessment and treatment guidelines through the lens of social constructivist learning theory. 


Pamela Holland M.S, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, Chair and Graduate Program Director

Kelly Rutherford Ed.D., CCC-SLP, Associate Professor

Jamie Maxwell, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor

Lisa Fry, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, adjunct faculty member (author only)

Department of Communication Disorders at Marshall University

 
E3: Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood -WV Project Learning Tree
E3: Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood -WV Project Learning Tree
27/100 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  04:30:PM EDT

This 3 Hr. workshop introduces formal and non-formal educators to Project Learning Tree's (PLT) Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood activity guide, and helps educators prepare for facilitating activities with young learners. Participants will participate in activities from the Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood activity guide which includes over 130 experiences that engage children in outdoor play and exploration and is specifically designed for educators who work with children ages three to six. Topics include exploring nature with five senses, meeting neighborhood trees, and experiencing trees through the seasons. Accompanying music features songs from children's musician Billy B. Brennan that encourages children to sing, dance, and move.


Linda Carnell, BSFM, WV Division of Forestry with

Kacey Shiflett, Andy Sheetz, Devin Wanner

 
E4: Connecting Through Persuasive Communication
E4: Connecting Through Persuasive Communication
1/100 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  04:30:PM EDT

Are you struggling to get what you want?

Communication is an incredible gift but learning how to focus our words to persuade is a skill. In this interactive workshop, we'll be taking a deep dive into how the human brain processes information and practicing persuasive communication techniques. Clear communication is vital for the longevity and success of any business or organization, which is why persuasively communicating to connect is so exciting and important. Healthy, empowered people create a better tomorrow.


Shannon Smith, M.D., Own Your Focus

 
E5: Fostering Communication - Signing Language to Enhance Language & Litera …
E5: Fostering Communication - Signing Language to Enhance Language & Litera …
14/100 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  04:30:PM EDT

Participants will learn to teach basic signs and phrases to promote and enhance early childhood functional communication, which, in turn, creates the foundation of all learning – both academic and behavioral. Participants will learn to use sign words to compliment and reinforce new concepts for quicker learning and better recall. They will also learn fun and engaging songs, games, activities, and stories for immediate use in the classroom with your children. Participants will also learn how sign language benefits young children’s learning and development. This is a high energy and wonderfully fun and memorable workshop all will enjoy.


Lillian Hubler, President, Time to Sign

Michael Hubler, Ed.D., Time to Sign

 
E6: Let’s Move!
E6: Let’s Move!
0/25 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  04:30:PM EDT

This training discusses physical activity requirements for child care centers, age-appropriate physical activities, and causes and prevention of childhood obesity.  


Renee Stonebraker, Child Care Health Educator, WVECTCR

 
E7: 212 The Extra Degree
E7: 212 The Extra Degree
25/50 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  04:30:PM EDT

With the added power of that one small push, that one extra degree, you can move your program from where it is to where you want it to be! In this session we will use the principles of 212: The Extra Degree to collaborate and formulate strategies that will expand and develop the quality of your program.


MarcyJo Evans, Quality Improvement Specialist

 
E8: Listening Well – Engaging Families
E8: Listening Well – Engaging Families
3/76 LEFT  
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  04:30:PM EDT

Do you want to feel more comfortable and confident engaging families in conversations around the challenges they may be facing? Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based practice designed to help you in coaching families to achieve the changes they want to see. In this session you will learn about the elements of MI and practice some foundational skills to support families in discovering creative solutions.

 

After this session, you will have the opportunity to join a weekly practice group to strengthen your MI skills.


Sarah Feick, Lauren Moore, Kristy Stout, Mel Woodcock, Sheila Zickefoose, WV Birth to Three

 
 
Thursday, April 20, 2023 Spotlight Session
SL1: Circles are for Squares: Making Time for Books and Stories
SL1: Circles are for Squares: Making Time for Books and Stories
261/500 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  08:30:AM  —  10:00:AM EDT

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, she offers ideas for all of the possible “sandwich fillings” yet, in this session, focuses mostly on the metaphorical filling of books and stories. Modeling what she means by organic enthusiasm, Lisa will share examples of “good” children’s books throughout the entire session. She might read some of them too!


Lisa Murphy, M. Ed., Early Childhood Specialist; Found & CEO of Ooey Gooey, Inc.

 
SL2: Helping Parents Understand Executive Function in Young Children
SL2: Helping Parents Understand Executive Function in Young Children
327/500 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  08:30:AM  —  10:00:AM EDT

Executive function develops at an incredibly rapid pace during the preschool years, beginning shortly after birth.  Ellen Galinsky and others have highlighted executive function as a critical preschool skill necessary for later success. Yet, experts like Peter Anderson and Natalie Reidy tell us that few attempts are made to assess executive processes in young children.  Dr. Thomas Brown, a psychiatrist at Yale University believes that observing a person’s ability to perform self-managed tasks of everyday life provides a much better measure of executive function. Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child tells us that babies aren’t born with the essential executive function and self-regulation skills, but they are born with the potential to develop them. Therefore, it is imperative that parents understand executive functioning in young children in order to promote these essential skills.


Barbara Kuczen, PhD, Consultant, Public Speaker

 
 
Thursday, April 20, 2023 Session F
F1: Get a Bigger Carpet! I'm Making a Track! Do Preschool Teachers Value Bl …
F1: Get a Bigger Carpet! I'm Making a Track! Do Preschool Teachers Value Bl …
10/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

Lisa LOVES blocks, likes to play with blocks, likes to reflect on the history of blocks, likes to observe block play and really likes talking about how block play connects with all four domains of DAP. In this session Lisa shares a powerpoint summary of her Masters Thesis research - while she set out to investigate whether or not preschool teachers value block play, an extensive review of the literature did not reveal existing data that explored this question, however it did suggest five consistent variables which indicated value of block play: their attitude toward blocks, the amount of classroom time and space allotted for block play, the materials offered in the block area and teacher involvement with children in the block center. During this session Lisa shares an informal overview of her research, some of her findings, a brief history of block play, various stages of block building and how blocks, and block play in general, connects to all four domains within DAP.


Lisa Murphy, M. Ed., Early Childhood Specialist; Found & CEO of Ooey Gooey, Inc. 

 
F2: WVABLE: Promoting Independence, Financial Stability and Quality of Life …
F2: WVABLE: Promoting Independence, Financial Stability and Quality of Life …
91/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

The rules have changed…the WVABLE program allows qualifying individuals with a disability, including children of all ages, and their families, the opportunity to save and invest more than $2,000 without losing eligibility for certain government benefits that are critical to their health and well-being, such as SSI and Medicaid. WVABLE Savings program is an important financial planning tool for parents and families who have a child with a disability and is made possible by the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. The law recognizes the extra costs associated with living with a disability and raising a child with a disability – and aims to ease financial strains by making tax-free savings and investment accounts available to cover qualified disability expenses in which the investment earnings grow tax free. By attending this session, educators, administrators, service providers and other professionals that work with eligible children, and their families, will be informed and understand the basics of the program so they may in turn help inform parents and caretakers who have an eligible child about this valuable financial resource – program benefits, advantages, special considerations as well as 2023 program updates are among the many topics we will discuss.


Roxanne Clay, Director, WVABLE

 
F3: Home Visiting Today - Meeting Families Where They Are
F3: Home Visiting Today - Meeting Families Where They Are
47/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

Home visiting has transitioned from a in-home model to a hybrid model that enables families to be served either in person or virtually. In addition, realizing flexibility in meeting spaces also must occur. The course will explain what home visiting in 2023 looks like for a family, a home visitor and a community partner interested in making a referral.


Jackie Newson, Director, WV Home Visitation Program, WV Office of Maternal Child and Family Health

 
F4: Enhancing Behavior & School Readiness through Social-Emotional Learning
F4: Enhancing Behavior & School Readiness through Social-Emotional Learning
0/30 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

Life-changing lessons in how to deal effectively with misbehavior. Participants will learn to flip all of their home or classroom misbehaviors into opportunities to provide positive reinforcement necessary to eliminate future misbehavior. Learn to teach your children to problem solve for themselves to deal with situations that cause them frustration and result in errant behavior. Also, learn to teach and promote children's self-control. Participants will walk through the social-emotional behavioral process that teaches children the necessary skills to interact and assist other children in dealing with classroom conflict.


Lillian Hubler, President, Time to Sign

Michael Hubler, Ed.D., Time to Sign

 
F5: A Classroom Safari
F5: A Classroom Safari
3/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

This training will focus on the early childhood classroom ages 3-7. The training will include international collaboration ideas and resources, focusing on safari animals and adding this lesson to your classroom on a budget. 


Kelly Serdynski Gray, ECE, Author & Illustrator

 
F6: Do You Hear What I Am Saying?
F6: Do You Hear What I Am Saying?
54/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like you were not heard as a parent or an employee? Have you been concerned that as a home visitor, you did not provide the attention a parent needed? During this training, you will learn listening skills and strategies to become an effective listener in early intervention and as a leader in your organization.  


Sarah Feick, Skill Builders, LLC; WVBTT Trainer

 
F7: The Resilient Child Care Business: Starting and growing your child care …
F7: The Resilient Child Care Business: Starting and growing your child care …
99/100 LEFT  

This is a presentation focused on technical assistance available for starting and strengthening child care businesses. Did you know that WV serves all small businesses, including child care, at no cost to the business? WV Small Business Development Center has coaches trained specifically in the nuances of WV child care. Come learn what help is available to start or grow your child care business. This session is for those interested in starting or currently operating a child care business whether family-based, facility, or center.


Shannon Mitchell, Regional Coordinator for the WV Small Business Development Center, a division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development


 
F8: Stay In Your Lane- A (Somewhat) Complete Guide to Professionalism
F8: Stay In Your Lane- A (Somewhat) Complete Guide to Professionalism
11/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

This session will discuss the importance of professional responsibility and the crucial role professional boundaries set in quality early care and education programs. Professionals will learn how to build upon their strengths as an educator/provider, how their language, both verbal and physical, signals a message to others and how to better partner with families of children in their care.


Cate Phillips, Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council

 
F9: James’ Journey through WV Birth to Three
F9: James’ Journey through WV Birth to Three
77/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

During this training participants will be introduced to the WV Birth to Three (BTT) program and James, they will discover how beneficial the program was in helping him overcome his NAS symptoms and how beneficial it can be for families and children from birth to age three. Participants will learn how stigma can affect the way they interact with parents and families. Participants will also discover how the program provides resources, strategies and supports to children, families, and childcare professionals to help support children that have developmental delays, born drug exposed and more. 


Debbie Smith, WV Birth to Three

 
F10: What Assistive Technology should you be using for your Preschooler?
F10: What Assistive Technology should you be using for your Preschooler?
51/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  10:30:AM  —  12:00:PM EDT

Having the correct assistive technology for a child can make all the difference when they are starting to learn. This training will explore the different assistive devices that are available to children going into preschool, already in preschool, and getting ready to transition out of preschool. Come and see what new technology is available to young learners and have some hands-on learning with the devices.


Doug Cumpston, WVATS, Principal Investigator/Program Manager MBA ATP

Allie Saweikis, Assistive Technology Specialist MA

 
 
Thursday, April 20, 2023 Session G
G1: Story Writing with Young Children: How Does Your Story Start?
G1: Story Writing with Young Children: How Does Your Story Start?
7/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  03:00:PM EDT

After examining the importance of personal narrative and the difference between literacy and orality, Lisa teaches participants the story writing process that was initially taught to her by early childhood expert Bev Bos. Lisa will go on to talk about how other ECE influencers such as Vivian Paley, Sydney Clemens and Sylvia Ashton-Warner also influenced her adoption of both story writing and story acting. This session concludes with Lisa reading stories written by children.


Lisa Murphy, M. Ed., Early Childhood Specialist; Found & CEO of Ooey Gooey, Inc.

 
G2: Update Changes to the Child Care Regulations for All Types of Child Car …
G2: Update Changes to the Child Care Regulations for All Types of Child Car …
10/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  03:00:PM EDT

Program Managers will give an overview of the changes that have been approved through the 2023 Legislative Session for all types of child care programs (i.e. Child Care Centers, Out-of-School Time Programs, Family Child Care Facilities, Family Child Care Homes, and Informal and Relative Family Child Care).


Melanie Clark, M. Ed., Family Childcare Regulations, WV DHHR

 
G3: Deafblindness and Early Intervention
G3: Deafblindness and Early Intervention
83/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  03:00:PM EDT

The presentation will consist of a definition of deafblindness, its impact on

development, signs of vision and hearing loss, and strategies of working with

children with deafblindness.


Debbie Adams, WV SenseAbilities, WV Department of Education

 
G4: Teaching Young Children About Race/Ethnicity
G4: Teaching Young Children About Race/Ethnicity
2/30 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  03:00:PM EDT

Participants will learn how to teach young children about race, ethnicity, equality, and humanity through songs, stories, and shows. Teaching our young children how to view and understand the world and our wonderful differences and how we are all the SAME inside.  With this training you learn easy ways to implement race and ethnicity instruction to the youngest of our children, so they learn early to understand and appreciate all their own and everyone else's uniqueness and specialty. Children need to learn these skills to treat everyone the way they wish to be treated.


Lillian Hubler, President, Time to Sign

Michael Hubler, Ed.D., Time to Sign

 
G5: Alaska, The Last Frontier, A Classroom Journey
G5: Alaska, The Last Frontier, A Classroom Journey
43/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  03:00:PM EDT

This training will be for persons working in early childhood education, ages 3-7. The training will show educators how to bring Alaska to your children. It will give you ideas to implement to bring Alaska to your classroom learning on a budget.


Kelly Serdynski Gray, ECE, Author, Illustrator

 
G6: Facilitating Transitions of Children and Families from WV Birth to Thre …
G6: Facilitating Transitions of Children and Families from WV Birth to Thre …
58/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  03:00:PM EDT

The reauthorization of the IDEIA mandated a transition process for families and their young children approaching the age of 36 months, as they prepare to move from Part B to Part C services. A carefully charted process is designed to enhance the smoothness of this transition journey. This session is designed to introduce early childhood professional to this process, to explore and understand families’ concerns, priorities and resources as they and their children stand on the threshold of this transition. Participants in this session are provided with transition strategies and supports to help them in this process.


Diane Grych, Ph. D, Read Aloud WV of Mercer County Board of Directors, Child Protect of Mercer County Board of Governors

 
G7: Stress Management
G7: Stress Management
4/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  03:00:PM EDT

Facts about stress, how it affects our health, and healthy ways to deal with stress for adults and children.


Harmony Vance, Child Care Health Educator, WVECTCR

 
G8: Lanterns to Lighthouses
G8: Lanterns to Lighthouses
82/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  03:00:PM EDT

This session focuses on the importance of early education professionals growing from lanterns to lighthouses for the youth in our programs. By becoming lanterns, we light the path towards diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice. Growing that small flame from a lantern to a light house requires us to push boundaries, knock down walls and grow despite our discomfort as we work towards unity.

Children and youth are asking hard questions and want to know more about social change- let's put our efforts into early education becoming the safe space they can count on to get information, ask questions and grow in knowledge


Cate Phillips, Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council

 
G9: AAC & Me: Beyond Requesting
G9: AAC & Me: Beyond Requesting
70/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  03:00:PM EDT

Communication is more than making requests. This presentation will allow early interventionists and families to identify ways to support the development of independent communication for the young AAC users they serve. Learners will utilize hand-on experiences to explore AAC tools and therapeutic techniques to develop language functions that can be used across contexts.

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Kelly Young, MA, CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor, Marshall University Department of Communication Disorders

 
G10: Connecting Families with Care: An Intro of the Right From The Start Pr …
G10: Connecting Families with Care: An Intro of the Right From The Start Pr …
86/100 LEFT  
Thursday Apr 20, 2023 @  01:30:PM  —  03:00:PM EDT

In this course, attendees will learn about the benefit of connecting the families they serve with a Medicaid perinatal case management home visiting program using evidence-based curriculum that serves pregnant women from the beginning of their pregnancy till their babies reach one year of age. The course will also cover basic information on breastfeeding, safe sleep, SIDS, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Smoking Cessation, Postpartum Depression Screening, Intimate Partners Violence screening, as well as working with clients who struggles with Substance Use Disorders.


Han Wu, Alleda Taylor, Crystal Gwinn, Megan Bruffey, Dee Messinger Right From The Start, Office of Maternal, Child & Family Health (OMFCH)

 
 
Exhibitor Options
For Profit Premium Exhibitor Space
For Profit Premium Exhibitor Space
$ 325.00 

This space will be a 10x10 space in a premium location with electrical access, table and two chairs.

 
For Profit Basic Exhibitor Space
For Profit Basic Exhibitor Space
$ 250.00 

This space will be a 10x10 space with no electric access. One table and two chairs included.

 
Non-Profit Premium Exhibitor Space
Non-Profit Premium Exhibitor Space
$ 100.00 

This space will be a 10x10 space in a premium location with electrical access, table and two chairs. Non profit organizations only.

 
Non-Profit Basic Exhibitor Space
Non-Profit Basic Exhibitor Space
$ 75.00 

This space will be a 10x10 space with no electric access. One table and two chairs included.

 
Extra Table
Extra Table
$ 50.00 

One table is included with each exhibitor registration. This selection is an additional table for your 10x10 space.

 
Online Exhibitor
Online Exhibitor
$ 150.00 

Online Exhibitor will include your logo on the main page of the Celebrating Connections 2023 website linking to your designated website. This can be stand alone or in conjunction with an in person exhibit option.

 
Attendee Registration
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