DONE-Preserving Early Childhood Conference 2019

The 2019 Preserving Early Childhood Conference is an Early Childhood Collaborative Event in its 16th year sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.  Through the work of many collaborative early childhood planning partners, the theme Developmentally Appropriate Learning: Play is the Way!, will examine the critical role that play has in supporting child outcomes, setting the foundation for success throughout the school years, and, the role and expertise that early childhood educators have in supporting and nurturing play.

Pre-Conference Tracks: Two daylong pre-conference tracks will be available on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.

• Nature-Based Education - Spend the day exploring how outdoor play and nature-based learning enriches the whole child, as well as your teaching experience. Come dressed for the weather as we venture outdoors to explore ways to adapt lessons to incorporate play-based learning and strengthen our own connection to nature. Participants will become certified to use Growing Up Wild from Project Wild and Getting Little Feet Wet from Project Wet and receive activity guides as well as inspiration to take play-based learning outside!
• Child-Initiated Learning: Exploration and Implementation - Spend a day with colleagues learning more about the Reggio Emilia and child-led learning. Participants will learn from others using the Reggio Emilia approach, spend a portion of their day at The Wonder of Learning the Hundred Languages of Children. In the afternoon, participants will engage in shared learning opportunities (both in small and larger groups), and explore how child-initiated learning can be used in their educational environments. The afternoon will be facilitated by professionals utilizing and knowledgeable about child-initiated and play-based learning, including Dr. Rachel White.

Questions: For questions about the conference or registration, please contact Jennie Mauer at jennie.mauer@dpi.wi.gov or 608-261-2137.

Note: If you are registering others for this event, please contact Jennie Mauer to request "organizational admin" rights for the DPI MyQuickReg system.