Southern Conference on Children is Jan. 27

January 25, 2007

MEDIA ADVISORY

This is a reminder that Georgia Southern University will host the 20th annual Southern Conference on Children on Saturday, Jan. 27.

Approximately 700 childcare professionals and parents from throughout the region have signed up for the conference, which will run from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Nessmith-Lane Continuing Education Building.

The conference is geared toward childcare center directors and personnel, pre-school and pre-K teachers, kindergarten teachers and paraprofessionals, family childcare providers, and the parents of young children.

The workshops will include:

•  Let’s Talk: Problem-Based Conferencing with Parents  This will be a discussion of techniques for child care providers and teachers to use in conferencing with parents about problematic issues in child development and behavior.

•  The How and Why of Inclusion – Many people have heard that children with special needs should be included in regular classrooms and activities. Come learn why inclusion is beneficial for children with special needs and typically developing children, and join in a discussion for some great ideas on how to include children with special needs.

•  The Diet-Disease Connection in Children – This session will focus on the relationship between healthy eating and reduced disease risk among children. The role of a phytochemical-rich diet based on the New Food Guide Pyramid guidelines will be emphasized. Practical tips and ideas for offering healthy meals and snacks in school and daycare food service will be discussed.

•  Playground Safety – Most parents and caregivers believe that playgrounds offer fun and safe activities for kids, but sometimes there are hazards on the playground that can cause injury. Attendees will learn how to identify experts and training centers for playground safety standards; when children are at risk; where injuries usually occur; and the leading causes of playground injury and injury-related death.

• Documenting the Development of Infants and Toddlers – Explore how documentation can be initiated in your center’s setting by reviewing realistic monetary and time expectations for the project. Sample anecdotal records, picture documentations, portfolios and research books will be provided for participants to view.

Members of the media are invited to cover the Southern Conference on Children. For more information, including the complete conference schedule and a list of all of the workshops, visit http://ceps.georgiasouthern.edu/conted/scoc.html or call (912) 871-1755 or (912) 871-1760.