MCC to host Early Childhood Educators’ Conference

Submitted by McHenry County College

McHenry County College will host the 25th annual Early Childhood Educators’ Conference from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, in the Luecht Conference Center at the college, 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake.

This conference is McHenry County’s leading event on benchmarking early childhood best practices and will feature keynote speaker Daniel Hodgins, renowned speaker and author of two books and numerous publications on child development.

Hodgins will present “Supporting Children Who Take Us to the End of Our Rope,” which aims to help teachers increase their awareness of why challenging behaviors occur and strategies that will assist in preventing these behaviors.

Hodgins, an early childhood consultant, has a unique grasp of children and family issues learned from more than 36 years of experience working as a teacher, director, educator and parent in both the private and public sector.

Much of his work involved children at risk, special needs populations and families with diverse challenges. Hodgins’ interactive style provides an informative, insightful and entertaining presentation that features practical and effective strategies that can be used immediately.

Sponsored by MCC’s Workforce and Community Development Division, the Early Childhood Educators’ Conference provides information and training for early childhood professionals, parents and education students.

Attendees also attend two workshops from a variety of topics, including a group session by Hodgins, and other such workshops as “Boys: Changing the Classroom, Not the Child.”

Other workshop topics include: “Accidents Happen — Why Risk It?” “Flannel Board Math,” “Lessons Through Movement,” “Storytelling — You Can Do It!” “Creative Activities to Inspire Every Child,” and “You and Me — Bully Free.”

Cost is $35 general admission and $20 for MCC early childhood education students. Donations also are accepted for the Barbara E. Hardt Scholarship. Conference brochures with registration information are available online at www.mchenry.edu/childhood.

For more information, contact Amy Carzoli at (815) 455-8764 or acarzoli@mchenry.edu.