Keynote Presentation: Escape Adulthood

NCCCC 2017 Conference Schedule

Keynote Presentation: Escape Adulthood

Escape adulthood is a movement and a rallying cry. It's not about escaping responsibilities or reality. Nor is it about paying bills with Monopoly money, eating a strict diet of chicken nuggets, or putzing around with Play-Doh all day long (although we do love the smell!). Rather, the "Adulthood" we recommend you escape from is the cynical, joyless, unadventurous version with all the stupid rules, the ones that insists we always play it safe and take ourselves way too seriously. We actually believe the crazy notion that there is more to life than the busyness, stress, and melancholy that is typical of most modern lives.

Motivation3/24/17 9:003/24/17 10:30Bixby 1,2,5

Jason KoteckiEscape Adulthood

Artist/Speaker/AuthorJason Kotecki is an artist who speaks. Really, really well! He is an expert at helping people “Escape Adulthood,” in order to restore balance, beat burnout, and become more innovative by breaking rules that don’t exist. His mission is to fight Adultitis, sharing strategies from childhood to create lives with less stress and more success. Jason is passionate about sharing his message that there is more to life than the hectic busyness, cynical lethargy and overwhelming stress that is typical of most modern lives. Jason's inspiring, entertaining and heart-warming programs are visual masterpieces jam-packed with relevant, practical information coated in fun. Get a sneak peak by visiting his website:

Continuing to Build on Your Foundation: A Forum on Policies and Procedures

Bring your P&P manuals and join this professional discussion on introducing, fine tuning, and compliance measures regarding policies and procedures. This forum will be structured by the attendees and will include workgroups if time allows.

Administration3/24/17 11:003/24/17 11:45Bixby 3Stacy Ellis, Ph.D.

StaceyEllisBaby Gator Child Development & Research Center at the University of Florida

DirectorStacy Ellis holds a Doctorate degree in Curriculum Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She has worked with young children in various ways for almost 20 years. Currently, she is the Director of Baby Gator Child Development and Research Center at the University of Florida. Stacy’s focus over the past couple of years has shifted from providing teachers and families’ technical assistance regarding children with special needs to overall center operation and productivity.

Kelly Jamison, M.S.KellyJamisonBaby Gator Child Development & Research Center at the University of Florida Associate Director Kelly Jamison holds a Master’s of Science degree in Health Education and Behavior. She has worked in Early Childhood Education, in various capacities, for over 10 years. Currently, she is the Associate Director of Baby Gator Child Development and Research Center at the University of Florida. Kelly has worked as a teacher and health educator in Early Childhood and has a passion for helping employees reach their full potential in their professional career and life.

Two-Way Mirror: How "View of the Child" Reflects and Projects Ideology

Diverse examples of staff and student documentation will be shared to shed light on the concept of "View of the Child." Examples presented support the importance of reflective processes on attitudes, actions, and professional engagement.

Faculty3/24/17 11:003/24/17 11:45Bixby 4Sarah Wade, BSFCS, Lead

Sarah WadeBaylor University, Piper Child Development CenterLead Teacher

Sarah Wade has a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies from Baylor University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology also from Baylor. She has been a teacher at the Piper Center for Family Studies and Child Development at Baylor University since 2013. Sarah has presented at N4C, the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children annual conference, and various Waco area conferences and professional development workshops. Sarah also regularly gives guest lectures at Baylor University, Child and Family Studies program and McLennan Community College, Child Development department.

Joyce Nuner, Ph.D. Baylor University, Piper Child Development Center

Associate Professor of Child and Family StudiesJoyce Nuner, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor at Baylor University in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Child and Family Studies program. She teaches courses in Child Development, Infant and Toddler Development, the Preschool Child, Children and Families with Special Needs, and Special Topics in CFS. She is the Faculty Consultant to the Piper Center for Family Studies and Child Development. Dr. Nuner conducts research in the areas of family-centered early education and care, children and families with special needs, the phenomenology of motherhood and perinatal bereavement. In addition, she is the Director of Research and Educational Outreach and a founding partner of Cradled, by Love, Hope, and Healing, a perinatal bereavement non-profit organization in Waco, TX.

Building a Stronger Team through Effective Management and Employee Discipline

Administrators need to provide inspiration and structure to lead a team successfully. Participants will identify issues within their program and develop steps to motivate and redirect employees, and build the strong teams that their program need.

Administration3/24/17 11:003/24/17 11:45Broadlind A

Stacey Smith-Clark, M.A. Long Beach City College, Child Development Center and Learning Lab – Pacific Coast Campus Manager

Stacey Smith-Clark has worked at in the field of early childhood education for over 28 years, spending the last 16 years in administration of campus-based children's programs. Stacey has presented workshops at the local, state, national and international level and is a faculty member in the Child Development and Educational Studies Department, teaching college level courses. She works full-time as a program director of the Long Beach City College Child Development Center and Learning Lab, supervising a staff of 26 people, 150 enrolled families and over 300 ECE students each semester. Stacey is a thrice certified Mentor Director through the CA Early Childhood Mentor Program and her specializations include program administration, staff development, parent/family partnerships, and special education. Stacey earned her Master's Degree from Pacific Oaks College and was selected as a Director of the Year by the National Coalition of Campus Children’s Centers in 2016.

Every Child Benefits: Exploring Collaborations between Occupational Therapy and Early Childhood Education

This presentation explores how teachers and OTs can blend best practice in early childhood education and health promotion to provide a dynamic learning environment where every child is supported as they learn, play, and grow.

Faculty3/24/17 11:003/24/17 11:45Broadland B

Lisa Fyffe, MS, OTR/L, Colorado State University

Assistant Professor Lisa Fyffe joined the CSU Occupational Therapy Department as an Assistant Professor in the fall of 2012. She graduated Cum Laude from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in May of 1999 and earned her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Colorado State University in August 2006. Lisa has extensive clinical experience in pediatrics, working in both primary and secondary education, outpatient pediatric therapy, in-home private pediatric practice and in a Neonate Intensive Care Unit. Her primary clinical focus centered on the needs of children affected by mental illness, sensory processing disorder, feeding difficulties and foster placement. Lisa is currently working with the CSU Early Childhood Center to develop an understanding of the distinct value of occupational therapy for typically developing children in an early childhood setting.

Karen Rattenborg, PhD Colorado State University

Executive Director Karen Rattenborg is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University. She has a Ph.D. in Education and Human Resource Studies and has worked in the field of education in a variety of capacities for over 20 years. As the Executive Director of the CSU Early Childhood Center (ECC), Karen oversees a Reggio Emilia-inspired program that serves over 100 children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. As a lab school, the ECC also trains aspiring early childhood educators and promotes opportunities for research related to best practices in early care and education.

Lindsay GuberColorado State University

Lindsay Guber recently earned her Master's in Occupational Therapy (MOT) from Colorado State University, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Maryland. During her time at CSU, she completed fieldwork placements in geriatric home health, skilled nursing, and elementary school settings. For her final placement, she worked with CSU's OT department to pioneer a fieldwork program at the university's Early Childhood Center. This was an invaluable learning experience for Lindsay, and has inspired her to continue advocating for the value of occupational therapy in early childhood settings.

Aaron MannsAaronMannsColorado State University

Aaron Manns graduated with a Master's in Occupational Therapy (MOT) from Colorado State University in August 2016. During his time at CSU, he worked as a research assistant studying the everyday experiences of caregivers and custodial grandparents. Additionally, he worked as an OT student in outpatient pediatrics, adult day centers, and skilled nursing facilities. In the summer of 2016, he was one of the first occupational therapy students to complete fieldwork at the CSU Early Childhood. He hopes to continue exploring ways in which OT can promote health and well-being with children and adults.

Lunch & Awards3/24/17 12:003/24/17 13:30Bixby 1,2,5

Listening to Learn: Connecting Teachers with Children's Powerful Ideas in a Constructivist Setting

Even the youngest child has the ability to generate knowledge and test theories. When children and teachers co-construct, they are mutually involved in the process of learning through inquiry, critical thinking and thoughtful open-ended questioning.

Programs3/24/17 13:453/24/17 14:30Bixby 3

Roni LeidermanNova Southeastern University's Mailman Segal Center for Human Development

Dean Roni Cohen Leiderman, Ph.D. is an educator, author, speaker and consultant in the fields of child development, family relationships, work/family issues, parenting, and autism. She currently serves as the Dean of NSU's Mailman Segal Center for Human Development. Under her leadership, the center has grown to be one of the nation's largest multidisciplinary demonstration and professional training centers in the field. Dr. Leiderman earned a BS in education, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Boston University; a master's in Education from Lesley College; and a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from NSU. She serves as a clinical professor in NSU's Health Professions Division; College of Osteopathic Medicine's Department of Pediatrics and is a visiting faculty member for NSU's Department of Pediatric Dentistry in the College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Leiderman is a licensed Supreme Court Family Mediator for the State of Florida.

Lorraine BreffniLorraine Nova Southeastern University's Mailman Segal Center for Human Development

Executive Director Dr. Lorraine Breffni is the Executive Director of Early Childhood and Parenting Institutes at the Mailman Segal Center for Human Development, Nova Southeastern University. She directly supervises the operation of three early childhood programs including an infant and toddler program; a preschool program; and a parent education program. Lorraine has co-authored the text ‘All About Child Care and Early Education” and its companion book ‘All About Child Care and Early Education: A Trainees Manual’. She has also written articles for publication and has developed and taught a diverse range of academic courses at Nova Southeastern University including the courses on Developmental, Play Therapy, Best Practices in Emergent Literacy: Birth to Five, and Best Practices in Prekindergarten Curriculum. Lorraine has experience conducting research and has been the PI/Co-PI in a range of studies.

Children's Rights Through a Reggio Emilia Lense: Encouraging Practice And Advocacy

This presentation will focus on advocacy as way to effect change in early childhood development, and how the Reggio Emilia philosophy can be used as a catalyst for dialogue and change.

Programs3/24/17 13:453/24/17 14:30Bixby 4

Anna Burton PhD. Student University of Nebraska Lincoln

Anna holds a Master’s degree in education early childhood, and is currently a PhD. student in the Child youth and family studies department at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. She was a teacher at the Piper Child Development Center for Family Studies and Child Development at Baylor University, from 2008-2016. She has presented at local conferences in the Waco community, the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TAEYC) annual conference, NCCCC annual conference 2015 and 2016, and the 2015 international Infant and Toddler conference. Anna lead a group of six undergraduates to Belize in the summer of 2015 to work at an arts camp for children in Punta Gorda. Anna serves on the NCCCC Advocacy, research community, and outreach committee. She served on the Prosper Waco education steering committee, and chaired the kindergarten readiness working group. She is an active member of the Junior League. She is an alumnus of the Leadership plenty institute of Waco. Anna served as adjunct professor at Mclennan Community College.

Program Success: Whose "Role" is it anyway?

The presentation will be an experience of role playing, discussions and group engagement that will foster understanding of various roles in Child Care Program success.

Programs3/24/17 13:453/24/17 14:30Broadlind A

Kenedria Thurman Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Educational Research Center for Child Development (FAMU-ERCCD)

Director FAMU ERCCDMs. Thurman is the new Director of the Educational Research Center for Child Development Director at Florida A&M University with 15 years of early learning experience in Faith-based, International and Campus-based child care programs. Thurman received a Bachelor’s degree from FAMU in Psychology with a concentration in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in BrainSMART Teaching.

Raenikqwa JamesFlorida Agricultural and Mechanical University Educational Research Center for Child Development (FAMU-ERCCD)

Student Teacher, Primary 2,Ms. James is a senior Psychology student, minoring in Education, at Florida A&M University. Ms. James is the Lead Teacher in the FAMU-ERCCD Primary 2 classroom working with ages 12-24 months old. She is also very involved in campus life by serving on the E-Board of The FAMU Chapter of SISTUHS, Inc. as the Parliamentarian, Political Action Co-Chair, and Ms. Nubian Queen.

James Simmons Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Educational Research Center for Child Development (FAMU-ERCCD)

VPK ‘

Creating exciting, age appropriate, STEM, STEAM, and maker spaces for young children.Hands on learning is a given in quality early childhood environments.

“Up your game” to engage parents and your campus community and provide children with developmentally appropriate opportunities learn through messing around with cool stuff.

Programs3/24/17 13:453/24/17 14:30Broadlind B

Mike LindstromstudioMLA Architects

ArchitectMike Lindstrom is the Principal of studioMLA / Michael Lindstrom Associates Architects in Brookline, MA, which provides a full range of architectural services in the design of environments for children. One of the leading architects in the field, Mike, along with Jim Greenman, led the annual Child Care Design Institute at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design from 2000 to 2008 and has served as an advisor to the American Academy of Pediatrics on Child Care Center Design. In his more than twenty years of designing both buildings and outdoor play and learning areas for children he has always focused on how the built environment can support curriculum and teacher. Recent projects have focused on hands on learning and designing spaces that can support STEM and STEAM activities. Mike is one of the principal organizers of the World Forum – “OnDesign” conferences and has presented widely on the design of children’s spaces.

Learning from Leading: Professional Development Opportunities for Experienced Educators

Challenging professional development for experienced educators is scarce. Learn how the Children's School has designed opportunities to learn from leading, including guiding less experienced educators, collaborating with peers, and interacting with inspiring mentors.

Leadership3/24/17 14:453/24/17 15:30Bixby 3

Sharon M. CarverCarnegie Mellon University Children's School

Director / Teaching Professor,Sharon M. Carver, Ph.D., is beginning her twenty-fourth year as the Director of the Children's School. She earned an A.B. in Psychology and then a Ph.D. in child development at Carnegie Mellon. Since coming to the Children's School as Director in 1993, Sharon has worked to strengthen all aspects of the school's program, improve the facilities, and build strong connections with the university. She teaches undergraduate courses in Child Development and a graduate course in educational design. She serves on the board of the International Association of Laboratory Schools (IALS) and recently finished two sequential board terms for the National Coalition for Campus Children’s Centers (NCCCC). Regarding professional development, Dr. Carver coordinates both continuing education for Children's School educators and outreach to practicing and pre-service teachers.

Maggie Lane RosenblumCarnegie Mellon University Children's School Educational Administrator

Maggie Lane Rosenblum earned certification in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. This is her seventeenth year at the Children’s School. For the first 10 years she was a 3’s teacher, and for the past 7 years she’s been an Educational Administrator. Maggie currently serves on the board of the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC). Maggie concentrates her administrative efforts on mentoring educators, and she recently initiated an effort to connect educators across laboratory schools in

S in STEM: Value of Ramp Play in the Early Childhood ClassroomCome play with ramps – unpack the basic principles of everyday physics in early childhood settings.

Learn how to support and facilitate children as they progress through the stages of investigation using ramps.

Programs3/24/17 14:453/24/17 15:30Bixby 4

Becky Keigan, M.A.Kodo Kids

​Becky Keigan, M.A., is currently serving as the Training and Curriculum Specialist at Kodo Kids. Becky has been passionately involved in ECE for over 35 years as an ECE school district teacher, literacy mentor, educational coach, family literacy coordinator, education coordinator, Colorado State University Food Friends Program coordinator, adjunct faculty and private consultant. She is also a University of Denver Buell Early Childhood Leadership Fellow.