This conference is a special opportunity to focus on the uniqueness of the infant-toddler period and to connect with colleagues who share your commitment to babies and their families. The conference theme - Connections: The power behind high-quality caregiving - speaks to the critical role of relationships in supporting children's current and future well-being. You will learn with colleagues, hear from experts, and consider questions and ideas about topics such as (1) the importance of early relationships, (2) teaching children with special support needs, (3) the science behind early movement and development, and (4) relationship-based strategies and practices for building strong parent partnerships.

Who should attend? ALL center-based and family care educators serving infants and toddlers in Alabama are welcome and encouraged to attend, as well as site managers or administrators supervising infant-toddler programs. The conference is also open to coaches, consultants, and professional development providers supporting the infant-toddler workforce.

AGENDA
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Registration and refreshments

8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Developmental and Mental Health Needs of Young Children

10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Breaks and exhibits

10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Autism-Specific Strategies to Support the Infant-Toddler Workforce

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch, Presentation of Infant-Toddler Credential, and Storytelling demonstrations

1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Movement that Matters: The science behind early movement and play

2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Breaks and exhibits

3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. A Developmental-Relational Framework for Understanding Children's Behavior and Engaging Families

4:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closing remarks

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This course contains no sessions.