This is our annual state-wide conference for those who educate and care for Wisconsin’s young children, including:

• Teachers who work with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
• Child care center directors and administrators
• Family child care providers
• Head Start teachers
• Special education professionals
• 4K teachers
• Elementary school teachers, especially those working with kindergartners and first graders
• State regulators
• School administrators
• Mommies, daddies, and grandparents
• Advocates for Wisconsin’s children

and ANYONE who believes that we all have something to learn when it comes to helping our children thrive.

Above and Beyond Awards - 2008 Search for Nominations
Above and Beyond Awards will be given at the Professional Development Luncheon on Friday, October 10, 2008 during the Wisconsin Early Childhood Education and Care Conference. Do you know someone who goes “above and beyond” in her or his work as an early childhood professional? Nominations are now being accepted for:

• Early Childhood Special
• Education teacher of the Year
• Early Childhood Teacher of the Year
• Collaborative Team of the Year
• Outstanding Service Award
• Outstanding Partner in Early Education and Care
• Student Teacher of the Year

This is an excellent opportunity for you to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of Early Childhood Education. Nomination forms can be found on the WECA website under Conference and Training/Above and Beyond Award Nominations, and are due by August 15, 2008
http://www.wecanaeyc.org/ 

Keynotes: Jean Marzollo, Author of “I Spy” books & Kathy Poelker, Magical Musical Moments.

Featured Speakers: Renee Zaman, Diane Kane.

Special performance by Stuart Stotts; Friday evening Exhibit Hall reception.

Expo Hall full of curriculum, snacks, teaching materials and fun stuff for you & your kids; information tables with resources, health care information, insurance services and scholarships. Great silent auction items.

Workshops on: Inclusion, kids in the kitchen, early literacy, men in childcare, writing a children’s book, child guidance, infant care, sensory integration, art smart, outdoor learning, WMELS, safe playgrounds, insurance, staff relationships, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Nick, Native American culture, BadgerCare, geography & ecology, 4K information, NAEYC accreditation, caring for multi-ages, project learning tree, child care subsidy, compassion fatigue, sensory-motor activities, non-profit finance, roundtable discussions, what’s new in research, rhythms of the Caribbean, workshops in Spanish and Hmong and MUCH MUCH MORE!

Set aside the time now to join us. Use your economic stimulus rebate. Use your R.E.W.A.R.D. check. Remember, conference fees and travel expenses are tax deductible as a business expense. Make an investment in Wisconsin’s most valuable asset: our children.

Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) is the Wisconsin state affiliate of NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children

For more information contact Wisconsin Early Childhood Association

800-783-9322 X7253
608-240-9880 X7253

Andrea Murray, Conference Manager

http://www.wecanaeyc.org/  for information and updates. On-line registration starts in Mid-July.