A New Way to Reduce Challenging Behavior                              Bob Egelson

What do we do when a child displays challenging behaviors but rewards and consequences do not work?  How can we determine what causes a child to behave this way?  In this class, you will learn to record antecedent behavior and analyze data.   Then we will brainstorm to determine which replacement behavior we can teach the child that solves the behavior problem.  We will also discuss and determine how to fine tune teaching our replacement behavior if problems occur.

Sessions 1 and 3                                For teachers of 3’s, 4’s, 5’s(TK) and Directors

Around We Go—Directors’ Roundtable                                          Kim Myers

Once again, our favorite game—Jeopardy—will help to start our discussions on all things PRESCHOOL!  All Directors are invited to join this workshop to share information and gain  valuable insight from other Directors.

Sessions 2 and 4                                                                                   For Directors

Ask, Imagine, Create:  STEM Activities for Young Learners        Dawn Miller  and Carol Peace

Come and learn activities that allow students to explore, play, question, and build with manipulatives. We will integrate science, math, literature, and art with fun hands-on science activities for young learners.

Sessions 1 and 3                                              For teachers of 3’s, 4’s, and 5’s (TK)

Back to Basics:   Rhymes, Songs, Poems, Fingerplays and Chants                  Meleah Farlow

So many children today don’t know the nursery rhymes we grew up with—so let’s teach them!  We are going to bring back some of the all-time favorites, put a new twist on some, add music to others, and have an all-round good time!  Come relive some old memories and be prepared to make some new ones with your students!

Sessions 1 and 3                                                For teachers of 2’s through 5’s (TK)

Ch, Ch, Changes                                           Dawn Miller and Carol Peace

In this class, you will explore the wonders of our ever changing world through science.  We will share experiments for young scientists learning about life cycles, weather, and God’s beautiful world.

Sessions 2 and 4                                              For teachers of 3’s, 4’s, and 5’s (TK)       

Circle Time:  Beyond “The Itsy Bitsy Spider”                     Linda Hamilton

Circle Time:  Love it or leave it?  Learn to love it and your children will, too!  Circle time provides a unique opportunity for directed teaching in the course of a preschool day.   Achieving that sweet spot between boring and boisterous is a daily challenge that is easily met by weaving your themes through circle.  Join us for hands-on participation and see how productive and engaging your circle time can be.  Ideas for management, timing, resources, and curriculum integration are included.

Sessions 2 and 4                                                For teachers of 3’s, 4’s, and 5’s (TK)

Directors on Fire!  Building (and Re-building) Staff Unity     Susan Sumpter

This session about Personnel Management offers ways to avoid “Director Burn-Out” by setting your DIRECTOR HEART on fire!   Come for the kindling that has proven reliable as we consider…how to write an employee handbook; recruiting and selecting staff; supervising and developing staff; and appraising staff performance.  Find the spark of a guiding vision and leave ready to fan the flames of effective personnel management with the beating of your own heart.

Sessions 1 and 3                                                                                   For Directors                                  

Don’t Let This One Go!   The Science of Frozen!      Valerie Secker and Staff

Combine the enchanting themes of the movie Frozen! with spectacular science activities that will be a hit with any young class, on a much smaller budget than this blockbuster movie!   From snow investigations to temperature experiments, your students will be truly engaged in this hands-on, imaginations-on program!  Curriculum and projects to take home will be included.

Sessions 1 and 2                                For teachers of 3’s, 4’s, 5’s (TK) and Directors

Eating Your Colors                                                                 Susan Kelly

“Try it bites” have never been more fun and educational.  Filling up the “Food Plate” with all the colors in the rainbow and crayon box, we find that our nutritious foods are colorful and delicious.  Using creative ways, visual resources, and fresh foods, we will learn to engage the children in a joyful way to develop good eating habits.  We will discover where these foods come from and how they end up on our kitchen table.

Sessions 1 and 2                                                          For teachers of all age groups

Fill Them with Faith                                                           Ellen Solbakken        

How can you incorporate faith THROUGHOUT your preschool day—not just during “Bible Story Time”?  This workshop will share practical and doable strategies that can be easily applied throughout your days in order to develop your preschoolers into boys and girls who see the world with eyes of faith.

Session 1                                                          For teachers of 3’s, 4’s, and 5’s (TK)

Finding Dory Has Never Been This Much Fun!     Valerie Secker and Staff

This class will bring together the beloved characters from an animated ocean to our real oceans as students investigate marine animals and explore ways to protect our seas.   Your preschool class will be delighted and engaged as they journey into these watery depths!  Curriculum and projects to take home will be provided.

Sessions 3 and 4                         For teachers of 3’s, 4’s and 5’s (TK) and Directors

Fine Motor Fun                                                                                 Jennifer Waid

Activities, activities, activities!  You will leave this session with numerous activities that you can implement in your classroom immediately using materials you probably already have on hand.  The presenter will also discuss developmental milestones and the necessary components for building excellent fine motor and eye-hand coordination skills in your children so that you understand the “why” behind the activities you choose.

Sessions 2 and 4                               For teachers of 3’s, 4’s, 5’s (TK) and Directors

From Bookshelf to Church Chats                                                  Jenny Reilly

Children’s books are a wealth of wisdom and can be a great starting point for Biblical discussions or Chapel Time.   Come see how to turn a great and seemingly “un-churchy” children’s book into a time of worship.  Preschool stories contain great treasures that help us learn about God’s world or how we can be more faithful followers of Jesus.  We will focus on church chat themes, but will also look at ideas that can be used throughout the daily classroom curriculum.  Be sure to bring some of your favorite books for some brainstorming time.

Sessions 3                                 For teachers of 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, 5’s (TK) and Directors

Giggle, Grow, Circle…Come and Have Fun                             Sidney McCrory

Learn to put a story in a child’s hands!  Liven up your circle with new educational games!  Interact with your kids while they learn facts and play games!  Make tools that your children can manipulate during circle to further their understanding of what you are teaching.  Make learning in Circle fun!  Come Giggle, Grow and make take-homes.

Sessions 1, 2, 3, and 4                                                For teachers of all age groups

Gross Motor Groovin’                                                                Jennifer Waid

“I’m too tired!”  Is this a statement you hear too often during school?  Do you have students who are lying down in circle time rather than sitting up and listening?  Do you have children who are struggling with fine motor skills and no matter how much practice you give them, they still can’t seem to make significant improvements?  Our society is becoming more and more sedentary—and that includes our kids!  Let’s get our children up and moving!  Developing gross motor skills like core strength, upper body strength, and balance in fun and exciting ways will enhance many aspects of development for the kids in your classroom.

Session 3                                    For teachers of 2’s through 5’s (TK) and Directors

Growing Big Ideas in Little People—Creativity, Curiosity & Intellect                    Cathie Broocks

Parents want academics; you value play!   In this class, you will learn ways to cultivate and accomplish both!   Research, lesson ideas, and ways to link class to home projects will be presented.

Sessions 1 and 3                                              For Directors and teachers of all ages                

Hands on Growing                                                                  Susan Kelley

From seed to sprout to a blooming garden and everything in between…In this class, you will learn how to take time out of your day to share “LIFE” with the children in your classroom.  There is nothing that intrigues a child more than planting and caring for a living thing.  Watch with your class and learn how a simple tiny seed becomes a great Oak tree, a giant Sunflower, a garden full of vegetables, or a flower bed that will bring a smile to every face!

Sessions 3 and 4                                                                   For teachers of all ages

Helping Non-Verbal (Speech-delayed) Children to Speak                    Bob Egelson

How do we help non-verbal or speech-delayed children to use functional speech to ask for what they want or need?  In this workshop, a complete protocol will be reviewed to help with this.  Attendees will also practice each step in the protocol that teaches children with speech delays how to request things that they want.  We will do so without giving in to the child or creating problems where the other children in the classroom or the home do not feel that they are treated unfairly.

Sessions 2 and 4                                                For teachers of 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, 5’s (TK)

How Do You Tell Parents that Their Child Needs to See a Speech Therapy                Heather Skeen                     

In this class, the presenter will discuss the broad definition of “typical” as it relates to behavior and speech and language skills.  After determining if a behavior or skill is typical, you will learn how to begin those conversations with parents when the child falls outside of “typical”.

Sessions 1 and 3                                                     For teachers of 3’s, 4’s. 5’s (TK)

How to Effectively Stop Biting and Hitting in the Preschool Classroom     Amanda Zaidman

Have you ever wondered what to do with a Toddler who cannot control his teeth or hands? When children act out it is because they haven’t learned what to do with their challenging emotions.  In this training session you will learn strategies to help preschoolers identify and regulate their emotions.  The best way to help a child who is prone to tantrums or fits of rage is through education about emotional awareness and what to do when faced with a challenge. After taking this class, you will feel prepared the next time you are with a child who is about to lose control.

Sessions 1, 2, 3, 4                               For teachers of all age groups and Directors

Jump Start Art—Encouraging Process Art                        Jennifer McMasters

Are you doing more art than your students?  Are you tired of all the cutting and instructing you are doing in the classroom to get cute art work to send home to the parents?  This hands-on workshop is designed to teach you how to encourage independence in your students’ art work.  Great ideas for process art will be demonstrated and the value of process art will be discussed.  So…stop churning out cookie-cutter art and start letting your little artists’ creativity shine!

Sessions 1 and 2                                                               For all preschool teachers

Label Makers                                                                            Jenny Reilly

We label people every day.  Sometimes that is good, but often our judgements can create labels that do harm.  This workshop will reflect on labels we unknowingly have for others (children, parents, co-workers) and then spend time relabeling others through a new lens—an identity in Christ.  Creative work will also allow participants to leave with tangible reminders and new labels for use in the classroom.  This workshop will expand on Jenny’s Keynote address.

Session 1                                                                                              For everyone

Learning to Love Music                                                          Olivia Beaver

During their time in preschool, we want the children in our classes to find a love for new things—a love for learning, a love for themselves, a love for each other, and a love for God.  Music is something that transcends all languages, ages, genders, and personalities.  In this workshop we will explore showing children the excitement and intrigue of music in many forms.   Dances, songs, instruments, scarves, musical terms, musical games and more, used all with the purpose of having children walk out of preschool loving this experience called music.

Sessions 1, 2, 3, and 4                         For Directors and teachers of all age groups

Let’s Play!  Musical Games and Activities                           Meleah Farlow

Need some fresh new ideas for games that can be played inside or outside?  I’ll bring along the balls, hula hoops, and parachutes for some exciting games and activities that are appropriate for children ages 2—5.  Be prepared to come and play with me!!

Sessions 2 and 4                                                 For teachers of 2’s through 5’s (TK)

Loose Parts, Not Lost Babies!                                           Dr. Lisa Godwin

This session will introduce the concept of “loose parts” as learning materials for infants and toddlers.  Participants will learn to define and recognize loose parts, and to use loose parts in their indoor and outdoor planning.  There will be an emphasis on meeting NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development standards through loose-part activities.

Sessions 1 and 3                                           For teachers of  Infants and Toddler                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Magical Meaningful Math                                                Sue Ann Sardelis

1…2…3…   They can count!  But do they know what “3” is?  Math instruction is an integral part of preschool education.  As preschool teachers, we are building a fundamental foundation of math concepts and mathematical thinking.  During our time together, we will gain a better understanding of how to integrate the five domains of math into our daily interactions, circle time, center time, and real life moments.  We will also focus on creating a classroom with hands-on concrete everyday math experiences that foster magical learning moments.

Sessions 2 and 4                               For teachers of 3’s, 4’s, 5’s (TK) and Directors

Methods of Assessments                                               Sue Ann Sardelis

Papers, Papers, Standards, Standards!  How do you know if they are ready?  During this workshop, you will learn about the different methods of assessment, how to organize and manage assessments, and why assessments are crucial. We will also look at the connection between developmentally appropriate curriculum and assessment practices.  You will also learn tips about how to communicate with parents about their child’s assessment results.

Sessions 1 and 3                                For teachers of 3’s, 4’s, 5’s (TK) and Directors

Natural Playwork                                                                    Linda Kinney

This workshop emphasizes play in nature and how to take advantage of the many affordances provided by the natural world.  Participants will “play with” aspects of nature and play, and explore their combined application in the outdoor play and learning environments.  This session will also address strategies for incorporating playing outside into program, curriculum and everyday life using methods employed in the playwork profession.

Session 1                                            For teachers of all age groups and Directors

Playing with the Elements                                                           Linda Kinney

This session specifically focuses on methods of enhancing, encouraging, and guiding children’s exploration and discovery of the 4 elements (earth, wind, fire, and water).  Participants will explore their relationship with the 4 elements while reconnecting with their playful nature.  Inspired adults can have a huge impact on children’s ability to begin, continue, or expand their outdoor exploration and play.

Session 2                                            For teachers of all age groups and Directors

Pray and Praise with Preschoolers                                             Jenny Reilly

Praising God is more than adults sitting in Sanctuary pews.  It can be high action or sitting quietly listening to God’s word.  It can be loud with clanging cymbals or it can be quiet as we focus on God.  It can be learned and practiced through food, touch, sights, sound, and more.  Come for a time of pausing to praise and pray for yourself and learn some fun and meaningful ways to incorporate prayer and praise into your classroom as well.

Sessions 2 and 4                                                                                   For everyone

Ready or Not!   The Secret to School Readiness                   Heidi Tringali

Many children arrive at school not ready to learn, follow directions, interact, or participate.  For these children, typical classroom management strategies fail.  This workshop will help you recognize optimum learning readiness and give you practical, fun and easy to use tools that will maximize each child’s classroom performance.

Session 3                                           For teachers of 3’s, 4’s, 5’s (TK) and Directors

Sensational Sensory Experiences                                 Jennifer McMasters

Are you stuck in a rut using just sand and rice in your sensory table?  Are your kids bored with the same old toys and materials?  In this collaborative hands-on workshop, you will learn how to customize your sensory table contents for any theme and gain tips on engaging children in safe, active and educational sensory play.  The importance of the sensory table in a preschool classroom will also be discussed, as well as how to construct your own table if necessary.  You will leave with great ideas on how to make your sensory table the most popular center in your classroom.

Sessions 3 and 4                                                        For teachers of all age groups

Sensory Processing in the Classroom                                  Jennifer Waid

Do you have a child in your classroom who just can’t sit still—ever?  Falls out of his chair?  Unintentionally knocks over his friends?   Or maybe you have a student who cowers under the table if someone new enters the room?  Flinches when you touch her?  Covers her ears and cries during music?  In this class, you will learn about sensory processing—what it is, behaviors that are normal and those who are not, fun activities to use with all kids to enhance sensory development, and strategies to help children with Sensory Processing Disorder succeed in your classroom.

Session 1                                                                   For teachers of all age groups

Surprising Strategies for Reading Readiness                Ellen Solbakken

Reading Readiness is SO much more than just being able to recognize and name the letters of the alphabet.  This workshop will focus on several surprising strategies—movement, modeling, and making certain deliberate choices—that can help your preschoolers be able to read when they are developmentally able to do so.

Sessions 2 and 3                                                        For teachers of 3’s, 4’s, 5’s (TK)

Taking Infants and Toddlers Outside                               Kelli Fitzgibbons

This workshop provides educators with a good foundation of the benefits of taking infants and toddlers outside.  Tips on enhancing the outdoor learning environment for these age groups will be provided.  There is also a take away element.

Sessions 1 and 3                                             For teachers of Infants and Toddlers

The Baby and the Bathwater—New Trends and Best Practices           Cathie Broocks

During this class, you will learn research-based approaches to evaluate new trends in education and the need to hold firm on developmental practices. Information and ideas with a focus on reading readiness, understanding the relationship between executive function and classroom organization, and how to support the development of focus will be shared. 

Sessions 2 and 4                                      Teachers of all age groups and Directors

The Impact of the Environment on Toddlers and Twos:  Relationships, Curriculum and Guidance                      Dr. Lisa Godwin

This session will explore the impact the physical environment has on toddlers and two year old classrooms.  Participants will recognize the importance of the environment in supporting toddler and two year old relationships, learning and development, and positive behaviors.  The session will include large group and small group discussions.  Participants will evaluate and plan appropriate physical environments. 

Sessions 2 and 4                                                      For teachers of toddlers and 2’s

Toddler Interactions                                                        Kelli Fitzgibbons

 This workshop, Toddler Interactions, will be an interactive presentation.  The significance of the interactions between caregivers and toddlers will be explored and discussed.  A brief inclusion of brain research will also be included.

Sessions 2 and 4                                                     For teachers of Toddlers and 2’s

Transitions:  Tackling the Toughest Time in a Preschool Day                  Linda Hamilton

Do you dread clean up…lining up…any kind of mixing up?   Transitions, from activity changes to traveling can be a challenge for young children.  Participate is this session where we practice techniques to smooth those tricky times.   Take home some ideas for a chaos-free day and leave those transition blues behind.

Sessions 1 and 3                                              For teachers of 3’s, 4’s, and 5’s (TK)

Transition Tips                                                                                 Ellen Solbakken

Are you “losing” your class as you change activities during the day? Does moving from one part of your day to the next mean having to corral your children’s attention anew or having to threaten discipline in order to keep them focused?  This workshop will share multiple ideas and strategies to navigate the transition times in your day in a way that will actually enhance the day for both you and your preschoolers.

Session 4                                                                 For teachers of 3’s, 4’s, 5’s (TK)

Typical Speech and Language Development and How to Facilitate Growth                   Heather Skeen

In this workshop, typical speech and language skills of Preschoolers will be presented.  There will also be a discussion about ways teachers can support development of speech and language skills during play and center times.

Sessions 2 and 4                                                       For teachers of all age groups