Leadership ConnectionsNATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

May 15–17, 2014WESTIN CHICAGO NORTH SHORE, WHEELING, ILLINOIS

REGISTER ONLINE AT: McCormickCenter.nl .edu

We hope you will join us for our 14th year of Leadership Connections. Once again, we offer you an exceptional professional development experience where you can learn, network, and be pampered.

Again this year we bring you an array of national experts who have designed their sessions with you in mind. Whether you are a child care administrator, policymaker, resource and referral specialist, college instructor, family child care provider, or independent consultant—we have inspiring sessions planned for you. Take advantage of this great opportunity to network with others who are doing similar work and experiencing the same rewards and challenges.

Sincerely,

Sue Offutt Executive Director

Leadership Connections 2014

Wednesday, May 14 (Preconference)

9:00 am – 4:00 pm Preconference Workshop: Toni Christie Pre-registration required 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Preconference Seminar: Getting Ready for the PAS Pre-registration required 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Conference Registration

Thursday, May 15

7:30 am – 11:15 am Conference Registration and Breakfast Meetings 8:30 am – 10:00 am National Louis University Welcome Breakfast11:30 am – 1:30 pm Opening Ceremonies, Luncheon, and Keynote Address 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Public Policy Forum 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Marketplace and Networking Reception 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Leadership Colloquium

Friday, May 16

7:30 am – 8:15 am Continental Buffet Breakfast 8:30 am – 11:45 am Skill-Building Clinics11:45 am – 1:45 pm Lunch11:45 am – 9:00 pm Marketplace 1:45 pm – 5:00 pm Skill-Building Clinics 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Networking Reception 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Pamper Yourself Activities

Saturday, May 17

7:30 am – 8:15 am Continental Buffet Breakfast 8:30 am – 11:45 am Skill-Building Clinics11:45 am – 2:30 pm Closing Ceremonies, Luncheon, and Keynote Address

Conference Schedule

REGISTER AT McCormickCenter.nl.edu

REGISTER AT McCormickCenter.nl.edu

Conference Information

Scholarship OpportunitiesContact your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency about professional development funds for conference attendance. To locate your nearest agency, call Child Care Aware of America at 800.424.2246. For Illinois residents, contact INCCRRA at 866.697.8278 to receive an application for professional development funds.

You may also be eligible for a conference scholarship donated by one of our corporate and philanthropic sponsors. Download an application at McCormickCenter.nl.edu.

Hotel InformationThe luxurious Westin Chicago North Shore is located at 601 North Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling, IL 60090. Make your reservations directly with the hotel by calling 847.777.6500. The special reduced Leadership Connections conference rate is $149/night (single or double occupancy) plus tax. When making reservations at the hotel, mention Leadership Connections. The Westin Chicago North Shore is approximately 15 miles from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

For the most economical price, we recommend American Taxi for your ride from O’Hare to the Westin. Call 847.253.4411. The fare is approximately $28.

Attention Illinois DirectorsLEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS IS A

GATEWAYS TO OPPORTUNITY REGISTRY VERIFIED CONFERENCE

A Gateways to Opportunity Registry Verified Conference has undergone a review of the conference workshop selection process to ensure quality standards are met and attendance has been verified by the Registry. Conference attendees will receive credit on Section 4 of their Professional Development Record* for each session they attend at the conference.

* The Professional Development Record (PDR) is a benefit of the Registry. It tracks Registry members’ educational and training attainments, while also identifying gaps, and progress towards DCFS required in-service training.

Creating a Peaceful Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers, and Young ChildrenTONI CHRISTIE

Wednesday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

New Zealand is revered around the world for its innovations in curriculum, inspiring learning environments, and government investments in qualified teachers. That national reputation is due in part to early childhood leaders like Toni Christie, the founder of five Childspace Early Learning centers and director of the Childspace Early Childhood Institute in Wellington, New Zealand. Join Toni for a stimulating day of professional development as she shares her passion, knowledge, and research on the importance of a peaceful curriculum for young children.

A peaceful curriculum is one where there is a partnership between teacher and learner, where children are respected as competent and capable learners, and where the rights of the individual are celebrated. Toni will provide examples of how she has adapted the ideas of Dr. Emmi Pikler relating to respectful care, education, and self-regulation to fit the needs of the children and families served by Childspace Early Learning Centers. Explore and discuss the practical implications of this approach for early childhood educators working in full-day programs.

Getting Ready for the PASLINDA BUTKOVICH AND PAULA STEFFEN

Wednesday, 1:00 – 5:00 pm

Enhancing leadership and management practices is crucial during the quality improvement process. This session provides an overview of the Program Administration Scale (PAS). The PAS is designed to measure the quality of leadership and management practices of center-based early childhood programs. After completing this seminar, participants will have a basic knowledge of the PAS, be able to use the tool for program improvement, and know how to prepare for a PAS assessment. This seminar meets one of the training requirements for administrators of programs participating in Illinois’ quality rating and improvement system.

Preconference Activities

There is a $15 fee for this preconference seminar. Pre-registration required at McCormickCenter.nl.edu

There is $200 fee for this preconference session. Lunch included.Pre-registration required at McCormickCenter.nl.edu

Sara WatsonOPENING KEYNOTE

Sara Watson plays two leadership roles at America’s Promise Alliance, where she is the Executive Vice President for National Partnerships and the director and co-founder of ReadyNation, a collaboration of business leaders, economists, and philanthropists mobilizing business to advocate for proven investments in young children. Formerly a senior officer at The Pew Charitable Trusts, Sara directed Pew’s national campaign to advance high-quality early education for all 3 and 4 year olds.

Ana DeHoyos O’ConnorCLOSING KEYNOTE

Ana De Hoyos O’Connor of San Antonio, Texas is assistant professor of Early Childhood Studies at San Antonio College. She provides training for preschool teachers through the Women’s Global Connection as well as through the National Institute on Out-of-School Time. Ana currently serves on the Texas Early Learning Council and is a passionate early childhood advocate for quality programming across the age spectrum.

Sue Bredekamp4TH ANNUAL PAULA JORDE BLOOM LEADERSHIP COLLOQUIUM

Join us for an interactive and engaging conversation with Visionary Leadership Award recipient Sue Bredekamp as she shares her journey in early childhood education. This is an opportunity for you to listen, learn, and dialogue with a renowned leader in the field of early care and education.

A light dessert will be served.

Keynote Speakers

Sue Bredekamp VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AWARD

Sue Bredekamp is an early childhood education specialist from Washington, DC who serves as a consultant on developmentally appropriate practice, curriculum, teaching, and professional development for state and national organizations such as NAEYC, the Council for Professional Recognition, Head Start, and Sesame Street. While Director of Accreditation and Professional Development for NAEYC, Dr. Bredekamp lead the development of NAEYC’s seminal publication, Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs, which still serves as the North Star guiding effective practice in the field. She is also the author of an introductory textbook, Effective Practices in Early Childhood Education: Building a Foundation.

Rob Dugger CORPORATE CHAMPION FOR CHANGE AWARD

Policy Director of the American Bankers Association and multi-billion dollar hedge fund Managing Director are not titles usually associated with “tireless early childhood advocate,” but Rob Dugger is all three, and more. Dr. Dugger’s greatest passions are in early childhood development and organizing strong business coalitions to increase funding, quality, and access to essential services for children birth to five. He co-founded ReadyNation to carry out this work and encourage business leaders to contribute to initiatives across the nation that increase funding, quality, and access to essential services. Rob also created a new initiative to develop ways to pay for early childhood interventions using Pay for Success social impact principles. He is also a board member of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation and chairman of the Alexandria/Arlington Smart Beginnings Leadership Council. It is Dr. Dugger’s lifelong commitment to support systems that improve services for young children that makes it clear why he has been chosen as the 2014 Corporate Champion for Change.

Award Recipients

National Louis University Welcome BreakfastThursday 8:30 – 10:00 am

Join us for breakfast and learn more about the professional development opportunities at National Louis University (NLU). Meet with faculty and staff to discover the various ways NLU can help advance your career.

Soup, Salad, and Potato Bar Networking ReceptionThursday 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Enjoy a tasty “build-your-own dinner” buffet, beverages, and the sound of soft jazz while you connect with colleagues, learn about new professional development opportunities, enjoy the many offerings of our Marketplace exhibitors, and perhaps win one of our great prizes.

Taco Party Networking ReceptionFriday 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Dine on Mexican fare while you connect with colleagues, learn about new professional development opportunities, and revisit the many Marketplace exhibitors. Don’t miss the chance to win more of our great door prizes during the reception and stay for the fun pamper yourself activities following the reception!

MarketplaceThursday 5:00 – 8:00 pmFriday 11:45 am – 9:00 pm

The Marketplace is open Thursday evening and all day Friday. Be sure to take time to visit our exhibitors, do a bit of shopping, and take advantage of special conference discount pricing. Don’t miss the opportunity to win one of the many great door prizes donated by our exhibitors.

Special Activities

School Readiness and DAP FINDING COMMON GROUND BETWEEN POLICY AND PRACTICE

Early childhood education is on the rise. Policymakers, researchers, and educators now recognize that early education is an important key to children’s school readiness and lifelong success. Even during the recent recession, the federal government committed billions of new dollars to early childhood education. The administration is funding early childhood system-building through the Race to the Top–Early Learning Challenge grants. It has recently proposed funding states to implement universal preschool for all four-year olds and enhanced services for children birth through three. While genuinely excited about the public recognition and financial investments, some practitioners worry about the increased emphasis on standards, assessments, and accountability. They fear an erosion of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), a core value among early childhood educators. Dr. Teri Talan will facilitate a discussion between national experts representing their respective worlds of policy and practice: Lisa Guernsey, Director of the Early Education Initiative at the New America Foundation, and Dr. Sue Bredekamp, early childhood education consultant and co-editor of NAEYC’s influential publication, Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs. Together, we will seek common ground by exploring the opportunities and challenges of an early childhood field in transition.

Public Policy ForumTHURSDAY, MAY 152:00 – 5:00 PM

Teri Talan

Sue Bredekamp

Lisa Guernsey

8:30 – 11:45 am

F1 Digital Age Learning: New Tools for Early Childhood Programs Chip Donohue, Ed Greene, Amanda Armstrong Leadership and program practices in the 21st century are part of a changing landscape

that includes the integration of technology tools and digital solutions for achieving excellence. Learn about promising practices, new and existing tools, and resources for leading and learning in the digital age.

F2 Nurturing through Literature Isabel Baker Nurturing children by sharing good books is at the heart of any good literacy curriculum.

Children fall in love with language, with story, with characters they connect to…not with phonics. Learn about the best new titles and how to select books that nurture children’s love of learning.

F3 Measuring and Improving Interactions with the CLASS System Rebecca Berlin Discover how organizations like yours are using the CLASS system to learn about,

measure, and improve the effectiveness of teacher-child interactions. Explore ways you can put the CLASS system to work improving teaching and learning in your program.

F4 Emotional Development and Self-Regulation Toni Christie Explore the role of the adult in the emotional development and self-regulation of infants

and toddlers in early childhood settings. Understanding the specific needs of the child at each of the three stages of infancy, allows us to better partner with that child in their learning journey toward self-regulation.

F5 Democratic Life Skills for the 21st Century Dan Gartrell Learn about the construct of democratic life skills (DLs). Examine behaviors that indicate

child challenges and progress in relation to five essential DLs. Explore guidance practices that foster these life skills in young children.

F6 Leadership in Challenging Times Constant Hine Explore what it means to be an effective leader and work collaboratively in the adaptive

change process. Learn how to face “adaptive challenges” that require people to learn in new ways, change behavior, and work through problems collaboratively.

Friday Morning Skill-Building ClinicsExplore topics of interest in-depth and walk away with useful strategies to implement in your program.

F7 Powerful Interactions Begin with You! Judy Jablon The quality of adult-adult interactions impacts the quality of interactions between adults

and children. Learn how to turn everyday interactions into Powerful Interactions with a 3-step approach: be present to be intentional; connect to deepen relationships; and extend learning.

F8 Optimizing the Second Half of Your Life Leonard and Rudina Johnson What if you knew you only had twenty years left? What would you keep? What would

you get rid of? Midlife can be a challenging time of life, yet it is also full of opportunities to grow and reinvent yourself. Learn strategies to jumpstart the second half of your life, including a 90-day plan for success developed by you!

F9 Celebrating Teamwork Ron Mohl Sponsored by Lakeshore Learning Materials Explore the success attributes of self-esteem, teamwork, and persistence. Working from the

inside out, we will identify these building blocks and discuss strategies that can be used to enrich your work environment.

F10 Supporting Early Childhood Programs for Dual Language Learners Karen Nemeth What do leaders need to know about first and second language development and

effective teaching strategies that are unique to early childhood education? Find out in this informative, interactive workshop what every early childhood leader needs to know.

F11 Shaping Infant Minds Keith Pentz Sponsored by Kaplan Early Learning Examine the research behind specific practices and interactions that promote mind

development—interpersonal connections, language/communication use and patterns, emotional support and development, attachment, and nurture. Get ideas to help promote effective interactions, and relationship building.

F12 Make Time for Marketing: Telling Your Story Eileen Rochford Sponsored by The Harbinger Group Marketing yourself can be as easy as 1-2-3. Learn to: 1) evaluate your current story and

marketing tactics; 2) create cost-effective web and social media options; and 3) weave your business story into a compelling marketing plan.

1:45 – 5:00 pm

F21 Resonant Leadership: Renew Yourself while Connecting with Others Arshia Ali-Khan Resonant leaders manage their own and others’ emotions in ways that drive success in

spite of the relentless demands of work and life. Learn how to use specific techniques to combat stress, avoid burnout, and renew yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.

F22 Digital Age Learning: New Tools for Early Childhood Programs Chip Donohue, Ed Greene, and Amanda Armstrong Repeat of morning session.

F23 Creating Quality Learning Environments Robin Christie Join teacher and designer, Robin Christie, for this wide-ranging overview of early

childhood environment design theory and practice. Robin will share case studies from his work around the world in an informal and interactive session. Be inspired to further develop your teaching and learning environments.

F24 Liberation Teaching Dan Gartrell Children with challenging behaviors continue to be a struggle for early childhood educators.

Learn how to work with children who have frequent conflicts. After defining liberation teaching, this session addresses the causes for frequent conflicts, the effects of negative labeling, support systems for teachers, and the importance of liberation teaching in the guidance approach.

F25 Deepening Intentional Coaching Skills for Sustainable Change Constant Hine Learn practical strategies for helping people overcome challenges and barriers and

promote positive practices related to issues of awareness, attitudes, motivation, emotions, stress, and skills, which are part of the Framework For Thinking™ coaching model.

F26 Resolving Tough Conversations Using Strengths-Based Strategies Joy Humbarger Tough conversations with adults happen! Explore conditions that lead to challenging

conversations. Discover and apply research-based techniques and a five-step process for handling these conversations with respect, while building relationships.

Friday Afternoon Skill-Building ClinicsMore in-depth sessions offering practical and useful strategies to implement in your program.

F27 Finding the Wisdom Within: Using a Collaborative, Self-Study Process Judy Jablon Analyze ways to use the NAEYC Accreditation standards to shape a collaborative

professional development environment resulting in enhanced program quality. Examine photos and videos that illustrate how national standards of quality translate to specific cultural and geographical settings.

F28 Defeating Self-Sabotage: Getting Out of Your Own Way Leonard and Rudina Johnson Why do we say we want something and then set about making sure it doesn’t happen?

The answer to this question and others like it will be explored in a fun and interactive workshop. Learn to identify and head-off self-defeating behaviors.

F29 Giving Feedback with Ease Kendra Kett Build your skill set in effectively giving feedback with your teaching staff. Explore

the myths, goals, and techniques of feedback, common mistakes, the three “A’s” of performance, and how to handle all those messy, highly emotional objections. Lots of practice is included, too!

F30 Personal Leadership Ron Mohl Sponsored by Lakeshore Learning Materials Explore the term “driving instruction.” Learn how to execute purposeful change in

your organization through formal and informal assessment, lesson plans, and teachable moments. Take the resources you have and get the most out of them.

F31 Technology and Literacy for Young DLLs Karen Nemeth Learn new strategies for meeting bilingual education requirements and working effectively

with young dual language learners using print and technology resources.

F32 Moving Beyond “Empty and Fill” to Deep Investigation Keith Pentz Sponsored by Kaplan Early Learning Learn how to effectively move toddlers beyond simple, singular activities to sustained and

expanded projects and experiences. Explore the four-step process involved in learning any concept, the difference between implicit and explicit memories, and how communication enhances concept development.

8:30 – 11:45 am

S1 Resonant Leadership: Renew Yourself while Connecting with Others Arshia Ali-Khan Resonant leaders manage their own and others’ emotions in ways that drive success in

spite of the relentless demands of work and life. Learn how to use specific techniques to combat stress, avoid burnout, and renew yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.

S2 Put Google to Work for You Giovanni Arroyo Learn how to use Google to organize, communicate, and make your life run more smoothly

and efficiently. Turn your program into a well-oiled machine using the many options Google has to offer.

S3 Business Planning for Growth Janice Lopez Explore the basic tools you need to launch and sustain a child care business. Learn a

step-by-step process to develop a business and marketing plan while gaining a better understanding of business financials.

S4 Connecting with Families: Involving Families in your Program Becky Hixson and Jill Lyon We know that children benefit when families are actively involved in their care and

education but planning events for families takes time and money. Explore cost-effective ways to increase participation and develop relationships with families. Share your wisdom with others and leave with lots of great ideas.

S5 Overcoming Barriers to Communication, Cooperation, and Trust® Joy Humbarger Research has shown that we tend to focus on our differences rather than our similarities

and what unites us. That can create challenges in the work environment. Learn practical strategies to create a collaborative, creative, cooperative, and innovative team.

Saturday Morning Skill-Building ClinicsComplete your conference experience by selecting one of today’s diverse topics.

S6 Developing and Strengthening Contracts, Handbooks, and Risk Management Plans

Robyn Kelton Contracts, handbooks, and risk management plans are vital documents in family child

care programs. Using the Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care (BAS) as a guide, participants will learn the most important elements of each document and how to organize information in a way that supports families and protects their business.

S7 Giving Feedback with Ease Kendra Kett Build your skill set in effectively giving feedback with your teaching staff. Explore

the myths, goals, and techniques of feedback, common mistakes, the three “A’s” of performance, and how to handle all those messy, highly emotional objections. Lots of practice is included, too!

S8 ExceleRate Illinois and Gateways: Make the Connection Mark Obuchowski Sponsored by INCCRRA Quality care for children has always been your goal. ExceleRate Illinois and Gateways can help

you get to the next level. Join us to hear program specialists from INCCRRA highlight the connections between credentials, scholarships, the Gateways Registry, and ExceleRate Illinois.

S9 The Peer Interview Hiring Process Jolene Patton Research suggests that child care employees desire more involvement in the hiring of

their peers. This session will take you through a step-by-step process of involving staff in the final selection of employees while ensuring you employ a “right fit.”

SPANISH SESSION

S10 Alcanzar la Preparación Escolar en el Programa de Cuidado Infantil en el Hogar a Través de Interacciones Positivas Niño-Adulto

Roberto Barocio Quijano and Migdalia Young Más de cinco décadas de investigación demuestran el papel importante que los adultos

desempeñan en el desarrollo cognitivo, social y emocional de los niños pequeños. Interacciones positivas entre adultos y niños constituyen el núcleo de la construcción de un ambiente de aprendizaje que promueve la preparación escolar en los programas de cuidado infantil en el hogar. Venga y aprenda acerca de la relación entre las interacciones adulto y niño y una educación de calidad; aprenda también acerca de su papel en la creación de un clima socio-emocional propicio que apoye el desarrollo de los niños.

Presenter Bios

Arshia Ali-Khan is Director of Development and Marketing for UMMA Center, a nonprofit organization serving the underprivileged in Lake County. She is a certified Transformational Leadership Coach.

Amanda Armstrong, program coordinator for the TEC Center at Erikson Institute, is a leadership team member of ISTE’s Early Learning and Technology special interest group and NAEYC’s Technology and Young Children Interest Forum.

Giovanni Arroyo is a media specialist for the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership. Prior to joining the McCormick Center, Giovanni was a computer technician for the second largest school district in Illinois.

Isabel Baker started The Book Vine for Children over thirty years ago in Chicago. Armed with master’s degrees in education and library science, and experience as a librarian, she is passionate about getting good books into the hands of children.

Roberto Barocio Quijano, author and professor at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), is an advisor for private and governmental organizations in Mexico and director of Barocio Assessors in Education and Human Development.

Rebecca Berlin, Chief Strategy Officer for Teachstone, works with states and school districts to implement the CLASS system and sets Teachstone’s strategic direction. She has worked in many capacities in both public and private schools.

Sue Bredekamp, author and early childhood education specialist from Washington, DC, serves as a consultant on developmentally appropriate practice, curriculum, teaching, and professional development for state and national organizations such as NAEYC, the Council for Professional Recognition, Head Start, and Sesame Street.

Linda Butkovich is the Assessment Certification Specialist for the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership. She is one of the four national reliability anchors for the PAS and oversees the PAS Assessor Certification system.

Robin Christie, co-founder of Childspace in New Zealand, designs and builds indoor and outdoor learning spaces for young children. He specializes in custom-built environments that are functional, culturally appropriate, and aesthetically pleasing.

Toni Christie is a leader in the field of early childhood education in New Zealand. She has more than twenty years experience as the Director of Childspace Early Learning Centres and Childspace Early Childhood Institute in Wellington, NZ.

Chip Donohue is the Dean of Distance Learning & Continuing Education and director of the TEC (Technology in Early Childhood) Center at Erikson Institute as well as a Senior Fellow of the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media.

Janice Lopez is Associate Director of Latina Programs and serves as a WBDC bilingual business counselor. In her current role Janice provides counseling and training workshops on general business management, marketing, and access to capital strategies to WBDC clients.

Dan Gartrell, author and emeritus professor, is a former Head Start teacher and former director of the child development training program at Bemidji State University.

Ed Greene is Senior Director for Educational Outreach and Partnerships at the Hispanic Information Television Network. Over his forty-year career, Ed has served in lead positions with Cito USA, Piramide Approach to Early Learning, Teachscape, and Sesame Workshop.

Lisa Guernsey is an author and director of the New America Foundation’s Early Education Initiative, focusing on elevating dialogue about early childhood education. A journalist by trade, Ms. Guernsey has been a technology and education writer at The New York Times and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Constant Hine has over 30 years experience as an adult educator, coach, consultant, keynote speaker, author, and classroom teacher. She has been the owner and principle consultant of Horizons In Learning since 1988.

Becky Hixson, director at Skip-a-Long Child Development Services, manages a staff of forty and handles all site operations. Becky previously owned and managed a center for thirteen years.

Joy Humbarger is a professional development coach for Francis Institute for Child and Youth Development at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri. Her work centers on her passion for finding and celebrating strengths in each person.

Judy Jablon has authored many early childhood publications. Her work focuses on the importance of relationships, teacher-child interactions, and assessment.

Leonard Johnson has worked in the health care industry for sixteen years as manager and executive staff of a large managed care company. He is currently vice president of Second Shift Productions, LTD.

Rudina Johnson, speaker, writer, and facilitator, makes training an interactive experience. She is currently facilitator and partner at Second Shift Productions, LTD.

Robyn Kelton is a training and technical assistance specialist for the McCormick Center where she serves as national reliability anchor for the Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care (BAS) and the Program Administration Scale (PAS).

Kendra Kett, serving families and children for 25 years, is an award-winning center administrator with an Illinois Director Credential, Level III. She has worked for Bright Horizons for 23 years.

Jill Lyon is the Family Service Provider for Skip-a-Long Child Development Services in Davenport, Iowa. Jill works directly with families on enrollment, fee assistance, referrals, and involvement opportunities.

Presenter Bios

Ron Mohl, lead educational presenter for Lakeshore Learning Materials, helps educators enrich curricula related to language development, math, science, music, and diversity by focusing on the importance of play.

Karen N. Nemeth is an author, consultant, and presenter with expertise in teaching dual language learners in early childhood. She hosts www.languagecastle.com.

Mark Obuchowski is a Gateways Registry approved trainer and coordinates outreach activities for INCCRRA, offering an array of presentations for Gateways to Opportunity across the state.

Ana De Hoyos O’Connor, professor of Early Childhood Studies at San Antonio College, currently serves on the Texas Early Learning Council. She also provides training for preschool teachers through the Women’s Global Connection as well as being a training associate for the National Institute on Out-of-School Time.

Joleen Patton is the program director for Blessing Hospital’s Lauretta M. Eno Child Care Center in Quincy Illinois, an accredited, employer-supported program, licensed for 316 children.

Keith Pentz is a national education consultant and curriculum specialist for Kaplan Early Learning Company and has been in the field of education for over 25 years.

Eileen Rochford is founder and president of The Harbinger Group public relations firm. She has 19 years of corporate communication experience and is responsible for client program development, media relations strategy, and implementation.

Paula Steffen is an assessor and training specialist for the McCormick Center. A former child care director and owner, she has also worked with INCCRRA and Child Care Resource & Referral.

Teri Talan is Director of Policy Initiatives at the McCormick Center and associate professor of early childhood education at National Louis University. She is co-author of the Program Administration Scale and the Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care.

Sara Watson is the Executive Vice President for National Partnerships at America’s Promise Alliance and the director and co-founder of ReadyNation, a collaboration of business leaders, economists, and philanthropists that is mobilizing business to advocate for proven investments in young children.

Migdalia Young is an assessor and training specialist at the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership. Prior to joining the McCormick Center’s team, Migdalia worked for many years as director of a NAEYC accredited, Reggio-inspired early childhood program.

INDIVIDUAL

Full Conference RegistrationBefore March 1, 2014 $425

March 1 – March 31, 2014 $450

April 1 – April 30, 2014 $475

After April 30 $500

One-Day RegistrationThursday only* $200

Friday only** $200

Saturday only*** $1 7 5

Preconference SeminarPreconference Session with Toni Christie**** $200

Getting Ready for the PAS $ 15

* Includes Opening Luncheon, Public Policy Forum, Networking Reception, Marketplace, and Leadership Colloquium

** Includes Continental Breakfast, Skill-Building Sessions, Lunch, Marketplace, Networking Reception, and Pamper Yourself Activities

*** Includes Continental Breakfast, Skill-Building Sessions, and Closing Luncheon**** Includes Lunch

Discounted conference rates are available for groups of 10 or more.Session assignments are based on date of receipt of registration fee.There will be a $50 processing fee for all cancellations.

No refunds will be issued after April 21, 2014.

Online Registration McCormickCenter.nl.edu

Want quick access to the registration site?

Scan this code with your smart phone for an easy link!

Register today!Register or learn more about Leadership Connections, visit McCormickCenter.nl.edu or contact:

Conference Coordinator 847.947.5058

Thank you for this truly inspiring experience. I feel blessed to have been in the company of so many leaders! ~ SHERYL RAGOBAR, CANADA

This is the best early childhood conference for leaders looking for inspiration, new ideas, networking opportunities, and a pampered professional experience. Everyone who attends feels a sense of belonging and respect.

~ ELIZABETH JEFFERY

McCORMICK CENTERFOR EARLY CHILDHOOD LEADERSHIP

AT NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY

6200 Capitol Drive Wheeling, Illinois 60090

McCormickCenter.nl.edu

This conference renewed my passion for the field! ~ LAURIE SUGG