KEYNOTEWhat It’s Like To Be a Baby: Are Babies More Conscious Than We Are?Alison Gopnik, PhDConventional wisdom suggests that babies are less conscious than we are if they are conscious at all. Dr. Gopnik argues on the contrary that recent neuroscientific discoveries suggest that babies are more aware of more of the world than we are.

MAINSTAGE PRESENTATIONSenses and SensibilitiesDeborah Greenwald Infants, toddlers, and young children have keen senses. Keener than ours it seems, as evidenced by their hearing an airplane or helicopter before we do, or remembering a tiny detail of an event, or even in response to the temperature of water in the bathtub. Why is this important? And how do we as caring adults respond effectively? What is the sensible approach to acknowledge and support children whose experiences may indeed be deeper than our own? In this presentation, Deborah Greenwald, a student of Magda Gerber, invites you to explore these questions and consider the role of adults in the sensory life of a very young child.

WORKSHOPSAn Introduction to Magda Gerber’s Educaring™ Approach (Session 1 only)Linda HinrichsThis session is recommended for those who are new to RIE and will offer insight into the basic principles Magda Gerber established to guide our work with infants and toddlers and even into the nursery school years. Bring your questions and

together we will discuss how Magda Gerber’s Educaring™ Approach supports parents, teachers, and infants to build cooperative, interactive, respectful relationships for the benefit of all.

Beyond Cute: How Our Attitude Supports Competence and Confidence (Sessions 1 & 2)Ruth Anne HammondInfants and toddlers are often labeled “cute” but, with RIE eyes, we can see how much more is really going on. When we observe with respect, we can appreciate the depth of their humanity, the breadth of their intelligence, and the power of their creativity. Participants will have a chance to co-analyze scenarios of infants and toddlers in action.

Developing Perspective: The Give and the Get of Infant-Adult Relationships (Session 1 only)Elizabeth MemelThe workshop offers knowledge about gaining awareness and regard for another’s point of view, a major key to building relationships between humans. Connection comes from the art of perspective-taking and its partner, perspective-giving. When approaching infants with sensitivity and respect, the adult has the opportunity to teach about mutuality and support each other gaining skills of perspective, that formative regard for each other's point of view that shapes human development.

Fostering Self-Regulation in Infant and Toddler Group Care: What Are the Challenges and How Do We Address Them? (Sessions 1 & 2)Polly ElamIn early childhood settings much attention is given to self-regulating behaviors in the preschool years. But we often fail to recognize the capacity to develop self-regulating behaviors are present in the infant at birth and are influenced by the adult and child relationship. We will explore ways to foster self-regulation for infants and address the challenges for doing so in childcare.

Using the Educaring™ Approach with Toddlers: How It Works and Why It’s Fun! (Sessions 1& 2)Mary Louise Brennan and Patty RyanToddlers can be a study in contrasts; one minute engaging and charming and the next oppositional and in full melt down mode. This can make working with toddlers both joyful and challenging. Join us as we look at specific developmental tasks

of toddlerhood, discuss how and why the Educaring™ Approach works and share insights with one another about our own experiences with these enchanting young explorers.

23rd Annual RIE™ Infant/Toddler Conference for Parents and ProfessionalsThe Way We See Them: How Our Vision of Babies Shapes Their Development