Planting the Seeds for the Future

2018

Great Start

Early Childhood Conference September 15, 2018

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Greenville High School

Planting the Seeds for the Future

2018 Great Start Early Childhood Conference

Schedule of Event- See nametag for assigned sessions and room numbers

8:00 – 9:00 am Conference Registration, Main Lobby

8:00 – 9:00 am Light Breakfast, Cafeteria

8:00 am -1:00 pm Cash and Carry Exhibitors

9:00 – 10:00 am Keynote, Auditorium

10:00 – 10:10 am Award Recognition, Auditorium

10:10 – 10:25 am Break

10:25 am – 4:00 pm Understanding Autism- All day session

10:25 – 11:55 am Breakout Session A- 1.5-hour session

11:55 am – 12:45 pm Lunch, Cafeteria

12:45 – 1:30 pm Breakout Session B- 45-minute session

1:35 – 2:20 pm Breakout Session C- 45-minute session

2:30 – 4:00 pm Breakout Session D- 1.5-hour session

2:25 – 3:10 pm Breakout Session E- 45- minute session

3:15 – 4:00 pm Breakout Session F- 45-minute session

4:00 pm Evaluation

Keynote - Auditorium- 9:00 am - 10:00 am

In the keynote address, Dr. Grant will discuss what neurodevelopmental trauma is and how it occurs.

She will focus on how such stressors change the development of a child’s brain and often result in a

child who responds to the world differently. She will briefly address why traditional ideas of behavior

management tend to be inconsistently successful in creating change.

Stephanie Grant, PhD, LPC, Director of the Reach Parent-Child Program & Trauma Informed

Communities

Biography for Stephanie Grant, PhD, LPC,: I love my work. It is not just, what I do, it is a part of who I

am. Whether it is working with kids and their families, teaching college students, or providing trainings to

adults, I look forward to it and have no intention of stopping. I also love my family. I have an amazing

husband who I really like to spend time with and we have three awesome permanent kiddos, though

sometimes the number of kids we parent is higher than three when you combine our biological, adopted, and

foster children. Because I am solar powered, when the sun is out, I love to spend time outdoors. Otherwise, I

love to do crafty things at home – repurpose antiques, sew, knit, or whatever else pops into mind. My husband

has learned to just go with it when I tell him about some project I am envisioning that I would like his help

with.

Breakout List

All Day Session - 10:25 am - 4:00 pm

1. “Understanding Autism”

In this all day session, we will focus on what Autism is and why we are seeing so many more children

with this diagnosis. There will be many ideas on how to help these children function better in your

environment, and how to deal with their unique communication and behavioral issues.

JoAnne Gordon-Anderson, Occupational Therapist, Registered

Room: 304

Breakout Session A- 10:25 – 11:55 am

2. “Developing Phonological Skills in Pre-Readers”

Through phonological awareness, children learn to associate sounds with symbols and create links to

word recognition and decoding skills necessary for reading. Phonological awareness activities are the

explicit development of an individual’s sensitivity to the sound structure of words. This session will

explore ways to integrate phonological awareness activities throughout the day in daycare and preschool

environments. We will review materials that can be used to support phonological awareness through play

as well as ways to intentionally teach phonological awareness. Participants will leave with strategies and

tactics they can use in the classroom tomorrow.

Suzanne Finney, M. Ed Education Services Specialist, SLD Read

Room: 102

3. “Learning Compassion & Supports for Children in Difficult Places”

As a follow up to her keynote, Dr. Grant will explore how children with histories of neurodevelopment

trauma see and experience the world and how caregivers can help support them through their often-

ongoing stress to help them be successful.

Stephanie Grant, PhD, LPC, Director of the Reach Parent-Child Program & Trauma Informed

Communities

Room: 212

4. “Bridging the Gap”

What services does your local health department offer to keep kids 0-5 years of age healthy? Plenty!

Come hear about the services offered to children and their families in Montcalm County. Programs

include WIC, breastfeeding support including IBCLC services, immunizations, lead screening and follow-

up as well as children’s special health care services.

Becky Stoddard and Jacque Strack, Public Health Nurses, Mid-Michigan District Health Department

Room: 306

5. “Mandated Reporting” This breakout will discuss whom mandated reporters are and when they are obligated to make a report of

alleged abuse/neglect. This breakout will also summarize CPS centralized intake and the process of

calling in a CPS/APS complaint. In addition, this breakout explains what CPS does and discusses

common misconceptions.

Elsa Shriver, CPS Ongoing Worker and Children Service Specialist, Montcalm County DHHS

Room: 307

6. “What is Early On? What is an IFSP? How does transitioning from an IFSP to an IEP Work?”

This session is geared towards those interested in learning more about Early On and an

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This session will provide strategies and tips for

families to make the most of their IFSP and support their child. This session will also provide you with

tips and strategies to help you understand the transition from the IFSP to Individual

Education Plan (IEP).

Teresa Boyer, Special Education Supervisor, Montcalm Area ISD

Room: 311

7. “Healing from ACES: Yours, Mine and Ours”

We have heard for a few years now about traumatic issues faced by many people often at a very young

age now described as “ACES”. Since awareness has peaked in many areas, it is no longer an issue of

“awareness” it is now, for many, an issue of “What can I do”? In this session, we will explore what

educators, childcare workers, therapist and medical workers as well as the average person can do to lessen

the impact of trauma in theirs and other lives.

Chuck Hill, Mental Health Coordinator, EightCAP, Inc.

Room: 312

8. “Do you see what I see? When 20/20 isn’t enough”

Vision impairment is the single most disabling condition in childhood, yet 1:4 children have eye and

vision needs that often go uncorrected. Poverty, uncorrected vision problems, and limited access to

primary eye care is a recipe for academic underachievement. Access to comprehensive eye exams is

essential for healthy eyes and healthy students. At the end of this interactive session, participants will be

able to: 1) define comprehensive eye care; 2) discuss the ABC’s of referral; 3) identify and access local

children’s eye care services; 4) understand how the eyes work; and 5) explain what 20/20 means and what

it doesn’t!

Dr. Renee Mika, Direct of Vision Services, Cherry Health

Room: 411

Breakout Session B- 12:45 – 1:30 pm

9. “The Wonder of Science”

Science is all around us and is the easiest way to motivate children to learn. Explore easy ways to foster

children’s innate wonder of the world through first-hand exploration and investigation.

Jody Vissman, Vestaburg Community Schools Teacher

Room: 102

10. “Nurture with Nature”

Learn what a nature study can do for children’s development. Explore ways to incorporate nature and

nature studies in your programs to nurture the whole child.

Tammy Dickman, Vestaburg Community Schools Teacher

Room 212

11. “Healthy Mouth, Healthy Child”

Oral health is often overlooked when it come to a child’s overall health and readiness for school. Tooth

decay and other dental problems can severely impair a child’s ability to grow, learn, and succeed. Become

an expert on preventing dental disease, learn how to talk with parents and caregivers about oral health,

and discover interactive games and activities for children to encourage health habits!

Shelley Treynor, Oral Health Coordinator, Mid-Michigan District Health Department

Room: 306

12. “Making Food Fun for Picky Eaters”

Through interactive participation, videos, and real life examples, participants will identify common

reasons why children are labeled as picky eaters, explore ways to create a positive eating environment,

learn how to incorporate healthy foods into a meal, and discover ways to make eating more fun.

Christi Demitz, Michigan State University Extension

Room: 307

13. “Mental Health Concerns after Pregnancy” This workshop will discuss various mental health issues that can occur after giving birth including post-

partum depression. Time will be spent discussing how to identify these disorders, treatment options and

ways women can bond with their babies when struggling with these concerns.

Jennifer Bauer, Home Based Infant Mental Health Therapist, Montcalm Care Network

Room: 311

14. “Multi-Sensory Introduction of Letters and Their Sounds”

Children learn best through using as many of their senses as possible. In this session, participants will

discover and practice using senses of seeing, hearing, touching, and moving to teach letter formation,

names, and sounds.

Suzanne Finney, M. Ed Education Services Specialist, SLD Read

Room: 312

15. “Health is a Skill: Supporting the Whole Child”

Through collaborative approaches and direct implementation exploration, we will examine supportive

practices for early, comprehensive health skills establishment within early childhood. In keeping with

tight schedules and mandates, health can often be viewed as a supplemental topic. Branching from the

understanding that health is a skill, rather than a topic, our session will focus on how to provide practice

in applying health skills and knowledge. Aligned with the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole

Child model, our discussion will look at how to best create a healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and

challenged culture within your classroom, school and community.

Amber Hubbell, MPH, Kent ISD Health Education Consultant

Room: 411

16. “Fruits, Vegetables and Cook’s Surprise, Oh, My!”

How to serve family style meals and help children be more adventurous in what they are willing to eat

and try to eat. Some recipes of things to make with children will also be included.

Karen Gostomski, Early Childhood Specialist, Montcalm County Great Start Readiness Program

Room: Student Lounge

Breakout Session C – 1:35 – 2:20 pm

17. “The Wonder of Science”

Science is all around us and is the easiest way to motivate children to learn. Explore easy ways to foster

children’s innate wonder of the world through first-hand exploration and investigation.

Jody Vissman, Vestaburg Community Schools Teacher

Room: 102

18. “Nurture with Nature”

Learn what a nature study can do for children’s development. Explore ways to incorporate nature and

nature studies in your programs to nurture the whole child.

Tammy Dickman, Vestaburg Community Schools Teacher

Room 212

19. “Healthy Mouth, Healthy Child”

Oral health is often overlooked when it come to a child’s overall health and readiness for school. Tooth

decay and other dental problems can severely impair a child’s ability to grow, learn, and succeed. Become

an expert on preventing dental disease, learn how to talk with parents and caregivers about oral health,

and discover interactive games and activities for children to encourage health habits!

Shelley Treynor, Oral Health Coordinator, Mid-Michigan District Health Department

Room: 306

20. “Making Food Fun for Picky Eaters”

Through interactive participation, videos, and real life examples, participants will identify common

reasons why children are labeled as picky eaters, explore ways to create a positive eating environment,

learn how to incorporate healthy foods into a meal, and discover ways to make eating more fun.

Christi Demitz, Michigan State University Extension

Room: 307

21. “Mental Health Concerns After Pregnancy” This workshop will discuss various mental health issues that can occur after giving birth including post-

partum depression. Time will be spent discussing how to identify these disorders, treatment options and

ways women can bond with their babies when struggling with these concerns.

Jennifer Bauer, Home Based Infant Mental Health Therapist, Montcalm Care Network

Room: 311

22. “Multi-Sensory Introduction of Letters and Their Sounds”

Children learn best through using as many of their senses as possible. In this session, participants will

discover and practice using senses of seeing, hearing, touching, and moving to teach letter formation,

names, and sounds.

Suzanne Finney, M. Ed Education Services Specialist, SLD Read

Room: 312

23. “Health is a Skill: Supporting the Whole Child”

Through collaborative approaches and direct implementation exploration, we will examine supportive

practices for early, comprehensive health skills establishment within early childhood. In keeping with

tight schedules and mandates, health can often be viewed as a supplemental topic. Branching from the

understanding that health is a skill, rather than a topic, our session will focus on how to provide practice

in applying health skills and knowledge. Aligned with the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole

Child model, our discussion will look at how to best create a healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and

challenged culture within your classroom, school and community.

Amber Hubbell, MPH, Kent ISD Health Education Consultant

Room: 411

24. “Fruits, Vegetables and Cook’s Surprise, Oh, My!”

How to serve family style meals and help children be more adventurous in what they are willing to eat

and try to eat. Some recipes of things to make with children will also be included.

Karen Gostomski, Early Childhood Specialist, Montcalm County Great Start Readiness Program

Room: Student Lounge

Breakout Session D – 2:30 – 4:00 pm

25. “Individual Education Program (IEP) 101” When both parents and professional understand, the IEP process, there is greater potential for each

student to receive the services and support needed to be successful in school. When parents understand

the basic IEP components and how they work together, they are able to participate most effectively in the

process. Present level of academic achievement and functional performances includes acknowledging

parent concerns. This can help appropriately address measureable goals and objectives along with support

services for successful IEP implementation.

Kelly Orginski, Michigan Alliance for Families

Room: 307

26. “I want to be like YOU!” Do what I say, not what I do! If it were only that easy, our homes, schools and lives would be peaceful

and productive. People learn by hearing, doing, and/or watching. Come explore ways to promote health

self-regulation, relationship, and initiative skills in a unique way. These skills promote resilience. When

an individual is resilient, they are better equipped to take on the world successfully.

Carrie Tovar, EightCAP, Inc. 0-5 Head Start

Room: 311

27. “Engaging Touch” The presentation will discuss: the importance of touch and engagement, demonstration of baby massage,

the impact of learning and development, how touch affects brain growth, how to read child’s cues and

building a bond between caregiver and the child.

Kelly Taylor, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, Montcalm Area ISD

Room: 312

28. “Judge Me Not by My Cover: Recognizing Trauma in Kids & Your Role in the Healing

Journey” Effects of early life trauma often persist throughout the lifespan, impacting functioning in all life

domains. Join us in learning more about common reactions to trauma for kid’s birth to five and ways that

we as caregivers can effectively support restoring emotional wellness in their lives.

Amy Johnson, MALPC, Home Base Team Leader, Montcalm Care Network

Room: 411

Breakout Session E – 2:25 – 3:10 pm

29. “Teaching Yoga to Young Children” Learn about yoga and the benefits of it. You will be shown yoga techniques and how each pose benefits

children with or without special needs. This class offers supports for caregivers of three – five year old

focus.

Doris Demorest, Early Childhood Teacher Consultant, Montcalm Area ISD

Room: 102

30. “Overview of the Role & Profession of Speech-Language Pathology” Speech-Language (SLP) is a broad field! This session will talk about what SLP’s do, focusing on birth to

age eight therapy and interventions. There will be time for questions planned into the session. This

session will be interactive and participant driven.

Tammy Youmans, M.A. CCC-SLP, Montcalm Area ISD

Room: 212

31. “Preschool Classroom Management” In this breakout session, we will discuss the framework for successful preschool classroom management

that will include how to implement strong adult-child interaction, how to problem solve with students,

multi-tiered system of supports, behavior plans for severe behavior, and resources for implementation in

the classroom setting.

Amanda Pratt and Julia Villereal, Preschool Teacher Great Start Readiness Program, Cedar Crest

Elementary, Greenville

Room: 306

Breakout Session F – 3:15 – 4:00 pm

32. “Teaching Yoga to Young Children” Learn about yoga and the benefits of it. You will be shown yoga techniques and how each pose benefits

children with or without special needs. This class offers supports for caregivers of three – five year old

focus.

Doris Demorest, Early Childhood Teacher Consultant, Montcalm Area ISD

Room: 102

33. “Overview of the Role & Profession of Speech-Language Pathology” Speech-Language (SLP) is a broad field! This session will talk about what SLP’s do, focusing on birth to

age eight therapy and interventions. There will be time for questions planned into the session. This

session will be interactive and participant driven.

Tammy Youmans, M.A. CCC-SLP, Montcalm Area ISD

Room: 212

34. “Preschool Classroom Management” In this breakout session, we will discuss the framework for successful preschool classroom management

that will include how to implement strong adult-child interaction, how to problem solve with students,

multi-tiered system of supports, behavior plans for severe behavior, and resources for implementation in

the classroom setting.

Amanda Pratt and Jeannie VanLoenen, Preschool Teacher Great Start Readiness Program, Cedar Crest

Elementary, Greenville

Room: 306

Planting the Seeds for the Future Great Start Early Childhood Conference

2018 Registration Registration is limited so please register early! Cost: Before September 7th $10 (after September 7th $15)

Conference fee is non-refundable If you have registration questions, please contact Mindy Train: 616-225-6150 or mtrain@maisd.com

(One name per form, duplicate as needed)

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

First Name ___________________________________________ Last Name________________________________________________

Center/Home Care Name ________________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address ________________________________________________ City _________________________Zip Code ___________

County ________________________________________ Phone (_______) ____________________________

Please: Mail or Email me my confirmation on breakouts or mail and email confirmation

Email Address (PRINT) _________________________________________________________________________________________

Register early breakout assignments will be made in order of registration receipt. We cannot guarantee that you will be placed in your preferred sessions. Placement is first come, first served. You may be placed in an alternate session if your choices are full. Place the number of the breakout in the appropriate box.

All day Session- Understanding Autism (only 30 spots will be available)

Yes No

OR Breakout Session A- 10:25 – 11:55 am

1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice

Breakout Session B- 12:45 – 1:30pm 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice

Breakout Session C- 1:35 – 2:20pm 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice

Sessions D-F, choice 1-1 ½ session or 2-45 minute sessions, to end the day!

Breakout Session D- 2:30 – 4:00pm 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice

Breakout Session E- 2:25 – 3:10pm 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice

Breakout Session F- 3:15 – 4:00pm 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice

Make Checks Payable to: MAISD

Mail this complete form & payment to: Mindy Train PO Box 367 Stanton, MI 48888 Childcare providers: This conference equals 5.5 hours of childcare provider training. Please bring your provider number and personal identification (driver’s license or state ID) for registration purposes. *Please note that photos may be taken at this event. By participating in this event, you are giving consent to be photographed.

Vendors

Local vendors, children and early childhood professional agencies will have displays available in the lobby.

Vendors will have items to purchase as well as information for you to take with you. Items for purchase

will include bags, toys, books, kitchen accessories and developmental materials.

Vendor expo will be available to shop from 8 am – 1 pm. Located in the hall outside the cafeteria and main

lobby.

In addition, many more vendors

come see what we have to offer!