Conference focuses on early childhood education

Friday and Saturday, Feb. 18-19, will mark the 22nd year of the annual conference, which has the theme of “United We Stand for Children … Reconnecting to Nature.”

The two days of activity in the Student Center will include the “Living in the State of Poverty” simulation, facilitated by University of Nebraska extension educators Carla Mahar and Jamie Goffena. The speakers include David Roth of Cape Cod, Mass., an award-winning singer and songwriter, Dr. Cheryl Charles of Santa Fe, N.M., who co-founded the Children and Nature Network and serves as its president and chief executive officer, and Dr. Tonia Durden, early childhood education extension specialist and assistant professor at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

The poverty simulation will be Friday afternoon, followed by Roth’s free session of entertainment that night. Roth, Charles and Durden will join the wide array of presenters Saturday.

The conference has more than 20 co-sponsors, and attendees will be treated to door prizes and other free materials. About 22 vendors have committed to attending the conference, along with displays from a wide range of agencies and programs. Individual or groups interested in setting up a booth may contact Jennifer Baumann at 308-430-5447.

College credit and units for continuing education and professional development are available for conference attendees. More information, including the agenda and registration materials, may be found at 1v.wxzjnt.com/ecc or by contacting its director, Dr. Kim Madsen, kmadsen@wxzjnt.com or 308-432-6372 or the CSC Conferencing Office, 308-432-6380.