Early Childhood Conference features music therapy consultant, theme of "The Young Child's Way"

Early childhood specialists and teachers are invited to gather for “The Young Child’s Way” Early Childhood Conference on June 15, 2016, at Concordia University, Nebraska. The conference is open to the public, and registration is open until the date of the event. Early registrations may be submitted by June 1 to receive a discounted rate.

“Our annual Early Childhood Conference is a professional development opportunity for those who serve young children, ages birth through second grade,” said Annette Oliver, director of the conference and director of the Early Childhood Education program at Concordia. “This year’s conference offers a rich experience to early childhood teachers who are passionate about the social, academic and spiritual development of our young children.”

Dr. Anne Meeker, author and musician, will deliver a keynote address titled “Developing Language and Literacy the Young Child’s Way Through Music and Play” during the conference. Meeker is a music therapy consultant. She focuses on helping educators learn how to playfully embed music in the lives of young children to support communication, self-regulation and social connection. She is the author of the “Baby Sing and Sign” book series and her CDs earned National Association for Parenting Publications (NAPPA) and Parents’ Choice Awards.

The conference will also feature Rev. Terence Groth, who teaches New Testament, doctrine and ethics at Concordia University, Nebraska. Groth, who will speak at the luncheon, has a love for music and poetry.

In addition to keynote speakers, the conference includes a Scholastic Book Fair and two breakout sessions with a variety of topics available, including faith development, social/emotional development, music, art, literacy and leadership.  

The conference cost is $45 per person for the conference ($55 after June 1) and an additional $13 for those who plan on attending the luncheon. Housing will be available also.

Conference schedule:

• 8 a.m. Registration, Thom Leadership Education Center, lobby
• 8:30 a.m. Welcome and introduction of keynote speaker, Janzow Cattle Conference Room
• 8:45 a.m. Opening keynote speaker Dr. Anne Meeker, Janzow Campus Center
• 10 a.m. Break
• 10:15 a.m.Sectional I, TLEC
• 11:45 a.m. Lunch, luncheon speaker Rev. Terence R. Groth, Janzow Campus Center
• 1:15 p.m. Sectional II, TLEC
• 2:15 p.m. Break
• 2:30 p.m. Closing keynote speaker, Dr. Anne Meeker, Janzow Campus Center

For a complete list of sectional topics, to register online or to access a printable registration form for the event, visit cune.edu/ecc.