20th annual Early Childhood Conference to be held

SUNY Fredonia’s College of Education will host the 20th Annual Early Childhood Conference on Saturday, Oct. 3, in McEwen Hall.

The conference, co-sponsored by the College of Education, the Chautauqua County Association for the Education of Young Children, and Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., will consist of two sessions with featured presenter Janice Smestad, President of Empathy Associates, Ltd, of Merrick, N.Y.

Smestad has worked with children and families in a variety of different settings over the past 30 years. She specializes in learning and behavioral problems, as well as communicating with others in positive and effective ways. The first session, “Understanding and Working with Children Who Have Special Needs in a Typical Classroom,” will include discussions of techniques that can be implemented to deal with children’s behavioral problems. The second session, “Communicating Effectively with Parents about Difficult Subjects,” will focus on the early childhood professional's role in communicating with families about children’s unique needs. Smestad will also be available after the sessions for further questions.

“One of my favorite things about being in the early childhood field is the ability to attend conferences in order to network with other professionals and students,” said Colleen Walling, a toddler teacher at SUNY Fredonia’s Campus and Community Children’s Center. “I find these opportunities inspiring because I am surrounded by people who truly have a passion in their hearts for young children. I see people who have been involved in early care and education for more years than I have been alive, as well as people who are just beginning their journey into the field, coming together to gain and share knowledge, ideas, and resources in order to make themselves better teachers and caregivers.”

The conference brings together the early childhood community of Chautauqua County, which includes those who work in the many programs, schools and agencies that serve young children and their families. This includes child care facilities, preschools, public schools, private programs and students who are ultimately preparing to enter the early childhood profession. This event is open to the public as well.

“For an early childhood professional, attending an early childhood conference is a very rewarding experience, said Mira Berkley, associate professor and coordinator of the Early Childhood Program. “It is wonderful to be among others who share a passion for young children. Many conferees feel renewed, invigorated and inspired after attending a good conference. We have been able to bring a wide range of early childhood experts to our own community over the years. As a teacher educator, I particularly enjoy introducing my students, who are just entering the early childhood profession, to the benefits and joys of attending a good conference.”

For more information, please contact Dr. Berkley.