13th annual Northwest Indiana Early Childhood Conference, Sept. 23-24

The 13th annual Northwest Indiana Early Childhood Conference will be held at Purdue University Calumet, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 23 and 24. The day-long conference begins at 8:30 a.m. both days. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in the concourse of the Student Union and Library.

This year's conference theme is "Celebrating Early Childhood."

Early childhood teachers, childcare administrators and providers, teachers of children in kindergarten through third grade, social service and mental health professionals, early intervention service providers and parents of children birth through eight-years-old are invited to attend the conference.

Naomi Griffith, co-author of the book, "The Unkindest Cut: The Emotional Maltreatment of Children," will present the keynote address, Friday (9/23).

The Saturday (9/24) keynote presenter is early childhood music artist, Jim Gill. He will base his presentation on his award winning book, "May There Always Be Sunshine," the title of one of his songs.

Workshop topics include literacy, science, math, nutrition, music, child abuse, autism, managing disruptive behaviors, emotional development, parenting, stress management, Asperger's Syndrome, "make-it, take-it" activities, professionalism, motivating staff and building partnerships.

Registration (by Monday, 9/12) is $60 for both days or $40 for one day. After that registration is $50 per day.

The conference is co-sponsored by Geminus Head Start XXI, Purdue Calumet, and Northwest Indiana First Steps.

Additional information may be obtained by phoning Barb Gustin, assistant director of Purdue Calumet's Head Start XXI program, at 219/989-3234. The toll free number throughout Northwest Indiana and the nearby Illinois Chicagoland area is 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 3234.

News Release Date: September 8, 2005