2015 Center on Early Learning Fall Conference
September 11, 2015
The 2015 Center on Early Learning Fall Conference took place on the campus of Western Oregon University on September 9th and 10th. These two days of targeted, interactive trainings and workshops addressed the professional development needs of staff who work in Oregon’s Early Learning System. This annual conference brings together:
- Child Care Resource & Referral Staff
- Child Care Resource & Referral Directors
- Early Learning Hub Staff
- Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education Staff
- Inclusive Child Care Program Staff
- Early Learning Administrators
- Technical Assistance Providers Trainers
Nationally recognized keynote speaker, Dr. Linda M. Espinosa
TRI is thrilled to have brought Dr. Linda M. Espinosa to Oregon as the conference keynote speaker. Her presentation, "The Amazing Bilingual Brain: Understanding and Responding to the Needs of Young Dual Language Learners" highlights a growing and critical element in Oregon's increasingly diverse population.
Dr. Linda M. Espinosa, is currently Co-PI for the Getting on Track for Early School Success: Effective Teaching in Preschool Classrooms project at the University of Chicago and former Co-PI for the Center for Early Care and Education Research—Dual Language Learners (CECER-DLL) at Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina. She is Professor Emeritus of Early Childhood Education at the University of Missouri, Columbia and has served as the Co-Director of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University and Vice President at Bright Horizons Family Solutions.
Her recent research and policy work has focused on effective curriculum and assessment practices for young children from low-income families who are dual language learners. Dr. Espinosa also served on the Head Start National Reporting System (NRS) Technical Advisory Group as well as the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Head Start Research and Evaluation and was recently appointed to the National Academies Committee on Fostering School Success for English Language Learners.
Workshops covering a wide range of topics
Through a combination of TRI staff and Early Childhood experts from across the state, a wide variety of workshops and training were offered. Ranging from Terri Hansen's "Learning Diversity Through Games," to Candi Scott's "Quality Improvement Specialist Code of Conduct," to a facilitated discussion on "Partnering and Networking with Teen Parent Programs," the conference provided important and relevant information for every participant.
Networking and Fun
Conference participants were also treated to a free concert featuring The Way Walkers, dinner, and a Basket Dash.
Presentations
Check back soon for more information about the event, including presentation slides and conference videos.
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