Vermont Child Care Providers Association
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Our 5th Annual Conference: Allowing Kids to be Kids
​Is over. Stayed tuned for next years conference

Registration is now closed.

​VCCPA is pleased to announce that our 5th Annual Conference will held on Saturday, April 7th, 2018 from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm at Steakhouse Restaurant 1239 U.S. Route 302-Berlin in Barre, Vermont.

​This dynamic conference will offer 6 hours of training and will begin with a continental breakfast. Following breakfast, our keynote speaker, Jeanine Fitzgerald, will explore how we can support children in reaching their fullest potential. Participants will then engage in two workshops, one prior to and one after a delicious Steakhouse Restaurant lunch (included). The conference will wrap up with a cookie break and a reflective wrap-up session.

​It's bound to be an informative, restorative, and inspiring day! Don't miss it!

About our Keynote Speaker: Jeanine Fitzgerald

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​"Jeanine draws on more than 35 years of professional experience to empower teachers and parents to achieve more with children “at risk.” With experience as a certified teacher, mental health professional and mother of three grown children, she understands the promise of every child, as well as the diversity of their needs."

- The Fitzgerald Institute of LIfelong Learning

www.thefitzgeraldinstitute.com

Keynote Presentation: Connect with Your Meaning and Purpose

Our natural talents and passions - the things we truly love to do - last a lifetime. Yet many go from cradle to classroom to cubicle and to the casket without discovering their greatest strengths and potential. This session supports us as we discover the layers of possibility waiting to unfold so we can amplify our natural talent, perform at our best and pursue our true meaning and purpose. With this information, you will have the tools in your hands that will empower you to discover the greatness in your child.

Morning Workshop Options

Participants will attend one of the following workshops prior to lunch:
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​"Wool to Classroom Connections," presented by Jed Norris

This workshop will focus on working with wool in your classroom. We will explore the sheep to mitten experience, learn some techniques for felting, and discuss the many ways that this locally sourced fiber can add a benefit to your classroom.

​​"Putting the Child Back in Childhood,"  ​presented by Jeanine Fitzgerald
 
Childhood is calling! Will you answer? There is no doubt that this short and precious stage of development has changed over the past 25 years. In the past, childhood was a time in life marked by imagination, make believe, games and hanging out - a time of spontaneity, creativity and curiosity. The word play evoked images of dolls and trucks, dress up and hide and seek, or hopscotch and jumping rope. Today, play is not valued and childhood has become a pressure cooker for many. This session will address ways to put the child back in childhood, including supporting the sense of innocence and wonder. 

Registration is now closed.

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"Breathing Life into the Art Center​," ​ presented by April Zajko

This workshop will help you create an engaging art center that will work for both toddlers and preschoolers, using low cost materials and supplies. We will draft a materials list, discuss organizing tips and tricks, and explore art techniques that are kid-tested and preschool teacher approved! We will also learn how to focus on the process of art (not the product) so that children are learning and growing in meaningful ways and how to communicate this important information to parents.

Afternoon Workshop Options

Participants will attend one of the following workshops after lunch:
"Adding Depth to the Cooking Experiences in Your Classroom," presented by Jed Norris

Time will be spent sharing ways that we can remove some of the pressure of food away from the classroom experience. We will be making a simple snack to share but adding hands on elements that will help this food to become spread throughout the curriculum. We will also be working on a simple mud kitchen set up and discussing how this experience can help break down the stress of cooking with children.

Registration is now closed.

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"Human Nature’s Natural Tranquilizer," presented by Jeannine Fitzgerald 

Our children seem to be so plugged into electronics and spend most of their waking hours in structured indoor experiences, that they have lost their connection to the natural world. Yet, when explored, nature has a positive and direct effect on their overall physical and mental health. It is human nature's natural tranquilizer and it’s available at no cost. This session addresses the fundamental idea behind the movement, “Leave no child inside.”

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"Barnyard Math," presented by April Zajko

​Young children are eager to learn about farms. This workshop will help providers find ways to incorporate literacy, movement, and LOTS of math into a dynamic study life on a farm. We will explore how to implement an integrated curriculum unit appropriate for preschool through kindergarten. Participants will leave with many ideas for creating math materials that meet the new Vermont Early Learning Standards, a list of quality children’s literature, and access to an integrated curriculum unit. 

​Wrap-Up Session​

Registration is now closed.

Participants will reconvene after the workshops for a group wrap-up.

"Take a Breath and Take A Bow!" presented by Dew Wilde

This participatory presentation will give us a chance to reflect, share and celebrate the powerful gift of our work as teachers and caring adults in the world. Come ready to laugh, play, explore, share and to pat ourselves on the back for the important role we play in the lives of children and families every single day!

​Conference Fees

Conference fees include: continental breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack as well as 6 hours of professional development including two workshops, the keynote presentation and the wrap-up session.

Early Bird Conference Registration Rates through March 3, 2018:

Current VCCPA Members, Conference Fee - $35
​​Conference plus New Membership at the time of Conference Registration - $65
Non-Members, Conference Only - $75


Conference Registration Rates March 4 - March 30, 2018:

Current VCCPA Members, Conference Fee - $45
​​Conference plus New Membership at the time of Conference Registration - $75
Non-Members, Conference Only - $75

Workshop preferences will be honored on a first come, first serve basis.  The conference will be available to the first 100 registrants.  Sorry, no refunds.

​Registration is now closed.

Sponsored by:

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Vermont Child Care Providers Association

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