Nebraska Childcare Workshop

Child Care Providers conference will focus on youth development

By Special to the Freemont Tribune, Nebraska


How does music nurture a child's social, cognitive and physical development?

What are the foundations of early learning for children?

These are just a few of the questions that will be answered during the 17th Annual Fremont Area Child Care Providers Conference schedule for Sept. 24.This year's conference has moved locations to Fremont Middle School, 540 Johnson Road off U.S. Highway 275.

This conference is co-sponsored by Fremont Area Child Care Association, Tri-county Regional Training Coalition, Early Development Network, Nebraska Department of Healthy & Human Services, Family Service Child Care Food Program-Lincoln, Early Development Network and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.

The focus of this year's conference is the important role that child care providers play in the development of young children. Jim "Mr. Stinky Feet" Cosgrove, the keynote speaker for the conference, writes and performs music for children of all ages throughout the United State and Europe.

Through his experience he has found that music is one of the common denominators transcending language, race, culture, social status, education levels and even developmental abilities. Cosgrove encourages parents and teachers to use music as an integral part of nurturing a child's social, cognitive and physical/motor development.

He also will close the day's activities with a free concert for child care providers, parents and children.

Conference participants will be able to attend two additional work shop sessions.Topics for the workshop sessions include: "Guidelines for Young Children's Growth and Development" by Lisa Richardson; "Super Size Me" by Darlene Bantam; "Story Quest" by Debra Schroeder; "How to Talk About "IT" by Alisanne Ells; "Discipline/Behavior Strategies — How to Tame the Wild Colts — Remembering that sometimes the Wildest Colts make the Best Horses" by Julie Higgins; "Letter Links" by Marcia Wythers. Participants also will have the opportunity to explore displays from 12 businesses and agencies serving child care providers.

Child care providers and foster parents will receive continuing education credits for participating in the Sept. 24 conference. The registration fee is $15 per person. Late registration fee (postmarked after Sept. 6) is $20.

Registered nurses will be available from 7:30-8 am.. to take urinalysis and blood pressure tests required for licensed child care providers. Medical personnel will be available to complete Health Information Report Forms. If requesting a Health Information Report add $10 to your registration fee.Registration deadline for the conference is Tuesday.

Send registration to Dawn Bassett, 1750 Gaeth Ave., Fremont, Neb. 68025. For more information, contact Gina at (402) 721-4645 or contact your local UNL Extension office.