FGCU’s fifth annual Children and Youth Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 in the Cohen Center.
This year’s conference is more comprehensive than in years past, with three separate tracks presented. The theme for the early childhood workshops will be “arts and sciences,” with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) for youngsters. Intermediate workshops will focus on best practices for school-age children. Children’s development and well-being will be the theme for the mental health workshops.
This year’s keynote speaker is noted author and former Harvard professor Ross W. Greene, Ph.D. One of Dr. Greene’s most well-known publications is “The Explosive Child,” a book that has been used for many years to help parents and professionals understand and work with easily frustrated and sometimes inflexible children. Dr. Greene is also the director of Lives in the Balance, a nonprofit organization that helps teachers, parents and children solve problems collaboratively.
All of the workshops will be presented by licensed professionals and certified teachers, and CEUs will be offered.
The Children and Youth Conference is sponsored by The Hunter Institute of Early Childhood Learning, the College of Education, the School District of Lee County and the FGCU Institute of Government. Registration is $20 for students, $40 for parents, teachers and other professionals, and $60 for those seeking continuing education units. A continental breakfast is included, but lunch is not; campus restaurants will open 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Register here.
The Hunter Institute of Early Childhood Learning was established at FGCU in October 2014 with the generous support of Willard and Judy Hunter of Bonita Springs.