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Leadership
Connections is a conference especially 
designed for early childhood administrators,
lead teachers and supervisors, trainers and consultants, technical assistance
specialists, and family child care providers. It includes three energizing
days of professional development that focuses on YOU, the early childhood
leader. You are the key to creating exemplary early care and education
programs. Leadership Connections will validate what you know and are
already doing while challenging you to think about your work in new and
innovative ways.
Be a part of Leadership Connections 2009 and...
- learn creative solutions to the daily challenges
you face
- be inspired by national leaders from a variety of
fields and disciplines
- share your successful ideas with other early childhood
professionals
- make new friendships with early childhood leaders
from across the country
- explore innovative ideas and best practices from
others who are making a difference in their communities
- experience new technologies in the design and delivery
of training
- celebrate the accomplishments of your colleagues
- rejuvenate, laugh, and have fun!
Preconference Tours and Seminars (additional
fee and pre-registration required)
Hamill Family Play Zoo Tour and
Workshop ($70, limit 45)
The
Hamill Family Play Zoo, a part of Brookfield Zoo, provides a unique adventure
where children can play and interact with animals, plants, and people.
After a tour of the Play Zoo, you will attend a workshop to learn how
and why to bring nature-play materials to your classroom. Learn how to
better utilize the outdoor environment available in your community to
optimize learning for young children.
Field Museum's Crown Family PlayLab
and Child Care Society Child and Family Development Center ($70,
limit 30)
The Crown Family
PlayLab at the Field Museum is a wonderful place to encourage a child's
explorations and creative play. The PlayLab offers endless opportunities
for young visitors to express themselves, thrill in their own discoveries,
and be a scientist for a day with activities and challenges that grow
along with a child's interests. After the PlayLab tour, you will visit
the Child Care Society Child and Family Development Center (CFDC) in
Hyde Park, a NAEYC accredited, Reggio-inspired center, which boasts a
new, state-of-the-art playground installed this past year.
Creating Powerful Spreadsheets
with Microsoft® Excel
2007 ($30, limit 20)
This hands-on session will explore the many ways Microsoft® Office
Excel 2007 can help you manage everyday administrative tasks. Learn how
to effectively select cells and navigate a workbook, enter data and edit
cells, create formulas and use functions, format cells, protect a worksheet,
and set up worksheets to print. Highlights include a variety of shortcuts
for simplifying tasks to boost productivity. No previous spreadsheet
experience required. Bring your questions and come ready to participate!
Getting Ready for the PAS ($15,
limit 75)
This
session provides an overview of the Program Administration
Scale (PAS).
The PAS is designed to measure the quality of leadership and management
practices of center-based early childhood programs. After completing
this training, providers will have a basic knowledge of the PAS, be able
to use the tool for program improvement, and know how to prepare for
a PAS assessment. This training is required to apply for star levels
3 and 4 of the Illinois Quality Counts-Quality Rating System.
Opening Luncheon and Keynote
As host and producer of the Channel 7 award-winning
program, Chicagoing, and the station's director of community services,
Bill Campbell has been bridging the gap between media and community his
entire career. Join early childhood leaders from across the country as
we explore the benefits of being Positive on Purpose.
Networking Reception
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres,
wine, and the soft jazz
sounds of the Jeff Bella Trio
while you connect with
colleagues, learn about new
professional development
opportunities, enjoy the
expanded Marketplace
hours, and view displays
showcasing best practices.
Aim4Excellence
Learn about an exciting new online
director credential that is self-paced,
utilizes engaging media, and covers
the essentials of early childhood program
administration. Aim4Excellence
is the first national credential
approved by NAEYC as an alternative pathway for director qualifications
for
program accreditation. For Illinois
directors, the nine modules also count
toward requirements for the Illinois
Director Credential (IDC).
Just for You – Evening
Activities
Pamper yourself with a hand or
shoulder massage, a manicure
or a session with a make-up
consultant. Show your skills in
the karaoke contest, have some
fun in the game room, or try
your hand at a game of bingo.
Marketplace
New expanded hours to shop for your program and
win great prizes...Thursday evening AND Friday!
Networking Dinners (additional fee
and pre-registration required)
Dinner with an Expert ($40)
Dine with a guest presenter and eight other conference attendees. This
is your opportunity to tap their expertise and extend the conversation.
Champions for Change ($40)
Join Paula Jorde Bloom and other consultants, trainers, and technical
assistance specialists from across the country for dinner and an informal
discussion about various state initiatives that promote early childhood
leadership development.
Closing Luncheon and Keynote
Join Ben Glenn, the "Chalk Guy" for
an awesome lesson about overcoming obstacles, reshaping attitudes, increasing
awareness, and pursuing excellence. An inspiring story!
Total Conference Package
The early bird rate for the total conference package
is $375 before February 1, 2009. Special group rates available
for parties of 10 or more. This includes:
Thursday: Opening
Luncheon and Keynote • Public Policy Forum • Networking Reception
• Marketplace • Spotlight on Best Practices • Pamper
Yourself Activities
Friday: Continental
Breakfast • Skill-Building Clinics • Box Lunch • Marketplace
• Meet the Authors • Afternoon Ice Cream Treat
Saturday: Continental
Breakfast • Seminars • Closing Luncheon and Keynote
Plus: Executive
Portfolio • Yellow Pages of Professional Resources • LOTS
of Raffle Prizes and Gifts
For more information,
including sponsorship opportunities
for future conferences download the
brochure or contact
Donna Jonas at (800) 443-5522, ext. 5058 or donna.jonas@nl.edu.
Hotel Information
Leadership Connections will be held at the beautiful
Westin Chicago North Shore, located a short drive from O'Hare International
Airport (map
and directions). The special conference rate is $134/night (single
or double occupancy). To secure this rate, please make your hotel reservations
prior to April 15, 2009. Call (800) 228-3000 or (847) 777-6588 and ask
for group name Leadership Connections 2009. Rates and rooms
are subject availability and local taxes.
Receive College Credit
Build
your professional portfolio and achieve the competencies for the Illinois
Director Credential by attending Leadership Connections. For an
additional $602, participants may register for two semester hours of
undergraduate or graduate credit. For more information, please contact
Debra Trude-Suter at (800) 443-5522, ext. 5056 or debra.trudesuter@nl.edu.
Scholarship Opportunities
CCR&R
Contact your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency about
professional development funds that may be available
for conference attendance. To locate
your nearest CCR&R, call the National
Association of Child Care Resource and
Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) at
(703) 341-4100. For Illinois residents,
contact INCCRRA (800) 649-1884 to
receive an application and guidelines
for professional development funds.
Corporate Champions for Change Scholarships
You may be eligible for a conference scholarship donated by one of our
generous sponsors. To apply, download
an application form and submit for consideration. |