In its third decade, the Early Years Conference continues to lead the field of professional development in early childhood development. This year's event, Strengthening Resilience in Today’s World - Leading with Kindness and Understanding, will explore the complex factors impacting children’s development, recognizing the essential aspect of nurturing relationships within families and in our professional roles as the cornerstone of strengthening children’s resilience. The conference will highlight many of the considerations and practices in work with young children and their families, particularly as we adapt to our rapidly changing society.
HELP is pleased to, once again, host a pre-conference as part of the Early Years Conference program. Entitled Supporting Compassion and Kindness in Children, our pre-conference offers an opportunity to explore aspects of social and emotional development across the early years and learn more about the science behind compassion and kindness. We are pleased to welcome Robert Roeser, PhD, Professor, Caring and Compassion and Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Roeser will explore the roots of compassion in the early years and how compassion emerges as children develop. Dr. Kim Schonert-Reichl will respond with observations about the ways in which we can support compassionate practice at every level of our society. She will provide examples of compassionate practice and action in policy and in programs and services – both early years and in schools. Keynotes will be followed by a panelist session during which practitioners will focus on the use of kindness and compassion techniques in early child development and care settings; social and emotional learning practices in kindergarten classrooms; and community based strategies to promote these competencies. Register today at Early Years Conference 2018.