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Waco, Texas – Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 will offer a three-day early childhood conference, presented by a group of national children’s authors and well-known education consultants. The Second Annual Region 12 Early Childhood Summer Institute will take place from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., June 1 - 3, at ESC Region 12, in Waco.

Day one of the institute will feature national author and presenter Jean Feldman, Ph.D., also known as “Dr. Jean” to teachers around the country. Feldman will speak about how to ensure reading success for preschool children. One approach includes the use of singing, playing, talking and reading to children to increase phonological awareness. Attendees will learn how to create a “print rich” environment, how to make books from ordinary supplies and will end the day making materials that they can take with them and use in the classroom.

Feldman, a nationally known early childhood consultant, author and musician, is a former elementary school teacher and has been actively involved in education for more than 30 years. Feldman uses research-based practices and a multi-sensory approach for teaching beginning reading and writing skills. Now, Central Texas educators will have the opportunity to experience Dr. Jean’s teachings first hand. In addition to Dr. Jean’s presentation, a session addressing communication and sensory processing disorders, such as autism and other related differences, will be offered for speech pathologists and occupational therapists

Day two and three presentations will include effective ways to teach a child to read, managing behavioral problems and providing a classroom environment conducive to learning for younger children. Day two of the institute will feature well-known authors Sharon MacDonald and Dinah Zike. Day three will feature education consultants Lisa Rogers and Jo Webber.

“This conference was created to provide exceptional training for early childhood educators and parents at an affordable training rate and in a convenient location,” said Melba Bunch, education specialist for ESC Region 12.

The event will cost $65 per day for teachers and is open to parents of early childhood students, ages 4 to 6 years old. Attendees may attend one or more days of the event and teachers will receive six hours of continuing education units per day. More than 300 educators are expected to attend; therefore, early registration is encouraged. Online registration is available at www.esc12.net.

For an event flier or information about Region 12 Early Childhood services, contact Melba Bunch at 254-297-1145 or visit www.esc12.net/preschool.

About Region 12
ESC Region 12 provides professional development and technical assistance for 78 independent school districts and 11 charter schools. Based in Waco, with offices in Copperas Cove, Corsicana, Goldthwaite, Hillsboro, and Teague, the ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, Mills, McLennan, and Navarro counties.

About Event Presenters

Jean Feldman has been an educator for more than 30 years. Dr. Feldman has a B.A. from the University of Georgia, a D.A.S.T. from Emory University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Georgia State University. Her books inspire teachers around the country, and her interactive CDs show children that learning can be fun. More information about Feldman is available at www.drjean.org.

Kathy Morris has been a special educator for the past thirty years and a consultant for behavior disorders, autism, assistive technology, and LIFE Skills, providing technical assistance and workshops to educators throughout the United States. Learn more about Morris at www.ber.org/InsBio.cfm?SESS_ID=XAM.

Sharon MacDonald has been training teachers for over 19 years throughout the United States on a variety of early childhood topics. Her training is based on her unique perspective from 28 years as an early-childhood teacher. Learn more about MacDonald at www.sharonmacdonald.com/biography.aspx.

Dinah Zike is known for designing hands-on manipulatives that are used nationally and internationally by teachers, parents, and educational publishing companies. Learn more about Zike at http://www.dinah.com/.

Lisa Rogers has been an educator for over twenty years, working with students with special and diverse needs. She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a B.A. in Elementary Education and certification in Special Education. Rogers later received her M.A. graduating Magna Cum Laude in Special Education with an endorsement in the area of severe and profound disabilities. She holds the positions of Director of Special Education at the "Behavior Research Institute" & Executive Director of Staff Development at "Educating Diverse Learners". ™

Jo Webber, Ph.D., professor, has been a faculty member at Texas State since 1986. Her professional experience includes teaching students with emotional and behavioral disorders, mental retardation, and autism. She is a past president of the International Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders.

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