EARLY CHILDHOOD INSTITUTE TO FEATURE JACK HARTMAN JUNE 12

Waco, Texas – Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 will offer a three-day conference that will focus on teaching students through music and movement. The Fourth Annual Region 12 Early Childhood Institute will take place from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., June 6 and June 11-12 at ESC Region 12 and the Texas Playhouse in Waco.  The special institute will focus on unique strategies to teach core subjects using songs.

The Early Childhood Institute will begin with a presentation by Bill DeMeo. This presentation will provide participants with effective and appropriate prevention and intervention strategies for students who show challenging behaviors. It will review the latest research in the field of developmental psychology on best practices of identifying, preventing and intervening with students who exhibit behavioral problems. Through a combination of role-playing and other active participatory methods, participants will learn how to implement practical strategies immediately into their program.

Day two will feature Jane Kitson, also known as Mother Goose, who will show teachers how to reach out to children who learn through visual, auditory and kinesthetic modalities. Emphasis will be placed on the impact that rhythm, rhyme and repetition have on enhancing language skills in young children ages 2-7.  Participants will be actively involved in activities that include props, costumes, puppets and visuals designed to enhance oral language skills in young children.

Day three of the conference will be held at the Texas Playhouse at 201 N. IH-35 in Waco. The conference will conclude with Jack Hartmann's Music and Movement presentation will be filled with quality songs, fun movements and educationally "on-target" learning activities. Teachers will gain music and movement learning and readiness activities. His presentation will feature skill building songs and ideas to enhance early childhood curriculum.  Language development, early literacy, basic math, social skills, diversity, holidays, celebrations and pre-K, K-2 study topics will also be presented.

The event will cost $65 per day for teachers and is free to parents of early childhood students. Attendees may attend one or more days of the event and teachers will receive six hours of continuing education units per day.

REGISTER TODAY

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

About the Presenters

Wednesday, June 6

Dr. Bill DeMeo is a developmental school psychologist currently coordinating mental health services for Cincinnati Public Schools’ Early Childhood Program. He has presented for several national organizations, including ASCD and the National Head Start Association. One of the most sought-after trainers in the area of mental health, Dr. DeMeo offers practical information in his entertaining sessions. He is the author of several books, including Managing the Angry and Aggressive Child.

Monday, June 11

Jane Kitson, also known as Mother Goose, is the author of over 300 original songs and finger plays that have been shared with over 75,000 early childhood professionals in 45 states and Canada. She has been the classroom teacher of children ages 2-7 and now has been an on-site consultant for 3 years.   In addition to speaking at 20 plus venues per year, she works with over 4500 children in school settings, allowing her to fine tune presentations with information and experience that she enjoys, while working with various children on a weekly basis.

Tuesday, June 12

Jack Hartmann is a uniquely gifted writer of children’s songs. He has written and recorded over 200 songs for young children. His music is clear and simple, and touches the fun-loving spirit of children and adults. Hartmann received his B.A. in psychology from the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he first worked and used his songs with autistic children. He completed his master’s degree in psychology from Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts.

About ESC Region 12

One of 20 centers throughout Texas, the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 provides professional training and technical assistance for the purpose of improving student performance for all students. Based in Waco, with offices in, Corsicana, Goldthwaite, Hillsboro, Nolanville and Teague, the ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, Mills, McLennan and Navarro counties.

One of 20 centers throughout Texas, the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 provides professional training and technical assistance for the purpose of improving student performance for all students.  Based in Waco, with offices in, Corsicana, Goldthwaite, Hillsboro, Nolanville and Teague, the ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, Mills, McLennan and Navarro counties.