Early care and education professionals from across the San Joaquin Valley got creative during a full day of professional development training at the annual San Joaquin County Early Childhood Education Conference on Oct. 12 at the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE).
Hosted by the SJCOE’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) department, the conference provides early educators with training and tools that enhance the educational experience of our region’s youngest children. “Our objective is to work in partnership to provide quality professional development and networking opportunities that inspire, motivate, and rejuvenate early educators in the region,” ECE Director Brandi Harrold said.
This year’s conference theme, “Creativity: Follow Your Curiosity,” focused on techniques for incorporating more fun into the classroom using art. Participants had the opportunity to rotate through multiple breakout sessions on topics ranging from understanding the difference between process and product art to expressing creativity using music.
All sessions provided theoretical and practical information to help attendees uncover creative opportunities in everyday experiences and ultimately, strengthen their work with young children. Conference attendees also left with the book “Art with Anything: 52 Weeks of Fun Using Everyday Stuff” by Mary Ann F. Kohl, plus art supplies or a copy of “Press Here” by Hervé Tullet to help support them with implementing what they learned at the conference back in their classrooms.