As my team and I were thinking about what to present for VAAEYC’s Annual Conference, we realized that this year’s gathering marks two years since the COVID-related shutdowns began. It’s amazing how much the education community has accomplished over the past 24 months: we’ve harnessed new technologies, we’ve transformed our teaching practices, and we’ve relied on the creativity of our
Greg & Steve’s music says “Let’s Move”! With high energy, participatory songs for children, Grammy nominated Greg & Steve have been entertaining kids, teachers, parents, and grandparents alike for over 30 years! Their singable lyrics and catchy melodies set to contemporary beats (blues, country, rock & roll, and reggae) provide a fun way to encourage movement and teach physical education.
Kim holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and an M.S. in Family Relations and Child Development, both from Oklahoma State University. As a Certified Child and Parenting Specialist, she worked as a Domestic Violence and Therapeutic Foster Care Counselor, Regional Director for Service Learning for the Oklahoma Department of Education, Consultant for National Resource Center and Center for Early
Dr. Marcia Bennett is the CEO and Management Consultant for SMOI International. Her firm specializes in professional development training and facilitation, strategic planning, and workforce development research. Over the past six years, Dr. Bennett has served as a professional development trainer and conference speaker. She works with businesses and organizations training their employees in the areas of time management, productivity,
Valerie Branch, who will present the closing keynote for VAAEYC’s 2021 Annual Conference on Saturday, March 13 at 2:55 p.m., has been a Master Teaching Artist with Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts since 2014 and is Director of the Maryland Wolf Trap Affiliate. Valerie is a professionally trained dancer who has performed all over the world.
Our guest blogger today, Jessica Skiles, will also be presenting “Diversify Your Bookshelf” at the Annual Conference on Friday, March 12 at 1:45 pm. Her session, “Snailed It!”, was hit at the 2020 Annual Conference! Jessica Skiles has worked in the field of early childhood for six years, with many years of volunteer and part-time experience before that. She has
Today’s guest blogger is Dr. Marianne Gibbs, EdD, OTR/L, the creator and presenter of Write Out Of The Box Dr. Marianne Gibbs is an occupational therapist and dynamic, national early childhood educational speaker. Dr. Gibbs received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1985 from Claremont McKenna College, Master of Occupational Therapy Degree in 2000 from Texas Woman’s University, and Doctorate
Though our next presenter likely needs no introduction – she’s been a vaaeyc Annual Conference favorite for years – we couldn’t resist giving you a sneak peek at the fabulous ideas and inspiration she’ll be bringing to us this year! On Saturday, March 13 at 1:45 PM, Dr. Joanne Hunter will be presenting “Making Manipulatives for Mindful Movement”. Addressing the
The 2021 vaaeyc Annual Conference Experience is going to be like nothing before, and we can’t wait for you to meet the spectacular speakers we have in store for you! This year we’re kicking off Friday, March 12 with a morning keynote presented by Dave Davlin. (Read more about Dave on his website HERE. He was in the Guinness Book
We are VERY excited to announce that registration is now officially OPEN for the 2021 Annual Conference! vaaeyc has been hard at work to adapt under the circumstances so that our Annual Conference can still thrive and be a valuable experience for all. From the first click, you’ll see some exciting new changes, and we can’t wait for you to