This interactive session equips early childhood educators with the foundational knowledge of sensory processing in young children. Led by an occupational therapist with 27 years experience in pediatric field, the session explores how children experience the world through their senses. Participants will gain a practical understanding of sensory processing challenges and discover how to recognize signs in their classrooms.
Through engaging activities and real-life examples, educators will learn simple strategies to create supportive environments that cater to diverse sensory needs. The session will cover topics such as:
*The sensory system and its impact on learning *Identifying signs of sensory over- and under-stimulation *Adapting the classroom environment to promote sensory regulation *Easy-to-implement activities that cater to different sensory preferences
By the end of this session, educators will feel empowered to create classrooms where all children can thrive and learn comfortably.
Vickie Maertz holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and has worked with children for the past 32 years. She is a Level 3 trainer with TCPEDS. Vickie likes to find creative and interactive ways to teach not only the updates to minimum standards but also about special needs children... Read More →
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Legends VII
This training session focuses on the critical role of open-ended play in early childhood development and the importance of intentionally designing play spaces to support this type of exploration. Participants will learn how open-ended play fosters creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth in children. The session will provide practical guidance on setting up play environments that are developmentally appropriate, flexible, and conducive to self-directed learning. Educators will also explore strategies for observing and facilitating play without interrupting its natural flow. By the end of the training, participants will be equipped with the tools and insights needed to create intentional, supportive environments that encourage children to explore, imagine, and learn through play.
This session creates space for early childhood education practitioners and future practitioners to engage in activities and conversations centered around intentional and purposeful planning of opportunities and activities aimed at helping young children grow and develop a variety of math skills, processes and thinking.
Assistant Teaching Professor, The University of Southern Mississippi
Dr. Susan Clark is an assistant teaching professor in Child and Family Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi. In addition, she serves as the curriculum specialist at the campus-based Center for Child Development, which serves 100 children birth to 5 years of age and serves... Read More →
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends VI
Imaginative Small World Play Educators will investigate the benefits, materials and skills to create small world play for young children. Young children will engage in using their imagination, creativity, building, sensory and language skills through small world play experiences. Imagination is nurtured with small world play experiences, let's imagine some small worlds for your students.
Meaningful planning is an essential practice to support optimal development for young children. This session will help participants plan and create activities that are meaningful. Participants will learn ways to extend learning through their interactions by implementing the CLASS tool. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to discuss ways to extend learning opportunities in meaningful ways.
