Superintendents' Early Childhood Plan
2019-20 Professional Development for All Series
Executive Function and Self-Regulation
Join early childhood experts to explore ways to foster executive function and social-emotional skills in children. Registration is now open for the second institute in the 2019-20 Professional Development for All (PD for All) series, set for Wednesday, Jan. 15, in Omaha. The event will be repeated on Saturday, Jan. 18, to provide another learning opportunity for early childhood professionals who are unable to attend a weekday session. The institute will be held at the Salvation Army Kroc Center on both dates. Like the first institute in November, the topics presented will focus on executive function and self-regulation. Social-emotional well-being and executive functioning skills, which include initiative, problem-solving and self-control, are critical features of early childhood development that contribute to later student success. In this institute, the keynote and featured breakout sessions will focus on enhancing the abilities of early childhood professionals in teaching executive functioning and integrating social-emotional skills throughout the day. Mindfulness techniques will also be explored as a tool for supporting essential cognitive regulation skills such as working memory and the ability to follow directions, as well as self-regulation and emotional regulation strategies that allow individuals to manage their behavior and emotions. PD for All is a groundbreaking series of free professional development experiences open to all early childhood professionals who serve young children, birth through Grade 3, in the Omaha metro area. The series is made possible by the Learning Communities of Douglas and Sarpy Counties and introduces leading-edge research and innovative practices that can make a difference in the lives of young children and families.
Keynote Presenter
Dr. Jolene Johnson is an assistant professor and the associate director of education at the Interdisciplinary Center of Program Evaluation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She leads the Mindfulness and Mastery project across 13 Educare sites in Nebraska and seven other states. Her research focuses on how interventions and processes affect student outcomes, as well as the impact of executive functioning on other areas of development.
Breakout Sessions
- Mindfulness Techniques That Support Improved Executive Function Skills (ages 3-8)
- The Developing Mind: Building Relationships to Support Brain Development (birth through age 3)
- Brain Building Techniques for Parents and Children: Integrating Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga (birth through age 5)
- Fostering Executive Function by Creating and Maintaining Supportive Relationships (ages 5-8)
Dates & Location
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Saturday, January 18, 2020 (repeat of Wednesday, Jan. 15)
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Salvation Army Kroc Center
2825 Y Street
Omaha, NE 68107
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