GAYC

TOGETHER FOR CHILDREN

GEORGIA ASSOCIATION ON YOUNG CHILDREN

2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 10 &11, 2008

GWINNETT CIVIC CENTER
Duluth, GA

Bright from the Start joins their conference with the GAYC Annual Conference

This year’s conference demonstrates exactly what “Together for Children” means. This year Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is joining their annual conference, typically held in April, with the GAYC Conference, held annually the second weekend in October. This collaboration will help streamline efforts in providing professionals with relevant resources and best practices.

Sponsors of this year’s conference include (partial list): Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning; Smart Start Georgia, the Early Learning Division of the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta; Georgia Department of Education Divisions for Special Education Services and Supports; Bright Horizons Family Solutions; Legacy Academy for Children; Kaplan Early Learning Companies; and Kids ‘R’ Kids International, Inc.

WHAT: GAYC’s statewide annual “Together for Children” conference provides opportunities for 3,000 early care and education professionals to increase their knowledge and experience by taking part in over 145 state approved workshops, networking and professional learning opportunities. Sessions range from brain development to science to public policy.

Sample tracks include:

Accreditation

Advocacy

Assessment

Families

Health, Safety, and Nutrition

Social-Emotional Development

Special Needs/Inclusion

Developmentally Appropriate Practices

Administration

Infant/Toddler

Family Child Care/Family, Friend and Neighbor Care

School Age

This conference provides a platform to inform professionals about the latest information affecting young children and those responsible for their education, care, and well-being. Pre-conference sessions include: Widening the Lens by the Center for Early Childhood Leadership, Accreditation by NAEYC representatives, and Effective Presentations for Trainers by the University of Kentucky. A number of meetings will also be held at the conference including Georgia Parents as Teachers Network, Bright from the Start Manager’s Workshop, GAYC Board Meeting, GAYC Town Hall Meeting, Georgia Family Child Care Association, Georgia Child Care Association and the Georgia Child Care Training Network.

A complimentary reception and the Annual Awards Banquet will be held Friday evening. And don’t forget to enjoy the student demos, the Bright from the Start Round Table, the model classroom, and visit the College Fair and the Exhibit Hall with over 75 vendors!

For more information on the Conference, call the GAYC office at 404-222-0014 or e-mail the Conference Coordinator at gaycconference@algxmail.com

SAVE $ - EARLY BIRD DEADLINE - SEPTEMBER 1, 2008

Diamond Donor Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning has joined their conference with the GAYC Conference and will not be holding their BFTS Conference this spring to streamline efforts in providing professionals with relevant resources and best practices. Join us for the "Together for Children" Conference! To save dollars now through the Early Bird Special and Group Discounts, see the Registration Form below for more details.

Conference Host:Georgia Association on Young Children/Membership -www.naeyc.org

Conference Donors and Contributors:

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning - www.decal.state.ga.us

Smart Start Georgia - www.smartstartga.org

Babies Can't Wait - http://health.state.ga.us/programs/bcw

Georgia Department of Education's Divisions for Special Education Services and Supports - www.doe.k12.ga.us.

Legacy Academy - www.legacyacademy.com

Bright Horizons Family Solutions - www.brighthorizons.com

Kaplan Early Learning Companies - www.kaplanco.com

Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Centers - www.shelteringarmsforkids.com

Early Childhood Supply and Service Vendors:

Auditory-Verbal Center - www.avchears.org