Childcare Professionals Gather for Training Conference
On Feb. 7, the TexasA&M AgriLife Extension Service hosted the Multi-County Child Care Conference, drawing 173 childcare providers and directors representing more than 18 cities and towns across the region. The conference was coordinated by Austin, Fayette, and Wharton Counties and held at the Randolph Recreation Center in La Grange.
Guided by the Child Care Advisory Committee, the conference focused on strengthening early childhood programs by equipping childcare professionals with practical strategies, current research, and professional tools to enhance the quality of care they provide. Collectively, the participants (childcare providers and directors) serve more than 2,415 children enrolled in 51 licensed childcare centers and family day homes, underscoring the far-reaching impact of the educational training.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in engaging educational sessions led by Extension specialists, university faculty, and early childhood experts. Topics were:
• “Best Practices for Feeding Young Children with Special Needs”, Jenna Anding, PhD, LD, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Professor & Specialist
• “Building Resilience to Bust Stress - We Can Bounce Back Stronger,” Lakshmi Mahadevan, PhD; CPN Texas A&M AgriLife Mental Health & Well-Being Specialist
• “Nature Play for Early Learners, Make & Take Ideas” Sally Garrett, MS; Lori Garcia, MS; Michelle Wright, MS; County Extension Agents, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Jenifer Boening, County Program Assistant • “Growing Little Communicators” Karen Vinsen, MS CCC-SLP, and Maryteresa Tracy, MS ED, Region13 Education Service Center, Educational Specialists
• “Following Their Lead: Finding the Math in Play, Talk and Curiosity,” Angelica Lopez, MS ECE, Region 13 Education Service Center, Educational Specialist
• “Staff Management,” Ronnie McDonald, County Extension Agent, Prairie View A&M University
• “Play to Learn: Sprout & Shout,” – Anna Raunmaker, MS, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Project Specialist As a result of the conference, childcare professionals completed a total of 1,211 clock hours of continuing education, with each participant earning seven hours toward state-mandated training requirements. The event had strong participation and positive feedback. Our planning committee looks forward to building on this success by reaching even more childcare providers at future conferences.