Hundreds Attend Childcare Conference in LG
On Feb. 3, some 217 childcare providers from more than 14 surrounding cities registered to attend the Multi- County Child Care Conference sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The event was held at the Randolph Recreation Center in La Grange, Texas, and was hosted by the Child Care Advisory Committee and County Extension Agents for Family & Community Health from Austin, Fayette, and Wharton Counties.
This year we were excited to form an advisory committee comprised of professionals who represent the childcare industry. We look forward to their continued guidance as we move forward to make a difference in education for childcare providers. We are excited to have the assistance of Laurie Krupala, St. James Preschool First Light Center on board.
This yearly event equips childcare providers and directors with the necessary tools to provide high-quality childcare assistance which will ultimately develop productive and successful young people. The childcare providers and directors who attend provide services and care for more than 2,415 children enrolled in more than 51 childcare centers or family day homes.
A host of agents, specialists, and technical subject matter presenters provided educational information throughout the day. Topics addressed this year were: “Safe Infant Sleep Environment” (Romyssa Hashim, MPH Texas Department of State); “Transitions, Songs and Routines, Oh My!”; “Tiny People Big Skills”; and “A Beautiful Story” (Maryteresa Tracy, M.Ed., Katie Sieber, and Monica Kurtz, M.Ed.- Region 13 Education Service Center Educational Specialists); “Museum Walk” - Curriculum and Resource Development” (Sally Garrett, Lori Garcia, and Michelle Wright - County Extension Agents-Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service); “Guidance Tips & Techniques for the Classroom” (Amanda Lueddke, MS-SLP-CCC) and “Barf Bag—Environmental Safety ” (Dianne Gertson-Drennan, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service). A total of 1,519 clock hours of training (seven hours per participant) were provided to childcare professionals seeking to meet state-mandated training requirements established by the state of Texas.