The 2017 Family Engagement Summit: Engaging Families in Modern Times

Please join us for The 2017 Family Engagement Summit: “Engaging Families in Modern Times"

Gain access to the resources, tools, and support services offered to early care and education providers, families, and communities based on the goals included in Maryland’s Early Childhood Family Engagement Framework.

Learn specific strategies regarding family engagement, including the appropriate use of technology in modern times. Exchange ideas with colleagues and experienced principal coaches; and hear from early childhood experts, while enjoying a supportive and collegiate atmosphere.

A light breakfast and buffet lunch will be served.

Spaces are limited! Register by Friday, July 7, 2017.

Hotel Accommodations: The Conference Center and Hotel at the Maritime Institute is offering a special group rate of $126.00 per night. Request MSDE’s Conference block rooms.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities available upon request. Language interpreting services also available. Please submit your request to collaboration.programimprovement@maryland.gov no later than Friday, July 7, 2017. TTY:410-333-6442 Phone: 410-767-0602

Se ofreceran servicios de interpretación. Favor contactar a collaboration.programimprovement@maryland.gov antes del Viernes 7 de Julio del 2017. Gracias

AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS (Please select one):

A. How to Develop and Enhance Resilience in Children and Families: Brijan M. Fellows, LCSW-C, Lead Counselor, and D'Lisa Ramsey Worth, M.Ed., Project LAUNCH, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry Taghi Modarressi Center for Infant Study

This workshop will discuss the components of resiliency that children need to be competent and connected, and how that can be modeled and promoted by the adults in their lives. We will also discuss how resilience based classroom approaches can work for all children, even our most challenging ones.

B. How the New Science of Development and Learning Supports Children Learning Multiple Languages: Eugene E. Garcia, Ph.D., Arizona State University and Roberto Flores and Dayana Muniz, Family Support Workers, CentroNía

In this workshop, participants will learn the recent findings and implications from research in development, and learning related to the acquisition and learning of multiple languages, including a summary from the U.S. National Research Council of the National Academies of Science Engineering and Medicine consensus study, "Promoting the Educational Success of Children and Youth Learning English: Promising Futures".

C. Harnessing the Combined Power of School, Home and Community: Jessie Lavorgna, School, Family, and Community Partnership Specialist, Education Development Center

Develop knowledge about cultivating and sustaining teacher capacity for culturally responsive school-family partnerships in the spirit of the dual capacity-building framework. Participants will learn about and engage with culturally responsive family engagement practices, and how to apply them in their school districts based on the i3 project LASErS (Literacy and Academic Success for English Learners through Science).

D. Promoting Wellness within LGBT Families: Veronica M. Kirkland, MA, LCPC, All Things Are Possible Services, LLC

Develop cultural competence for engagement with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) families. Participants will learn about family structures, ally development, advocacy and methods for promoting wellness within LGBT families.

E. Cultural Awareness and Family Engagement: Petrea Fletcher, ECE Consultant, XYZ... the end result! LLC

Engage in a discussion about how culture influences beliefs, behaviors and habits in everyone and how it is passed down from generation to generation. Impact areas of discussion will include school readiness and child-rearing practices.

F. In Their Shoes: Experiencing the Challenges of Accessing Resources: Jamie Mathewson, Social Worker, Washington County Family Center

Discover ways to increase the empathy and understanding of service providers working with people and families living in poverty. Poverty simulations will be discussed as a tool to expose participants to the realities of living in poverty, including the challenges of navigating the complex systems of government agencies and other service providers.

G. Tips for Bringing Early Learning and Family Engagement into the Digital Age: Conni Strittmatter, Children's and Teen Services Coordinator, Harford County Public Library, and Lisa Guernsey, deputy director of the Education Policy program and director of the Learning Technologies project at New America

Tablets, robots, coding, and more! Preschool aged children can learn it all, and so can you! Learn about the importance of technology education for preschoolers and a variety of programs libraries offer, in branch and outreach, as well as some activities you can do on your own.