Come early and join NCFL and the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation on Sunday, Oct. 22 for a pre-conference workshop from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The pre-con will kick off with a keynote address by Dr. Walter Gilliam, executive director of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute and leading expert in early childhood health and education. Then attendees will explore early childhood topics during breakout sessions, including family leadership, out of school time, and family engagement for families of children with disabilities. The workshop concludes with a panel discussion by family leaders with young children. Space is limited and registrants must add the pre-con to their agenda during registration.
Agenda:
12:30 to 1:00 p.m. — Arrival and lunch [ST. NICHOLAS A&B]
1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Welcome and keynote by Dr. Walter Gilliam [ST. NICHOLAS A&B]
1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. — Breakout sessions #1
The Important Role of Parents in Special Education [ST. NICHOLAS A]
We will explore the critical partnership between the parents of children with disabilities and the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE). Our speakers, seasoned parent advocates, will share personal experiences and insights on navigating the complex landscape of special education. Learn about the resources available through the NDE and gain a deeper understanding of how they can make a significant difference in the lives of families.
Activating Family Leadership and Advocating for Equity in Early Childhood Systems [ST. NICHOLAS B]
Learn about Activate! National, NCFL’s family leadership program designed to center Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) representation and advocacy to develop inclusive and equitable early childhood programs that address racial equity issues in communities across the country. Discover how BIPOC parenting adults and early childhood practitioners come together to reimagine and reform equitable and inclusive systems for families through collaborative partnerships, social media campaigns, narrative changes, transparent conversations and so much more.
Family Engagement in Out of School Time [HILL]
Family Engagement is a big part of quality Afterschool and Summer Programs across the state of Nebraska. Hear about the value of Out of School Time programs and find out what kinds of opportunities there are for you to connect with Afterschool and Summer programs in your community.
2:40 p.m. to 3:25 p.m. — Breakout sessions #2 (repeat of the first round)
3:25 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. — Networking and resource tables [ST. NICHOLAS FOYER]
4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. — Parent Leadership Panel [ST. NICHOLAS A&B]
Parent Involvement Opportunities
We need parents to get involved in helping us change and shape the systems that affect our children and families. Your voice is a critical part of this process! Hear from different parents who have been engaged through different programs, how being involved has changed their perspectives, and the importance of having a place at the table. Learn how you can get involved too!