Focus on Children Conference

Registration for the 2024 Conference is now closed.

 

The 40th annual Focus on Children Conference is scheduled for Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, at Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center.

Jump to back to Sections List

Keynote

Making the Ideal Real: Get Ready for the Future of Early Childhood Education

Presented by Marica Cox Mitchell and Elisa Huss-Hage 

The “child care” crisis is receiving significant media and political attention. Experts across multiple fields are weighing in and presenting their solutions to address this crisis. But what is the ideal system and who defines this ideal? This futuristic session will identify components of the ideal early childhood education system, discuss the mindset shifts needed to transform “child care”, and identify ways to make the ideal more real. Join us to get ready for the future of early childhood education. 

 Marica Cox Mitchell

Marica Cox Mitchell is Vice President, Early Childhood for the Bainum Family Foundation. She leads the foundation’s efforts to support the healthy growth and development of young children and the well-being of their families through work in two primary areas: practice/direct service and policy/advocacy. The foundation’s work prioritizes five aspects of Early Childhood: early learning, mental health and well-being, health (including prenatal and perinatal), family economic security and housing stability.

 Before joining the foundation in 2019, Cox Mitchell worked for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), where she most recently served as Deputy Executive Director, Early Learning Systems. In this role, she led a portfolio encompassing public policy and advocacy, accreditations of early learning programs, higher education accreditation and the Power to the Profession initiative. Previously, she was Senior Director, NAEYC Accreditation for Higher Education Programs. She also worked for the District’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education from 2009 to 2012 — serving as Director, School Preparedness Division and Supervisor, Professional Development Unit. She began her career as an early childhood educator — working in various early learning settings as well as with young children birth through age 8.

 

Elisa Huss-Hage

Elisa Huss-Hage is the Director of Early Childhood for HOPE Toledo, a non-profit in Toledo, Ohio working to support and ensure high-quality education, from preschool to postsecondary, for every young person in the city of Toledo. In her role, she leads and guides the early childhood initiative, which includes supporting HOPE Toledo’s 20 comprehensive, community-based partner providers as they strive to provide the highest quality education to the young children and families they serve.

Huss-Hage joined HOPE Toledo after 25 years at Owens Community College as a faculty member in the Department of Teacher Education and Human Services. During these years, she dedicated significant time to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and their higher education work to establish and maintain teacher preparation standards for the field of early childhood education. She is currently serving on NAEYC’s Higher Education Commission.  Huss-Hage also served on the NAEYC Governing Board (2016-2020), serving as Chair of their Early Learning Systems Committee which was responsible for the development of the Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education position statement.

Elisa and her husband, Chuck, as “Just Kiddin’ Around…” have performed interactive musical concerts for young children and families for 30+ years, including local, state, and national events and conferences. 

Jump to back to Sections List

Agenda

Focus 2024 Agenda

8-8:30 AM: Check-in, visit vendors, light breakfast (provided)
8:30 AM: Welcome, Opening Remarks
8:40-9:40 AM: Keynote Speaker Presentation
9:40-10 AM: Break
10 AM-12 PM: Morning Workshop
12-1 PM: Lunch (provided)
1-2 PM: Imagine Institute Presentation
2-2:15 PM: Break
2:15-4:15PM: Afternoon Workshop
4:15-4:30PM: Sign out

Jump to back to Sections List

Workshops

Morning Workshops (10am-12noon)

Defining the Early Childhood Education System We Want: The ECE Futurism Session
Marica Cox Mitchell & Elisa Huss-Hage
Early childhood education is gaining local and national attention. Increased funding for early childhood education will likely require increased standards and expectations. Rather than state what we don’t want, let’s be clear about what we do want. This session will examine and reimagine quality rating systems, credentialing, compensation, licensing, subsidy, and more. What do we want these systems to look like? What policies do we want in place? (Professional Development Leadership)

Reflecting On Anti-Bias Education in Action: The Early Years
Patricia Coss-Maxwell & Paulina Valerio-Guerrero
Participants will have the opportunity to watch and reflect on the documentary Reflecting on Anti-Bias Education in Action: The Early Years. Debbie Lee Keenan and John Nimmo produced the film, which features anti-bias strategies in early childhood classrooms interspersed with teachers reflecting on their practice. The film shifts the focus away from the talking heads of experts and onto the daily voices of teachers committed to equity. By taking into diverse early childhood classrooms, participants will understand the importance of identity, context, and practice in anti-bias education and gain a much-needed resource for their professional development. The training is for early childhood professionals; no previous experience is required. Curriculum & Learning Environment, Professional Development Leadership)

The Adult that Plays
Michael Haycock
This is an interactive workshop where we will learn applied improvisation techniques developed by Viola Spolin. Participants will learn and play games in a no-pressure environment. Participants will re-discover the power of being playful, build self-confidence in their ability to play, and connect with fellow peers in the workshop. (Curriculum & Learning Environment, Interactions)

Building on Wonder: Creating Individual Curriculum for Young Children
Kim Bogren Owen
In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore why it’s important to individualize the curriculum and how to create individual curriculum. Attendees will leave with materials they created to use in their classroom to support individual children’s development and interests. Come with 2 to 3 children in mind and bring pictures of items that the children are interested in or that represent their culture, to use in the materials you create. (Curriculum & Learning Environment, Program Planning & Development)

Neurociencia, Bienestar y Justicia Social, Explorando Nuestros Recursos Internos Para Cultivar Resiliencia Colectiva
Paulina Cuevas Vega
Esta experiencia de aprendizaje está diseñada para mirar la información que tenemos desde la neurociencia sobre nuestro sistema nervioso, a través de los lentes de la justicia social, que considera el bienestar, no como una meta individual, sino que como una necesidad colectiva para que toda y cada persona pueda florecer. Comprender la propia posición social dentro de los sistemas de opresión, tales como la opresión racial, es fundamental para entender la conexión entre el bienestar y la justicia social, así como también nuestra responsabilidad y poder en el bienestar colectivo. A través de actividades vivenciales, reflexión individual, proceso en grupo pequeño y en grupo grande, este taller invita a los participantes a explorar y entender en sus cuerpos, la conexión directa entre bienestar y justicia social, basado en los conocimientos que nos ofrece la neurociencia y la teoría polivagal, acerca de la inmensa sabiduría del sistema nervioso. Nuestras reflexiones se enmarcarán en nuestras propias experiencias de posición social en relación al poder, y en las experiencias que resultan de las intersecciones de nuestras identidades. Con el objetivo de apoyar nuestro proceso de aprendizaje, integraremos prácticas somáticas que nos permitan in-corporar (traer al cuerpo) los conceptos aprendidos. (Professional Development Leadership)


Afternoon Session with Imagine Institute (1-2pm)

PREPARE for Care – Module 1: The Healing Relationship
Aida Rodriguez & Pauli Owen
Relationships are the center of all children’s early learning and development, especially for children who have experienced trauma. Supporting healthy relationships with children and their families is childcare providers’ most important role. Childcare providers can develop their ability to build not only healthy relationships, but truly healing relationships. In this module, participants will explore essential foundations in relationship-building and practice three relationship-building tools that can help. Following the module, participants will be able to explain and apply these tools and discuss how they are important in their work.


Prepárese para la Atención - Módulo 1: La Relación Sanadora
Aida Rodriguez & Pauli Owen
Las relaciones son el núcleo del aprendizaje y del desarrollo temprano de los niños, especialmente para aquellos que han sufrido traumas. Fomentar relaciones sanas con los niños y sus familias es la tarea más importante de un proveedor de cuidado infantil. Los proveedores de cuidado infantil pueden desarrollar sus habilidades para construir, no solo relaciones sanas, sino también relaciones sanadoras. En este módulo, los participantes analizarán las bases esenciales de la construcción de relaciones y pondrán en práctica tres herramientas para la construcción de relaciones que pueden serles de utilidad. Al finalizar el módulo, los participantes serán capaces de explicar y aplicar estas herramientas, y discutir la importancia que estas tienen en su trabajo.


Afternoon Workshops (2:15-4:15pm)

PREPARE for Care – Module 2: Trauma and Vicarious Trauma
Pauli Owen & Aida Rodriguez
After understanding the importance of healthy developmental relationships in Module 1, providers will begin to understanding the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) on developing children and how to recognize and identify the impacts of childhood trauma. The term ACES is used to describe all types of abuse; however, ACES have the most significant impact during childhood development. While the prevalence of ACES does not always determine child’s outcome, it is important to determine protective factors to support children and their families which include: parental resilience, social connections, concrete support in times of need, knowledge of parenting and child development, and social and emotional wellness. Providers working with traumatized children may also suffer from the impact of vicarious trauma. An examination of the causes and indicators of vicarious trauma will be reviewed using the guide “When Compassion Hurts.” Providers then will determine what self-care practices work best for them and plan for additional self-care practice to promote general health and well-being. (Child Growth & Development, Interactions)

Prepárese para la Atención - Módulo 2: Trauma en el Entorno
Pauli Owen & Aida Rodriguez
Luego de entender la importancia de las relaciones de desarrollo sanas en el Módulo 1, los proveedores comienzan a comprender el impacto que tienen el estrés y el trauma en niños en desarrollo y a cómo reconocer e identificar los impactos de los traumas en la niñez. El término ACE (Experiencias Adversas en la Niñez) se utiliza para describir cualquier tipo de abuso; sin embargo, las ACE tienen un mayor impacto durante el desarrollo infantil. Mientras que la prevalencia de las ACE no siempre determina el futuro de un niño, es importante determinar factores protectores para apoyar a los niños y a sus familias, como: resiliencia de los padres, nexos sociales, apoyo concreto en tiempos de necesidad, brindar conocimiento sobre la paternidad y el desarrollo infantil, y bienestar social y emocional. Los proveedores que trabajen con niños traumatizados pueden llegar a sufrir trauma secundario. Los proveedores pueden mejorar su bienestar mental y fortalecer su resiliencia al emplear prácticas de autoayuda y de ayuda comunitaria.

Concepts to Support Children with Emerging Behavioral Health Concerns
Dr. Sara White, Sendan Center
This presentation will explore some basic principles to consider when working with children with emerging behavioral health concerns. Principles to be discussed will include: increasing communication, creating connection, empathetic listening and more. How these principles can be implemented with children of different ages, language abilities and cognitive levels will also be discussed. Finally, warning signs to look for and where and when to refer children for further assessment or treatment will be covered. (Child Growth & Development)

Caring for Infants and Toddlers in Groups
Wendy Jans, University of WA
This interactive, hands-on session explores the research on attachment and makes connections between theory and caregiving with infants and toddlers. In addition, the topics of early language development and temperament will be explored through video and small group conversation. Participants will have multiple opportunities to engage in reflection on their practice caring for young children with their colleagues. (Child Growth & Development, Interactions)

Exploring Early Achievers Quality Recognition: Implementation of a Provider-Driven System
Jacque Rafferty
In this workshop we will explore the Early Achievers Quality Recognition process. We will begin with an overview of the Quality Recognition Cycle and examine the value of a provider driven Quality Recognition and Improvement System. We will then dive deeper into the components of Quality Recognition (Program Profile, Video Highlights, and Records Review). We will examine how each component supports equity and quality improvement practices and review resources that are available for each component. We will also explore the Coach and Educator Community Interface (CECI) website that is used for Quality Recognition. (Program Planning & Development, Professional Leadership)

Explorar el processo de Reconocimiento de Calidad con Early Achievers
Elsie De La Rosa
In this workshop we will explore the Early Achievers Quality Recognition process in SPANISH. We will begin with an overview of the Quality Recognition Cycle and examine the value of a provider driven Quality Recognition and Improvement System. We will then dive deeper into the components of Quality Recognition (Program Profile, Video Highlights, and Records Review). We will examine how each component supports equity and quality improvement practices and review resources that are available for each component. We will also explore the Coach and Educator Community Interface (CECI) website that is used for Quality Recognition. This will be in Spanish similar to the English session that was presented by Jacque Rafferty. (Program Planning & Development, Professional Leadership)

Jump to back to Sections List

Presenters

Kim Bogren Owen holds a BA in Cultural Anthropology and an MA in Early Childhood Education. She believes supporting individual children is the best way to help; them develop and learn. She brings her knowledge and experience to the training she offers. In her spare time, she enjoys beachcombing, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Patricia Coss-Maxwell: with a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and a Certificate in Adult Education College Instruction from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA. She also holds a BAS in Early Childhood Education from North Seattle College in Seattle, WA. Patricia is a recipient of the Noris E. Daniel Fellowship from North Seattle College, The Early Education Investment Collaborative, Eastern Washington University, and Child Care Aware of WA. She currently serves as the Program Manager of Professional Development at Child Care Aware of Washington and is an instructor at North Seattle College and Green River College.

Paulina Cuevas Vega es Chilena. Ella recibió su master en Psicología Educacional y su licencia como Consejera Escolar (K-12) en la Universidad de Minnesota. Es entrenadora líder certificada de Disciplina Positiva y facilitadora de Yoga, Mindfulness, y Desarrollo Socio Emocional (500 RYT). Por más de 20 años, ella ha apoyado a familias, estudiantes, y educadores, en escuelas públicas e internacionales en Chile, China, y Estados Unidos, a cultivar y defender las condiciones para un mundo donde todas las personas tengan un sentido de pertenencia. A ella le apasiona diseñar e implementar experiencias de aprendizaje para adultos, desde una mirada de justicia social. Ha certificado en Disciplina Positiva a más de 1000 educadores alrededor del mundo. Durante los últimos 10 años ella también ha facilitado experiencias de aprendizaje para adultos en diversos países del mundo, abordando temas relacionados con: Crianza y educación basada en la Neurosciencia, informada de trauma y orientada a la justicia social.

Elsie DeLa Rosa: Yo soy enlace comunitario con Early Achievers y he trabajado por mas de un ano con coaches para apoyar las proveedoras en este nuevo proceso de Reconocimiento de Calidad. Yo doy apoyo con la tecnología y dando clarificaciones de los requeridos de este proceso.

I am the Community Liaison with Early Achievers that has worked with coaches in partnership to support providers who are working through this process for over 1 year now. I provide tech support and clarifications on the requirements for providers. (In Spanish)

Michael Haycock is the Artistic Director of the Upfront Theater in Bellingham WA. He has a Master's in Special Education. Michael has been performing Improv comedy and working in early childhood education for over 10 years. Michael is fascinated by the concept of play and loves to discover new ways to play in his personal and professional life.

Wendy Jans is a coach consultant, trainer, and instructor at Cultivate Learning in the College of Education at the University of Washington. She is committed to providing support and professional development for early learning coaches. Having been a coach herself, Wendy knows how challenging the work can be. Wendy has worked in a variety of early learning settings, primarily Early Head Start and Head Start, as a supervisor, trainer, and consultant. Her work with Early Head Start and Head Start includes coaching and consultation for home visitors, teachers, and supervisors.

Jacque Rafferty began working in the field of Early Childhood Education in 2016. She has worked with a variety of ages from infants to school age children and in a variety of different settings. She has a B.A. in Elementary Education and received her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education in 2022. Serving as a Community Liaison for Early Achievers for almost 10 years has allowed her to build relationships with numerous members of our ECE community. She has been a foster parent and currently has 3 children at home that keep her very busy!

Aida Rodriguez is a former Whatcom County Family home child care provider who became a state approved trainer in 2019, and holds a BA in Early Childhood Education. She is currently the Shared Services Program Manager at the Imagine Institute, working statewide to ensure child care providers have access to needed business supports and training. She is also an advocate serving on multiple committees and boards working to grow the field of early learning. She has been delivering PREPARE since 2021 and is passionate about building professional relationships that promote the knowledge of personal experience and working together in order to gain skills, self-confidence, and independence while working in ECE. Recognizing the importance of a positive self-image for ECE professionals, and the role it plays in fostering independence and pride in oneself, taking into special consideration that each person is an individual with a diverse background.

Paulina Valerio-Guerrero, a Garifuna descendent from Honduras, holds a Master of Arts in Education from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. She operates a Trilingual Family Home Child Care and serves as an instructor at North Seattle College in Seattle, WA. Paulina also earned a BA in Early Childhood Education from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont.

Dr. Sara White is currently the Clinical Director and Director of Operations of Sendan Center in Bellingham WA. She completed her master’s degree in applied behavior analysis at the University of the Pacific (2000) and doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Binghamton University (2005). She currently works with clients in British Columbia, Washington, and Alaska providing home and school consultation to children with developmental disabilities and disruptive behavior disorders as well as office and home-based cognitive behavior therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety, depression and other behavioral health issues. She has presented the results of her research and clinical work at professional conferences such as the Association for Behavior Analysis and the Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy on topics ranging from interventions to improve employee motivation to techniques to improve acquisition rates in children with autism. She has also presented several workshops to parents, school personnel, and health care professionals.

Jump to back to Sections List

FAQ

  • Canvas Information

    Canvas will be used for workshop handouts, announcements, etc.

    Canvas Instructions - Your username is your full SID# and your default password is the first 8 characters of your last name (for short last names, repeat from the beginning until you reach eight). Please note that you may not see the class in Canvas until closer to the start date.

    • Log in to Canvas
      Username: your full ctcLink ID number (EMPLID)
      Password: your ctcLink password (you create this when activating your ctcLink account)

    • Visit the my ctcLink account page to activate your account or change your password.
      Select “Activate Your Account” to activate your ctcLink account and set up your password.
      Select “Password Help” then “Reset Password” if you have forgotten your password. 

    •  Take the Canvas 101 tutorial course for a quick introduction to Canvas.

    • Contact eLearning at elearninghelp@btc.edu or call 360.752.8555 if you need help.

Jump to back to Sections List