Educators at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville believe it’s never too early to begin learning about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). That is why the SIUE Early Childhood Center (ECC) is taking part in hosting the First Annual STEAM Conference for educators of young children.
EEC and the Early Childhood Education Program in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior, in partnership with Children’s Home + Aid Child Care Resource + Referral (CCR+R) are presenting the conference from 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 in the Morris University Center.
“The conference gives us a great opportunity to showcase the exemplary early childhood programs we have at the University and the amazing resources the University has to offer educators,” said Rebecca Dabbs MacLean, ECC director and STEAM conference co-host.
The conference, according to the co-host conference director, SIUE Early Childhood professor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood, will be a great chance to display the University’s talented faculty. “The Early Childhood Center and Early Childhood Faculty have a long history of working together with science and young children,” Sherwood said. “This conference gives us the opportunity to broaden our focus and to bring in faculty from many departments to share their expertise.”
The conference will feature internationally recognized early childhood educator, Dr. Lilian Katz, as the keynote speaker. Katz, a professor emerita of Early Childhood Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will address the opportunities early childhood educators have to support children’s learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education. Katz will discuss some distinctions between academic and intellectual goals and their implications for early childhood pedagogy.
The conference includes multiple workshop sessions. “We are very proud,” MacLean said, “that we have brought together an exemplary group of educators to lead the breakout sessions.”
Some workshop titles include: Digital Technology in the Hands of Children, In STEAM Education “A” is for Arts; Engineering is Child’s Play; and Early Childhood Education and Sustainability – a Perfect Partnership.
Children’s author Jennifer Ward will provide closing remarks for the conference. Ward, a veteran nature writer, is the award-winning author of more than 20 books for children and parents, including the popular parenting book: “I Love Dirt! 52 Activities to Help Connect You and Your Kids Discover the Wonders of Nature.”
Following Ward’s remarks will be a tour of the SIUE Early Childhood Center, a networking reception and a book signing.
The conference cost is $35 per person and includes resources materials, lunch and an evening reception. To register, call (618) 650-2556 or visit STEAM Conference.
Learn more about the SIUE Early Childhood Center.