SXU hosts childhood development conference on March 4

Conference targets five areas of early development

Chicago (Jan. 28, 2009) Saint Xavier University will host a childhood development conference for parents, caregivers and professionals from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4 at Saint Xavier’s Orland Park Campus, 18230 Orland Parkway.

“Early Childhood Today: Nurturing Futures and Building Foundations” will host several sessions for parents, caregivers and professionals who shape the lives of children ages birth to eight.

The sessions focus on several themes, including speech and language; social and emotional; early literacy accommodations and developmental supports; and health and wellness.

Scheduled sessions include “Language and the Brain,” “Wee Read!” “Fitness Activities for Little Ones,” “A Day Without Don’ts,” and “Munchkins in Techland.”

“It is a pleasure to offer this conference to our early childhood community,” STAR NET Region VI Project Director Marlene Christ said. “Working with Saint Xavier University and Tinley Park Community School District 146 gave us a great opportunity to utilize the talent and expertise in south suburban Cook County for finding informative presenters and interesting topics.”

Other co-sponsors include: SSAEYC, Speed Cooperative, Good Shepherd Center and Early Intervention Training Program.

STAR NET is an approved provider for Continuing Professional Development Units through the Illinois State Board of Education and continuing education for speech-language pathologists, social workers, occupational therapists and physical therapists through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulations.

All participants must register online at www.sxu.edu, keyword: StarNet. On-site and phone registration is not allowed, and seating is limited. Childcare is not available at the conference. Registration costs $35 and includes session materials, continental breakfast and lunch. Sign-in begins at 8 a.m. the day of the conference.

Families with special needs children up to eight years old may apply for a reimbursement stipend by visiting STAR NET’s Web site at www.swcccase.org/starnet or calling (708) 342-5370.

For more information about the conference, please contact Christ at (708) 342-5370. For session descriptions and registration, please visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: StarNet.

-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Rick Ducat
773-298-3325 or ducat@sxu.edu