GET READY FOR THE 2003 UMBRELLA CONFERENCE!!!!

Umbrella's 18th Annual Conference
for early childhood educators and the child care profession

Umbrella - 25 years of Service to the Child Care Community

Saturday March 1, 2003

Silent Auction!
Child Care Displays
19 Workshops to Choose From
Register early!  Workshops fill up very fast !
Keynote Speaker: Shelley Martel, MPP for Nickel Belt and NDP Critic for Children and Youth

Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute, 3663 Danforth Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario M1N 2G2

Keynote begins at 9:00 a.m.

Call Umbrella at 416-686-9869 or e-mail director@umbrelladaycare.com for a registration form or for more information.

(Click here to see last years Conference.)

MORNING WORKSHOPS

(M1) CLUBS AND ADVENTURES FOR SCHOOL AGE
School age children LOVE clubs and adventures. Clubs build skills and enhance knowledge which is one reason why they are a hit with school age children. How are they implemented? Participants will have an opportunity to participate in a “SPARK” activity which motivates children to become interested in a club. Participants will leave this workshop with a large selection of club and adventure ideas. This workshop includes group brainstorming, specific about how to implement clubs and adventures, as well as some “hands on” experience.

HOLLY GERRITS has been the Program Administrator for the London School Age Program for 14 years. She currently oversees the operation of 62 before and after school programs in London. She developed the curriculum for the “School Age Child Care Post Diploma Certificate” courses at Fanshawe College and is currently teaching these courses through continuing education.

(M2) TODDLER SENSORY AND CREATIVE EXPERIENCES
After a review of child development theory, the participants will experience hands-on opportunities to experiment with materials that may be used in a toddler or junior pre-school program. Process, not product, will be stressed. An extensive list of ideas and resources will be supplied.
NANCY GLOVER is an experienced workshop presenter and a certified E.C.E. with over 15 years experience as a parent-child drop-in coordinator, co-op nursery school teacher, day care teacher and family resource centre program/resource coordinator. 

ALL DAY WORKSHOP FOR SUPERVISORS AND ASSISTANT SUPERVISORS
(M3) “PARDON ME – WE HAVE TO HAVE A CURRICULUM TOO?”
A full day workshop for supervisors and assistant supervisors to explore all aspects of the curriculum your centre could provide.
Morning Session: We’ll start with the assessments you need to do with staff and parents. We’ll touch on the basics of the Metro criteria, and how you keep it going effortlessly. By the end of the morning you should have a vision of what your program could look like. The afternoon will be spent exploring aspects of several popular curriculum models: Montessori, High/Scope, Reggio Emilia, Developmentally Appropriate, Early Academics and Multiage Grouping that would work for your setting. Finally a word about the money and the effort involved. Lots of take away resources and group discussions.
PAT CAMPBELL has taught “Supervision and Staff Development” in the Day Care Management program at George Brown College for the past 6 years. As a therapist, early childhood and family life educator, she has designed and supervised programs for children and families in daycare, family resource centres, schools and hospitals. Currently Pat teaches 3 courses in the Daycare Management Certificate at George Brown College and runs her own consulting firm “Caregiver Care’ which delivers on-site training to childcare staff and boards. She believes passionately in the importance of a good early childhood education and the saving graces of a sense of humour.

(M4) SIGN LANGUAGE FOR PRESCHOOLERS
Come and uncover the benefits of Sign Language for hearing children. Discover fun and interactive ways to incorporate Signed English in your preschool classroom. By learning signed words, names, and the alphabet, you will discover how Sign Language can improve hearing children’s listening, attention, language, and fine-motor development. Participants will have the opportunity to explore how to incorporate Sign Language throughout their preschool programs such as circle, transitions, and learning experiences. You will actively learn signs for familiar songs and games. This workshop will give you a foundation to further develop your sign vocabulary. Participants will also receive resources to take with you at the end of the workshop.
Karen Monaghan’s passion for teaching young children and her interests have led her to pursue a degree in Drama in Education, an ECE, and training in Sign Language and puppetry.  She has discovered many benefits in using Sign Language with hearing children and has presented workshops in Sign Language to ECE’s and students.

(M5) SECRETS OF DISCIPLINE
Are you tired of bargaining with children just to get a little cooperation? Are you frustrated by their lack of respect? Ron Morrish’s presentation will provide you with many practical strategies for teaching children to be responsible and co-operative. You will learn how to discipline without all the deal-making, the arguments, and the confrontations. (If you haven’t been able to attend this terrific workshop in the past, don’t miss your opportunity this year!).
RON MORRISH has been an educator and behaviour consultant since 1972. His first book, 'Secrets of Discipline', was also produced in video format. His latest book, 'With All Due Respect', focuses on the keys for improving school discipline. And he has just released a “mini-book” called 'Flip Tips'. Ron’s presentations and workshops have helped countless parents and teachers improve their skills for raising responsible children.

(M6) MARKETING STRATEGIES TO KEEP YOUR WONDERFUL CENTRE FULL
Is your centre a place for growth? It could be! This workshop will help you find marketing strategies to meet the many challenges that you face in making your centre the best it can be. We will discuss ways to help keep your centre exciting and consistently full by exploring practical everyday marketing techniques. Lots of discussion, samples and handouts.
BIRGIT STEVENS is the Membership Coordinator for Umbrella Central Day Care Services. She has worked in the ECE field for 20 years and has been a Director of one of the Umbrella centres.

(M7) STEP RIGHT UP!  THE YOU-DON’T-HAVE-TO-BE-A-DANCER-TO-TEACH-DANCE WORKSHOP!
This session will give teachers a base of direction/communication games and rhythmic activities to introduce children to the world of dance. Participants go on to learn some simple folk and popular dances to share with toddlers or school-agers, a tangible connection to other cultures, with benefits that range from self-esteem and body confidence, physical strength and conditioning, cooperation and communication, to content integration with surprising subjects such as math and science. And all without the impediment of a steep learning curve - a lively, interactive dance experience!
PAT BEAVEN has been an ECE for over 20 years and has worked extensively in dance and theatre as a performer and teacher. She regularly leads workshops and seminars, and teaches currently for Arts Express.

(M8) SCRAPBOOKING
This workshop will teach you about the materials you need to create safe, meaningful, and affordable photo albums. You will learn about photo-safe preservation, how to store, and organize pictures and negatives, and creative techniques for putting together keepsake photo albums. In the hands-on portion of the workshop, you will create an album page using your own photos. You will also learn how creating albums can help children to develop early literacy skills, and how it can help build self-esteem and confidence. Participants will need to bring 8-10 photos to the workshop.
Chalette Kulin has been a Creative Memories consultant for the past 2 ½ years.  She has taught many people how to safely preserve their family photos and memories.  She is currently completing her MA in Child Study and Education at the Institute of Child Study at OISE.

(M9) BEYOND “USE YOUR WORDS” – CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR PRESCHOOLERS. THE NEXT LEVEL
Together we will explore practical guidelines, examples and theoretical rationale for conflict resolutions that work.  This interactive workshop has been revised to include new and exciting material and information.  Children are our future decision makers.  Learn how you can make a difference and help shape our leaders of tomorrow.
TRICIA DUMAIS is an ECE with 10 years in the field. She is a Senior Kindergarten teacher at Mooredale.

(M10) STRATEGIES FOR INCLUDING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SETTINGS
This workshop will examine a cross-section of special needs which are frequently found in children in early childhood programs. Realistic strategies for inclusion will be presented and discussed. Ample time will be given to explore and problem solve around specific questions and concerns which attendees are encountering.
CAROL PAASCHE, M.ED. was a Professor and Coordinator of Early Childhood Education at Seneca College for 30 years. She is the author of 2 books on Children with Special Needs. For the last 5 years she has been doing parent and child counseling, as well as consulting to early childhood centres.

AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

(A1) THE ANSWER TO CHILDHOOD OBESITY: FUN-FIT CHILDREN
Health experts have been aware of the trend in increased child obesity and diseases relating to obesity for at least twenty years. The medical community recently labelled it an “epidemic” and Health Minister Anne McLellan was “shocked” that “we are a nation, or becoming a nation of obese people.” The question is: with all the hoopla, where are the bona fide fitness initiatives backed by substantial money and resources? Fun-Fit Kids offers simple, inexpensive and fun ways to involve children in cardio-vascular fitness activities.
DAVID TOMAS has taught over 6,000 fitness and lifestyle classes to approximately 25,000 children since 1990. His unique “Wellness Curriculum” includes Infant Massage, Play/Touch Therapy, Aerobic Nursery Rhymes, “Adventurobics” and “I’m Original”, a 22 minute Aerobic rock music video. He has recently produced a book called 'The Heart of the Turn' which contains over 90 choreographed events, a detailed explanation of his wellness curriculum and ways to incorporate it into your organization.

(A2)  "MY ROOM IS TOO COOL FOR MY SCHOOL-AGERS!” SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMMING.
Programming your attitude as a teacher. Defining areas in your classroom. Getting the best out of your program sheets. Clubs to incorporate. Interests that promote age-appropriate activities. Participants should bring a copy of their program plans.
PAUL CONSTANT has been in the child care profession for 13 years. He has presented workshops with the Creche and is currently a coordinator at St. Lawrence Co-Op Daycare (School Age site).

ALL DAY WORKSHOP FOR SUPERVISORS AND ASSISTANT SUPERVISORS
(A3) “PARDON ME – WE HAVE TO HAVE A CURRICULUM TOO?”
A full day workshop for supervisors and assistant supervisors to explore all aspects of the curriculum your centre could provide.
Afternoon Session: The afternoon will be spent exploring aspects of several popular curriculum models: Montessori, High/Scope, Reggio Emilia, Developmentally Appropriate, Early Academics and Multiage Grouping that would work for your setting. Finally the money and the effort involved. Lots of take away resources and group discussions.
PAT CAMPBELL has taught “Supervision and Staff Development” in the Day Care Management program at George Brown College for the past 6 years. As a therapist, early childhood and family life educator, she has designed and supervised programs for children and families in daycare, family resource centres, schools and hospitals. Currently Pat teaches 3 courses in the Daycare Management Certificate at George Brown College and runs her own consulting firm “Caregiver Care’ which delivers on-site training to childcare staff and boards. She believes passionately in the importance of a good early childhood education and the saving grace of a sense of humour.

(A4) CONFLICT MANAGEMENT FOR ADULT INTERACTIONS
Conflict situations seem to be occurring more frequently. It is no longer sufficient to be skilled in your interactions with the children and the program you offer them. In order to be an effective early childhood educator you need a variety of skills in working with adults (both parents and colleagues), including dealing effectively with conflict.
In this interactive workshop we will discuss dealing effectively with conflict situations. At the end of this workshop participants can expect to have more clarity about their role, both in the conflict and its management. In addition participants will have some tools for increasing their abilities and confidence in this often challenging area of adult interactions.
ANNE MACIVER is an Early Childhood Educator with more than 20 years in the field. She has a full time management position in child care as well as teaching part time at Centennial College and leading workshops in a variety of topics.

(A5) EMPLOYMENT ISSUES
"Dismissal - What is Just Cause?” Documentation, warnings, severance, employee rights and employer rights. Also maternity, pregnancy and parental leave - changes to pregnancy or parental leave. Rights and reinstatement after pregnancy.
SIMMONE PHILLIPS is currently the Executive Director at the St. Lawrence Daycare. She has 14 years experience and teaches part time at Ryerson in the Con-Ed E.C.E. Program.

(A6) ADVENTURES IN PEACEMAKING – HOLLY GERRITS, LONDON SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM
Participants will learn how to initiate a “social contract” with older school age children and create a “peaceable being” with the younger school age children, as tools for involving children in developing and following the expectations of the school age program. In addition, the participants will discuss prevention, intervention, and invention methods for responding to conflicts. There is also an opportunity for the participants to share ideas for building a sense of community within the school age program and setting up a “peace place” in the program room.
HOLLY GERRITS has been the Program Administrator for the London School Age Program for 14 years. She currently oversees the operation of 62 before and after school programs in London. She developed the curriculum for the “School Age Child Care Post Diploma Certificate” courses at Fanshawe College and is currently teaching these courses through continuing education.

(A7) BULLYING AND PEER ABUSE
This workshop addresses the issue of bullying and peer abuse by children and youth. Proactive anti-bullying intervention strategies for children, parents and staff are explored. Through the use of case studies, video and discussion, participants will strengthen their capacity to respond effectively to bullying.
rimer@tcac.on.ca is the Manager of the Public Education & Training Department at the Toronto Child Abuse Centre. She designs and conducts training for community service providers across Canada. Pearl has dedicated over 18 years to the fields of child care and children’s mental health as a consultant, instructor, trainer and research coordinator. She co-authored the book 'Reaching Out: Working Together to Identify and Respond to Child Victims of Abuse'. She was the recipient of the 1997 Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute Citizen of the Year Award.

(A8) COMPUTERS IN CHILD CARE
Everywhere we look we see computers. Are you aware that more parents are requesting computer education for their young children and many are looking to day cares for this service? Come and experience everything you need to give your centre a taste of technology. We will help you determine what computer(s) to buy, explore the programs to put on it, and give strategies to effectively utilize the equipment you own.
MOE SCOTT holds a degree in education and is a specialist in computers in education. He is currently a provincial teacher trainer for the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, and a past president of a provincial computing organization. He has worked in the daycare system and taught in the school system. He is also the Founder and CEO of Epoch Mentoring.

(A9) EMPOWERING CHILDREN - REJUVENATING YOU!
Do you use a thematic approach to teaching? Are you lacking enthusiasm in the classroom? Are you interested in exploring a method of teaching preschoolers that could change your life and that of the children and families in your care? Join us as we share how we increased enthusiasm and family involvement while empowering children and rejuvenating ourselves as teachers.
TRICIA DUMAIS is an ECE with 10 years in the field. She is a Senior Kindergarten teacher at Mooredale.
LIBBY KENNEDY is an ECE and is a Senior Preschool teacher at Sunnybrook Creche.

TO REGISTER, FAX OR MAIL US THE FOLLOWING FORM
You may also email us with your selection(s) to  director@umbrelladaycare.com

OR

Click here for the Conference Registration form in Adobe Acrobat format

You will require Adobe Acrobat Reader  to access the form which can be acquired here.
If you already have Acrobat on your system we recommend that you do not re-download it.

Yes!  I want to attend the Umbrella Conference on March 1, 2003!
(Lunch included)

GROUP DISCOUNTS: Register 5 staff, directors or parents from the same
centre for the conference and a sixth comes free!!!

Conference subsidies are available to Umbrella members outside the GTA to help defer travel and accommodation costs.