Rooted in Play: The Power of Place

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be eligible for a scholarship to pay registration expenses for this conference. Since we are paying 100% of registration, lodging will not be covered. This program is funded by Illinois Department of Human Services. You must:

• Work in a licensed family childcare home or private, center-based program.
• Reside or work in the following counties of Illinois: Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, White, Williamson.

Please complete the application sections highlighted in yellow. Completed applications may be dropped off at CCR&R to the attention of Nina Wargel, or email to her at ninawargel@jalc.edu.

CCR&R Rooted In Play Individual Professional Development Funds Application 2024

Once you submit your Professional Development Fund application to CCR&R, and it is approved, CCR&R will send a coupon code to use when registering for the conference.
Applications are due in the John A Logan College CCR&R office by April 15.

Professionals who are Public School Educators from Early Childhood Special Education or Pre-Kindergarten programs who teach or provide services to children ages three through five with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), can apply for the professional development Fellowship of $250 per grant year. See STARNET IV application for further details.

To apply for the STARNET PD Fellowship, you must complete both of the following:

• 1. STARNET IV application
• 2. Rooted in Play: The Power of Place registration form.

Submit both forms to dhenry@sccroe50.org. Follow the directions on the STARNET IV application form to complete your application process.

Once your application is approved, you will be sent a code for registration on the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center registration page. When registering for the conference, choose option “Pay with PO.”

Keynote Speakers

Sheila Williams-Ridge

Sheila Williams-Ridge is the mother of four and the Director of the University of Minnesota Child Development Laboratory School. She has an EdD in Education Leadership, an MA in Education, and a BA in Biology. Sheila teaches courses at the University of Minnesota and Hamline University including Nature-Based Learning in Early Childhood, A Sense of Wonder, Equity and Inclusion in Environmental Education, and Student Teaching Seminar in Early Childhood. She is also co-author of the book, Nature-Based Learning for Young Children: Anytime, Anywhere, on Any Budget, published by Redleaf Press, and several other publications on nature-based learning. She is passionate about encouraging nature-based play and the lasting developmental benefits of a relationship between children and nature.

Margie Cooper

Margie Cooper has been seeking insight and influencing change in American education since her early years as an elementary school teacher in Ohio. After obtaining an M.Ed. in early childhood education, she served as administrator and lead teacher at Wright State University’s early learning laboratory school. While working there, she earned a second M.Ed. in administration and supervision. She eventually earned a PhD in Early Childhood Education from Ohio State University.

As a founding board member of the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA), she brings her passion for the well-being of young children, families, educators, and communities to her roles. In addition to her work as an elementary and preschool educator, Margie has been a preschool co-director, an adjunct professor, an author, and a volunteer in various projects and organizations. She first studied in Reggio Emilia, Italy in 1991, and in the decades since, she has returned to Reggio Emilia nearly annually. She is responsible for the NAREA office, serves as co-representative of NAREA in the Reggio Emilia International Network, and is a founding board member of Fondazione Reggio Children. She is also the founder of Inspired Practices in Early Education, a not-for-profit organization; through Inspired Practices, Margie established Project Infinity, a longstanding collaboration among schools that are inspired by Reggio Emilia.

Spotlight Speakers

Jennifer Rosinia

Jennifer Rosinia is an Occupational Therapist and Child Development Specialist. A master clinician and a gifted teacher, Dr. Rosinia has taken a stand for the body specifically the ways in which the neurobiological systems impact relationships, development, and learning. Areas of specialization include sensory processing, the stress response system, adverse childhood experiences and the ways in which experiences in and with nature impact development. Dr. Rosinia is on faculty at the Erikson Institute. Jennifer has a growing national reputation as a powerful speaker and consultant. Dr. Rosinia brings a healthy balance of humor, passion, and expertise to all of her presentations. She is the president of Kid Links Unlimited, Incorporated a company whose mission is to link theory to practice, parents with professionals and kids with their optimal potential.

Friday, May 3, 2024

• Morning
• Afternoon

Saturday, May 4, 2024

• Morning
• Afternoon