Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) experts will participate at the 2022 First 1,000 Days Early Head Start Conference, August 1–3, at the New York New York Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Our presentations will focus on supporting dual language learners and creating strong care teacher-family alliances.
Region 9 Head Start gathers annually to challenge, enable, and celebrate the work of early childhood professionals around the country. This year’s theme is Resilient Together, Responsive Together, Rebuilding Together.
Attend our sessions and learn about PITC resources and services, and the recently published PITC Curriculum (excerpts will be available at the PITC Exhibit Booth #224).
Monday, August 1
Supporting Infant/Toddler Dual Language Learners
Time: 1:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m. (Pacific)
Presenters: Consuelo Espinosa and Paulina Escamill-Vestal
Participants will:
- Reflect on how different cultures have different, yet equally valid, communication styles that should be recognized and honored
- Examine how childcare in the child’s home language supports the child’s ability to communicate and identify with family members
- Explain how a positive cultural identity provides the child with an important sense of self and family belonging that supports a wide range of learning capabilities
- Become aware of the consequences of children losing their home language and losing connections with their culture, values, and traditions
Wednesday, August 3
Creating Connections Between Home and Program: Partnerships with Families and Culturally Sensitive Care
Time: 11:00 a.m.– 12:30 p.m (Pacific)
Presenters: Arlene Paxton and Amber Morabito
A strong care teacher-family alliance creates harmony for a child between home and the program, which helps the child develop trust in the care teacher and a positive sense of identity. Participants attending this session will have an opportunity to review the impact of protective urges, explore the three caregiver qualities that parents identify as most important, and become familiar with the PITC Acknowledge-Ask-Adapt process to create positive relationships with families and learning that respects each child’s developing abilities, individual strengths and needs, family culture(s), and language(s).