WestEd’s Ashley Chavez, Adele Cruz, and Tracy Johnson with the Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) will present at the 2023 California Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference & Expo at the Pasadena Convention Center, April 21 through April 23, in Santa Clara, California.
The Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) is a comprehensive training system that promotes responsive, caring relationships for infants and toddlers. It employs evidence-based training materials and strategies for the early education field.
PITC’s infant/toddler care experts will present two sessions. One will focus on the importance of supporting young children’s connection with nature through play and exploration. Another will address the unique needs of older toddlers in a group care settings. Read the full descriptions in the presentation list below.
Be sure to visit us in the CAAEYC Exhibit Hall at booth #307 to meet PITC experts Arlene Paxton, Consuelo Espinosa, and Amy Kaiser to learn more about our work.
Exhibit Hours:
- Friday, April 21: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (PT)
- Saturday, April 22: 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (PT)
- Sunday, April 23: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (PT)
WestEd Presentations
Saturday, April 22
Title: Supporting Infant’s and Toddler’s Connection with the Natural World
Time & Location: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (PT) / GB, Salon C, Marriott Santa Clara
Presenters: Tracy Johnson
This workshop will focus on the importance of supporting the very young child’s connection with nature. Current research will be shared supporting the connection between nature play/exploration and the overall health and well-being of infants and toddlers. Strategies to remove barriers to getting infants and toddlers outside will be shared as well as innovative ideas for engaging very young children in nature exploration indoors, outdoors and in all types of weather. Innovative ideas for low-cost/no-cost natural materials and equipment will be discussed. This workshop is appropriate for all audiences – beginning, intermediate or advanced; with a strong focus on those working with children 0–36 months.
Sunday, April 23
Title: New to Twos? Understanding and Responding to the Unique Needs of Older Toddlers in a Group Care Setting
Time & Location: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (PT) / Seattle, Marriott Santa Clara
Presenters: Ashley Chavez and Adele Cruz
As the early childhood field adapts to new Universal Pre-Kindergarten implementation across the state, many programs are enrolling two year-olds to their programs for the first time. Navigating the uncharted territory of older toddler behavior can be intimidating and overwhelming for staff who are new to the age group. This session will provide teachers with the knowledge and tools to welcome two year-olds to their programs with confidence. Join us to explore the importance of relationships in understanding and supporting behavior; become familiar with possible causes of behavior; and identify developmentally appropriate and responsive strategies to address the behavior of older toddlers in the group care setting.
Email Danny Torres, Associate Director of Events and Digital Media, for more information.