MHSA Spring Conference - Laying the Foundation for a Stronger Tomorrow : Full Schedule

Join Head Start family service workers, parents, teachers, directors, and partners as we convene in Western Maryland at the Wisp Resort to celebrate Head Start parents and learn and share strategies to lay and strengthen the foundation of families across the state.

REGISTER NOW

10:00am EDT

Frog Street Tour of Garrett County Head Start Programs

Come and enjoy Garrett County CAC classroom site tours featuring the following locations: Accident Developmental Learning Center, Grantsville Early Child Development Center, Friendsville Head Start/PreK, and Sunny Days Child Care. During the visits, attendees will have the opportunity to explore and observe the Frog Street Curriculum in use. The Tour bus will leave from the Wisp at 10am sharp and bring you back at noon.

Transportation seating is limited so sign up early. During the tour, Beth from Frog Street will be giving away prizes. We look forward to your visit!

Speakers

Frog Street

Territory Account Executive, Frog Street

Presenting Where's the Science at the MHSA Spring 2018 Conference!Stop by my booth at the conference!

Tuesday May 8, 2018 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Crawford

Crawford

5:30pm EDT

Early Registration

Tuesday May 8, 2018 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
McHenry Lodge

McHenry Lodge

6:30pm EDT

Networking Dinner and Live Concert with Brandon Williams

Join us for a fun, interactive concert with Early Childhood TLC. Brandon Williams and Daniel Carballal will perform songs from their first children's music album released in January 2018. Come experience children's music with a mainstreams sound you've never heard before.

You might find yourself reminiscing as you get down to familiar beats from the 80's such as "Push It" by Salt -n-Pepa and "Walk the Dinosaur" by Was (Not Was). You'll also experience a cool twist on the song "Watch Me" (Whip/Nae Nae) with something called the PreK Nae Nae.

As you can tell, this is a unique and modern twist on children's music. There will also be competitions and prize drawings!

Don't miss out!

Speakers

Brandon Williams

Early Childhood TLC

Tuesday May 8, 2018 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
McHenry Lodge

McHenry Lodge

7:30am EDT

Registration/Breakfast

Wednesday May 9, 2018 7:30am - 8:45am EDT
McHenry Lodge

McHenry Lodge

9:00am EDT

Opening Session

Wednesday May 9, 2018 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
McHenry Lodge

McHenry Lodge

9:45am EDT

The R in ERSEA

Limited Capacity seats available

Recruitment begins the process of maintaining full enrollment. This session offers an opportunity for participants to share and discuss successful recruitment strategies in a facilitated round‐table discussion. The session explores how grantees utilize the community assessment to guide decision making in identifying recruitment strategies.

Speakers

Mark Colaw

Grantee Specialist, Office Head Start Training and Technical Assistance

Mark has been a Grantee Specialist for over 6 years and has 24 years of experience as a Director in HS/EHS programs in WV and MD. Mark enjoys being a member of the Region III TTA Network team and supporting HS/EHS recipients in the development and implementation of program planning... Read More →

Bill Huebner

Grantee Specialist, OHS Region III TTA Network

Colette Sandzimier

Grantee Specialist, OHS Region III TTA Network

Wednesday May 9, 2018 9:45am - 11:15am EDT
Birch

Birch

9:45am EDT

Tracking Transitions

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Transitions can be tough, especially if children are asked to sit still and remain quiet while simply waiting. This session will demonstrate techniques to utilize transition times as an opportunity to reinforce current classroom topics. We’ll also discuss classroom management strategies for minimizing transitions throughout the daily routine.

Speakers

Brandon Williams

Early Childhood TLC

Wednesday May 9, 2018 9:45am - 11:15am EDT
McHenry Lodge

McHenry Lodge

9:45am EDT

Your Word, Your Bond: Accountability 101

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Accountability is a key indicator of professionalism for parents, educators and support staff. Professionalism requires time management, organization and dedication to responsibilities. Often, our many expectations can become overwhelming and we say Yes when we should say No or No when we should say Yes! Participants will learn to use tools effectively to keep their word and bond with children, colleagues and parents. This interactive session will include lecture, self‐assessment and reflection questions to equip all participants with the skills needed to be successful.

Speakers

Conrad Brian Law

CEO, Applied Learning Solutions LLC

Amina Jones Law

CEO, Childcare Management Solutions

I am committed to the field of Early Education. I have have served in many capacities such as Family Child Care Provider, Director, Legislative Lobbyist for children, Adviser to Military Early Care Programs, Adjunct College Instructor, Child Care Inspector, Owner of two child care... Read More →

Wednesday May 9, 2018 9:45am - 11:15am EDT
Whitewater

Whitewater

11:15am EDT

Lunch/General Membership Meeting

Speakers

Yvonne Bellamy

Operation.Manager, Maryland Head Start Assocation

Tavon Myers

President of the MHSA Board of Directors

Simeon Russell

Executive Officer, Maryland Head Start Association

Simeon Russell has more than 21 years’ experience working with children and families. He's worked in Head Start within Head Start for nine years; he's been the Executive Officer of the Maryland Head Start Association since 2016 and served Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action... Read More →

Wednesday May 9, 2018 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT
McHenry Lodge

McHenry Lodge

1:00pm EDT

Discovering the Hidden Treasure within Maryland Colleges and Universities

Limited Capacity seats available

This is an interactive workshop that will provide an overview of various college and university programs in Maryland and describe the roles of faculty members and how they can support Head Start programs. Participants will: 1) describe specific program needs, 2) identify potential academic programs that can help meet program needs, and 3) explore ways to create academic partnerships or strengthen existing partnerships.

Speakers

Kent Fuller

Graduate Assistant, Towson University

Laurencia Hutton_Rogers

Clinical Assistant Professor, Towson University

Wednesday May 9, 2018 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Birch

Birch

1:00pm EDT

The Road to I.E.P Success

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

A successful IEP/IFSP meeting combines practical explanations and interactive practice to help with navigating through the process from start to finish. The first part of the workshop will give the participants a chance to do a pre‐test to assess how much they know by using color-coded cards, with descriptors, on a roadmap. The presenters will have discussions with the participants about each step of the IEP/IFSP process. The next part of the workshop will allow each participant ask questions and then participate in a role play (volunteers will be requested). The goal of the workshop is to increase participant’s confidence and knowledgeable about the process so they will be able to advocate for any student that may require an IEP/IFSP.

Speakers

Sandy Harris

Special Education Consultant, Catholic Charities Head Start of Baltimore City

Sandy Harris, M.S. Ed., is a Special Education Consultant with Catholic Charities and Y Head Start programs in Baltimore City. She has been an Early Childhood Special Educator for 31 years. She completed a Certification of Advanced Graduate Studies at Johns Hopkins in 1999. Sandy... Read More →

Veronica Menefee

Special Education Consultant, Catholic Charities Head Start of Baltimore City

Wednesday May 9, 2018 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Morris

Morris

1:00pm EDT

Road to Financial Freedom: Building Budgets

Limited Capacity filling up

In this interactive workshop, participants will be instructed on how to create a basics budget. Participants will learn the difference between fixed and variable income and expenses. Using a budget worksheet, participants will begin to create a budget based on their income and expenses. Participants will learn how the importance of saving, balance a checking account and reviewing their credit report.

Speakers

Jim Harris

Wednesday May 9, 2018 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Whitewater

Whitewater

2:45pm EDT

Maryland Poison Center Home Safety

Limited Capacity seats available

Please join me at this MPC Home and Safety Workshop. I will provide you with the latest Maryland Poison Centers. Home Safety/Poison Prevention Information. According to the 2016 National Center for Health Statistics, poisoning was the leading cause of injury death in 2014. This workshop is designed to provide prevention education and tips to keep your home and environment safe. We will discuss the services offered by the MPC, explain how and why poisonings occur at home.

*MPC tip sheets, materials, brochures, magnets, MR. Yuk stickers, etc. will be provided along with how to order MPC Poison safety materials.

Speakers

Lisa Moran

Sr. Community Health Advocate, Priority Parnters MCO under John Hopkins Healthcare, LLC

Lisa Moran has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health Science with an emphasis in Health Promotion. Ms. Moran has over 7 years’ experience in presenting 26 health topics to the public in Western Maryland Counties with community outreach‐based groups. She assists... Read More →

Wednesday May 9, 2018 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
Birch

Birch

2:45pm EDT

Fostering Child's Math Development Through Play

Limited Capacity filling up

Children’s math skills at the start of formal schooling pave the way for their future success in school and later jobs. This means that the math‐related experiences children have before they start kindergarten provide an important foundation for their later success. Research shows that there are many ways that parents can provide their children with important math experiences at home. This workshop, appropriate for parents, teachers and staff, will provide an overview of the math skills young children need to know and ways that parents can foster these skills through fun engaging interactions with their children.

Speakers

Rebecca Dowling, Shari

UMBC, Psyc Department

Susan Sonnenschein

UMBC, Psyc Department

Wednesday May 9, 2018 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
Morris

Morris

2:45pm EDT

Exploring Social Emotional; Resources that Engage Families

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Exploring Social‐Emotional Resources that Engage Families: "During this interactive session, participants will explore the Positive Solutions materials/resources and learn how they connect them to the Pyramid Model, explore the Family Connections materials/resources and learn how the materials can support them in engaging families, and become familiar with PFCE resources on ECLKC that support parent and family engagement.

Speakers

Deb Krotec

Early Childhood Specialist, OHS Region III TTA Network

Deb has over 35 years of experience in early childhood and family services, including 18 years working directly with Head Start programs. Her work with Head Start programs includes staff development, supervision and program management. Deb has worked as a teacher and child care center... Read More →

Wednesday May 9, 2018 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
Whitewater

Whitewater

6:00pm EDT

Mixer in the Crawford

Wednesday May 9, 2018 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
McHenry Lodge

McHenry Lodge

7:30am EDT

Registration/Breakfast

Thursday May 10, 2018 7:30am - 8:00am EDT
McHenry Lodge

McHenry Lodge

8:00am EDT

Greetings

Thursday May 10, 2018 8:00am - 8:20am EDT
McHenry Lodge

McHenry Lodge

8:30am EDT

Emergency Preparedness

Limited Capacity filling up

Interactive workshop where participants will learn about the types of emergencies typically seen as well as emergency situations child and families may experience in their communities. Participants will be introduced to the Emergency Preparedness model as they explore their roles and will have the opportunity to share strategies used and community resources to support programs in responding to emergencies.

Speakers

Toussaint Morgan

Health Specialist, OHS Region III TTA Network

Toussaint Morgan is an experienced Health System Specialist with over 25 years’experience. He is an advocate for health and wellness. Presently serves as Region 3 Head Start HealthSpecialist for Head Start programs in DC, MD, VA, WVA, DE, and PA.

Thursday May 10, 2018 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Morris

Morris

8:30am EDT

Healthy Foods and Physical Activities (Part of I AM Moving I AM Learning)

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Part of the I am Moving; I am Learning program, this high energy hands-on training is full of ideas and resources on physical activity and healthy food choices that you can include in your early childhood programs. Help parents learn the importance of movement for young children and understand their role in modeling an active lifestyle. This session will include creative techniques which enable parents to incorporate movement opportunities at home, using materials on‐hand and in limited space.

Speakers

Crystal Ey

Educational Director, LiteBrite, LLC.

Crystal Ey is President and Executive Director of LiteBrite LLC, an MSDE approved training and consulting company. At the corner stone of Crystal’s passion for providing the highest quality professional development, is her dedication to children and families. Ms. Ey is a graduate... Read More →

Sheila George

Trainer, LiteBrite LLC

Sheila George, an Educational Trainer for Lite Brite, LLC, graduated from Millersville University with a degree in Education. She has worked as a home care provider, a preschool teacher, and director, a before and after school group leader, a director, and coordinator. Sheila has... Read More →

Thursday May 10, 2018 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Whitewater

Whitewater

9:00am EDT

Doing the Data Dance

Limited Capacity seats available

This session utilizes the ECLKC interactive learning module, "Data in HS/EHS: Creating a Culture that Embraces Data" to engage participants in a facilitated discussion on data management. The module includes a mixture of practical scenarios, real‐life examples from the field, and tools and templates. All will assist participants in planning for and implementing effective data use.

Speakers

Mark Colaw

Grantee Specialist, Office Head Start Training and Technical Assistance

Bill Huebner

Grantee Specialist, OHS Region III TTA Network

Colette Sandzimier

Grantee Specialist, OHS Region III TTA Network

Thursday May 10, 2018 9:00am - 11:45am EDT
Birch

Birch

10:15am EDT

Understanding the Social and Emotional Development in Infants and Toddlers

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Participants will explore what research tells us about how interactions with infants and toddlers directly impact their social-emotional development. Participants will also consider how they can support the individual needs of infants and toddlers in their care to positively impact their social-emotional development.

Speakers

Angela Jones

Early Childhood Specialist, OHS Region III TTA Network

Thursday May 10, 2018 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
Morris

Morris

10:15am EDT

2-Generation Approach to Services

Limited Capacity seats available

In this fun, interactive session, we'll challenge your perceptions about the nature of poverty and what can be done to disrupt its cycle. The 2-generation approach is a new approach for providing services and programs that help to bundle needed services and foster successful family outcomes. This approach continues to garner interest and momentum in Maryland and across the nation. Allegany Human Resources Development Commission and Garrett County Community Action Committee have been pioneering the 2‐generation approach which allows families to create their pathway to achievement based upon their strengths and aspirational goals. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how this multi‐generational approach has been implemented in western Maryland and how a family’s progress and outcomes are measured and tracked.

Speakers

Wendolyn McKenzie

Executive Director, Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission

Wendolyn McKenzie is the Executive Director of Allegany HRDC. Her career at HRDC began 17 years ago and over that time period she has worked as a front line case manager/coach, Family Services Manager, Assistant Director for the Head Start/Early Head Start Program, and most recently... Read More →

Barbara Miller

Vice President of Family Economic Security, Garrett County Community Action Committee

Barbara Miller is currently serving as the Vice President of Family Economic Security at Garrett County Community Action. She has been a part of the Community Action network for 20 years working in several capacities throughout Region 3. From 2012‐13 she was employed at the... Read More →

Thursday May 10, 2018 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
Whitewater

Whitewater

11:45am EDT

Keynote Speaker/Lunch

Current NFL Player and Head Start alumni Shamiel Gary will speak to us about his journey to reach his dream to play in the NFL. It is sure to be an inspirational and motivational event.

Shamiels Mission
To creatively inspire the world – rich or poor, old or young, marginalized or famed – to overcome life’s many adversities and realize their dreams are meant to empower others.
Core Values:

Confidence – You have to believe in yourself to succeed.
Creativity – No idea is a bad idea. Think outside the box.
Integrity – Do what is right when no one is looking.
Service- Go the extra mile for someone without expecting anything in return.
Love – Build relationships that stand with one another regardless of the circumstance.

Speakers

Barbara Baker

Shamiel Gary

Shamiel Gary is an inspirational NFL player committed to investing in the next generation through public speaking and community service. When he’s not playing on the field or speaking to auditoriums of students, Shamiel spends his time as an entrepreneur focused on real estate and... Read More →

Penny Proudfoot

Thursday May 10, 2018 11:45am - 1:00pm EDT
McHenry Lodge

McHenry Lodge

1:15pm EDT

Transitioning to Kindergarten

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

This workshop was designed to create a clearer understanding of the transitioning process and identify ways to make transitioning to community or choice schools smoother.

Speakers

Dipali Jani

Classroom Teacher, Catholic Charities Head Start of Baltimore City

Gail Thomas

Classroom Teacher, Catholic Charities Head Start of Baltimore City

Thursday May 10, 2018 1:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
Birch

Birch

1:15pm EDT

Health Managers Network

Limited Capacity seats available

Interactive Workshop where participants will discover health-related networking models and opportunities that are available to support professional development and the delivery of quality health services. Additionally, they will explore and evaluate some successful models and can consider developing a model within Maryland.

Speakers

Toussaint Morgan

Health Specialist, OHS Region III TTA Network

Thursday May 10, 2018 1:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
Morris

Morris

1:15pm EDT

I am a Champion Hear Me Roar: Leadership Training

Limited Capacity filling up

This workshop will empower participants to enhance leadership skills, strengthen confidence and support communication skills for the success of early care professionals in and out of the classroom. Participants are welcome to attend regardless of your experience in the field. Leadership skills, Confidence building skills, Communication skills and Champion skills will be addressed for personal and career development. This workshop will include lecture and interactive activities. All are invited to participate in the ROAR!

Speakers

Conrad Brian Law

CEO, Applied Learning Solutions LLC

Amina Jones Law

CEO, Childcare Management Solutions

Thursday May 10, 2018 1:15pm - 4:30pm EDT
Whitewater

Whitewater

3:00pm EDT

STEM: Exploring Science in the Classroom

Limited Capacity filling up

Why does the spider wash out of the spout? How is your thumbprint unique? How can you make frog eggs? What is friction? Answer these questions and much more working through several Earth, Physical and Life Science activities. You will be thoroughly engaged and discuss take‐home ideas for new science activities for your classroom. In this workshop, we will also explore appropriate children's literature to support science concepts.

Speakers

Frog Street

Territory Account Executive, Frog Street

Presenting Where's the Science at the MHSA Spring 2018 Conference!Stop by my booth at the conference!

Thursday May 10, 2018 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Birch

Birch

3:00pm EDT

Is it Behavior or is it Sensory

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Is it behavior or is it sensory? Join us to take a deeper dive into how sensory processing and the vestibular system are connected. Learn how this fascinating body system that controls such functions as balance and movement are connected to sensory stimulation. Engage in sensory activities that both promote and stabilize this important body system in all ages from infant to school age.

Speakers

Crystal Ey

Educational Director, LiteBrite, LLC.

Sheila George

Trainer, LiteBrite LLC

Thursday May 10, 2018 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Morris

Morris

4:45pm EDT

Team Challenge - Bit By Bit Computer Technology Scavenger Hunt

Thursday May 10, 2018 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
Birch

Birch

4:45pm EDT

Team Challenge - Wisp Escape Games (Escape Room)

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Thursday May 10, 2018 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
McHenry Lodge

McHenry Lodge

4:45pm EDT

Be Bold, Plan Big Vision Boards

Thursday May 10, 2018 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
Morris

Morris

6:30pm EDT

Game Night

Thursday May 10, 2018 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
McHenry Lodge

McHenry Lodge

7:30am EDT

Registration/Breakfast

Friday May 11, 2018 7:30am - 8:15am EDT
McHenry Lodge

McHenry Lodge

8:45am EDT

Team Challenge - Wisp Escape Games (Escape Room)

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Friday May 11, 2018 8:45am - 10:15am EDT
Birch

Birch

8:45am EDT

Team Challenge - Tim Battle Homes Scavenger Hunt

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Friday May 11, 2018 8:45am - 10:15am EDT
Morris

Morris

8:45am EDT

Be Bold, Plan Big Vision Boards

Limited Capacity seats available

Friday May 11, 2018 8:45am - 10:15am EDT
Whitewater

Whitewater

10:30am EDT

Maryland EXCELS: The Importance of Quality

Limited Capacity seats available

This training will identify how transitioning families can use Maryland EXCELS as a resource in finding and choosing quality programs. This workshop will provide participants with an overview of Maryland EXCELS and the importance of Quality Rating and Improvement Systems. The training will define quality care and education, and outline how Maryland EXCELS can be used as a pathway to program improvement and increased quality.

Speakers

Darlene Schmidt

Quality Assurance Specialist, Alleghany, Garrett, and Washington County, Maryland State Department of Education-Office of Child Care-Maryland EXCELS

Jena Valle Smith

Quality Assurance Supervisor, Maryland State Department of Education-Office of Child Care-Maryland EXCELS

Friday May 11, 2018 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Birch

Birch

10:30am EDT

Cultivating the Genius in All Children

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

As parents, educators and support staff, we interact with children almost every day, but do we know how to find the “Genius” in each child? Participants will learn a fresh approach to high-quality educational experiences that help them to identify the genius potential of every child. This workshop will examine strategies to achieve and promote cognitive, social and emotional growth and development. The workshop will include ideas and tools that encourage meaningful conversations, supportive encouragement, parent‐engagement and connecting theory to real life experiences. This is an interactive workshop and includes lecture, role play, assessments and active participation.

Speakers

Conrad Brian Law

CEO, Applied Learning Solutions LLC

Amina Jones Law

CEO, Childcare Management Solutions

Friday May 11, 2018 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
McHenry Lodge

McHenry Lodge

10:30am EDT

Home Safety

Limited Capacity seats available

An interactive workshop in which participants will explore the safety hazards that may be present in homes, discuss prevention strategies, and learn about tools and resources that are available to support families to ensure their homes are safe.

Speakers

Toussaint Morgan

Health Specialist, OHS Region III TTA Network

Friday May 11, 2018 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Morris

Morris

10:30am EDT

Fathers of Children with Disabilities: ODD Man Out

Limited Capacity seats available

Although many early childhood programs recognize the importance of father involvement and its potential to positively shape young children, especially children with disabilities, fathers and father figures continue to be 'left out' of conversations and activities pertaining to their children. In this session, participants will discuss the barriers that often inhibit father involvement and will brainstorm ways to break down those barriers. Participants will have the chance to view their own practices through the lens of the Head Start Birth to Five Father Engagement Guide, highlighting successful examples of the guide in practice.

Speakers

Amy K. Noggle, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor and Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator, Towson University

Friday May 11, 2018 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Whitewater

Whitewater

12:00pm EDT

Parent of the Year Celebration

Speakers

McHenry Lodge