Event assembles childhood development experts for parents, educators and children
CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Museum Center recognizes how crucial early childhood development is and the impact that open-ended, hands-on learning can have on building the skills and education children need. On Saturday March 7, Cincinnati Museum Center will help show you how interactive, play-based learning can aid in that development with our seventh annual Learning Through Play conference. This event brings together a broad range of the region’s best childhood development experts for a day of discussion, learning and fun designed to show you how you can get the most out of your interactions with children.
More than 35 sessions, for both adults and children, and a free community information fair make up this year’s event. Families, educators, parents and other childcare professionals are encouraged to attend the conference, which the American Alliance of Museums acknowledged as a national model of community engagement with parents.
Parent and teacher sessions will help parents and teachers design science experiments on a budget, get children more involved with the great outdoors and create an environment in which children with special needs can thrive. Several sessions this year will instruct parents and educators who work with children on the autism spectrum. These enlightening and inspiring sessions are presented by Alritt Child and Family Research and Education Center, Cincinnati Nature Center, Cincinnati Union Bethel, Linden Grove School, 4C for Children and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
This isn’t your typical “conference.” You can bring your kids! We have family-interactive sessions where children will have a great time and adults will understand how their kids learn through play. Kids can create their own silkscreen, sing and dance to music, explore bird eggs and learn more about insects. Join presenters from the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, 4C for Children, University of Cincinnati Children’s Cognitive Research Lab, Beech Acres Parenting Center, Happen, Inc., Cincinnati Art Museum and Cincinnati Museum Center as you learn how these activities are important for your child’s development.
Most sessions are OH Approved Step Up to Quality Trainings and this is a KY Approved Early Care and Education Training, so educators can earn professional contact hours by attending!
Discounted early registration ends February 24, or you can register at the conference on March 7. Sessions range from $15 to $30 and parking is $6. Pre-ordered lunch and discounted museum tickets are also available.
Visit cincymuseum.org/learningthroughplay for more information and to register.