Central Library Hosting Early Childhood Educators Conference on November 13

The Indianapolis Public Library, with partner SPARK Learning Lab, invites educators of young children to Central Library on November 13 for the Early Childhood Educators Conference. This year’s conference will focus on trauma and how it affects children’s developing brains. The event will take place from 8:30am to 12:30pm.

“Many teachers are saying the 2021-2022 school year has been the hardest yet, with schools, daycares, and caregivers alike consumed with worry about Covid-19, economic strain, and more,” said Shael Weidenbach, IndyPL’s Herbert Simon Early Childhood Literacy Specialist. “Young children bear witness to all of this and the effect of stress on their developing brains can be profound.”

This year’s conference takes aim at supporting early childhood educators in navigating the complexities of stress and trauma on young minds. Sessions include:

• A Dive into Neuroscience with Lori Desautels, Butler University professor specializing in trauma and the brain
• Strategies for Responding to Adverse Behaviors in the Classroom with SPARK Learning Lab
• A hands-on workshop on stress management with Bari Koral of Buddah Belly Kids.

The conference is free (including free parking) and intended for educators from K-12 schools, plus those from home childcare sites, childcare ministries, preschool classrooms, and those who homeschool. Sessions are also available in Spanish. All participants will receive a certificate for learning hours as well as books and other materials to help support classroom application.

To register, visit indypl.org/events.

This event is made possible by PNC Foundation and Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.