The National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development
NAEYC’s National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development is designed for teacher educators, program administrators, and others who provide professional preparation and ongoing professional development experiences for the early childhood workforce: center- and school-based teaching staff, family child care providers, and other direct service specialists. The goal of the Institute is to deepen participants’ understanding of the expanding early childhood knowledge base, develop skills that improve professional preparation and practice, and sharpen their ability to use effective, active learning approaches for adults.
Each year, the Institute focuses on a theme that addresses a key issue in the field. The theme for the 2010 Institute is, "Emotional Intelligence: A 21st Century Skill for Children and Adults." In addition to theme-related session, the Institute also covers topics such as:
- Current research and issues in higher education
- In-service training programs
- Program administration
- Linguistic and cultural diversity
- Public policy advocacy
- And many aspects of developmentally appropriate practice, literacy, math, science, social and emotional development, and more!
Who should attend?
NAEYC’s National Institute is designed for leaders who prepare and mentor early childhood professionals, including
- Teacher educators
- Program directors and administrators
- Principals
- Researchers
- Policymakers
- Curriculum and instructional coordinators
- Teacher mentors and coaches
- Resource and referral specialists
- Educational consultants and trainers
- CDA mentors, trainers, and advisors
- Head Start directors and education managers
- Early childhood specialists in local and state departments of education
- Advocates for young children and families
What happens at the NAEYC Institute?
NAEYC’s National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development features interactive, thought-provoking, research-based, practical sessions—and other learning opportunities—that Institute participants agree is a reason to come back each year. You will find:
- An Opening Session—provides a focus and challenge for the 3½ days of sessions and other events that follow.
- Daily featured sessions addressing the Institute theme and key issues in early childhood education—presented by national leaders in the field.
- Forums for information and dissemination—1-hour sessions that address current issues, present recent research reports, provide an overview of upcoming proposed legislation, and more!
- Interactive sessions that are 1.5 hours in length—providing time to engage in discussions with colleagues, reflect, and think about what you’ll take home for implementation.
- A Research Poster Session—offering participants opportunities to learn about cutting-edge research in the field of early childhood education by visiting the poster displays and speaking with researchers.
- A “Spotlight Forum”—for networking and exchanging ideas with individuals and organizations showcasing effective approaches to professional development, high-quality programs, and new research.
- Institute exhibits and NAEYC Marketplace—featuring books, training materials, and other professional development resources.
