The registration period is open for an early childhood education workshop coordinated by the U of A's faculty in the birth through kindergarten program.

"Defending Childhood," the inaugural Janis Hawkins Shipley Early Childhood Lecture and Workshop, is scheduled for March 31-April 1 in Fayetteville at the Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center. The workshop is open to all early childhood education professionals in the area, but registration is required, and space is limited.

Jennifer Kesselring, preschool division head of Riverfield Country Day School in Tulsa, is the keynote speaker.

"The workshop focuses on the practical side of professional development, which strengthens educator's ability to work with young children," said Shelley McNally, assistant professor and executive director of education programs at the JTCDSC. "Early childhood professionals in the area will benefit from the reflective presentation and interactive style of the workshop. They will be asked to participate in experiences from a child's perspective."

The March 31 schedule includes an open house at the JTCDSC (924 W. Douglas St.) from 4:30-6 p.m. and the keynote address from Kesselring from 6-7 p.m. Anyone attending the March 31 lecture will be able to register on-site to earn one hour of professional development credit. 

The April 1 schedule includes morning and afternoon sessions for educators at the JTCDSC from 9-4 p.m. with educators earning six hours of professional development credit.

Attendance at both workshop sessions is required for PDR credit. Each session includes discussion about Reggio Emilia-inspired teaching practices, breakout sessions and reconvening to discuss breakout session results.

A registration fee, required for April 1 only, is $20 and includes lunch. There is no registration deadline, but participation is limited to the first 60 registrants. Register and pay here.

Attendees must also register through PDR by searching the course number, 44779 for the March 31 lecture and 44781 for the April 1 sessions.

Attendees can park in the garage on Garland Avenue (650 N. Garland). Parking instructions are on the registration page.

"Having this event on campus showcases the work and dedication of the birth through kindergarten/special education faculty and the educators at the Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center," McNally said. "The JTCDSC is a nationally accredited center that continues to grow and examine teaching practices with young children using innovative, research-based approaches. We hope that the speaker and workshop will be a powerful influence on the practice of educators, administrators and faculty in our area."  

The event is coordinated by birth through kindergarten/special education teacher licensure faculty in the School of Human Environmental Sciences, which is part of U of A's Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. U of A's Early Care and Education Projects, led by Director Deniece Honeycutt, is partnering with the HESC group on the event. 

The workshop was made possible by a gift from the estate of Harry Shipley Jr. for the purpose of bringing to campus keynote speakers and panelists known for their expertise in early childhood development.

The Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center cares for children in the Fayetteville area from eight weeks to five years, serves as the lab school for students at the U of A in a variety of education programs and serves as a place of research for university faculty, graduate students, undergraduates and educators.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture. For more information about Bumpers College, visit our website, and follow us on Twitter at @BumpersCollege and Instagram at BumpersCollege.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2.7 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.