Theme: Bridging Theory and Practice: Practical Strategies for Engaging Young Minds
Hosted by: Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf (MSAD), Faribault, MN
We invite educators, researchers, and practitioners to submit proposals for the Early Childhood Education Summit 2025, centered on the theme Bridging Theory and Practice: Practical Strategies for Engaging Young Minds. This summit seeks to explore how the latest research and theories in child development can be translated into practical, everyday classroom activities that support each stage of a child's growth.
NASLECE Mission Statement: Our mission is to revitalize bilingual and/or multilingual early childhood programs. We empower families with deaf, deafblind, deafdisabled, and hard of hearing children, igniting a passion for language, culture, and connections.
NASLECE Vision Statement: Our vision is to create a vibrant community of dedicated individuals collaborating at our summit to foster a culturally rich and inclusive environment for early childhood education. By promoting effective communication and genuine connections, we strive to ensure the success and happiness of families and their children.
NASLECE Summit Objectives:
- To bridge the gap between theory and practice in early childhood education.
- To provide educators with practical strategies that align with current research in child development.
- To highlight innovative approaches that support the unique needs of deaf, deafblind, deafdisabled, and hard of hearing children.
- To encourage collaboration among professionals dedicated to early childhood education.
- To empower families and educators with tools and knowledge that enhance the learning experiences of young children.
Spotlight Presentations: We are inviting submissions for up to nine spotlight presentations during the summit, each allotted 60 minutes. These presentations should include a focus on classroom applications and align with the summit's theme of translating theory into practice for early childhood education experts. Applicants will be notified by December or earlier.
Possible Presentation Topics:
1. Implementing Bilingual Education in Early Childhood Classrooms
2. Practical Strategies for Inclusive Play in Diverse Learning Environments
3. Using Technology to Enhance Language Development for Young Learners
4. Culturally Responsive Teaching in Early Childhood Settings
5. Supporting the Social-Emotional Development of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
6. Engaging Families in the Educational Journey: Strategies for Collaboration
7. Integrating STEM Activities in Early Childhood Education
8. The Role of Play in Cognitive Development for Young Children
9. Creating Sensory-Rich Learning Environments for Multimodal Learners
10. Addressing Language Deprivation and its Impact on Child Development
Submission Guidelines: Please ensure your submission aligns with the summit's theme and objectives. All proposals must be submitted by November 15, 2024. Submissions should include a brief overview of the presentation, objectives, and an outline of classroom applications.
Accommodations: Accommodations will be provided upon request (i.e., SSP/DB interpreters, Mirror interpreters
Note: All presentations are expected to be delivered in ASL.
Submission Agreement: Please note that acceptance of your presentation does not include compensation or reimbursement for travel expenses or the registration fee for the ECE Summit. Presenters are responsible for covering their own costs. For your presentation, the following audio/visual equipment will be provided: a computer, LCD projector, screen, podium with a microphone, internet connection, and audio link. By submitting your proposal, you grant permission for your presentation to be recorded in audio and/or video formats and used in printed, digital, or electronic form. These recordings may be made available online to registered members after the summit. If you use PowerPoint, Canva, or Google Slides in your presentation, you agree to upload an electronic copy to Google Drive by March 7, 2025. Please note that PowerPoints will be converted to protected PDF format before being posted on our website to prevent alterations.
We look forward to your innovative ideas and contributions to making this summit a transformative experience for all participants.
For more information, please visit MSAD or contact Aimee Sever-Hall, ECSE Program Specialist at aimee.severhall@msa.state.mn.us