The Early Childhood Education Department of Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) and Smart Beginnings of Martinsville-Henry County bring the second annual Early Childhood Education Conference to Martinsville. The conference is Saturday, April 8 from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Stone Hall.

The event is free and open to all local childcare providers, but registration is required. The event features presentations from a myriad of speakers and vendors that impact and benefit early childhood educators. Lunch is provided, and those registered are entered to win door prizes. To register go to earlychildhoodconference.weebly.com or call Kristin Dulaney at (276) 656-0217. Register by March 24.

“Last year’s conference was such a success—helping hundreds of educators connect and learn. We are excited to be offering it again,” said Kristin Dulaney, assistant professor of education and early childhood. “Like last time, we’re working with area educators to invite the most impactful and beneficial speakers and vendors. We want every aspect of the conference to illuminate the concerns and challenges that educators in our community are facing.”

Speakers include Time to Sign, Virginia Family Preservation Services, Early Intervention, The Madeline Centre, and many more. Topics include assessment, infant/toddler sign language, teaching through play, process art, mindfulness, playground safety, building relationships, and more.

Smart Beginnings of Martinsville-Henry County, an early childhood coalition led by the United Way of Henry County-Martinsville, works to build a strong early childhood infrastructure to provide comprehensive service delivery and support to families, child care providers, partners and the community

The Early Childhood Education Department of Patrick Henry Community College aims to equip educators and care-givers in best practices and to prepare students for meaningful and effective classroom interactions.