Childhood Literacy Event to be Held at UNO

OMAHA – Early childhood educators from around the metro are invited to the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) campus for a one-day conference designed to meet the needs of both preschool teachers and childcare providers.

On Saturday, Aug. 29, UNO’s College of Education will hold the 2015 Early Childhood Literacy Conference from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Thompson Alumni Center, 6705 Dodge St., on the west end of UNO's Dodge Campus.

This year’s theme is “Moving Full STEAM Ahead: Appreciating the Value of Nonfiction Books.”

UNO’s Early Childhood Literacy Conference will feature two keynote speakers: Isabel Baker, a nationally known expert in early-childhood literature, and Bob Barner, an author and illustrator of children’s books.

Baker, a former librarian, is the owner of The Book Vine for Children in Illinois. She is also a columnist for “Young Children,” an award-winning, peer-reviewed journal and is a consultant on recommended book lists for various organizations across the country.

Barner is the author and illustrator of several childrens book, including “Dem Bones!” and “Stars! Stars! Stars!” He has earned a number of awards including the Parent’s Choice Award and Teacher’s Choice Award. He is well known for his ability to weave music, visual arts and science together in his books.

Those looking to attend for the conference can fill out and mail in the form found here.

Registration for the conference is $25 until Friday, July 31, when prices increase to $40. Registration will be available through Thursday, Aug. 20, and include a copy of one of Barner’s books.

On Friday, Aug. 28, the day before the conference, Barner will also visit Omaha area schools as part of a community engagement project organized by the UNO College of Education’s Omaha Family Literacy Partnership, which recognizes the power of building a culture of literacy as a community effort to boost childhood growth and development.

In addition to UNO’s College of Educaton, the conference is sponsored by the Early Learning Connection Omaha Region.

For more information about the conference, please contact Susan McWilliams at smcwilliams@unomaha.edu or 402.554.3457.

For media requests, please contact:

Sam Petto, UNO Media Relations Coordinator
unonews@unomaha.edu
402.554.2407

or

Charley Reed, UNO Associate Director of Media Relations
unonews@unomaha.edu
402.554.2129

Related Links
Buffett Early Childhood Institute
UNO Teacher Education Department
UNO Criss Library

Early Learning Connection Omaha Region
The Early Learning Connection (ELC) Omaha Region www.elcomaharegion.org supports training, technical assistance, and consultation for early childhood caregivers, teachers and staff in home, center and school based programs serving children ages birth through age eight in Washington, Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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