Early Childhood Conference this month

The speakers are African-American storyteller Opalanga Pugh of Denver, Colo, and Jonathan Mooney of New York.

Mooney, who overcame a learning disability to earn a college degree from Brown University and become an author, will open the conference with a 1 ½ -hour presentation Thursday at 7 p.m. The presentation, which centers on his experiences with learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactive disorders, will be free and open to the public. Mooney also plans to present two workshops Friday.

Pugh’s keynote presentation, “Stories That Are Not Just Meant to Make Us Smile,” will be Saturday at 8:30 a.m. She will explain the African proverb, “When a Child is Born, the Village is Renewed.” She also plans to present a session titled “Stories Make a Difference.”

A number of other sessions are scheduled for participants, including “Engaging Fathers in the Prevention of Child Maltreatment,” “Bright, Beautiful, Funny and Autistic” and “Reading and Writing Magic.”

Chadron State Associate Professor Dr. Kim Madsen, who coordinates the conference, said the event promises something for everyone who cares for and about young children and families, such as parents, students, educators, administrators, child care providers, preschool teachers, Head Start-Early Head Start staff and other early childhood professionals. College credit, continuing education units and professional development units are being offered.

In addition, a resource and display area will be available for participants who reserve space in advance.

Registration materials and more information may be obtained online at dl6.dctdsj.com/ecc or by contacting Dr. Kim Madsen, Chadron State College, 1000 Main St., Chadron, NE 69337. Madsen also may be reached by e-mail, kmadsen@pipeline.dctdsj.com, or telephone, (308) 432-6372.