Infant Toddler Specialist Network Conference

The Infant Toddler Specialist Network Conference is an essential gathering for professionals dedicated to the well-being of infants and toddlers, hosted at the Bryant Conference Center in Tuscaloosa, United States. This conference serves as a unique opportunity for educators, site managers, and professional development providers involved in infant-toddler programs to connect and share insights about the distinctive challenges and triumphs of the infant-toddler period. Participants from all center-based and family care settings in Alabama are encouraged to attend, fostering a collaborative environment to enhance knowledge and practices in early childhood education.The conference will feature a diverse lineup of speakers and sessions focused on various critical topics relevant to early childhood development. Notable sessions include 'Navigating Autism Conversations: Supporting Families through Honest and Open Communication' led by Pam Ramsey, M.C.D, CCC-SLP, and Abby Hicks from the Alabama Early Intervention System Autism Mentors. Other key presentations include 'Responding to Challenging Behaviors: Supporting Social-Emotional Development in Toddlers' by Maggie Bankhead, M.Ed., founder of My Blessings Preschool Online, and 'Foundations for Reading: Building Early Literacy through Everyday Moments' by Gay Finn and Kendall Hampton of Feed Me Words/APC. Further enriching the conference experience, attendees will engage with topics such as 'Music, Play, and Early Learning: Promoting Emotional, Physical, Linguistic, and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood' and 'Small Beginnings. Big Belonging: Inclusive Practices for Infants & Toddlers,' presented by Kelsey McFadden, M.A.Ed., Ashlyn West, Beth Babin, Taylor Hannah, and Cindy Simpson from the RISE Center. Additionally, Alicia Richardson, MA, LPC-S, NCC, IMH-E® from First 5 Alabama/APC will discuss 'Strengthening Infant-Toddler Well-Being Through Collaborative Relationship-Based Work with Caregivers and Families.' Other highlights include 'Healthy Futures: Infant Breastfeeding Support, and the Role of Early Care Providers' by Emily Campbell and Casey Willis from Healthy Kids Healthy Future/APC, and 'Early Detection, Lifelong Impact: The Importance of Developmental and Social-Emotional Screening' by Lindsey DeMarco from Help Me Grow/APC. The conference will also feature a field trip focused on 'Intentional Spaces, Meaningful Interactions: Rethinking Room Arrangement,' limited to 20 participants. The expertise of Christy Isbell, PhD OTR/L, a pediatric occupational therapist, will also be shared, bringing decades of experience in early intervention and inclusive early childhood environments to the forefront of discussions. This annual conference not only provides valuable knowledge but also encourages networking and collaboration among attendees, enhancing the collective efforts in supporting infants and toddlers' development. With the University of Alabama's commitment to accessibility, accommodations for physical and dietary needs are available upon request, ensuring an inclusive environment for all participants.