NAEYC has been a proponent of play as a medium for child learning for many years! Unfortunately there are many misconceptions, both within and outside our profession, about what play is, how it operates as a vehicle for child learning, which play is a more effective way to learn than others, what the adult’s role in facilitating child play is, and so on.
 
The primary focus of the 2009 Institute will be the research on play in early childhood education environments and strategies for pre- and in-service preparation of the early childhood workforce in light of this research. An in-depth understanding of play and the fundamental tenets of developmentally appropriate practice are critical to adult decision making in early childhood environments that frame, facilitate, and assess child learning.
 

Come to Charlotte to learn more about children learning through play and these other topics… 

• current research and issues in higher education
• in-service training programs
• program administration
• linguistic and cultural diversity
• public policy advocacy
• and many aspects of developmentally appropriate practice, literacy, math, science, social and emotional development, and more!

 
Who should attend
 
NAEYC’s National Institute is designed for leaders who prepare and mentor early childhood professionals, including

• teacher educators
• program directors and administrators
• principals
• researchers
• policymakers
• curriculum and instructional coordinators
• teacher mentors and coaches
• resource and referral specialists
• educational consultants and trainers
• CDA mentors, trainers, and advisors
• Head Start directors and education managers
• early childhood specialists in local and state departments of education
• advocates for young children and families

 
What happens at the NAEYC Institute?
 
NAEYC’s National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development features interactive, thought-provoking, research-based, practical sessions—and other learning opportunities—that Institute participants agree is a reason to come back each year. In 2009 you will find:
 
An Opening Session (Sunday, 8:30 a.m.)—provides a focus and challenge for the 3½ days of sessions and other events that follow.
 
Daily Featured Sessions addressing play and other key issues in early childhood education—presented by national leaders in the field.
 
Forums for information and dissemination—one-hour sessions that address current issues, recent research reports, and more!
 
Interactive sessions that are two hours in length—providing time to engage in discussions with colleagues, reflect, and think about what you’ll take home for implementation.
 
A “Spotlight Forum” (Monday, 5:45 p.m.)—for networking and exchanging ideas with individuals and organizations showcasing effective approaches to professional development, high-quality programs, and new research.
 
A Closing Plenary Session (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.) with a call to action for attendees!
 
Institute exhibits and NAEYC Marketplace—featuring books, training materials, and other professional development resources--and the Internet Café in the Exhibit Hall.
 
Comments from Institute attendees
 
Here’s what attendees have said about NAEYC’s National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development in 2008:
 
"I believe it was the best Institute I have been to yet."
 
"This conference stimulates me to extend my thinking into new ways of thinking and doing…"
 
"…every session I attended was a quality presentation. Kudos!"
 
"Meeting others with my concerns and being able to brainstorm and see things from a different perspective add to my personal growth."
 
"I found some great resource materials at the exhibits as well as the NAEYC Marketplace."
 
"This was my first NAEYC Institute and I enjoyed meeting other professionals in early childhood and getting better acquainted with the professionals in my state."
 
"The best part was meeting people and sharing ideas. …I was able to take something from each session I attended."