ULM child development teachers participate
in conference

The University of Louisiana at Monroe Child Development Center director, assistant director and lead teachers joined ULM Curriculum and Instruction Assistant Professor Dr. Dona Packer for the Louisiana Early Childhood Association State Conference in Alexandria Oct. 22.

The Louisiana Early Childhood Association is the Louisiana State Affiliate of the Southern Early Childhood Association.

The organization seeks to improve the quality of care and education for young children and their families through advocacy and professional development.

Emily Williamson, vice president of the Louisiana Early Childhood Association, director of the ULM Child Development Center and instructor in curriculum and instruction, was accompanied by Lorrie Watson, assistant director of the center, and lead teachers Karen Ford, Stacy Key, Staci Raborn, and Michelle' Harris Erby,

Williamson presented a session titled "I Want My Stars," which outlined the ULM Child Development Center's journey in acquiring a rating of Five Stars from the Louisiana Quality Rating System. Participants who attended have centers that are at the one- and two-star level and were eager to gain insight about the three- to five-star level.

"The group gained new ideas and teaching techniques to implement in their classrooms," said Williamson.

Packer also presented a session titled "Curious Crayons." Participants in Packer's session learned ways to plan meaningful science investigations with the medium of crayons.