Bridges to the Future 2024

Speakers

Ben Smith

Thursday May 9, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am PDT
Werner University Center- Pacific Room

10:00am PDT

Loose Parts at Recess!

What happens when you add loose parts to recess? In 2017, Portland Free Play introduced first-of-it's-kind pilot program to introduce loose play materials into recess at a public elementary school in Portland. Since then, they have expanded the Play Pod program to several other elementary and preschool programs around the Portland area. This simple intervention dramatically increased the opportunities for creative play and learning at recess, which resulted in a more inclusive play experience and happier kids!

In this workshop, we will examine how Loose Parts can dramatically increase the play possibilities in an outdoor play area. We will learn how free play supports healthy development and helps children process the stressful events of life. We will discuss specific strategies to incorporate loose parts into the playground in a way that is safe and supportive of learning. We will also discuss tools for managing challenging play behaviors in a way that respects and empowers children.

Speakers

Leon Smith

Founder of Portland Free Play (501-C3) and Puddletown Playworks LLC

Leon Smith was born and raised in the interior of Alaska, playing under spruce boughs and digging in snow banks. He began his career as a childcare provider and preschool teacher in Seattle WA. Through his work with children, Leon observed the power of play to stimulate creativity... Read More →

Loose Parts at Play Handout 2024 pdf

Thursday May 9, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Werner University Center- Calapooia Room

SET 1, English

Core Knowledge Category Learning Environments & Curriculum

10:00am PDT

Re-thinking "Challenging Behaviors": How We Can Use a New Thought Process to Better Support ALL Children

Bridges Training 2024 Rethinking Challenging Behaviors 2 pdf

It is time that we start to re-think what we call "challenging behaviors". Even the word itself brings about a negative connotation and can lead us to react or respond to the child in a way that is not supportive or safe. Let's re-think what these behaviors are and what we can do to better support ALL children. Hint: it starts with us. We need to do the self-work to shift our mindset and our thoughts on these behaviors so that we can come to our work and practice wholly and ready to offer the exact support each child needs-when they need it.

Speakers

Samuel Broaden

Founder of Honoring Childhood, Honoring Childhood

Samuel Broaden (he/they) is an early childhood author, advocate, and speaker. He has worked in various roles within the early education field and now spends his time speaking and sharing his philosophy on childhood. He is the author of “Gender Expression and Inclusivity in Early... Read More →

Thursday May 9, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Richard Woodcock Education Center Room 203

SET 1, English

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Understanding & Guiding Behavior

10:00am PDT

Granting Children Their Emotions

Participants will examine the consequences of not granting children their emotions for healthy child development; Participants will model emotional skills to children by listening to them, and by recognizing and accepting their expressed emotions; Participants will demonstrate how to respond with empathy to children's emotions and why such a response is important; Participants will explore their relationship as a role model for families by demonstrating ways to empathize with children and to recognize and accept expressed emotions.

Speakers

Jane Nicholson

CODSN Program Coordinator, Central Oregon Disability Support Network

Jane is a passionate advocate for all children and families, especially those with specialized needs and members of underserved populations. She works as a Program Coordinator in Klamath County for CODSN (Central Oregon Disability Support Network), based out of Bend. In this role... Read More →

Thursday May 9, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Werner University Center- Columbia Room A

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Understanding & Guiding Behavior

10:00am PDT

Smart Heart-to-Heart Leadership: Honoring Emotional Intelligence

Even successful leaders get it wrong, but if we use our hearts through the process it makes a difference. This training explores the differences between intelligence and emotional intelligence (hint - we need them both!), how our brain processes information and emotion, and how we can apply this information to become stronger leaders.

Speakers

Sarah Garczynski, M. Ed.

ECE Quality Improvement Manager, Child Care Resource & Referral

Sarah Garczynski, a recent MN transplant, holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Masters of Education in Family Education. Grateful for the lack of snow here in Oregon, she enjoys gardening and hiking as much as possible with her husband and their two... Read More →

Thursday May 9, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Richard Woodcock Education Center Room 202

Core Knowledge Category Personal Professional & Leadership Development

10:00am PDT

Techniques to Build an Inclusive Environment

When you build inclusive practices you promote inclusion in a learning environment. Join us as we study how positive relationships influence and lead to inclusive practices. Through reflection and case studies, we will discuss and practice specific techniques to build a more inclusive environment. Participants will be able to see how they are inclusive in their teaching techniques used to encourage a child’s positive self-esteem.

Speakers

Karla Perez Young

Academic Advisor/Instructor

Karla Pérez-Young works in Higher Education at the University of Oregon. She is a first-generation Latina from California. She graduated from California State Long Beach with a Liberal Studies Bilingual: Spanish-English degree and a Master of Arts degree from National University... Read More →

Thursday May 9, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Werner University Center- Columbia Room B

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Diversity, CKC: Special Needs

10:00am PDT

Developing Early Childhood Education Settings to Support Students with Autism and Other Developmental Delays

NL 2309 Culturally Responsive Classroom Practices Checklist pdf

This training provides early childhood education staff with the knowledge to develop classrooms that support children with autism through the implementation of research-based strategies. Topics include examining learning characteristics of autism, positive behavioral strategies, and techniques to promote social and language skills. This workshop provides examples of evidence-based practices that can be immediately implemented in classrooms.

Speakers

Alicia Balfrey

Autism Training Specialist, OrPATS

Alicia lives in Eugene, OR and has worked in education under a variety of roles, including: Classroom teacher, ABA behavioral interventionist, EI/ECSE Specialist, and Autism Training Specialist. Alicia has a Masters in Early Intervention & Early Childhood Special Education and an... Read More →

Katelyn Parisi

Autism Training Specialist

Katelyn is originally from Massachusetts where she worked in public school programs for students with severe disabilities and autism as a Lead Teacher. She has also worked as an Educational Assistant, Home Services Supervisor, and Program Manager in a variety of settings including... Read More →

CR CS R Common Language pdf

RE SS Peer Buddy Guide pdf

CR BT Reinforcement Inventory pdf

CR CS PRT Developmentally Appropriate Play Ideas pdf

Toys and Games Social Communication pdf

TellMeWhatToDoInstead ClassroomCA pdf

Routine implementation plan pdf

Visual Supports Reminder Poster pdf

Thursday May 9, 2024 10:00am - 4:00pm PDT
Werner University Center- Ochoco Room

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Understanding & Guiding Behavior, CKC: Special Needs

1:00pm PDT

Re-thinking "Challenging Behaviors"- How We Can Use a New Thought Process to Better Support ALL Children

Bridges Training 2024 Rethinking Challenging Behaviors 2 pdf

Speakers

Samuel Broaden

Founder of Honoring Childhood, Honoring Childhood

Thursday May 9, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Richard Woodcock Education Center Room 203

SET 1, English

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Understanding & Guiding Behavior

1:00pm PDT

A Deep Dive Into the Importance of Phonemic Awareness in the Preschool Classroom

Phonemic awareness skills are the best predictor of reading success in later years. Many of these skills, such as syllable counting, rhyming, identification of first sounds, and phonemic segmentation can be taught to preschool children through a variety of play-based activities. This presentation will highlight the research that focuses on the link between phonemic awareness and reading success, present strategies to incorporate phonemic awareness activities into the preschool classroom.

Speakers

Debby Laimon Ph. D.

Master Trainer and Private Consultant

Deborah received her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Oregon in 1994. Over the last 30 years, she has worked with the ECE and ECSE population in a variety of capacities. Deborah worked as an Early Childhood School Psychologist for Early Childhood CARES for 11 years... Read More →

Thursday May 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Werner University Center- Santiam Room

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Learning Environments & Curriculum

1:00pm PDT

Building Strong Connections with Families

Building strong connections with families is crucial in early childhood education. Participants will study effective communication strategies.

Speakers

Karla Perez Young

Academic Advisor/Instructor

Thursday May 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Werner University Center- Columbia Room B

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Families & Community Systems

1:00pm PDT

Risky Business: Promoting Play and Risk Taking in Early Learning Settings to Increase Social Emotional Development

Participants will examine theories of practice in social emotional learning. We will distinguish appropriate levels of risk and play and how that is associated with learning.

Speakers

Erica Hinshaw

Preschool Promise Facilitator

A graduate from the University of Oregon College of Education with a Bachelor of Science degree. Over 17 years experience in the field of child care, primarily in school age recreation, and community based preschool programs. Currently, I work as a Preschool Promise Facilitator in... Read More →

Risky Business handouts pdf

Thursday May 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Werner University Center- Columbia Room A

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Learning Environments & Curriculum

1:00pm PDT

Screening Infants and Toddlers Using the ASQ-3: How to Administer, Score, and Support Families in Culturally Sensitive Ways

This training examines how screening in the early years can impact and support infant and toddler development.

Speakers

Sarah Garczynski, M. Ed.

ECE Quality Improvement Manager, Child Care Resource & Referral

Thursday May 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Richard Woodcock Education Center Room 202

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Diversity

1:00pm PDT

Supporting Children and Families Who Have Experienced Trauma

During this workshop, participants will have a better understanding of what trauma is and its impact on the development of children. Participants will have the chance to discuss and reflect on the importance of being a trauma-informed professional and through the analysis of cases, they will develop strategies to support children and families who have experienced trauma.

Speakers

Sara Bazan Ashou

Early Learning Professional and Master Trainer

Sara’s work in the Early Learning field includes serving as an assistant Manager for home visiting and parenting education programs serving immigrants and refugee populations in Portland. In addition to an educational degree, Sara has completed the graduate certificate in Infant... Read More →

Thursday May 9, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Werner University Center- Calapooia Room

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Families & Community Systems, CKC: Special Needs

10:00am PDT

10 estrategias para minimizar los desafíos de conducta en niños en edad preescolar

Estrategias para minimizar los desafíos de conducta que puedo intentar Handout docx

Las estrategias más efectivas para abordar conductas desafiantes en niños en edad preescolar se centran principalmente en la prevención de conductas desafiantes y la promoción de conductas sociales apropiadas. En este taller se aprenderán 10 estrategias simples y útiles para minimizar los desafíos de conducta en niños en edad preescolar.

Speakers

David Orozco

Supervisor de Servicios Familiares /MWVCAA Head Start, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency

David Orozco es un Instructor Master y actualmente es el Supervisor bilingüe de Servicios Familiares para Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Head Start en la cuidad de Salem, Oregon. El ha estado trabajando para Head Start por 16 años en varias posiciones. Durante su carrera... Read More →

10 Estrategias para minimizar los desafíos de conducta en niños en edad preescolar pdf

Friday May 10, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Werner University Center- Santiam Room South (B)

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Comprensión Y Orientación del Comportamiento

10:00am PDT

Perdidas y Duelos en la Infancia

En este taller abordaremos como los niños al igual que los adultos experimentan perdidas, desde un cambio de escuela, la pérdida de su juguete favorito hasta la muerte de un ser querido o mascota y como dependiendo de la edad podemos darles las herramientas para lograr que de forma resiliente no se convierta en un duelo complicado. Tendremos dialogo y actividades entre los participantes

Speakers

Lucy Beltran

Regional Family Educator Trainer/Capacitadora Regional de Educadores Familiares-OCDC, Oregon Child Development Coalition

Born in Mexico City, has been living in Oregon for 28 years, and has served as a Parent Educator for more than 25 years with the Latino community and recently received certificate in thanatology. At the Oregon Child Development Coalition, she has served as regional facilitator and... Read More →

Mayra Polanco

Asistente de Participación de Padres/ Parent Engagement Assistant – OCDC, OCDC

Mayra Polanco, Parent Engagement Assistant – OCDC, Was born in Los Angeles, California but was raised with a culture that is from Colima, Mexico. Has lived in Oregon for 28 years and has worked for OCDC 13 of those years. She has been involved with the Policy Council and had great... Read More →

Friday May 10, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Werner University Center- Santiam Room North (A)

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Comprensión y Orientación del Comportamiento

10:00am PDT

ADHD 201

ADHD 201 reviews information about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, including the traits, history, causes, treatments, and an overview of how you can support someone with ADHD in the classroom or daycare setting.

Speakers

Jennifer Cork

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Acceptance Mental Health, LLC

Jennifer Cork is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), specializing in the treatment of neurodivergent individuals with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Jennifer is a late-diagnosed autistic adult and has 20 years’ experience working with individuals with neurodevelopmental... Read More →

executive skills questionnaire page 1 3 pdf

Friday May 10, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Richard Woodcock Education Center Room 201

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Special Needs

10:00am PDT

Creating Positive Connections: Purposeful Preschool Classroom Engagement

Participants will explore evidence-based practices around intentional teacher/child engagement opportunities in the classroom. They will investigate and explore data-tracking tools to create an environment that promotes positive connections.

Speakers

Erica Hinshaw

Preschool Promise Facilitator

Positive connections resources pdf

Friday May 10, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Richard Woodcock Education Center Room 103

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Learning Environments and Curriculum

10:00am PDT

Embracing Gender Diversity in Early Childhood

Social injustice harms children and their families. Young children should be able to participate in their classroom environments and see not only themselves and their families but a multitude of people representing diverse gender identities. In this workshop, we will explore how to make this happen in our programs.

Speakers

Teresa Ashford

Instructor in the school of Human Development & Family Sciences at Oregon State University; instructor in the department

Teresa has been in the field of early childhood for over 25 years and has a background in Human Development and Family Sciences and Women’s Studies. She owned and operated Aspen Academy Preschool, a developmentally appropriate program rooted in social justice, in Bend, Oregon from... Read More →

Embracing Gender Diversity Book List (Spring 2024) pdf

Class notes gender diversity pdf

gender stereotypes worksheet docx

Friday May 10, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Richard Woodcock Education Center Room 105

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Diversity

10:00am PDT

Granting Children Their Emotions

Speakers

Jane Nicholson

CODSN Program Coordinator, Central Oregon Disability Support Network

Friday May 10, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Richard Woodcock Education Center Room 106

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Understanding & Guiding Behavior

10:00am PDT

Técnicas para Desarrollar un Ambiente Inclusivo

Cuando practicas inclusión promueve un ambiente de aprendizaje inclusivo. Únete para estudiar cómo las relaciones positivas influyen en las prácticas. Vamos a ver reflexiones y vamos a estudiar casos. También los participantes van a ver técnicas para enseñar que motivan la autoestima del niño.

Speakers

Karla Perez Young

Academic Advisor/Instructor

Friday May 10, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Werner University Center- Ochoco Room

SET 2, Español

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Diversidad y Necesidades Especiales

1:00pm PDT

Perdidas y Duelos en la Infancia

Speakers

Lucy Beltran

Regional Family Educator Trainer/Capacitadora Regional de Educadores Familiares-OCDC, Oregon Child Development Coalition

Mayra Polanco

Asistente de Participación de Padres/ Parent Engagement Assistant – OCDC, OCDC

Friday May 10, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Werner University Center- Santiam Room North (A)

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Comprensión y Orientación del Comportamiento

1:00pm PDT

Construyendo relaciones de colaboración y confianza con las familias

Construyendo relaciones de colaboración y confianza con las familias pdf

Los participantes aprenderán la importancia de la participación familiar y cómo construir una relación de colaboración más sólida con las familias con las que trabajan basada en la confianza y el respeto. Además, cómo trabajar con las familias para construir relaciones sólidas y efectivas que puedan ayudar a los niños y las familias a prosperar, todo ello manteniendo límites claros y profesionales.

Speakers

David Orozco

Supervisor de Servicios Familiares /MWVCAA Head Start, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency

Friday May 10, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Werner University Center- Santiam Room South (B)

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Sistemas Familiares y Comunitarios

1:00pm PDT

Autism 201

Autism 201 reviews information about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) including the symptoms, causes, treatments, and an overview of how you can support someone with autism in the classroom.

Speakers

Jennifer Cork

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Acceptance Mental Health, LLC

Friday May 10, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Richard Woodcock Education Center Room 201

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Special Needs

1:00pm PDT

Crear Fuerte Conexiones Con familias

Crear buenas conexiones con las familias es importante en la educación infantil. Los participantes van a estudiar estrategias efectivas de comunicación.

Speakers

Karla Perez Young

Academic Advisor/Instructor

Friday May 10, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Werner University Center- Ochoco Room

SET 2, Español

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Familias y Systemas Comunitarios

1:00pm PDT

Oppositional, Defiant and Disruptive Youth: Therapeutic Interventions for Challenging Behaviors

Tantrum, rages, aggression, non-compliance with even simple requests, escape behaviors, panic meltdowns; why do these behaviors happen? How do we best respond? Together we will examine the fundamentals of brain development with respect to emotional regulation, dissect the connection between the human stress response and behavior, and implement universally appropriate methods for responding to challenging behaviors rooted in distress.

Speakers

Natalie James

Licensed Professional Counselor, Dreambranch Education

Natalie James is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in children and adolescents with a private practice in Bend, Oregon. Over the years, her expertise in anxious disorders evolved into large scale trainings for parents, educators, and staff working with youth. An educator... Read More →

Body Maps jpg

ANS jpg

Six Core Strengths png

Friday May 10, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Richard Woodcock Education Center Room 106

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Understanding & Guiding Behavior, CKC: Diversity

1:00pm PDT

Strategies to Select Quality Multicultural Children's Books for A Diverse Bookshelf

In this interactive workshop, participants will learn the importance of including multicultural children's books to promote diversity and inclusion in early childhood classrooms. The presenters will share strategies for reviewing the quality of children's literature and provide a list of award-winning books to create a diverse bookshelf. The participants will have opportunities to read multicultural children's books and discuss their applications in early childhood classrooms.

We look very much forward to meeting you this Friday at 1 pm. This is an ORO Set 2 training and will last 2 hours (not 3 hours). We will be reading quality books and everyone will has a chance to win a quality book too! We would love to see you in this session.

Speakers

Ya-Fang Cheng

Associate Professor, Division of Education & Leadership, Western Oregon University

Ya-Fang Cheng is an Associate Professor of the Early Childhood Studies Program at Western Oregon University. She is a former preschool teacher and assistant director in Wisconsin, U.S., and in Taiwan. Her research focuses on early literacy, professional development, teacher beliefs... Read More →

Annie Delbridge

Assistant Professor, Division of Education & Leadership, Western Oregon University

Annie Delbridge is a new Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at WOU. She is a former elementary school teacher and literacy coach in Dual Language (Spanish) schools in California and Minnesota. Her research interests currently center around teaching for equity and response... Read More →

handout final pdf

Friday May 10, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Richard Woodcock Education Center Room 103

Core Knowledge Category CKC: Learning Environments & Curriculum, CKC: Diversity

1:00pm PDT

What would you say? Navigating Tricky Conversations with Children and Families

When was the last time you had an engaging conversation with a child or grown-up about difference & diversity? What messages did the other person receive about talking about difference & diversity? In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to review the Framework for Anti-Bias Teaching and how we can use that framework to inform best practice responses. We will also reflect upon how our identity shapes our responses and comfort level whilst navigating tricky conversations. Participants will explore the basics of talking with children and adults, and how to go about answering their questions in honest and developmentally appropriate ways. In the culmination of this workshop, participants will engage in intensive, collaborative group practice using scenarios related to gender diversity, race and ethnicity, family composition, socioeconomic status, disability, and other potentially tender topics.

Speakers

Teresa Ashford

Instructor in the school of Human Development & Family Sciences at Oregon State University; instructor in the department

What Would You Say class notes pdf

Friday May 10, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Richard Woodcock Education Center Room 105