Early Years 2016

Join us to celebrate 20 years of innovative professional development with our 10th conference in Canada for early childhood development and family support. Our success reflects the powerful partnerships that we have formed across many communities: University of British Columbia, Infant Development Program, Aboriginal Infant Development Program, Sunny Hill Health Centre, BC Children’s Hospital, Family Support Institute and many more.

Sp’e’qum* Nurturing Developmental Wellbeing, Strengthening Children and Families

January 28-21, 2016


These partnerships allow us to address diverse topics of evidence based practice and research. The 2016 conference will continue to lead the field to improve skill development, practice and systems. Over the last 20 years there has been an explosion in research in areas of child development, child welfare, infant mental health, and family support. The conference has evolved from national to international participation.

*Sp’e’qum [spay-come]: Children are regarded as a flower that needs nourishment, love and care. Think of our children as a garden, they need a place to show their beauty and pride. (Cowichan Coast Salish)

Learning Objectives:

  • Empowering participants with cutting edge thoughts and practices
  • Broadening our understanding of family centered practices and support to enhance family wellbeing
  • Developing new skills and competencies
  • Facilitating dialogue around diverse practices and beliefs
  • Applying evidence based framework to inform practice and policy development
  • Building partnerships across complex systems

Who Should Attend:

This conference will be of interest to all those who work with young children and/or families, including:
Aboriginal Early Childhood Development Professionals, Administrators/Managers, Advocacy Organizations, Behavioural Therapists, Children’s Librarians, Community Development Workers, Counsellors, Dietitians and Nutritionists, Early Childhood Educators, Education Assistants, Families, Family Development Workers, Family Resource Program Staff, Government Representatives, Infant Development Consultants, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Oral Health Professionals, Parent Educators, Physicians, Physiotherapists, Policy Makers, Pregnancy Outreach Groups, Program Facilitators, Psychologists, Recreation Therapists, Researchers, School Administrators, Social Workers, Speech Therapists, Students, Supported Child Development Consultants, Teachers

Pre-Conference Institute: The Infant and Early Childhood Court Team Model

Taking place January 28, 2016, this workshop will be of interest to family lawyers, judges, child protection and child development experts who wish to explore an alternative model for the delivery of child protection and court services to children under five. View the flyer to learn more.

 

Public Forum: Making BC’s Young Children and Families a Priority: A Call to Action

Thursday, January 28, 2016
6:30pm – 8:30pm
The Hyatt Regency Vancouver

This free interactive session will provide an overview of the scale and scope of socio-economic realities and how to make young children and families a public policy and investment priority in BC.