ACEI is the oldest professional organization in the world dedicated to the development of the child, from infancy through middle childhood. Its primary purpose is to promote the inherent rights, education, and well-being of all children in school, home, and the community.
Greet, learn from, and network with over 1,000 early and middle childhood educators from such countries as Korea, China, Jamaica, Mali, Canada, Ghana, and the U.S.
The Conference is open to classroom teachers, administrators, principals, school board members, teacher educators, college students, child care personnel, parents, and other caregivers.
Conference highlights will include more than 200 workshops and panel discussions led by internationally and nationally renowned experts in the fields of early and middle childhood education.
Symposia topics such as "The Arts - A Cultural Necessity," "Best Practices for an Embattled World," "Diversity in Homes, Families, and Schools," and "Policies and Practices: Influences on Educational Practices"; "Kids Speaking up for Kids: Advocacy for Children, by Children"; plus an Author's Luncheon with award-winning children's author Diane Gonzales Bertrand.
Keynote Speakers Dr. Joe L. Frost, University of Texas at Austin, will speak about "The Changing Culture of Childhood: A Perfect Storm" by exploring the evolution of the standardization of the culture of childhood education, the dissolution of the traditional culture of children's play, and the expansion of the culture of poverty in America and throughout the world, and Dr. Steven Silvern, Auburn University, will explore how embracing a confluence of cultures, philosophies, and experiences brings a sharper, delineated focus on education of the whole individual with his presentation, "Educating Mind and Spirit: Embracing a Confluence of Cultures in the Education of Children.
