The third in a series of four Professional Development for All events in 2016-17 for those who work with young children in the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties. Offered as part of the Superintendents' Plan.

High levels of thinking and learning require integrated learning experiences, like projects and play, through which children explore their own curiosities about the world. Participants will examine how intentionally planned, integrated learning experiences rigorously promote each child's intellectual, social, creative, and academic abilities while nurturing their capacity for lifelong learning. Selected portions of this institute will be presented in Spanish as well as English.

The featured speaker is Judy Harris Helm, a national expert on integrated learning and the project approach. Dr. Helm began her career as an elementary and preschool teacher, and then directed and designed early childhood programs and taught in teacher preparation programs. The author of numerous books, she assists early childhood and elementary schools in applying research and new methods through her consulting and professional development company, Best Practices, Inc.

Participants can choose from several breakout sessions hosted by local and national experts, including: Amy Blessing, Kindergarten Demonstration Teacher, Malpass Corner Elementary, Pender County Schools (North Carolina); Susan Choplin, Kindergarten Demonstration Classroom Teacher, Walkertown Elementary (North Carolina); Donna Dobson, Director of Elementary Education, Omaha Public Schools; Andi Green, Instructional Coach, Martin Millennium Academy (North Carolina); Janette Merkel, Program Specialist, Buffett Early Childhood Institute; and Debora Wisneski, John T. Langan Professor of Early Childhood Education, College of Education, University of Nebraska