The Florida Center’s Inaugural Training Symposium Aims to Educate Early Childhood Professionals & Parents about Brain Development

May 17, 2021 – Sarasota

The Florida Center for Early Childhood is launching its inaugural “Mind Matters” Early Childhood Development Symposium, a virtual conference for early childhood professionals and caregivers on Thursday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The symposium is part of The Florida Center’s newly expanded Training Institute, a learning center made up of skilled practitioners who help professionals, educators, parents and caregivers provide the best future for children through clinical trainings, parenting classes and tools for educators.

“A child’s brain develops more in the first five years than at any other time in life,” said Dr. Kristie Skoglund, CEO of The Florida Center. “Adults who interact with young children regularly need to know how to nurture that development and help them reach their full potential.” 

The full-day virtual symposium, on understanding and supporting early childhood brain development and mental health, will feature three renowned speakers who will teach participants how to identify brain differences, understand their implications and utilize strategies to address them. The agenda includes the following sessions: 

• Whole Child, Whole Adult: Transformation through Mindfulness-Based Social Emotional Learning by Laura Bakosh, PhD, Co-Founder and CEO of Inner Explorer

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): Identifying and Supporting Children with Brain Differences by Anika Trancik, PhD, Neuropsychologist

• Building the Foundation of a Lifetime: The Lasting Impact of Early Childhood Experiences, by Harleen Hutchinson, PsyD, Psychologist and Mental Health Clinician 

Attendees will also benefit from a 30 minute guided yoga session using breath and gentle movement to re-energize, promote mindfulness and enhance clarity. 

“We believe this training can greatly benefit our community by educating attendees on best practices when dealing with children, especially those with brain differences,” said Skoglund. “We have selected some of the most renowned early childhood experts as presenters, to share their unique perspectives and valuable insight.” 

Continued education units, or CEUs, are available for attendees. Although there is a cost associated with the training, non-profit staff maybe eligible for free admission thanks to sponsorship by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, The Gulf Coast Community Foundation and The Manatee Community Foundation. 

Early bird pricing ends soon. Visit www.floridacentertraining.org/symposium to register for the event. If you are interested in a scholarship for this event, please Contact Dr. Johnna Brynn, Director of Training and Professional Development at (p) 843-457-3331, (e) training@thefloridacenter.org