PRESS RELEASE: January 15, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Cody Hefner (513) 287-7054 office, (513) 608-5777 cell, chefner@cincymuseum.org
Event assembles childhood development experts for parents, educators and children
CINCINNATI - Cincinnati Museum Center recognizes how crucial early childhood development is and the impact that open-ended, hands-on learning can have on building the skills and education children need. On March 8, Cincinnati Museum Center will help show you how interactive, play-based learning can aid in that development with our sixth annual Learning Through Play conference. This event brings together a broad range of the region's best childhood development experts for a day of discussion, learning and fun designed to show you how you can get the most out of your interactions with children.
More than 30 sessions, both adult-only and family-interactive, two forums and a free information fair make up this year's event. Families, educators, parents and other childcare professionals are encouraged to attend the conference, which the American Alliance of Museums acknowledged as a national model of community engagement with parents.
This isn't your typical "conference." You can bring your kids! We have family-interactive sessions where kids can design a boat and explore the science behind why it floats, dance their way from past to present, dig in the dirt while they learn about gardening and create unique works of art including an ink blot monster. Join presenters from the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, 4C for Children, Children's Cognitive Research Lab, Kennedy Heights Arts Center, Happen, Inc., Cincinnati Art Museum, Music Time Studio and Pones, Inc. as you learn how these activities are important for your child's development.
Most sessions are OH Approved Step Up to Quality Trainings and KY Approved Early Care and Education Trainings so educators can earn professional contact hours by attending!
Adult only sessions will help you design science experiments on a budget, get your children more involved with the great outdoors and create an environment in which children with special needs can thrive. These enlightening and inspiring sessions are presented by Loose Parts Project, Arlitt Child and Family Research and Education Center, Cincinnati Nature Center, Cincinnati Union Bethel, Linden Grove School, 4C for Children, Clever Crazes for Kids, Beech Acres Parenting Center and Cincinnati Museum Center.
Register today! Discounted early registration ends February 24, or you can register at the conference on March 8. Sessions range from $10 to $25 and parking is $6. Pre-ordered lunch and discounted museum tickets are also available.
Visit www.cincymuseum.org/learningthroughplay for more information and to register.
Thanks to our Presenting Partner: Beech Acres Parenting Center.
With additional support from:
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency Head Start
United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Success by 6
Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission
Additional Support for Activities:
Duke Energy Children's Museum: Charles H. Dater Foundation
ECSITE Teacher Support: Social Innovation Fund - Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky and PNC Grow up Great
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About Cincinnati Museum Center
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is a nationally recognized institution as well as national historic landmark. Dedicated to sparking community dialogue, insight and inspiration, Museum Center was awarded the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Our Union Terminal has been voted the nation's 45th most important building by the American Institute of Architects. Organizations within Cincinnati Museum Center include the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children's Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater and the Cincinnati Historical Society Library. Recognized in Forbes Traveler Magazine as the 17th most visited museum in the country, Cincinnati Museum Center welcomes one million plus visitors annually. Cincinnati Museum Center gratefully acknowledges operating and capital support from the taxpayers of Hamilton County and the State of Ohio. For more information, visit www.cincymuseum.org