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Leadership Connections McCormick Tribune Center for Early Childhood Leadership May 5-7, 2005 Chicago Marriott O'Hare

An energizing three days of professional development that focuses on YOU, the center director. As the gatekeeper to quality you are the key to creating exemplary early care and education programs. Leadership Connections will validate what you know and are already doing while challenging you to think about your work in new and different ways.

Be a part of Leadership Connections and:

• learn creative solutions to the daily challenges you face.
• be inspired by national leaders from a variety of fields and disciplines.
• share your successful ideas with other early childhood professionals.
• make new friends with administrators from across the country.
• explore innovative ideas and best practices by others who are making a difference in their communities.
• experience new technologies in the design and delivery of training.
• celebrate the accomplishments of your colleagues.
• rejuvenate, laugh, and have fun!

Highlights

Opening Luncheon and Keynote
Join directors from across the country to hear the inspirational words of Sarano Kelley, professional life coach. Each luncheon guest will receive a copy of his best-selling book, The Game.

Directors' Marketplace
Shop for your center, listen to great music, win raffle prizes - all while enjoying a delicious box lunch.

Networking Reception
Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine, and the soft jazz sounds of the Jeff Bella Trio while you connect with colleagues, learn about new professional development opportunities, and view displays showcasing best practices.

Meet the Authors
Take advantage of a wonderful opportunity - a book signing by several early childhood authors.

Just for You - Evening Activities
Pamper yourself with yoga, a hand or foot massage, or an individualized session with a colorist. Have fun learning how to line dance, meet the laughter lady, or get your caricature done. Discover the possibilities of online learning.

Closing Luncheon and Keynote
End the conference with a powerful and challenging message from Pulitzer Prize winner Cornelia Grumman of the Chicago Tribune.

 

All this for only $350. Special group rates are also available. A registration form can be downloaded from the Internet at cecl.nl.edu/connections/lc_2005.pdf or call Donna Jonas at 800-443-5522 X5058.

Receive College Credit
Build your professional portfolio and achieve the competencies for the Illinois Director Credential (IDC) by attending Leadership Connections. For an additional $520, participants may register for two semester hours of undergraduate or graduate credit.

Scholarship Opportunities

AT&T
Do you care for a child of an AT&T employee? The AT&T Family Care Development Fund is awarding conference scholarships to child and elder care providers. Apply by visiting LifeWork Strategies, Inc. online.

INCCRRA
Call (800) 649-1884 or visit INCCRRA online to receive an application and guidelines for professional development funds.

NACCRRA
For those outside Illinois, call (202) 393-5501 or visit NACCRRA online.

Hotel Information

The Chicago Marriott O'Hare is located at 8535 W. Higgins Rd. in Chicago, IL. Make your reservations directly with the hotel by calling (800) 228-9290 or (773) 693-4444. The special conference rate is $121/night (single or double occupancy) plus tax. When making reservations be sure to mention Leadership Connections.

What people are saying about Leadership Connections...

The quality of the presenters was outstanding! Having the authors of relevant early childhood resources and learning hands on through them was the best part. "Practicing" new knowledge encourages me to go forward and use it. - Carol Sternal

I have been fortunate to attend all four of the Leadership Connection conferences. I gained insight into my role as administrator and new ideas for the vision I have for the children and families we serve. - Sue Benters

The Leadership Connections Conference was a wonderful professional growth opportunity in may ways. While opportunities for networking, exposure to vendors were all important, I found that being in a group of diverse early education leaders was most beneficial. - Lisa Ellis

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