Innovative approaches in ECE
Basic information
Project Title
Innovative approaches in ECE
Full project title
Innovative approaches in ECE
Category
Regaining a sense of belonging
Project Description
The Innovative Approaches in Early Childhood Education virtual global conference, to be held on October 10-11, 2023, aims to unleash the potential of young minds. Since the foundation for success and well-being is established in the early years the quality of early childhood education is crucial. Early childhood educators will have the chance to learn from leading experts in the field and discover the latest strategies for nurturing and inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Geographical Scope
Cross-border/international
Project Region
CROSS-BORDER/INTERNATIONAL: Slovenia, Finland
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
“Innovative Approaches in Early Childhood Education" Global Conference, tailored for Early Childhood Educators, particularly those from underdeveloped nations with minimal government or employer support for professional growth, is scheduled to take place online on October 10-11, 2023. Thanks to the successful acquisition of the European Bauhaus Prize, the conference will be accessible to all attendees at no cost.
We are thrilled to announce that Deborah McNelis from the USA and Mill von dem Burg from Finland will be joining us as special guests at our conference.
Deborah McNelis, M.Ed is an internationally recognized expert in the field of early brain development, and the creator of Neuro-Nurturing®. As the founder of Brain Insights LLC, she has developed unique programs and resources for early childhood educators.
Milla Mikkola is a kindergarten teacher from Finland with a decade of experience in the field. She is an advocate for playful learning and children's unique development in early education, and the CEO and Co-Founder of Kindiedays, a digital solution that supports quality early childhood education.
Early childhood educators from around the world will have the opportunity to learn and gain insights into best practices through video presentations at the conference. This format is particularly effective for early childhood education learning as it allows for a more interactive and immersive experience. It enables attendees to easily understand the teaching methods being presented and facilitates collaboration and the sharing of best practices among educators.
In the last 50 years, neuroscientists have demonstrated the significance of the early years. They have discovered that the foundation for a child's future success and well-being is established from birth to age 6. The quality of early childhood education is, therefore crucial for the future of humanity.
We are thrilled to announce that Deborah McNelis from the USA and Mill von dem Burg from Finland will be joining us as special guests at our conference.
Deborah McNelis, M.Ed is an internationally recognized expert in the field of early brain development, and the creator of Neuro-Nurturing®. As the founder of Brain Insights LLC, she has developed unique programs and resources for early childhood educators.
Milla Mikkola is a kindergarten teacher from Finland with a decade of experience in the field. She is an advocate for playful learning and children's unique development in early education, and the CEO and Co-Founder of Kindiedays, a digital solution that supports quality early childhood education.
Early childhood educators from around the world will have the opportunity to learn and gain insights into best practices through video presentations at the conference. This format is particularly effective for early childhood education learning as it allows for a more interactive and immersive experience. It enables attendees to easily understand the teaching methods being presented and facilitates collaboration and the sharing of best practices among educators.
In the last 50 years, neuroscientists have demonstrated the significance of the early years. They have discovered that the foundation for a child's future success and well-being is established from birth to age 6. The quality of early childhood education is, therefore crucial for the future of humanity.
Key objectives for sustainability
The key objectives of our global conference for early childhood educators in terms of sustainability and zero pollution are:
- Promoting the use of digital platforms and technology to reduce the need for travel, which is a significant source of pollution.
- Using digital platforms and technologies to reduce the need for physical materials, such as brochures, flyers, and conference handouts can contribute to paper waste.
- Having a digital platform for sharing and disseminating research and best practices.
- Facilitating networking and collaboration among early childhood educators in a sustainable way.
Implementation of these objectives:
- Global conference will take place virtually through the usage of digital technology
- All promotions will be done through internet marketing
- We will encourage the use of sustainable practices in early childhood education, such as reducing waste and promoting recycling.
- Through our membership site early childhood educators have access to all past conference content and space to connect and exchange knowledge.
- We also provide opportunities for educators to work together on projects related to early childhood education.
- Promoting the use of digital platforms and technology to reduce the need for travel, which is a significant source of pollution.
- Using digital platforms and technologies to reduce the need for physical materials, such as brochures, flyers, and conference handouts can contribute to paper waste.
- Having a digital platform for sharing and disseminating research and best practices.
- Facilitating networking and collaboration among early childhood educators in a sustainable way.
Implementation of these objectives:
- Global conference will take place virtually through the usage of digital technology
- All promotions will be done through internet marketing
- We will encourage the use of sustainable practices in early childhood education, such as reducing waste and promoting recycling.
- Through our membership site early childhood educators have access to all past conference content and space to connect and exchange knowledge.
- We also provide opportunities for educators to work together on projects related to early childhood education.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The key objectives of a global conference for early childhood educators in terms of quality of experience for people regarding positive emotions and cultural benefits are:
- Providing a positive and inclusive environment for early childhood educators, where they feel welcomed and respected, regardless of their cultural background or personal experiences.
- Offering a diverse range of presentations, workshops, and other activities that reflect the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of attendees and promote cultural awareness.
- Creating opportunities for educators to network and collaborate with people from different cultural backgrounds, in order to promote cultural understanding and appreciation.
- Encouraging attendees to share their own cultural knowledge and experiences, in order to foster a sense of community and belonging among early childhood educators.
- Providing opportunities for early childhood educators to engage in activities that promote positive emotions, such as mindfulness and stress management.
- Providing space for early childhood educators to exchange ideas and best practices, and share their experiences and knowledge in early childhood education with diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Encouraging early childhood educators to be open-minded, curious, and respectful of different cultures and perspectives.
We provide a positive and inclusive environment, promote cultural awareness and understanding, provide opportunities for early childhood educaotors to network, collaborate, and share their own cultural knowledge, promote positive emotions, and encourage early childhood educaotrs to be open-minded, curious, and respectful of different cultures and perspectives.
- Providing a positive and inclusive environment for early childhood educators, where they feel welcomed and respected, regardless of their cultural background or personal experiences.
- Offering a diverse range of presentations, workshops, and other activities that reflect the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of attendees and promote cultural awareness.
- Creating opportunities for educators to network and collaborate with people from different cultural backgrounds, in order to promote cultural understanding and appreciation.
- Encouraging attendees to share their own cultural knowledge and experiences, in order to foster a sense of community and belonging among early childhood educators.
- Providing opportunities for early childhood educators to engage in activities that promote positive emotions, such as mindfulness and stress management.
- Providing space for early childhood educators to exchange ideas and best practices, and share their experiences and knowledge in early childhood education with diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Encouraging early childhood educators to be open-minded, curious, and respectful of different cultures and perspectives.
We provide a positive and inclusive environment, promote cultural awareness and understanding, provide opportunities for early childhood educaotors to network, collaborate, and share their own cultural knowledge, promote positive emotions, and encourage early childhood educaotrs to be open-minded, curious, and respectful of different cultures and perspectives.
Key objectives for inclusion
The key objectives of a free global conference for early childhood educators in terms of inclusion are:
- Making the conference accessible to early childhood educators from different countries, regardless of their financial resources.
- Including a diverse range of speakers and presenters from different countries.
- Encouraging participants to share their own experiences and perspectives, and creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all early childhood educators.
- Promoting inclusive practices in early childhood education and encouraging educators to think about how they can support children from diverse backgrounds in their classrooms.
- Offering opportunities for early childhood educators to connect and network with each other, such as through breakout sessions, roundtables, and informal gatherings, to encourage collaboration and exchange of ideas.
- Providing continuing education credits for educators who attend the conference, to ensure that they are able to apply what they learn to their professional development.
- Making the conference accessible to early childhood educators from different countries, regardless of their financial resources.
- Including a diverse range of speakers and presenters from different countries.
- Encouraging participants to share their own experiences and perspectives, and creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all early childhood educators.
- Promoting inclusive practices in early childhood education and encouraging educators to think about how they can support children from diverse backgrounds in their classrooms.
- Offering opportunities for early childhood educators to connect and network with each other, such as through breakout sessions, roundtables, and informal gatherings, to encourage collaboration and exchange of ideas.
- Providing continuing education credits for educators who attend the conference, to ensure that they are able to apply what they learn to their professional development.
Results in relation to category
We successfully held our first global conference for early childhood educators last year and are excited to work on the second one. Attached are files and links from the first conference, which was fully booked with 100 early childhood educators from around the world. The feedback we received from participants was overwhelmingly positive, confirming that we are on the right track to providing valuable, engaging, and informative professional development opportunities for early childhood educators.
The next conference is scheduled for October 10th and 11th, 2023, and we are currently in the process of planning and organizing the event. We have already secured approximately half of the program, and our advertising efforts have begun. However, to make this event a success, we need additional funding to secure high-quality speakers, marketing efforts, and accessible to all educators regardless of their financial status.
This conference will not only benefit the educators but also the children and families they serve. The knowledge and skills gained by the early childhood educators at the conference and applied in the classroom will result in:
- Improved teaching practices
- Enhanced learning environment
- Exposure to diverse perspectives
- Greater awareness of child development
- New teaching materials
- Professionalism
We would be grateful for your support in funding this important event and thank you in advance for considering our proposal.
The next conference is scheduled for October 10th and 11th, 2023, and we are currently in the process of planning and organizing the event. We have already secured approximately half of the program, and our advertising efforts have begun. However, to make this event a success, we need additional funding to secure high-quality speakers, marketing efforts, and accessible to all educators regardless of their financial status.
This conference will not only benefit the educators but also the children and families they serve. The knowledge and skills gained by the early childhood educators at the conference and applied in the classroom will result in:
- Improved teaching practices
- Enhanced learning environment
- Exposure to diverse perspectives
- Greater awareness of child development
- New teaching materials
- Professionalism
We would be grateful for your support in funding this important event and thank you in advance for considering our proposal.
How Citizens benefit
Early childhood educators are benefiting in:
1. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The conference provides a platform for early childhood educators to learn about the latest research and best practices in the field of early childhood education. They will have the opportunity to hear from experts in the field and participate in workshops and sessions that can help them to improve their teaching skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field.
2. NETWORKING
The conference provides an opportunity for educators to connect and network with other educators from around the world. They will be able to exchange ideas, share their own experiences, and learn from the experiences of others. This can help educators to broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of different cultures and approaches to early childhood education.
3. EXPOSURE TO INNOVATIVE APPROACHES
The conference exposes educators to new and innovative approaches to early childhood education, such as new teaching methods, technology-based learning, and interdisciplinary approaches. This can help educators to think outside the box, be more creative and develop new strategies to enhance the learning and development of children.
4. INSPIRATION
The conference provides educators with inspiration and motivation to continue their professional development and improve their teaching practices. It also gives them a sense of community and belonging, which can help them to be more engaged and motivated in their work.
5. COLLABORATION
The conference also helps to foster collaboration among educators and other professionals, leading to the development of new projects and initiatives that can benefit children and families in early childhood education settings.
6. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
Attending and participating in a global conference can also bring professional recognition and credibility to educators and they can mention it in their resume and other professional credentials.
1. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The conference provides a platform for early childhood educators to learn about the latest research and best practices in the field of early childhood education. They will have the opportunity to hear from experts in the field and participate in workshops and sessions that can help them to improve their teaching skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field.
2. NETWORKING
The conference provides an opportunity for educators to connect and network with other educators from around the world. They will be able to exchange ideas, share their own experiences, and learn from the experiences of others. This can help educators to broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of different cultures and approaches to early childhood education.
3. EXPOSURE TO INNOVATIVE APPROACHES
The conference exposes educators to new and innovative approaches to early childhood education, such as new teaching methods, technology-based learning, and interdisciplinary approaches. This can help educators to think outside the box, be more creative and develop new strategies to enhance the learning and development of children.
4. INSPIRATION
The conference provides educators with inspiration and motivation to continue their professional development and improve their teaching practices. It also gives them a sense of community and belonging, which can help them to be more engaged and motivated in their work.
5. COLLABORATION
The conference also helps to foster collaboration among educators and other professionals, leading to the development of new projects and initiatives that can benefit children and families in early childhood education settings.
6. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
Attending and participating in a global conference can also bring professional recognition and credibility to educators and they can mention it in their resume and other professional credentials.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
Our global conferences stand out by offering a unique and innovative approach to early childhood education. One of the key ways in which we differ from more traditional conferences is through our use of virtual technology. By hosting our conferences online, we are able to provide access to a much wider audience, regardless of their location or financial status. This is in contrast to in-person conferences, which are often limited to select individuals with high achievements or financial means.
Another way in which our conferences stand out is through our use of video presentations of best practices. Rather than relying on traditional PowerPoint presentations, we use videos with English subtitles when necessary to help facilitate understanding and encourage retention of the information. Videos are a more engaging and interesting way to present information, making it easier for attendees to understand and retain the concepts presented. Additionally, all video presentations of best practices from previous conferences are available in our virtual video library, accessible to members on our platform, which allow them to access the information at any time.
In addition to the above, we also have a diverse group of presenters and attendees, who come from different regions, cultures, and backgrounds. This diversity allows sharing of different perspectives, experiences, and ideas, which in turn enhances the learning experience and allows attendees to gain a broader understanding of the field.
Overall, our global conferences provide an innovative and unique approach to early childhood education, with a strong emphasis on accessibility, engagement, and retention of information.
Another way in which our conferences stand out is through our use of video presentations of best practices. Rather than relying on traditional PowerPoint presentations, we use videos with English subtitles when necessary to help facilitate understanding and encourage retention of the information. Videos are a more engaging and interesting way to present information, making it easier for attendees to understand and retain the concepts presented. Additionally, all video presentations of best practices from previous conferences are available in our virtual video library, accessible to members on our platform, which allow them to access the information at any time.
In addition to the above, we also have a diverse group of presenters and attendees, who come from different regions, cultures, and backgrounds. This diversity allows sharing of different perspectives, experiences, and ideas, which in turn enhances the learning experience and allows attendees to gain a broader understanding of the field.
Overall, our global conferences provide an innovative and unique approach to early childhood education, with a strong emphasis on accessibility, engagement, and retention of information.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Organizing a virtual global conference for early childhood educators requires expertise in several different fields, including event planning, technology, and early childhood education.
Event planning is necessary to organize the logistics of the conference, such as scheduling sessions, selecting speakers, and promoting the event. Technology expertise is needed to set up and manage the virtual platform for the conference, as well as troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise during the event. Early childhood education expertise would be crucial in selecting relevant and informative topics for the conference sessions, as well as in recruiting and selecting knowledgeable and experienced speakers.
Representatives from these different fields need to work closely together to plan and execute the conference. Event planners would work with technology experts to set up and manage the virtual platform, and early childhood education experts would work with event planners to select relevant conference topics and speakers.
The added value of this process is that it brings together experts from different fields to collaborate and create a high-quality, informative conference that is tailored to the specific needs and interests of early childhood educators. This allows for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to the event, which ultimately benefits the attendees and the field of early childhood education as a whole.
Event planning is necessary to organize the logistics of the conference, such as scheduling sessions, selecting speakers, and promoting the event. Technology expertise is needed to set up and manage the virtual platform for the conference, as well as troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise during the event. Early childhood education expertise would be crucial in selecting relevant and informative topics for the conference sessions, as well as in recruiting and selecting knowledgeable and experienced speakers.
Representatives from these different fields need to work closely together to plan and execute the conference. Event planners would work with technology experts to set up and manage the virtual platform, and early childhood education experts would work with event planners to select relevant conference topics and speakers.
The added value of this process is that it brings together experts from different fields to collaborate and create a high-quality, informative conference that is tailored to the specific needs and interests of early childhood educators. This allows for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to the event, which ultimately benefits the attendees and the field of early childhood education as a whole.
Methodology used
To engage early childhood educators and facilitate learning at our conferences we are using the following methodologies and approaches:
- Keynote Speeches that are given by an expert and set the tone for the conference.
- With Panel Discussions we bring together experts in early childhood education to discuss a particular topic or issue, allowing early childhood educators to hear different perspectives and engage in a dialogue about the subject matter.
- Presentations, both live or recorded, are used to share research, best practices, and case studies. These presentations may include interactive elements, such as polls and Q&A sessions, to engage early childhood educators and encourage participation.
- Through workshops and breakout sessions we offer more in-depth and interactive learning opportunities, allowing attendees to engage in hands-on activities or engage in discussions with peers.
- Pre-and post-conference surveys, evaluations, and feedback forms are used to assess the effectiveness of the conference and gather information to improve future conferences.
- Keynote Speeches that are given by an expert and set the tone for the conference.
- With Panel Discussions we bring together experts in early childhood education to discuss a particular topic or issue, allowing early childhood educators to hear different perspectives and engage in a dialogue about the subject matter.
- Presentations, both live or recorded, are used to share research, best practices, and case studies. These presentations may include interactive elements, such as polls and Q&A sessions, to engage early childhood educators and encourage participation.
- Through workshops and breakout sessions we offer more in-depth and interactive learning opportunities, allowing attendees to engage in hands-on activities or engage in discussions with peers.
- Pre-and post-conference surveys, evaluations, and feedback forms are used to assess the effectiveness of the conference and gather information to improve future conferences.
How stakeholders are engaged
Different stakeholders at various levels were engaged. Here is how:
1. On a national level, we invited the Slovenian national ministry of education to provide a video introduction to the Slovenian education system. At the last conference, we had an introduction to Finland’s education system.
2. On the European level, we invited Adrijana Višnjić Jevtić with Ph.D. in early childhood education and vice president of European Region OMEP to share her expertise at the conference.
3. We also invited expert Deborah McNelis, M.Ed as the keynote speaker. She is an Early Brain Development Specialist and founder of Brain Insights LLC.
4. We invited early childhood educators from around the world to share their best practices through video presentations.
5. We use social media and online platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) to promote the conference and engage with potential participants and stakeholders.
6. We will be gathering feedback and evaluation during and after the conference for the improvement of future conferences.
1. On a national level, we invited the Slovenian national ministry of education to provide a video introduction to the Slovenian education system. At the last conference, we had an introduction to Finland’s education system.
2. On the European level, we invited Adrijana Višnjić Jevtić with Ph.D. in early childhood education and vice president of European Region OMEP to share her expertise at the conference.
3. We also invited expert Deborah McNelis, M.Ed as the keynote speaker. She is an Early Brain Development Specialist and founder of Brain Insights LLC.
4. We invited early childhood educators from around the world to share their best practices through video presentations.
5. We use social media and online platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) to promote the conference and engage with potential participants and stakeholders.
6. We will be gathering feedback and evaluation during and after the conference for the improvement of future conferences.
Global challenges
Virtual conferences play an important role in supporting the growth and development of early childhood education around the world by providing:
1. ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
We provide access to information and resources for early childhood educators from all over the world, regardless of their location or financial status. By providing access to the latest research and best practices, virtual conferences help to bridge the gap between different regions and cultures.
2. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
We provide opportunities for early childhood educators to engage in ongoing sustainable professional development, regardless of their location. This helps to address the challenge of limited access to professional development opportunities in some regions and to ensure that educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to provide high-quality education to young children.
3. PROMOTING INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We provide opportunities for early childhood educators from different regions, cultures, and backgrounds to share their perspectives, experiences, and ideas. This helps to promote inclusion and diversity in early childhood education and to ensure that all children have access to high-quality education that is responsive to their unique needs.
4. COLLABORATION AND NETWORKING
We provide opportunities for early childhood educators to connect and collaborate with their peers from all over the world, regardless of their location. This helps to promote the sharing of best practices, the development of new partnerships, and the creation of global networks of early childhood educators.
5. ADDRESSING SPECIFIC REGIONAL CHALLENGES
We provide opportunities for attendees to hear about the specific regional challenges and best practices, which can help early childhood educators to contextualize their own practices and adapt them to their own regions.
1. ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
We provide access to information and resources for early childhood educators from all over the world, regardless of their location or financial status. By providing access to the latest research and best practices, virtual conferences help to bridge the gap between different regions and cultures.
2. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
We provide opportunities for early childhood educators to engage in ongoing sustainable professional development, regardless of their location. This helps to address the challenge of limited access to professional development opportunities in some regions and to ensure that educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to provide high-quality education to young children.
3. PROMOTING INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We provide opportunities for early childhood educators from different regions, cultures, and backgrounds to share their perspectives, experiences, and ideas. This helps to promote inclusion and diversity in early childhood education and to ensure that all children have access to high-quality education that is responsive to their unique needs.
4. COLLABORATION AND NETWORKING
We provide opportunities for early childhood educators to connect and collaborate with their peers from all over the world, regardless of their location. This helps to promote the sharing of best practices, the development of new partnerships, and the creation of global networks of early childhood educators.
5. ADDRESSING SPECIFIC REGIONAL CHALLENGES
We provide opportunities for attendees to hear about the specific regional challenges and best practices, which can help early childhood educators to contextualize their own practices and adapt them to their own regions.
Learning transferred to other parties
There are several elements of virtual global conferences for early childhood educators that could be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries, and contexts.
Methodology: The use of interactive and engaging methods, such as video presentations, case studies, and group discussions, can be replicated in other virtual or in-person conferences. These methods are effective in facilitating the understanding and retention of information and can be adapted to suit different topics and audiences.
Technology: The use of the virtual conferencing platforms Zoom, is a widely accessible and cost-effective solution for hosting virtual conferences. These platforms are user-friendly, can accommodate large numbers of participants, and offer a variety of features such as breakout rooms, polls, and recording.
Processes: The use of pre-and post-conference surveys, evaluations, and feedback forms to assess the effectiveness of the conference and to gather information to improve future conferences.
Products: The use of a virtual video library of best practices, where attendees can access all previous conference videos, is a valuable resource for educators. This library can be replicated in other contexts and can be adapted to suit different topics and audiences.
Learnings: The sharing of best practices and experiences among attendees, as well as the learning opportunities provided by the conference, can be replicated in other settings. This could include the use of case studies, panel discussions, and peer-to-peer learning activities.
Methodology: The use of interactive and engaging methods, such as video presentations, case studies, and group discussions, can be replicated in other virtual or in-person conferences. These methods are effective in facilitating the understanding and retention of information and can be adapted to suit different topics and audiences.
Technology: The use of the virtual conferencing platforms Zoom, is a widely accessible and cost-effective solution for hosting virtual conferences. These platforms are user-friendly, can accommodate large numbers of participants, and offer a variety of features such as breakout rooms, polls, and recording.
Processes: The use of pre-and post-conference surveys, evaluations, and feedback forms to assess the effectiveness of the conference and to gather information to improve future conferences.
Products: The use of a virtual video library of best practices, where attendees can access all previous conference videos, is a valuable resource for educators. This library can be replicated in other contexts and can be adapted to suit different topics and audiences.
Learnings: The sharing of best practices and experiences among attendees, as well as the learning opportunities provided by the conference, can be replicated in other settings. This could include the use of case studies, panel discussions, and peer-to-peer learning activities.
