Play on the Brain: 2 Day Conference and AGM

Friday 17th:

Research and Practice Seminar and Awards celebration

Saturday 18th:

Annual Conference and AGM

The “Research and Practice Seminar” will provide a great opportunity for researchers and educators to share their work with the early childhood community.

Afternoon Programme:

We are delighted to have Dr. Anne-Marie Brooks, the new Principal Officer at the DCYA open the afternoon Research Seminar. She will be followed by Dr. Colette Gray, a Developmental Psychologist at Stranmillis University College focusing on the role of research in early childhood.

13:00 Registration

13:30 Welcome

14:15 Research Seminars

15:15 Coffee Break

15:45 Research Seminars

16:45 Close

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Awards Celebration:

The Early Childhood Ireland awards will celebrate more than 40 inspirational practitioners and practices that make a positive difference in the lives of children and families. The awards are presented in 3 categories: Learning Stories, Innovation and Síolta. They will be presented by Nóirín Hayes, visiting Professor at the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin.

19:30 Prosecco Reception

20:00 Book Pre-Launch: A Play Based Curriculum

20:00 Awards Presentation

21:00 Fork Buffet Dinner

22:00 Music & Dancing

Children are wired for play. It’s in their DNA and from the moment they are born, children are driven to engage with others and to make sense of their world through play. But what happens when children struggle to join in the play, what strategies are required and how can we as adults support them?

Attend our conference to hear from experts on how interaction and play skills can support children connect and participate fully with others.

All-Day Programme:

08:00 Registration and Market Expo, where exhibitors will have a wide range of play equipment, crafts, toys, book and information displays available for you to check out and purchase.

09:00 Welcome and official opening by Minister James Reilly TD

09:30 Keynote Speaker: Maria Aarts, Director of Marte Meo International, will focus on play, interactions and ‘The Circle of Love’

11:00 Coffee Break and Market Expo

11:30 Parallel Workshops: select from a choice of 13 great sessions listed here

12:30 Panel A: Update on Educational, Curriculum and Mentoring Developments. Presentations from Better Start, NCCA & the Early Years Inspection Unit from the Dept. of Education and Skills.

13:15 Lunch and Market Expo

13:45 AGM (Members Only)

14:15 Parallel Workshops

15:15 Panel B: Policy Update and Q&A panelists include Fiona McDonnell (Tusla), Fergal Lynch (DCYA), Margaret Rogers (Better Start), Arlene Foster (NCCA) & Department of Education and Skills Representative.

16:15 Conference Review and Close