BEMIDJI, Minn. (Feb. 9, 2010) — Registration is now open for Bemidji State University’s 32nd Annual Early Childhood Mega Conference, hosted by the Child Development Training Program March 11-12. Registration is open through Monday, March 8, but early registration at a discounted rate ends Monday, March 1.

Conference participants come from across Minnesota to attend educational workshops designed for individuals from Head Start, ECFE, ECSE, Learning Readiness, nursery school, public school, and child care centers, as well as family child care programs. The Mega Conference is famous as “a marketplace of ideas for early childhood professionals and parents,” and a forum where individuals can gather and discuss issues vital to those who serve young children and families.

The conference’s March 11 opening keynote address, “Music, Music, Music, Use It, Use It, Use It,” will be given by Rachel Arntson, a speech-language pathologist from Minneapolis. She presents extensively throughout the United States sharing her passion for enhancing children’s speech through music, imitation, and fun. She has recorded eight CDs and related products which serve as simple, engaging speech practice for young children.

The conference’s closing keynote on March 12 will feature Renee Rongen, presenting “Life’s Your Legacy… Live It!” Rongen has delivered thousands of humorous, powerful, life-changing messages, encouraging her audiences to identify and use their unique gifts to make positive differences.

The two-day event will also present a broad variety of topics for early childhood professionals, and the Friday luncheon will feature a celebration of the upcoming retirements of Dr. Dan Gartrell, professor of child development, and Cherry Brouwer, child development training program coordinator.

The conference is co-sponsored by the Northern Minnesota Head Start Advisory Council.

Information on the Mega Conference and registration forms are available on the conference’s Web site (address below), or by contacting Cherry Brouwer, coordinator of the Bemidji State Child Development Training Program, at (218) 755-3779, toll-free at (888) 234-1305.

Attendees who pay an additional fee for tuition can earn one semester of university credit for the conference. Lodging is available at most Bemidji hotels at a special conference rate. A list of hotels and rates is available at the conference Web site.

On the Web:
http://www.bemidjistate.edu/conferences/mega