Dear Partners and Friends:

We are pleased to invite you to attend the second annual First 5 California and the Water Cooler Joint Conference on March 1 and 2, 2011, at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento. The positive response to the first co-sponsored event in 2010 supports the continued focus on Early Learning Research, Practice, and Policy to promote improvement and expansion of services for children ages 0 to 5. Following the previously successful format, invited experts will discuss the most current scientifically based research, best practices, policy developments, and advocacy in the field.

 

California plays an important role in the improvement of the quality of early learning programs for children and families. The conference design retains a focus on strengthening leadership capacity by providing information on the best ways to develop and implement science-based policies and programs that enhance young children’s healthy development and school readiness.

 

Day One: INVESTMENTS IN EARLY LEARNING: Getting Results is hosted by First 5 California. In addition to presentations by outstanding keynote speakers, J.B. Pritzker and Dr. Robert Pianta, on March 1, there will be six panel discussions that will be presented twice during the day. With an emphasis on early learning, science, and research, the panel discussions will address the following topics:

 

• Dual Language Acquisition: Current Research and Models
• Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS): Support for Exemplary Professional Development
• The Early Development Instrument (EDI): Using School Readiness Data to Shift the Curve of Early Childhood
• Transitions: Changing the Kindergarten Age
• Building A Healthy Child Care Environment
• Language and Literacy Programs: Effects of Improved Child Outcomes

 

Day Two: STRONGER TOGETHER: Working Smarter Pre K-12 is hosted by the Water Cooler. In addition to keynote conversations with David Brooks, Jacqueline Jones, and Harriet Meyer on March 2, additional featured presentations will focus on policy and advocacy, with nationally acclaimed early learning leaders and advocates who will discuss the following topics:

 

• Engaging Business and Philanthropy in Support of Early Learning: Breakfast with Champions
• The Politics of ECE Finance Reform and Revenue Generation
• Building California's Early Learning System: Looking Forward with ELAC
• Working with Media and Lawmakers to Support ECE Advocacy
• Finding the Money for Infants and Toddlers
• Pathways to the Future: Road to a Professional Workforce
• The Politics of Family Engagement

 

The nationally renowned speakers will offer their perspectives on the current policy environment and reflect on how California can most effectively contribute to policy change. The menu of workshops is designed to provide opportunities for experts, First 5 county commissions, and other partners to highlight successes, strategies, and promising practices grounded in scientifically based research.

 

We look forward to the opportunity to engage and learn together through our Joint Conference.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kris Perry Executive Director First 5 California	Molly Munger Co-Director Advancement Project