Conference for the Education of Young Children

As Search Associates works to expand its connections across the globe, our Senior Associates here in the United States are also seeking new connections. This May 5-7, Senior Associate, Brian Lettinga, Midwest Office, attended the annual conference of the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MIAEYC) held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The organization aims to promote high-quality, early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. The annual MIAEYC Conference promotes early childhood care and education with its presentations, workshops, informal networking opportunities, and exhibits—all of which help teachers make connections. This year’s in-person conference drew 1,200 Early Years teachers from Michigan while more than 100 participants followed the concurrent live-stream version. Learning, Instruction, and Innovation Specialist; Author, Speaker, and Visionary, Dr. Matinga Ragatz headlined the opening ceremony with the keynote Why Should Students Learn from Me.

The theme of this year’s event was The Power of YOU! Now, more than ever, early childhood professionals are center stage. The conference encouraged teachers and care givers to embrace the opportunity to celebrate the power they have to advance a diverse, dynamic, early childhood profession and enhance the lives of young children and families.

With more than 1,200 in-person teachers on hand and more than 60 exhibitors in the Vendors Hall, it was busy at the Search Associates’ table. Brian was pleased to meet many candidates interested in learning more about teaching overseas.