Early Care Early Childhood Education Conference Saturday, April 26, 2014; 8:30am-3:30pm University of Texas Pan-American College of Education Welcome! Welcome members of the early childhood community to The Early Care and Early Childhood Education Conference, funded by a Sid Richardson Grant, and hosted by The University of Texas Pan American at the College of Education. The primary goal of the conference is to bring together early care educators, Head Start personnel, early childhood education teachers, program administrators, UTPA students, researchers and teacher educators to explore developmentally appropriate instructional practices for young children, ages 0-8. The conference will provide concurrent sessions on the following areas: Working with Infants, Toddlers, & Preschool-Age Children, Early Literacy, Math, and Science Explorations, Child Development, Parent Engagement and Building Early Childhood Partnerships with Families, Health and Nutrition, Administration of Early Childhood Care & Education Programs, Music & Movement for Young Children and Social-Emotional Development of Young Children. Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Hours for Certified Teachers If you are currently a teacher and would like to get CPE credit for attending this conference, a label will be provided for you at the end of each session by a UTCARES facilitator. Please place it on the program provided to you at the registration table. At the end of the conference, you will receive a certificate and credit for the time documented on your program booklet. Professional Development Hours for Students If you are a student at UTPA and would like to get professional development hours for attending this conference, the UTCARES facilitator will provide session labels that can be attached to the conference program. If you are presenting at the end of the conference, you will also receive a certificate for participating. If you are a volunteer, you will receive a certificate for volunteering at the conference. 1 Early Care Early Childhood Education Conference Saturday, April 26, 2014 8:30am-3:30pm University of Texas Pan-American College of Education Conference Schedule Registration and Breakfast 8:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. EDUC 1.102 Welcome by Dr. Havidan Rodriguez, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, UTPA Keynote Address #1 -Dr. Rebecca Isbell 8:50 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Keynote Address #2- Dr. Jaime Curts 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Breakout Session #1 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Meet & Greet: Dr. Rebecca Isbell, COE Courtyard 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Breakout Session #2 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Scholastic Book Fair, College of Education 2nd Floor 10:00 a.m. - 3:00p.m. Lobby Lunch and Entertainment (Picnic at the Mercado) 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. *Edinburg Alfonso Ramirez Mighty LYNX Cheer Team Breakout Session #3 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Closing Comments & Door prizes Dr. Salvador Hector Ochoa, College of Education Dean 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 2 HAVIDÁN RODRÍGUEZ Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs The University of Texas -Pan American Dr. Havidán Rodríguez is the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Texas Pan American (UTPA). He is also a tenured professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Prior to arriving at UTPA, Dr. Rodríguez served as the Deputy Provost and Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at the University of Delaware. He was also a core faculty member and former director of the Disaster Research Center (DRC), the oldest and one of the leading social science disaster research centers in the world. He obtained his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Rodríguez held a faculty position and several administrative positions at the University of Puerto RicoMayagüez (UPRM) for over a decade; and he served as Director of the Minority Affairs Program for the American Sociological Association (1995-1998). He has also been a visiting professor at the University of Michigan’s Population Fellow’s Program (Summers, 2001 and 2003); was selected as the Frey Foundation Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (Spring, 2002); received a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Outstanding Achievement Award (2004); and was recognized as one of the Hispanics of the Year in the State of Delaware for which he received the Professional Achievement Award (2007). Dr. Rodríguez has served on a number of committees for the National Academy of Sciences and on review panels for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Ford Foundation, and was the Chair of the Latina/o Sociology Section of the American Sociological Association. Dr. Rodríguez has received funding from NSF, the Ford Foundation, the National Institute of Mental Health, FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the UPRM Sea Grant Program, among others, for a number of research projects focusing on the social science aspects of disasters and for projects aimed at providing hands-on research training and mentoring to undergraduate and graduate students. He was also the principal investigator for the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program: Training the Next Generation of Disaster Researchers, funded by NSF. Currently, he serves as the principal investigator for an NSF ADVANCE IT grant aimed at increasing the representation, participation, and leadership of women faculty in STEM fields. Dr. Rodríguez has led and participated in a number of field research projects, including trips to Honduras, following Hurricane Mitch; India and Sri Lanka, following the Indian Ocean Tsunami; and the Gulf Coast, following Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Rodríguez has a significant number of publications in the area of disasters, as well as Latinos/as in the United States. He is the co-editor (with Quarantelli and Dynes) of the Handbook of Disaster Research (2006) and the co-editor (with Sáenz and Menjívar) of Latinas/os in the United States: Changing the Face of America (2008). 3 Keynote Speaker Dr. Rebecca Isbell is a Professor and consultant in early childhood education. She was the Director of the Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development and Professor of Early Childhood Education at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN where she was honored as a “Distinguished Teacher”. She is the author of twelve books and numerous articles related to children’s learning environments, play, literacy, creativity, and child development. Isbell has presented throughout the United States and internationally including Denmark, Singapore, Beijing, and Canada. She has been a director of a lab school, teacher of young children, program chair, supervisor, and team leader. In addition, she has worked extensively with directors, and teachers in helping them in making changes in their classrooms and programs to insure that both children and teachers have the best environment in which to live. Her energetic presentations are filled with current research, practical ideas, “real” visuals of classrooms, and many opportunities to interact. Website: drisbell.com 4 Breakout Session #1 KWL and Beyond Celeste F. Garza, Edinburg CISD Sandra Delgadillo-Garcia, Edinburg CISD Time: 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. EDUC 2.224 It’s time to go beyond the KWL! In this session, participants will be introduced to KWL- type charts for today’s learners and leave with the materials and confidence to implement these new and improved strategies for assessing background knowledge in the classroom. “Read It! Sing It! Move It!” Cristal Reyes, Edinburg, CISD Susana Garza, Edinburg, CISD EDUC 1.534 “Read It! Sing It! Move It!” is an interactive make-and-take workshop in which teachers will learn how to make fluency and comprehension fun and effective. Through the use of musicality and movement teachers will learn how to teach fluency and comprehension to every child with any text! Child Abuse and Neglect EDUC 3.226 Bianca Brooke Diaz, Texas Department Investigator of Family & Protective Services Maria Angelina Martinez, Harlingen ISD Early childhood educators and teachers will walk away with knowledge of different types of abuse and neglect. They will also know how to correctly and safely report cases and ensure the safety of all children. Phonological Awareness Is Child’s Play and The Foundation for Reading Success EDUC 2.102A Sara Gonzalez, Edinburg CISD Crystal Aguilar, Edinburg CISD Early childhood educators will present phonological awareness activities that will guide teachers on how to implement playful hands-on activities to develop reading success by presenting the six concepts in the phonological awareness continuum. Music and Movement for Young Children Jose Faustino Casarez, TMC Head Start EDUC 1.406 Attendees will hear from Mr. Casarez personal experiences as a Head start teacher and personal life situations that have influenced him to utilize music and movement as a means to teach young children. They will also hear a small portion of his collection of songs as he talks about the ways music influences children and why caregivers should utilize it in their daily interactions with children. Mr. Casarez will perform songs in both English and Spanish and play guitar to provide active hands on experience for all attendees. A power point presentation will be presented as well so that participants can sign along with the presenter. 5 Getting Your Children to Talk Diana Chapa, Preschool Child Development Coordinator EDUC 1.404 Participants will be introduced to different ways of increasing the student’s vocabulary. There will be hands-on activities for participants, as well as an opportunity to develop a lesson plan. Let’s Move It!! Move It!! Move it!!! Daisy J. Garza, La Feria ISD EDUC 1.102 The presenter will use music to teach concepts to Early Childhood teachers/mentors in order for them to educate early childhood learners in the fields of Math and Reading. The participants will follow oral directions to move along and sing songs in the attempt to learn/introduce a new skill/concept. Promoting Early Literacy Development through Literacy Center Instruction Fernando Hernandez, Assistant Principal, La Joya, ISD EDUC 1.530 Fasten your seatbelts! You’re embarking into a world of play. This presentation will give you an opportunity to learn how to foster student’s literacy development through play by engaging students in literacy centers. Participants will learn how to implement literacy centers in their classrooms and learn about hands-on activities that students can use to develop their early literacy skills. Aprende, diviértete y crea tu libro EDUC 1.502 Cynthia M. Salazar, PSJA ISD Elma Aponte, PSJA ISD Norma Camacho, Edinburg CISD Aprende, diviértete y crea tu libro es un taller educativo que presenta ideas inovativas para que las maestras bilingües puedan crear sus propios libros en diferentes materias. En este taller, las maestras tendrán la oportunidad de aprender, hacer y llevarse su propio libro para usarlo en el salón de clases. Estos libros son divertidos, educativos y al mismo tiempo ayudan a que los estudiantes desarrollen diferentes estrategias en artes del lenguaje, matemáticas, estudios sociales y ciencias. Limite 25. Read It, Create It, Flip It! Larraine Solis, M.Ed. Education Early Childhood Education Graduate Student Melissa Guerra, Vanguard Academy Melissa Guerra, PSJA ISD EDUC 2.102C Read it, create it, and flip it is a fun and educational make and take. It will keep children entertained while learning. Using flip books in all subject areas will allow students to incorporate what they have learned into their own books. Limit 25. Texas Department of Family & Protective Services - Child Care Licensing EDUC 2.228 (Lab) Sigifredo Garcia, T.D.F.P.S. Child Care Licensing Audience will be made known of Child Care Licensing roles and responsibilities including protocols made available to the public in applying for a child care operation. Further, along with specific types 6 of child care operations audience will be presented on the application process, obtaining a permit, staying in compliance, requesting administrative reviews, remedial actions, investigations, and brief access to the Child Care Licensing website. Financial Aid for Undergraduate and Graduate Students EDUC 1.504 Rosa Nydia Pena, M.Ed. Education Early Childhood Education Graduate Student The presentation will consist of the financial aid that is available for graduate students. There are some qualifications that a student must have before the graduate will be awarded. From the FAFSA application before the priority deadline, acceptance into the program and enrolled in the hours needed. The student must first be admitted to their respective degree- seeking graduate program before they can be eligible for financial aid. Discover Your Super Powers through Sensory Writing EDUC 2.240 Norma Azua, Edinburg CISD Marisela Ochoa, Edinburg CISD Maria Hinojosa, Edinburg CISD Sensory Writing is a tool that helps children use the five senses: touch, taste, sight, smell and sound to make something more realistic and descriptive. It gives the reader more of an understanding of what the message the writer is trying to convey. This session targets 1st and 2nd grade teachers who want to empower their student to become effective, creative and innovative writers. Using this method will assist children to discover their super powers in writing! Give Students the Power to Learning Jesse Vela, M.Ed., Motivational Consultant EDUC 3.224 This session focuses on engaging children throughout the day. It is important for the well-being of each individual to know he/she is loved and is in a caring and supportive environment. Children with sensitive teachers will develop a connection and will be in a stress free environment where their capabilities will flourish. Working with Infants, Toddlers, & Preschool-Age Children Dr. McCoy, Licensed Psychologist EDUC 2.502 This session is a lecture on how to recognize the need for referring for a more in-depth assessment for an autism spectrum disorder. You will be able to recognize basic symptoms of the disorder, risk factors, and how to use a popular screening test that will indicate whether you should consider referring for further evaluation. Dr. McCoy will also present ideas about how this disorder may develop why is has increased in frequency in the past two decades, and what basic treatment recommendations are for helping someone with this disorder. 7 Phonemic Awareness in Early Literary Dr. Michael Whitacre, UTPA Associate Professor EDUC 2.222 Phonemic awareness is key pre-requisite skill and is essential for children to develop as a part of learning to read. The participants will learn strategies and take ideas for activities to implement in the learning environment for the following areas; activities for rhyming words, beginning sound substitution, sound isolation, and phonemic segmentation. The Importance Of Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Early Childhood Education EDUC 2.234 Mayra Cortez, M.Ed.,Teacher The presenter is a master teacher and leader in an early childhood campus where she teaches young children. She will demonstrate developmentally appropriate practices and will provide researchbased activities. The importance of developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education of young children will be presented. Breakout Session #2 Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. “Science Is All Around Us: Observations of the Natural World” Angela Chapman, UTPA Assistant Professor EDUC 2.240 Dr. The most important scientific process skill for children to master is observation. This session will demonstrate fun; engaging activities that will help young children master the skill of observation using the five senses. “Magnets Make a Deep Impression.” Dr. Daniel Plas, UTPA Assistant Professor EDUC 2.102 The session will be based on exploration of magnets. Einstein said that his childhood experience with a magnet was what got him started thinking about how the world works. We will do a couple of magnet activities that can be shared with children to make them ask “How does that work?” “Read It! Sing It! Move It!” Cristal Reyes, Edinburg, CISD Susana Garza, Edinburg, CISD EDUC 1.534 “Read It! Sing It! Move It!” is an interactive make-and-take workshop in which teachers will learn how to make fluency and comprehension fun and effective. Through the use of musicality and movement teachers will learn how to teach fluency and comprehension to every child with any text! The Importance Of Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Early Childhood Education 8 EDUC 3.226 Mayra Cortez, M.Ed., Teacher The presenter is a master teacher and leader in an early childhood campus where she teaches young children. She will demonstrate developmental appropriate practices and will provide research-based activities. The importance of developmental appropriate practices in early childhood education of young children will be presented. Music and Movement for Young Children Jose Faustino Casarez, TMC Head Start EDUC 1.406 Attendees will hear from Mr. Casarez personal experiences as a Head start teacher and personal life situations that have influenced him to utilize music and movement as a means to teach young children. They will also hear a small portion of his collection of songs as he talks about the ways music influences children and why caregivers should utilize it in their daily interactions with children. Mr. Casarez will perform songs in both English and Spanish and play guitar to provide active hands on experience for all attendees. A power point presentation will be presented as well so that participants can sign along with the presenter. Small Group Big Learning: Learning Centers Dr. Rebecca Isbell, Early Childhood Consultant, Speaker and Author EDUC 1.102 The session will inform attendees of the many reasons to use centers with children, including topics such as teacher’s role when including centers in ECE classroom, red flags that centers are not working, time for a change or renovation of centers, hints for successfully designing centers for young children, and designing the essential library/literacy center. Twelve Essential Components for Teaching Beginning Reading Rafaela Ovalle, Edinburg CISD Alisa Gonzalez, Curriculum Assistant, Edinburg ECISD Elsa Hernandez, Edinburg CISD EDUC 1.404 Participants will learn different techniques for teaching beginning reading for young children ages 08. This presentation will present twelve essential components of research-based programs. Effective teaching procedure such as read-aloud and reading strategies will be demonstrated. Let’s Move It!! Move It!! Move it!!! Daisy J.Garza, La Feria ISD EDUC 2.224 The presenter will use music to teach concepts to Early Childhood teachers/mentors in order for them to educate early childhood learners in the fields of Math and Reading. The participants will follow oral directions to move along and sing songs in the attempt to learn/introduce a new skill/concept. 9 Promoting Early Literacy Development through Literacy Center Instruction EDUC 1.530 Fernando Hernandez, Assistant Principal, La Joya, ISD Fasten your seatbelts! You’re embarking into a world of play. This presentation will give you an opportunity to learn how to foster student’s literacy development through play by engaging students in literacy centers. Participants will learn how to implement literacy centers in their classrooms and learn about hands-on activities that students can use to develop their early literacy skills. Aprende, diviértete y crea tu libro Cynthia M. Salazar, PSJA ISD Elma Aponte, PSJA ISD Norma Camacho, Edinburg CISD EDUC 1.502 Aprende, diviértete y crea tu libro es un taller educativo que presenta ideas inovativas para que las maestras bilingües puedan crear sus propios libros en diferentes materias. En este taller, las maestras tendrán la oportunidad de aprender, hacer y llevarse su propio libro para usarlo en el salón de clases. Estos libros son divertidos, educativos y al mismo tiempo ayudan a que los estudiantes desarrollen diferentes estrategias en artes del lenguaje, matemáticas, estudios sociales y ciencias. Limite 25. Read It, Create It, Flip It! EDUC 2.102C Larraine Solis, M.Ed. Education Early Childhood Education Graduate Student Melissa Guerra, Vanguard Academy Melissa Guerra, PSJA ISD Read it, create it, and flip it is a fun and educational make and take. It will keep children entertained while learning. Using flip books in all subject areas will allow students to incorporate what they have learned into their own books. Limit 25. Texas Department of Family & Protective Services - Child Care Licensing EDUC 2.228 Sigifredo Garcia, T.D.F.P.S. Child Care Licensing. Audience will be made known of Child Care Licensing roles and responsibilities including protocols made available to the public in applying for a child care operation. Further, along with specific types of child care operations audience will be presented on the application process, obtaining a permit, staying in compliance, requesting administrative reviews, remedial actions, investigations, and brief access to the Child Care Licensing website. Financial Aid for Graduate Students EDUC 1.504 Rosa Nydia Pena, M.Ed. Education Early Childhood Education Graduate Student The presentation will consist of the financial aid that is available for graduate students. There are some qualifications that a student must have before the graduate will be awarded. From the FAFSA application before the priority deadline, acceptance into the program and enrolled in the hours needed. The student must first be admitted to their respective degree- seeking graduate program before they can be eligible for financial aid. 10 Discover Your Super Powers through Sensory Writing EDUC 2.234 Norma Azua, Edinburg CISD Marisela Ochoa, Edinburg CISD Maria Hinojosa, Edinburg CISD Sensory Writing is a tool that helps children use the five senses: touch, taste, sight, smell and sound to make something more realistic and descriptive. It gives the reader more of an understanding of what the message the writer is trying to convey. This session targets 1st and 2nd grade teachers who want to empower their student to become effective, creative and innovative writers. Using this method will assist children to discover their super powers in writing! Writing Is a Tool for Thinking EDUC 3.224 Norma A. Lozano, Edinburg CISD Mario Saenz, Edinburg CISD In this presentation two fourth grade teachers will present various exciting approaches on how to teach the writing process. These teachers will demonstrate strategies and techniques to help K-3rd grade teachers implement writing instruction in their classrooms. Read to Me: Recommendations for Helping Children Become Readers EDUC 2.226 Arturo Garza, PSJA ISD Luis Rios, Middle School Social Studies Teacher and Coach The presenters will explain the importance of teaching children how to read and how to motivate them to read. They will demonstrate steps and strategies to enhance the reading process and will provide recommendations for parents to read to their children. Working with Infants, Toddlers, & Preschool-Age Children EDUC 2.502 Dr. McCoy, Licensed Psychologist This section is a lecture on how to recognize the need for referring for a more in-depth assessment for an autism spectrum disorder. You will be able to recognize basic symptoms of the disorder, risk factors, and how to use a popular screening test that will indicate whether you should consider referring for further evaluation. Dr. McCoy will also present ideas about how this disorder may develop why is has increased in frequency in the past two decades, and what basic treatment recommendations are for helping someone with this disorder. Phonemic Awareness in Early Literary EDUC 2.222 Dr. Michael Whitacre, UTPA Associate Professor Phonemic awareness is key pre-requisite skill and is essential for children to develop as a part of learning to read. The participants will learn strategies and take ideas for activities to implement in the learning environment for the following areas; activities for rhyming words, beginning sound substitution, sound isolation, and phonemic segmentation. 11 Lunch Time 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Pick up a boxed lunch and a drink at the EDUC 1.102 lobby You must have your meal ticket to get a lunch box. Meal tickets can be found in your registration bag. You may enjoy your lunch in the COE Courtyard (Picnic Lunch at the Mercado) Scholastic Book Fair 10:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m. COE 2nd Floor Lobby Stop by the Book Fair and view the extensive selection of books for young children, teens, and adults! Hosted by U.T.C.A.R.E.S. 12 Breakout Session #3 Time: 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Child Abuse and Neglect EDUC 3.226 Bianca Brooke Diaz, Texas Department Investigator of Family & Protective Services Maria Angelina Martinez, Harlingen ISD Early childhood educators and teachers will walk away with knowledge of different types of abuse and neglect. They will also know how to correctly and safely report cases and ensure the safety of all children. Phonological Awareness is Child’s Play and The Foundation for Reading Success EDUC 2.102A Sara Gonzalez, Edinburg CISD Crystal Aguilar, Edinburg CISD Early childhood educators will present phonological awareness activities that will guide teachers on how to implement playful hands-on activities to develop reading success by presenting the six concepts in the phonological awareness continuum. Extreme Classroom Makeovers: Low cost and high impact! EDUC 1.102 Dr. Rebecca Isbell, Early Childhood Consultant, Speaker and Author This presentation will present aspects of creating a beautiful and developmentally appropriate environment for young children. Attendees will be provided with information to consider when participating in classroom makeover such as; building a sense of community, major functions of the room, aesthetics, learning centers, organization of space and materials, and ideas for extreme makeovers at low cost. Getting Your Children to Talk Diana Chapa, Preschool Child Development Coordinator EDUC 1.404 Participants will be introduced to different ways of increasing the student’s vocabulary. There will be hands-on activities for participants, as well as an opportunity to develop a lesson plan. Let’s Move It!! Move It!! EDUC 2.224 Daisy J.Garza, La Feria ISD The presenter will use music to teach concepts to Early Childhood teachers/mentors in order for them to educate early childhood learners in the fields of Math and Reading. The participants will follow oral directions to move along and sing songs in the attempt to learn/introduce a new skill/concept. Communication that Promotes the Best Care and Education of Children EDUC 2.234 Teresa Gómez González, M.Ed. Education Early Childhood Education Graduate Student This session will address communication as it pertains to caring for infants, toddlers, and preschool age children. Key points will include: listening to children to provide quality care; keeping parents informed; and communication between the teachers, teacher assistants, staff, and director. Participants will engage in activities to help them become better listeners. 13 Home-based Emergent Literacy Strategies Dr. Cynthia Bebon, Migrant Education Program Director EDUC 2.222 The presenter will share research- based early literacy strategies implemented by the McAllen ISD Migrant Education Program. Strategies will include PACT (Parent and Child Together), innovative ways that parents can engage young children in emergent literacy activities. “Read It! Sing It! Move It!” Cristal Reyes, Edinburg, CISD Susana Garza, Edinburg, CISD EDUC 1.534 “Read It! Sing It! Move It!” is an interactive make-and-take workshop in which teachers will learn how to make fluency and comprehension fun and effective. Through the use of musicality and movement teachers will learn how to teach fluency and comprehension to every child with any text! KWL and Beyond EDUC 2.240 Celeste F. Garza, M. Ed. Edinburg CISD Sandra Delgadillo-Garcia, Edinburg CISD It’s time to go beyond the KWL! In this session, participants will be introduced to KWL- type charts for today’s learners and leave with the materials and confidence to implement these new and improved strategies for assessing background knowledge in the classroom. Reading Adventures Priscilla Trigo, Edinburg CISD EDUC 1.530 Teachers will be presented with activities that can be done in the classroom using a fiction/nonfiction book. This session will help enhance your reading block through a reading foldable, a sequence and vocabulary activity. Come and join the reading adventure!! The Triple H “The Tremendous Trio” Rosie Mendoza, Edinburg CISD EDUC 1.502 Teaching students the difference in word structures and meaning can make a world of difference in their comprehension. Helping identify the triple H-homophones, homonyms, homographs can make learning fun and insightful. Tackling the three types of words will help enhance learning-making this learning experience tremendous!! 14 Thank you for attending The Early Care & Early Childhood Education Conference Conference Chairs Dr. Hilda Medrano, Coordinator of Graduate Early Childhood Education Dr. Irasema Gonzalez, Coordinator of Undergraduate Early Care and Early Childhood Education Julia G. Cuevas, Graduate Research Assistant Mirna Salinas, Graduate Research Assistant 2014 Early Childhood Education Graduating Cohort Arturo Garza, PSJA ISD Bianca Brooke Diaz, Texas Department Investigator of Family & Protective Services Crystal Aguilar, Edinburg CIS Cynthia Salazar, PSJA ISD Elma Aponte, PSJA ISD Larraine Solis, M.Ed. Education Early Childhood Education Graduate Student Maria Angelina Martinez, Harlingen ISD Maria Hinojosa, Edinburg CISD Maricela Ochoa, Edinburg CISD Melissa Guerra, PSJA ISD Melissa Guerra, Vanguard Academy Norma Azúa, Edinburg CISD Norma Camacho, Edinburg CISD Norma Lozano, Edinburg CISD Rafaela Ovalle, Edinburg CISD Rosa Nydia Peña, M.Ed. Education Early Childhood Education Graduate Student Sara Gonzalez, Edinburg CISD 15 Special thanks to all volunteers and donors for their contributions in bringing about this year’s conference. Special acknowledgement is given to the following individuals and organizations for their donations: Hector Bustos Jr. Mirtha Guajardo Teaching Illuminations Little Shining Stars Daycare ACE’s BBQ Rio Grande Steel - Mirta Guajardo/CEO Vanessa Guajardo-Flores, Attorney at Law/Edinburg,Texas D’Oro Home Health Services Unique Pediatric Rehab CenterLLC Visions Hair Studio South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center Louise’s Auto Service Barnes & Noble Fonda San Lucas Restaurant Carmike Theater Dr. Hilda Medrano Bob Trevino Insurance Just for Fun Party Hall Heritage Development Starbucks-Edinburg Rebecca Corpus Lowe’s-Edinburg Chili’s-Edinburg Espi Ochoa- La Joya ISD Reliable Life Insurance-Dino Luna Edgar Carranza Farmer’s Insurance Melissa T. Guerra Abe Solis Ismael Garza Julio Camacho NAFTA Credit Union Roy Tijerina-Allstate Insurance – Edinburg Cabalen-Authentic Filipino Cuisine 16