Young Child Expo and Conference: Parenting Expert Hog Heaven

In New York we are truly spoiled with access to the best of everything, and when it comes to parenting resources it's no different. As New Yorkers, when we have parenting issues or want information, we have access to the top experts in the field, and I'm not talking about on our bookshelf??”I'm talking about face-to-face, direct-to-the-source interaction with the top experts in just about every parenting category. That's how we roll.

And that's the idea behind the Young Child Expo and Conference being held at the Hilton on Friday, April 18th and Saturday, April 19th. This event, hosted by Fordham University and Los Ninos Services, is designed to give parents, educators and early childhood professionals direct contact with the leading experts, resources and information in early childhood development today. One of the unique things about this conference is that it covers the whole spectrum of early childhood development from "normal" to the range of special needs, including Autism.

With an opening keynote from T Berry Brazelton, perhaps the top early childhood expert, to the closing sessions on nutrition and exercise from none other than the experts at Sesame Street, this event is not kidding around when it comes to childhood. I was so impressed with the mission and line-up of this event that I signed on as a media sponsor (doesn't that sound fancy!) to help spread the word about this important event.

The seminars address many of the issues that can be the most confounding for parents with expert advice:

EXPERT HAND-HOLDER: FInd out what are the available resources and how to navigate the system to get services for children with special needs and disabilities.

NERVE SAVER: Robin Aronow from School Search, Inc. will review the process, procedures and timeline for applying to both public and private elementary schools in New York City, and factors to consider in making school choices. General education, gifted and talented, dual language, co-ed vs. single sex, progressive vs. traditional options, diversity and financial aid will be discussed. In addition, testing for both public and private school admission will be covered.

LIFE ENHANCER: A workshop on developmental discipline to help parents learn to customize their responses to "misbehavior" appropriate to each developmental stage and situation.

LIFE SAVER: Kim West, The Sleep Lady, imparts wisdom in developing healthy sleep habits and solving sleep problems.

JUST PLAIN COOL: Outdoor and nature resources in NYC presented by Wildlife Conservation Society educators from each of the NYC institutions . Gain a better understanding of how to use city institutions and wildlife to motivate learning.

Some more of the issues that will be covered:

??? ADHD
??? Advocacy/Legal Issues
??? Autism Essentials
??? Autism Treatment Approaches
??? Bilingual Speech/Language Development
??? Children and Nature
??? Developmental Discipline
??? Early Literacy
??? Educational Choices/Programs
??? Multicultural Basics
??? Music & Movement
??? Play Based Approaches
??? Positive Parenting
??? Reggio Emilia
??? Resources/Special Needs
??? Sleep Issues
??? Speech/Language Issues

In addition to the seminars there will be an expo with exhibits from many of the top New York area children's organizations. Whether you have a child in early intervention, OT/PT, with autism, downs or any special need, or just want the best information on navigating the complex issues of raising a child in NYC, I think this conference will be invaluable. The cost is $95 for one day or $175 for two days. You couldn't even buy the books all these experts have written for that much money, and here you will have direct access to them. To take a look at the full conference schedule and register go to LosNinos.com.

Young Child Expo and Conference
April 18 and 19, 2008
Hilton NY Hotel
One Day Parent Pass $95
Two Day Pass $175