The Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children is now inviting proposals for presentations at the October 25 Conference – “Children, Nature and Wellness: Open the Door to Learning.” Proposals are due March 31.

Why the topic “Children, Nature and Wellness: Open the Door to Learning”?

Natural green spaces for children are giving way to development at an alarming rate. Parents with time constraints and media coverage of safety issues that cause concern translate into less free time outdoors to freely explore, discover, and play. But, contact with nature can be as beneficial to young children as good nutrition and sleeping well (YC, 2008). Nurturing children’s interests in the natural world can contribute to their health and well-being and benefit them for the rest of their lives.

The theme-related areas that will be addressed at the Conference are: Nature and Outdoors, Health and Wellness, Sharing Nature with Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers and Play.

In addition, participants will learn about current research and address issues in higher education, professional development programs, public policy, advocacy, program administration, leadership and more!

For more information, download the full Request for Proposals from the PAEYC website.

2/15/2008