Provider Conference on Children Planned

Child-care providers and teachers can learn brain-stimulating activities for young children at a conference Saturday sponsored by the Child Care Resource Center.

The sixth annual Provider Conference will offer 25 workshops ranging from tactile art for infants to hands-on science experiments and activities that can be done indoors and outdoors. Other topics include infant massage, infant and toddler development and curriculum planning. Workshops will also be offered on special needs of children.

Organizers say the half-day event typically attracts 250 people.

“We know from studies that as little as 15 hours of training can make a difference in the quality of child care by nonprofessionals. We know this can enhance the skills and capability they already have,” said Laura Escobedo of the Child Care Resource Center in Van Nuys, which refers parents to licensed providers and dispenses subsidies to eligible families.

The keynote speaker will be Patricia Moffett, a brain-development specialist who says relationships formed during infancy are a key element in the development of the brain.

The conference is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the University Student Union at Cal State Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St.

Cost is $25. Reservations may be made by calling (818) 756-3360, Ext. 823.