Conference Theme: "It's All About the CHILDren" 

This year's Annual CHILD Conference is right around the corner. Join us on Friday and Saturday, April 20 & 21, 2007 at the Radisson WorldGate Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. The event has expanded to two full days this year. On Friday morning, there will be an opportunity to take a bus tour to visit Canoe Creek Charter School in St. Cloud, a CHILD National Demonstration Site. Learn more about the impact CHILD has had on student achievement. Witness, first hand, children from kindergarten to fifth grade actively engaged in learning. Then, in the afternoon, by popular demand, there will be subject area make and take sessions. Teachers will be able to spend three hours creating hands-on activities to take back to school on Monday morning!

Annette Breaux, well-known author and motivational speaker, will kick off Saturday with the keynote address. During the day, participants will be able to take advantage of subject area break out sessions, an awards luncheon, Vendor Marketplace and terrific door prizes. There will be sessions for administrators, informational sessions on the CHILD model, and sessions of interest to CHILD practitioners.

Go here for Conference registration information.

For the first time this year, participants will be able to pre-order CHILD conference polo shirts. Look for ordering information on your Confirmation letter.

CHILD First Steps students at Zenith have positive things to say about the model. 

"I like the Computer Station the best. I went up a whole grade level."

"I like moving around the room. It was boring just sitting all day before."

"CHILD has helped me because it makes me talk about my reading and I really like working with my friends to do my work. It is really fun."

CHILD First Steps-Reading is now at the high school level. Osceola County is piloting the model at one of its alternative high schools in the county. The management system of CHILD, along with the reading framework, was a perfect fit for the intensive reading teachers of Zenith High School, who work with struggling 9^th graders as they prepare for the FCAT. Former CHILD teacher and consultant, Mary Tumbleson, is now the Assistant Principal at this school and knew the model would fit the needs of this unique learning environment. "Our students are becoming accustomed to the movement and structure of First Steps. Their academic achievement is increasing and they are feeling confident that they can pass the FCAT. "

Jona Warner, a Zenith reading teacher and also former CHILD educator says, "A CHILD passport folder could be the key to a child's future."  Mrs. Tumbleson agrees that, "this program has helped our school to understand how to manage the intensive reading classroom so that all students can be successful readers."

Conference Keynote Speaker, Annette Breaux

CHILD Annual Conference
Friday & Saturday, April 20 & 21, 2007-Orlando, FL

Go here for Conference registration information.

Consultant Training Workshop 
Saturday & Sunday, May 5 & 6, 2007- Sheraton Safari, Orlando, Florida

Go here for Consultant Application and flyer.

CHILD Leadership Academy  
Friday & Saturday, June 22 & 23, 2007- Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Florida 

Regional Support Days
Marion County, FL on February 14th  Contact Paula Cannon at paula.cannon@marion.k12.fl.us

Osceola County, FL on March 21st   Contact Jan Gabhart at gabhartj@osceola.k12.fl.us

Indian River County, FL on April 4th  Contact Barbara Hett at barbara.hett@indian-river.k12.fl.us