Attendees will learn how to:
Empower Children's Self-Awareness: Foster a strong self-image in children as competent and capable of recognizing and responding to their bodily cues related to hunger, tiredness, and the need to eliminate.
Support the Adult Role in Nourishment: Ensure that adults provide a variety of nutritious foods and create environments conducive to children independently meeting their needs.
Protect the Right to Play: Promote and respect children's right to play outside in all types of weather, encouraging them to get as messy as they want and be the directors of their own play.
Advocate for Children's Rights: Empower adults to advocate for children's rights to self-directed play and bodily autonomy to families, other teachers, and the wider community.
Facilitated by Jennie Ogden, Heather Rose, and Jennifer Adams
Jennie Ogden serves as School Director of The Little School of Hillsborough in North Carolina. After earning her degree in Elementary Education, Jennie worked as a kindergarten teacher in Durham Public Schools until joining The Little School in 2010. In her many years at TLS, Jennie has worked with nearly every age and served as a teacher, lead teacher, and mentor. She is dedicated to the field of early education and devotes time to advocating for children, childhood, and educators.
Heather Rose has over a decade of experience in early childhood education, specializing in infants and toddlers. Since joining The Little School of Hillsborough in 2012, she has taken on roles as a teacher, mentor, school director, and pedagogista at both campuses. Heather is passionate about brain development in ages 0-3, strengthening the image of the child, advocating for community presence, and enhancing the environment.
Jennifer Adams, Founding Director of The Little School, earned her undergraduate degree from Colorado State University and a Master's in Education, with a concentration in children with exceptionalities from the University of Delaware. After returning to North Carolina, she worked as a School Psychologist in the Alamance Burlington School System. Seeking an ideal school for her children that encouraged exploration, independent thinking, and individuality, Jennifer founded The Little School, embodying her educational vision.