March 29, 2009
Join a panel of local experts in discussing play-based education, an important factor in every child's life.
Panelists Include:
Dr. James Johnson -
James Johnson, PhD. is professor in-charge of Early Childhood Education at Penn State. Dr. Johnson is the past president of the Association for the Study of Play; and serves on the Advisory Board for "Playing For Keeps" and the International Council for Children's PLay.
Lynn Chaplin -
Lynn Chaplin has been the director of the Montessori School of the Nittany Valley for 14 years. During that time the school has achieved NAEYC accreditation and a Star 4 designation through the Keystone Stars program. The school's educational philosophy closely follows the teachings of Maria Montessori but adds the rich aspect of imaginative play throughout the classroom.
>Lynn has bachelors degree from Juniata College, a Montessori teaching certificate from CMTE and is currently working on her Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Penn State.
Kat Alden -
Kat Alden has been working with children ever since she got her Masters in Education in 1982. She has taught in both private and public schools and in outdoor education facilities. Her work with preschoolers began when she became a mother, but professionally she has taught young children since 1998. She began working at the Cooperative Playschool in 2002. Her commitment to play-based education has grown considerably over the years witnessing children's creativity thrive. Kat has a BA in Anthropology from Boston University; M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Lesley College and a Waldorf Educators Certificate 1-8 from Sunbridge College.
Wendy Whitesell -
Wendy Whitesell has been the director of the Bennett Family Child Care Center since 1994. She spent 8 years working at Cen-Clear Child Services in their Head Start program where she was a classroom teacher/home visitor, has directed the Child Assault Prevention Program, and last served as the Social Services Coordinator for the agency. She has also been active in several private start up programs and has consulted for Smart Start Centre County. Wendy holds a B.S. in Special Education and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education.
Thanks to our sponsors, Schlow Library, Mountain Family Dental, and Hayes Family Chiropractic.
