About Collaborative Conversations
Thinking Big About Little Learners: Conference Overview
Thinking Big About Little Learners: Conference Schedule
Thinking Big About Little Learners: Speaker Biographies
Thinking Big About Little Learners: Conference Background
Reports and Follow-Up

Thinking Big About Little Learners
Investing Statewide in the Healthy Social and Emotional Development of Young Children

First Lady Diane Patrick, Honorary Chair

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW:

Babies are born learning—about themselves, their surroundings, and human relationships. The quality of their early experiences (ages birth to 5) will shape the way they learn, think, and love throughout their lives. At these very young ages, any issues leading to challenging behaviors and lack of school-readiness are more easily identified, intervention is less expensive, and the likelihood for successful outcomes is greatest. More and more states are pro-actively investing in the wellbeing of their youngest citizens—a smart investment with a high yield return.

To bring these issues to the attention of local, state, and national leaders, the Hampshire Educational Collaborative (HEC) hosted an October 2007 forum in Holyoke, Massachusetts, called Thinking Big About Little Learners: Investing Statewide in the Healthy Social and Emotional Development of Young Children. Building on the momentum of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Schott Fellowship's 2006 Young Minds Matter conference, HEC was delighted to provide a venue to promote conversation on this topic among a diverse group of statewide influential leaders.

CC-Thinking Big Conference Summary Report (11 Page PDF)

The conversation will continue with a series of convenings in 2008 to report on the forum presentations, discussions, and recommendations; seek input from attendees and others on how to engage their sectors; and establish or strengthen relationships with the attendees, their colleagues, and communities.

For more information about the issues, we invite you to download the preconference information booklet:

Thinking Big About Little Learners Preconference Booklet (24 Page PDF)