Ann Ruhl-Carlson, MEd, early childhood licensure coordinator at the Institute of Child Development (ICD), Sheila Williams Ridge, MA, director of the Shirley G. Moore Lab School, and Meg Thomas, MA, teaching specialist at the Shirley G. Moore Lab School, recently gave presentations at the 2019 Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC)/Minnesota School-Age Care Alliance (MnSACA) Annual State Conference.

Carlson’s presentation, Using Reflective Practices to Facilitate Professional Growth, shared the basic principles of reflective practice and coaching, and how it can be used by supervisors and mentors.

Ridge’s presentation, Nature Play Your Way: Incorporating Nature-Based Learning into Your Program, explored the benefits of nature-based learning. 

Thomas led a presentation titled, Helping Young Children Develop Life Skills for Understanding and Advocating for Fairness, Equity and Equality. The discussion-based presentation explored best practices for nurturing a child’s desire for fairness.

The conference took place February 1–2 at the St. Paul RiverCentre.