This year for the first time, we are excited to offer 2 workshops prior to the ‘official’ kickoff to the Power of Play Conference!
On Wednesday, March 29 from 4:30-7:30pm, you can choose from 1) Kendra McDonald from the Arc of Loudoun, Paxton Campus facilitating “Changing Behavior: ‘It’s Not Magic!’” OR 2) Steve Slowinski from Partners for Youth with Disabilities facilitating “Designing Inclusive Events and Activities: Tips, Tools, and Hands-on Practice.” You will be asked to choose which one you will attend when you register. See the workshop descriptions below.
Workshop Descriptions for Wednesday, March 29 – 4:30-7:30
Registration is $25 for Partners and $50 for all others. This is in addition to your Power of Play Conference registration. The following two workshops are happening simultaneously. You will be able to choose which one you will attend when you register.
Changing Behavior “It’s Not Magic!”
Presenters: Kendra R. McDonald and Christine Favreaux- Arc of Loudoun, Paxton Campus
Kendra began her career in behavior analysis after her son’s diagnosis of autism in 2002. Following the successful implementation of his home program, she worked as an in-home ABA therapist for other families affected with autism. She completed her behavior analysis coursework at UMASS Lowell and she has a Master’s Degree in Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and consults for children and adults on Paxton Campus in Leesburg, VA. Kendra is also the Clinical Director of The Paxton Advantage Behavior Clinic. She emphasizes the principles and teaching procedures of verbal behavior across all teaching opportunities including behavior challenges, communication, social skills, and academics. Her interests also include analysis of complex behavior such as remembering, teaching mediating behaviors, and other private events.
Christine has been working in the preschool education field for over a decade and received her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential for Preschools. During this time, she has had the privilege to holding a variety of early childhood education positions, including Lead Teacher, Administrative Assistant, Center Administrator, and now Preschool Director.
Session Description:
Using Effective Behavioral Strategies to Improve Challenging Behavior.
Designing Inclusive Events and Activities: Tips, Tools, and Hands-on Practice
Presenters: Steve Slowinski- Partners for Youth with Disabilities
Steve Slowinski has been working at PYD since early 2012. He has a B.A. from Gettysburg College in a self-created major focusing on youth with special needs, and he is currently pursuing a Masters in Nonprofit Leadership at Wheelock College. He has worked with youth with disabilities for the past 10+ years. In college, he spent a semester in Denmark studying their child care practices for children with disabilities. He has also interned with the child life team at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and has volunteered for many years as a camp counselor and mentor to youth with disabilities.
Session Description:
How do you design program events, games, crafts, and activities that are inclusive to youth of all abilities? This workshop will provide both practical tips and tools for designing inclusive activities, while also providing hands-on opportunities for learning. Participants will leave the session with an understanding of universal design principles, including how to modify or adapt existing activities and how to proactively design activities using inclusive strategies. Come play with us and try out inclusion first-hand!