Educare, a LINC early childhood development initiative, provided a free day of seminars to teachers, childcare providers, and other care givers Saturday, June 14 at the Kauffman Foundation.  

Attendees enjoyed free food, jazz, and raffles between the break-out seminars throughout the day. Seminars included back-to-back sessions of Early Education Strategies to Strengthen Families, Children Getting Ready to Read, 7 Steps to a Better You, Understanding and Supporting Children with Tourette Syndrome, Embracing Diversity in Your Classroom, and Managing the Defiant Child.

Seminars were delivered by representatives from The Family Conservancy, Kansas City Public Library, Tourette Syndrome Association, Francis Institute for Child and Youth Development, Second Wind Counseling & Consulting. 7 Steps to a Better You was delivered by Jeff Menzise, Ph.D.  

Keynote speaker, Susan O'Leary, spoke how adults can influence a child's life in a powerful way.

"Everybody needs to be reinforced, we all have our burns, fears and shortcomings," said O'Leary.  "We have to make our own decisions to overcome them and the problems we have."

Educare End of Year Conference aimed to provide support to adults who care for children both professionally and personally. Educare is coordinated by LaChandra Calhoun and Deborah Ried. Educare events are held throughout the year to provide training, resources, and support to produce better caregivers, teachers, and professionals.