top of page
poster with sponsors.png
Key Note

When we open our eyes to the value of free play, we see the role that self-initiated play activity has for the overall well-being and development of infants and toddlers. 

​

Using the Piklerian perspective, we will delve into the topic of free play from birth to three and learn about play from the very beginning of infancy. Join us as we explore the relationship between early brain development and play and learn about the often-overlooked stages of free play in infants and toddlers. In addition to deepening our understanding about the value of free play from birth to 3 years, we will also explore the practical considerations necessary to support young children at play. 

​

Presenters:

Elizabeth (Liz) Hagerman, Washington DC, USA is a Pikler® Pedagogue, a licensed counselor, and a Waldorf Birth to Three specialist.  She developed and led Parent Child groups in DC Waldorf schools for 14 years. She now works with children and their families at The Center for Family Wellbeing, using play therapy and offering parent infant “wellbeing” groups.  She is on the board of Pikler®Loczy USA. She teaches in an Esther Bick Infant observation program, and in a Waldorf 0-3 teacher training program (Sophia's Hearth). Liz grew up playing in nature in the Rocky Mountain West, and still loves to get out to play “where the wild things are”.

 

Anna Ruth Myers, New York, USA is an early years specialist with over 20 years of experience supporting families and young children. A Pikler® Pedagogue candidate and RIE® Associate, her work is guided by the profound insights of Dr. Emmi Pikler. As a certified doula, childbirth, and lactation educator, she has worked to advocate for respectful infant care from birth. Anna Ruth also holds diplomas in both Montessori and Waldorf education and has completed 2 study tours in Reggio Emilia. She is on the board of Pikler®Loczy USA. Anna Ruth is the founder of Nurtured Child, an early parenting program based on the peaceful and respectful approaches to infant care and education developed by Dr. Emmi Pikler and Magda Gerber.  

Fees:

  • $130 for Individual Members of WECAN.
    Individual WECAN members use code MEMBER23

  • $150 Organizational Member of WECAN (Membership through your home-based kindergartens, childcare programs, birth to three programs, early childhood teacher education programs and institutes).
    Organizational WECAN Members use code ORGMEM23

  • $160 Non Members

 

Financial assistance is available. Please contact Katherine Scharff, katherine@sophiashearth.org, for more information.

​

Space is limited, don't delay in signing up

Fees

Conference Schedule

Sophia's Hearth, 700 Court St Keene NH 
IN PERSON ONLY
​
Friday, November 10, 2023

  • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Registration Opens

  • 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm - Opening with Singing and Announcements

  • 7:30 am - 9:00 pm - Presenter - Liz Hagerman

  • 9:00 pm Closing - an invitation to take the work into the night

 

Saturday, November 11, 2023

  • 8:30 am - 9:00 am - Singing, gems from the night and announcements

  • 9:00 am - 10:30 am - Presenter - Anna Ruth Myers

  • 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Break

  • 11:00 am - 12:30 pm - Workshop (part a)

  • 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm - Lunch

  • 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Workshop (part b)

  • 3:15 pm - 3:45 pm - Workshop sharing

  • 3:45 pm - 4:30 pm - Closing - Fruits of our Labors - What will you take home to your work after this weekend?

​

CLICK HERE for printable schedule

​

Schedule
IMG_0211.jpg

Workshops:

  • The Relationship Between Sleep and Play in Infants with Margit Foster

 

  • Inspiring Play in the Caregiver and Child Setting with Anjum Mir

 

  • Supporting the Social Development of Children 1.5 to 3 years through their Play Experience with Katherine Scharff

 

  • Joyful Play; An Essential Gateway towards Belonging and Healthy Positive Self Identity for All Young Children with Lynn Turner & Leslie Wetzonis Woolverton

​​

For a description of the workshops click here

Worshops

Cancellation Policy -

  • Your registration payment includes a non-refundable $50 administrative fee. The rest of your registration fee is refundable until October 31, after which no refunds can be made.

  • There is a $50 admin fee for registration cancellation for inclement weather.

  • No refunds on conference registration after October 31, 2023.

Cancellation Policy
bottom of page