ILAIMH 45TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Supporting the Early Years in a Changing World: Keeping Human Connection at the Center
Thursday, November 5 | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
College of DuPage, Turner Auditorium – Student Resource Center
451 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL
- Registration closes Monday, November 2.
- Please email submissions@ilaimh.org to arrange registration for 5 or more people as a group.
KEYNOTE/OPENING SPEAKER: Dana Suskind, MD
We are proud to welcome Dr. Dana Suskind, New York Times bestselling author of Parent Nation and Thirty Million Words, as our keynote speaker. Dr. Suskind will share groundbreaking research from her newest book: Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI.
Dr. Suskind is the Founder and Co-Director of the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health, Founding Director of the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program, and Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at the University of Chicago. Her work has been instrumental in deepening professionals', parents', and caregivers' understanding of how early interactions and language shape brain development and relationships for infants and young children.
Every conference attendee will receive a complimentary copy of Dr. Suskind's new book, Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI.
Morning session
SPEAK: Caregiver Knowledge as a Foundation for Early Relational Health
Presented by: Sara Bryk, TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health
The Survey of Parent/Provider Expectations And Knowledge (SPEAK®) is a computer-adaptive survey that measures an adult’s knowledge and beliefs about early childhood development. It was created by the TMW Center and has been used by researchers around the world. Ms Bryk will overview how SPEAK has demonstrated reliability as a measure of adult knowledge of early childhood cognitive and language development, enriching early relational outcomes of infants and young children
Afternoon sessions
What Would Amy G. Dala Do? Using Curiosity to Keep Human Connection at the Center
Presented by: Angela Searcy, Ed.D., M.J., I/ECMH-C
In this interactive session, Dr Searcy will introduce participants to Amy G. Dala, a relatable brain-based character representing the amygdala and its role in emotional responses, stress and self-regulation. Through storytelling, reflection and practical application, participants will explore how relationships, environments and experiences and adult responses shape behavior and emotional well-being.
The Connection Effect: Why Relationships are the Most Powerful Intervention
Sabrina Robertson, Ed S.
This engaging session explores why relationships are the most powerful intervention available to infant and early childhood professionals, caregivers and families. Attendees will examine the science behind connection, including attachments, co-regulation, brain development and relational safety. Ms Robertson will offer practical strategies, reflective activities and real-world examples and highlight the impact of these research-based positive outcomes on young children.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
A special room rate of $129.00 is available for ILAIMH event attendees at the DoubleTree Hilton – Downers Grove on Wednesday, November 4. Details on booking can be found here.
We hope you will join us for the annual conference, in addition to the 45th Anniversary Celebration on November 4! After registering for the conference, you will receive a discount code for registration to the Celebration.
Gateways, Early Intervention and CEUs for Mental Health professionals will be given.
Please email submissions@ilaimh.org if you have any difficulties with registration. We look forward to seeing you in November!
