The Second Annual Men and Child Care Conference

    The Second Annual Men and Child Care Conference

     Jose-Nunez.jpg
    Jose Nunez

    In October 2017, advocates from across California gathered at Pacific Oak College's San Jose Campus for the Second Annual Men and Child Care Conference. The conference featured Bryan Nelson, from MenTeach; Kathy Fleming from FairyTale Town and the Sacramento Adventure Playground; and the D.A.D. Project team of Donald Williams and Daniel Polanco.

    Bryan is known internationally for his work advocating for men in education. Besides managing www.menteach.org, a clearinghouse for news, research and advocacy, he has participated in the Men in ECE workgroup of the World Forum Foundation, presented at conferences worldwide, and appeared in videos and news programs. Bryan's presentation covered recruitment, retention and support for the development of men in the early care and education profession. He also offered strategies for addressing bias in the workplace culture and environment.

    Kathy Fleming was joined by Sacramento Chapter of CAAEYC president Mike Kurtz to present on the recent movement to promote play through Adventure Playgrounds. Kathy shared her experiences traveling through Europe to learn about the Adventure Play movement. Conference participants also learned about Sacramento's very own Adventure Playground. Mike presented information on the collaboration between the Sacramento Valley Chapter Men and Child Care Committee and First5 Sacramento to provide pop-up adventure play opportunities for young children.

    The D.A.D. Project arrived from Southern California to share their work on father engagement programs throughout Los Angeles County. They have gathered tremendous momentum in promoting male involvement.

    Former CAAEYC Men in Child Care committee chairs, Rodney West and Gregory Uba were in attendance. Current Men in Child Care chair, Jose Nunez was present. Researcher Dr. Paul Morehouse, Mike Kurtz and Stewart Smith represented the Men and Child Care Committee.

    Participants received a Men and Child Care t-shirt and enjoyed an excellent Taco Bar. Early Bird Registrants also received a USB drive with conference handouts.

    Thanks go out to Pacific Oaks, Lakeshore Learning, East Bay Chapter of CAAEYC, the Early Education Action League, National Human Development Foundation, the Institute for the Study of Music Making Behavior, with major support from Sacramento Valley Chapter of CAAEYC.