Registration is still open for the first ever child caregiver conference in Grenada. US based charity, reachwithin, says a few spaces are still available to attend their REACH Grenada’s division 2-day conference, Children & Caregivers: The Importance of Their Relationships, on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 June at St George’s University (SGU).
Organised in collaboration with SGU and the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF) the conference will, for the first time in Grenada, bring together a unique group of child development experts, from both the US and Grenada.
Dr Karen Lawson, founder of reachwithin, is keen for all involved in the education, nurturing, protection and personal development of children in Grenada, and across the Caribbean – in particular home and day care staff, roving caregivers, CPA workers, police officers, students and parents – to attend the conference.
“I have a special love for Grenada and its children, especially vulnerable children and those raised in the care system,” says Dr. Lawson. “That is why I chose to base reachwithin here and to launch a conference, the first of its kind, on this beautiful island.”
“reachwithin would like to thank local businesses that have, thus far, helped to turn what was a dream into a reality. Their very kind donations have allowed up to 25 Grenadian care home workers, who could not afford the fee, to attend the conference. Their contributions also went towards providing supporting documents and luncheons for the delegates.”
Dr Richard Honigman, Chair, reachwithin Advisory Board added, “Children are our future and it is important that we raise them with self-esteem, self-respect, dignity and pride. This conference will focus on the importance of early adaptive relationships and interactions that mutually support both the child and caregiver. Our aim is to help caregivers set the stage for their child’s ongoing growth to ensure that the nurturing is culturally respectful so that the child may develop positive and healthy relationships with those whom they interact with in later life.
How To Register: The EC $200 fee can be paid online at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/children-caregivers-the-importance-of-their-relationships-tickets-10688568797. To arrange cash payment in advance, email [email protected].
On the day of the conference attendees are asked to make their way to Alumni Hall, SGU between 8 am and 8.45 am for registration. The conference will commence at 9 am sharp and close at 5 pm on both days. (Booking in advance is advised so that the conference organisers may arrange lunch.) Attendees will receive a conference programme, name badge, morning and afternoon snack, lunch and an attendance certificate.
Keynote speeches and workshops will be delivered by:
Dr Ed Tronick, University Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston and Director of the Child Development Unit at Boston Children’s Hospital, lecturer in Paediatrics, Harvard Medical School and Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Education and the School of Public Health at Harvard. He is also director of the UMass Boston Infant Parent Mental Health Postgraduate Fellowship Certificate Programme.
Dr John F. Hornstein, who has worked in the field of early child development for over 35 years. He received his doctorate at Harvard University in Human Development and Psychology. He is a research associate at Children’s Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School.
Marilyn Davillier, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has worked with infants, children and families in a teaching, research or clinical capacity for over 20 years. She is also Associate Programme Director of the UMass Boston Infant Parent Mental Health Postgraduate Fellowship Certificate Programme.
Local leading professionals listed below will host workshops:
Dr Hazel BaBreo is a psychotherapist in private practice. Dr DaBreo is Co-Founder and Director of the Sweet Water Foundation head quartered in Toronto with a sister branch is Grenada dedicated to ending sexual violence against children. Dr DaBreo is the co-author of three texts on child abuse in the Caribbean.
Carla St Louis MA is an Early Childhood Education Officer at the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development. She is also a New York State trained and certified School Psychologist. Ms St. Louis is completing her doctoral degree in psychology
Tonya Hyacinth BsC is a Speech and Language Pathologist with the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development. Hyacinth conducts assessments of student with special needs, trains and supports school personnel and parents and works with improving special education in Grenada.
