[The Episcopal News] Registration is now open for the inaugural St. Margaret’s Summer Institute for early childhood education, to be held June 14 – 15 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and School in San Juan Capistrano.

The institute will bring together early childhood educators, administrators and policy makers over two days to explore and elevate the quality and excellence of early childhood education. Attendees will explore the essential role of play in early childhood education, diving into the latest research, methodologies and best practices.

Episcopal schools teachers and administrators are especially invited and encouraged to attend, according to the Rev. Ryan Newman, executive director of the diocesan Commission on Schools.

Featured speakers at the institute will include:

  • Jacqueline Grennon Brooks, professor emerita at Hofstra University and co-founder of the Long Island Explorium in Port Jefferson, N.Y. Grennon Brooks is the author of Big Science for Growing Minds, Schools Reimagined, and In Search of Understanding: The Case for Constructivist Classrooms, in addition to numerous journal articles.
  • Sandra J. Stone, professor emerita at Northern Arizona University and distinguished speaker at educational conferences worldwide, specializing in play and multiage classrooms. Stone is the author of Understanding Multiage Education, Creating the Multiage Classroom, and Playing: A Kid’s Curriculum, as well as numerous journal articles.

Space is limited and registration will close once the maximum number of participants is reached. Cost is $275 per person. Hotel rooms are available at the nearby Hampton Inn & Suites in Mission Viejo for $169 per night.

More information and a registration link are here.