BYU-Idaho's Department of Home and Family will be hosting an Early Childhood Conference on Nov. 15, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the John L. Clarke Building,

In the state of Idaho, childcare providers are required to complete a total of four hours of training every year, including health, safety and self-selected courses. The conference will provide an opportunity to achieve those hours and to meet other childcare providers in the community.

Some providers usually have to travel to Boise or Utah to complete those hours. Having the event in Rexburg will make it easier for those in Madison County. However, the event isn't just for providers and students; it is also for parents.

For students, the event will help build their resumes, expand their networks and lead to internships, as they will be the ones to teach and lead tours.

“I want them to have an opportunity to see that they are becoming experts in their field,” said Kaelin Olsen, a home and family professor, who is heading the project.

The keynote speaker will be Jamie Meacham, who will be focusing on creating relationships with children in an educational setting. The event starts at 9:30 a.m.

Then, students will lead tours of their labs at 10:30 a.m. Classrooms will be set up as if children were playing. This will allow attendees to see how intentional planning, mixed with a different environment, can benefit the children they are working with.

“Seeing how different programs approach that can be insightful and inspiring in working with children,” Olsen said.

The first breakout class is at 11 a.m. with another at 12:45 p.m. The event is planned to end at 1:45 p.m.

There is a fee of $20, and it includes lunch. The home and family department is trying to keep the fee as low as possible, so that anyone can attend. To register for the event, click here.