AWC to host child development conference

The event is back in person after two years of being virtual

YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - Local youth educators and mentors will come together at Arizona Western College for a conference on April 2.

The 8th Annual Yuma County Early Childhood Education Conference is back in person after being virtual for two years.

It will feature a keynote speaker, exhibits, and workshops available in both English and Spanish.

The pandemic will be a high-priority topic at the event, as its organizers say it contributed to learning loss and slower development of social skills.

“We’re coming out of this pandemic soon, and then we want to provide the conference in-person to give educators the tools they need to provide to the children they are serving,” Nena Garcia said.

“Our children lost a lot of their skills, and experienced a lot of stress at home as well as with their adults,” Ana Bribiesca expressed.

More than 100 child development workers are expected at the conference.

It begins at 7 a.m and goes until 2 p.m., anyone is welcome.