-
July 14, 2026
9:30 am - 3:45 pm -
July 15, 2026
9:30 am - 2:15 pm
Summer Camp 2026: Exploring the Arts!
Learning Level 1: Introductory/Awareness
Intended Audience – Administrators, ECSE/General Educators, Paraeducators, Family Members, Family Educators, Social Workers, SLPs, and OT/PTs.
Description – During Summer Camp 2026, we will explore how developmentally appropriate music, movement, art, and dramatic play foster social-emotional growth and inclusive environments for all preschool children, including those with disabilities. Educators will also dive into the world of process art, learning to transform children’s literature into creative, open-ended classroom activities rather than uniform products. Through hands-on sessions, you’ll discover how to build community and kindness using interactive songs, fingerplays, and immersive dramatic play setups. We will specifically address environmental modifications and adaptive tools to ensure every child can meaningfully participate in every aspect of their learning.
Continuing Education – This training will provide 9 contact hours for the following:
- Educator License Renewal
- CDA (Child Development Associate) credit in area(s) 2
- CE credit for SLP, *SW, LCPC, PT, and OT professionals
* Social Work credit will not require passing a post-course quiz. - Gateways to Opportunity credit in area D (Org. ID# B40093, Event ID# )
Full attendance is required to receive a certificate.
Presenter(s)
-
Marc Baxter
Marc Baxter, B.S. Ed., is an Early Childhood Resource Specialist for STAR NET Regions I and III. He has been a preschool teacher for 14 years, working four years as a lead teacher at the St. Ambrose University Children’s Campus in Davenport, IA and then ten years as a lead teacher at the MacArthur Early Childhood Center in Macomb, Illinois. Marc has worked with a diverse population of students across many cultural, socioeconomic, and inclusive backgrounds. While in Macomb, Marc worked in a variety of committees dedicated to improving the school and district, including serving as a parent-teacher coordinator, team leader, union representative, and mentor teacher. He also worked with and instructed several students from Western Illinois University looking to complete field hours in the classroom. -
Lindsay Meeker
Dr. Meeker is Director for the Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education and Professor in the School of Education at Western Illinois University. She has spent time as teacher of multilingual learners grades K-2, Director of Multilingual Learners, Special Education Director, Early Childhood Director, English Language Development Coach in Dual Language (8-12), High School Special Education Teacher, and Community Childcare worker. -
Carole Stephens
“Miss Carole” has been teaching music for children 1-6 years old since 1989. Through her company, Macaroni Soup!, she travels across the US presenting concerts for children and families; workshops for teachers, librarians, and parents; and classes for all ages. Her ten award-winning CD's are treasured for their usefulness, appropriateness, and simplicity. Carole’s website and YouTube page are resources used by Early Childhood professionals around the world. She considers it a privilege to work with children and those who care for them!