Monica Cheslak, Childcare Resources Director of Outreach and Program Services, recently attended the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee. With a mission of “gathering early childhood educators from around the globe to connect, collaborate, and learn together,” the conference is attended by thousands of early childhood education teachers, administrators, faculty, and staff.
Featuring more than five hundred learning sessions on topics and issues within the early childhood education sector, the conference provided ample opportunity for educational training and collaboration. Cheslak expressed her perspective on the event, stating, “Attending the annual conference is a phenomenal way to connect with other early childhood leaders from around the country. The connections we make here inform the outreach opportunities Childcare Resources provides to early educators across Indian River County.”
Among the distinguished attendees was Coy Bowles, the keynote speaker for Childcare Resources’ upcoming Starfest fundraiser. Best known as a member of the Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band, Bowles is also a children’s book author, teacher, and advocate for early childhood education.
“Really and truly, I’m a small-town country boy who was given an amazing opportunity to play in a very successful band, and with that I feel the responsibility to give back,” says Bowles. “My way of giving back is through teachers and kids, specifically early education. I think the backbone of the entire American infrastructure is built and rests on early educators.”
Bowles is slated to speak at Starfest on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Riomar Country Club on his advocacy journey for early childhood education and perform a few of his original songs. Cheslak expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Knowing his commitment to early childhood education, Bowles will be a highlight at this year’s Starfest. We are thrilled to have him in Vero Beach to share his message.”