The Idaho Unit of Council for Exceptional Children invites you to join us for our annual conference this October in Sun Valley, Idaho. This year’s conference theme “Going for Educational Gold: Empowering both Students and Teachers” was chosen to reflect the spirit of the Olympics and the efforts of all stakeholders towards success for students. We are excited to include nationally recognized keynote speakers Richard Pimentel, whose movie “The Music Within” was recently released to rave reviews and inspirational Idaho speaker Troy McClain from the Apprentice. . In addition, this year the Idaho Art Educators Association and Special Olympics Idaho will also be joining our celebration of educators in Sun Valley.

Outstanding breakout sessions include presentations for special educators, general educators, parents, students, and other professionals. This will be an inspirational and enlightening conference for all attendees. We encourage you to sign up early for this exciting conference to be held in beautiful Sun Valley Idaho.

Some of the Over 75 Break-Out Sessions will include:

· Social Skills Collaboration Model

· “Including Samuel” Film Premier and session with filmmaker

· Promoting Young Children’s Language and Literacy within Natural Contexts

· Art: A Multicultural Art Project for All Students

· Peer Tutoring for Students with or at Risk of an Emotional Disturbance

· Augmentative Communication Supporting the Race Toward Literacy

· Design and Implementation of Special Education Programs for Charter Schools

· Teach Them! Implementing Positive Behavior Support in Preschool Classrooms

· Alternatives to Suspension/Expulsion for Special Education and At-Risk Students

· Legal Planning for Life after 18

· CEC: Student Showcase: Transition Tips from the Experts

· Meeting Student Mental Health Needs at School: New Ideas, Opportunities and Responsibilities

· Student Directed Transition Planning

· Overview of Assistive Technology at Idaho Secondary Institutions

· Many more in the areas of Gifted Education, Early Childhood Education, Behavior, Autism, Transition…….

There will be two pre-conference sessions on Wednesday, October 1, 2008. The DCDT (Division of Career Development and Transition) Pre-conference will focus on Student Directed IEP’s and Classroom Ready Strategies. The CCBD Pre-conference will feature speaker Dr. Pines who will present on Childhood Psychiatric Disorders,Treatment Options and Strategies.

Our two post conferences will be sponsored by the Division of Early Childhood (DEC) and Idaho Talented and Gifted (ITAG) Subdivisions. Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak will present Providing Quality Programs for Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers and their Families-Tricks of the Trade for DEC. ITAG will be present “Going for Gifted Gold” with Bob Bishop and Diane Garmire.  You can register on the www.idahocec.org website for the conference registration. Contact Sun Valley for reservations at the following numbers. It is recommended that you make reservations as soon as possible.

Hotel Reservations
800-786-8259
208-622-2151
reservations@sunvalley.com

Room Rates include: Two double beds are $115. Two queens are $125.  3 bedroom Lodge Apartment is $399 a night. Condos: Studio $139, 2 bedroom $189, 3 bedroom $209,

4 bedroom $239.

Please spread the word in your school districts and let’s have the best conference ever! If you have any questions contact Karen.gillette@boiseschools.org