Renowned researcher Ramey to give free child development presentation June 7

Renowned researcher Ramey to give free child development presentation June 7May 29, 2007Gillian Ottmangeottma@syr.edu

On Thursday, June 7, internationally renowned child development researcher Craig T. Ramey will present “Research Stories: Helping Babies to Thrive” for the first annual Jack Reilly Distinguished Lecture at Syracuse University. The free event, which runs from 8:30-11:30 a.m., is open to the public, and caregiving professionals can earn 0.15 CEU credits free of charge.

Ramey is the director of the Center for Health and Education at Georgetown University. He specializes in the study of factors affecting young children’s development of intelligence, social competence and academic achievement. Over the past 30 years, he and his wife, Sharon, have conducted research involving 14,000 children and families in 40 states. Ramey is the author of more than 225 publications, including five books. He is a premier resource for federal and state governments, and frequently consults with private agencies, foundations and national news media.

Parents, grandparents and caregivers are all invited to attend this free event in Sims Hall Atrium. Free parking is available in Booth Garage (corner of Comstock and Waverly avenues). R.S.V.P.s are preferred by June 4 by contacting Rebecca Bruzdzinski at 443-2243 or rlbruzdz@syr.edu.

The event is part of the 31st annual Quality Infant Toddler Caregiving Workshop taught by Alice Honig, professor emerita of child development in the College of Human Services and Health Professions (HSHP). As the only event of its kind, this workshop draws participants from all over the world. It is designed to help people seeking an understanding of infant development and practical training in infant/toddler caregiving. The workshop is based on research and theory in the areas of social-emotional, cognitive, motor, sensory and language development. Daily routines are emphasized as opportunities for loving and learning experiences, and for promoting competence. Practical applications of lectures include observations and hands-on interactions with infants. A variety of infant/toddler videos and films are shown. The workshop offers two or three graduate/undergraduate credits or can be attended for no credit. A special rate of $499 is offered to child-care providers who would like to attend the worskshop for no credit.

Honig has done extensive research and written books and articles on infants and toddlers, language development, child-care practices, preschooler social development, fathering and the effects of divorce on children. Annually, she teaches workshops for caregivers of infants and toddlers, and she has lectured widely. Honig is a licensed psychologist and a fellow of the American Psychological Association and of the Society for Research in Child Development.

The Jack Reilly Distinguished Lecture and Quality Infant Toddler Caregiving Workshop are hosted by HSHP.