Barton Community College’s Child Education Fair themed “Picnic Pleasin’ Pickins,” is an all-day event Saturday, April 12 in the Student Union.  This learning workshop was developed for childcare center and preschool personnel, family daycare providers, elementary teachers and students enrolled in a childcare curriculum.

Barton’s Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator Roni Wertz said the fair is beneficial for both participants and exhibitors.

“Those who attend will learn tips, trends and usable information to help make their daily class times more creative and productive,” she said.  “Exhibitors will have the chance to share their wares with about 150 professional educators and daycare providers from all over the state … the possibilities of exposure could be endless.”

The fair includes several activities, including a keynote speech by children’s book author and longtime teacher Shelly Simoneau of Topeka.  She has published five books including “Daddy Was a Carpenter,” “Snake Tree” and “Grasshopper Bubblegum.”  Multiple breakout sessions will follow covering a variety of childcare and education topics and a closing certificate presentation ceremony.

Registration fee for participants is $79. Deadline for pre-registration is April 4. The fee includes materials, lunch and refreshments. Participants will also earn 7.5 contact hours in continuing education.

Exhibitor space is also still available.  For more information on being an exhibitor, or applications or brochures contact Barton’s Coordinator of Workforce Training Projects and Events Krystall Barnes at training@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9332.