Barton Community College is inviting everyone who works with children to "Kick Up Your Heels" and play Cowboy at the annual Child Education Fair, set for April 16.

The Child Education Fair will start at 8:15 a.m. and continue to 5 p.m., with sessions for child-care workers taking place throughout the Technical Building on campus. The target audience for this cowboy-themed learning event includes child-care center and preschool personnel, family day-care providers, elementary teachers and students enrolled in a child-care curriculum.

It won’t be all fun and games. Organizers said a sessions will provide ideas and guidelines for the care and education of young children ranging in age from birth to 8 years. Participants will earn one-half hour of undergraduate college credit.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Rick Abel, Barton’s Dean of Academics. He will present "Cowboy Ethics: The Code of the West," from 8:30-9:50 a.m. during the opening session in the Student Union. Abel, who earned a doctorate in education, will talk about directing students (young and old) to learn ways of good conduct and cooperation. Based on James P. Owen’s two books, "Cowboy Ethics" and "Cowboy Values," his presentation will explore "10 Principals to Live By," using ethical guidance set forth by cowboys in literature, films and on the ranch.

Program breakout sessions will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., followed by the closing keynote session from 3:40-4:40 p.m. with Beth Reeder presenting "Conscious Discipline: The Classroom Application."

Vendors will display toys and preschool supplies during the fair, offering participants a look at what’s new in the child care and education fields.

Registration fee for participants is $67, and the deadline for pre-registration is April 8. The fee includes one-half college credit, materials, lunch and refreshments. Participants will also earn 7.5 contact hours in continuing education.

ChildCareConnection, Child Care Aware of Southwest Kansas, formerly KACCRRA, is offering four scholarships in the amount of $67 each, to attend the 2011 Child Education Fair. Anyone who would like to apply must complete the application form by April 1. To receive the brochure, including the scholarship application form, contact Krystall Barnes, Workforce Training and Economic Development Coordinator, by phone, 620-792-9332, or by e-mail, barnesk@bartonccc.edu. Those who have already received the application form may send it along with their registration to Krystall Barnes, Workforce Training and Economic Development, Barton Community College, 245 NE 30 Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.

For more information or to pre-register for the Child Education Fair, contact Workforce Training and Economic Development, 620-792-9332 or 1-866-813-2462.