Primrose School Sponsors Global Conference to Improve Early Education

Primrose Schools, a high-quality early education and care provider with nearly 350 preschools across the country, recently served as the lead sponsor of the 2017 World Forum on Early Care and Education, which took place May 9-12 in Auckland, New Zealand. This biennial conference brings together educators, leaders and early child care practitioners from more than 80 countries to discuss issues impacting children and families worldwide. "Sponsoring the 2017 World Forum and representing the United States at this important advocacy event was an immense honor," said Jo Kirchner, CEO of Primrose Schools. "The first five years of life provide an unparalleled opportunity to set children up for lifelong success. To share knowledge and discuss challenges facing children and families today with educators and thought leaders from around the world has brought us one step closer to creating a brighter future for all children."The four-day conference featured sessions in which participants shared best practices and insights on a variety of early education topics.

Several breakout sessions also gave attendees the opportunity to dig deeper on important issues, including caring for children impacted by HIV/AIDS, connecting children with nature and advocating for children's rights. In addition to serving as the lead sponsor of the 2017 World Forum, Primrose Schools also participated in the following ways:  

    Jo Kirchner gave the opening remarks.
    Gloria Julius, Ed.D., vice president of education and professional development for Primrose Schools, presented on "Theoretical and Practical Perspectives on Teacher Education."
    Kathy Trundle, Ph.D., a member of the Primrose Early Learning Council, presented on "Innovations in Supporting Teachers' Use of Curriculum: Soft Skills, STEAM, Culturally Relevant Curriculum and Mobile Technology in the Field."
    Annette Heng, senior vice president of school excellence, moderated a panel discussion: "Stepping Up to Make a Difference: Reflections on Leadership in Early Care and Education."
    Megan Sheehan, executive director of Primrose School of Burlington in Massachusetts, participated in a panel about "Re-conceptualizing Leadership," which encouraged teachers to pursue professional development opportunities in order to better serve their students.
    Curt Van Emon, Franchise Owner of Primrose School of Burlington, moderated a panel discussion: "Connecting with Young Children through Curriculum."
    Jo Kirchner and Dr. Laura Jana, a pediatrician, nationally-acclaimed author and former Primrose Franchise Owner, hosted a book signing for Dr. Jana's new book "The Toddler Brain," which focuses on how 21st-century skills, like critical thinking and teamwork, are proving to be more critical to school and life success than traditional academic abilities.

"It was a privilege to participate in such an inspiring event and we look forward to sharing our new insights with our Franchise Owners and staff "" and all of the communities we serve "" to improve early education and care for all children," said Kirchner.
About Primrose Schools
Primrose Schools is the leader in providing premier early education and care to children and families in the United States. Founded in 1982, there are nearly 350 Primrose schools in 29 states today. Each school is independently-owned and -operated by Franchise Owners who partner with parents to help children build the right foundation for future learning and life. Primrose believes who children become is as important as what they know. The Primrose-exclusive Balanced Learning approach is created from the best early education wisdom and balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion.

 About World Forum Foundation
The mission of the World Forum Foundation is to promote an ongoing global exchange of ideas on the delivery of quality services for young children in diverse settings. As a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, the World Forum Foundation organizes of a variety of international activities and working groups in the early childhood arena, including the World Forum on Early Care and Education. The World Forum on Early Care and Education was first held in 1999 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and then moved to Singapore in 2000. The gathering was held in Athens, Greece, in 2001; followed by Auckland, New Zealand, in 2002; Acapulco, Mexico, in 2003; Montreal, Canada, in 2005; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2007; Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 2009; Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2011; and San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2014.

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