Symposium
2021 Sessions & Speakers
Design Thinking: Developing Common Language
Virtual broadcast via Seattle, WA
KIDSQUEST CHILDREN’S MUSEUM (PHOTO BY LISA MERRILL)
We will ground the symposium in thoughts about how intention, planning and design thinking can benefit all users of a space, and how kids, parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and the community will do better if the spaces they all use are well-designed.
The panel will begin forging the link between professionals in early learning and architecture. We’ll explore the inclusion of kids in the design process, and the creation a common language for collaboration through empathy, flexibility, and impact through design.
Speakers
Jeanne Vergeront, Vergeront Museum Planning
Tiffany Y’vonne, Mobilizing People for Social Impact
Divya McMillin, PhD, University of Washington Tacoma
Marlene Chen, Olson Kundig
Design Lens: Welcoming ALL Kids and Families
Virtual broadcast via Seattle, WA
MULTICULTURAL CHILD & FAMILY HOPE CENTER (PHOTO BY RACHEL HALL)
Inclusion has many facets in early learning, both explicit and implicit. As with many aspects of our daily lives, early learning spaces need to sharpen their focus on welcoming all children and their families, and on the process by which all voices are heard. And at a larger scale, we must ensure that ALL families - and all members of those families - have access to excellent resources during early childhood.
We will consider the role of practitioners, administrators, parents and designers in the development of environments that allow for equitable participation by members of diverse communities.
Speakers
Katie Walters-Krohn, University Child Development School
Gail Neal, Multicultural Children and Family Hope Center
Rebecca Kreth, Early Learning Consultant
Liz Bullard, Seattle Children’s PlayGarden
Dr. Debra Ren-etta Sullivan, PhD, author, Cultivating the Genius of Black Children [video]
Design Lens: Resilient People, Places and Programs
Virtual broadcast via Seattle, WA
TRUPANION MILLENIUM KIDS AT GEORGETOWN (ANJALI GRANT DESIGN)
Resilience is important at all scales. Facilities and programs must be designed to ensure that their facilities, operations and financial models are resilient and sustainable. Resilience must also be cultivated in individuals, in families and in classrooms.
This past year has highlighted our ability (or lack thereof) to pivot, be nimble and cultivate agility. What does it mean to design for resilience? What do spaces for young children look like when they are created with agility and flexibility in mind? What factors test our resilience, and how can we support each other as we prepare for the challenges to come?
Speakers
Jamie Bonnett, KidsQuest Children’s Museum
Anjali Grant, Anjali Grant Design
Sarah Lytle, Playful Learning Landscapes Action Network
Shannon Cruzen, Bertchi School
Design Partnerships: Dialogue Going Forward
Virtual broadcast via Seattle, WA
KIDSQUEST CHILDREN’S MUSEUM (PHOTO BY LISA MERRILL)
As we prepare to connect designers and early learning professionals, we will turn our attention to partnerships. We will consider partnerships that include the adults who lead and manage learning environments, as well as designers, builders, agencies, foundations, cities, counties, state governments, and of course the children themselves.
We will touch on the process of building partnerships, engaging design teams, and infusing everything you do with your mission, vision, values and core purpose in mind.
Speakers
Senator Claire Wilson, Washington State Legislature [Introduction]
Juanita Salinas-Aguila, Enterprise Community Partners Inc.
Michael Koetje, Former Early Childhood Center Director
Sally Knodell, Environmental Works
Susan Yang, Denise Louis Education Center
Matt Mazur-Hart, Department of Commerce
Aliza Yair, Washington State Department of Children Youth & Families