The 38th Annual National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) conference is the leading professional development gathering for those working to improve the lives of children, youth, and their families. Every year thousands of educators and professionals in early care and education; elementary and secondary education and administration; child welfare and youth development; research; and local, state, and federal policy convene to gain knowledge and acquire the skills needed to ensure a quality future for all children and youth.

The 2008 Annual Conference will provide over 150 seminars, forums and workshops led by renowned experts on child development issues. The conference is your chance to:

• Learn about the issues that enhance the overall development of our children.
• Expand your knowledge and skills to achieve greater outcomes for children.
• Experience the Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) to increase parental involvement, and empower parents to become real advocates for their children.
• Engage in public policy discussions that focus on Universal Pre-Kindergarten and other issues from national, state and local perspectives.
• Receive cutting-edge, research-based early literacy and reading strategies to improve student achievement.
• Discover the latest culturally relevant tools and practices used to promote the social and emotional development of children.
• Attend hands-on strategy sessions and forums that will help you get children ready to learn.
• Network and share ideas with a diverse group of professionals from around the country to make the NBCDI conference a yearlong experience of learning and professional development.
• Meet with representatives from companies and other organizations that work on behalf of children to learn about their products, services and research.
• Obtain CEU credits toward professional development.

For more information, call 800-556-2234 or 202-833-2220. Visit the Conference Information page frequently for updates on confirmed speakers, new sessions, special events and more.