International Leader in Field of Children's Learning Presents The Birth of Social Intelligence at 23rd National Training Institute

Research Alison Gopnik will discuss research discoveries during the past two decades that offer a vivid new portrait of the infant as captivated by the emotions and mind of the caregiver. National conference brings together leaders in early childhood development, infant mental health and early learning. Other presentations to explore use of psychotropic medications in young children and improving the quality of care provided to young children in early care and education settings.

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) November 14, 2008 -- International leader in the field of early learning Alison Gopnik, PhD, University of California at Berkeley, will present The Birth of Social Intelligence: How Infants Learn About the Minds of Others at ZERO TO THREE National Training Institute (NTI) (www.zttnticonference.org). The conference convenes professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of babies, toddlers and their families. The NTI is being held in early December in Los Angeles, and Gopnik's presentation is slated for December 6th.

Gopnik, the co-author of Words, Thoughts, and Theories and The Scientist in the Crib: Minds, Brains, And How Children Learn, will discuss research discoveries during the past two decades that offer a vivid new portrait of the infant as captivated by the emotions and mind of the caregiver. It offers profound early insights into mental states achieved during the first two years of life.

The presenter will describe how these new discoveries portray the first two years as foundational to the growth of future social understanding and replace earlier conceptions of the egocentric young child with one who is far more psychologically sophisticated than earlier believed.

In addition to this thought-provoking session, the conference agenda includes more than 70 training sessions and workshops that cover a range of topics from the areas of research and policy, such as:

•    Use of Psychotropic Medications With Young Children: Clinical Perspectives and Guidelines- Presenter: Helen Egger, MD, Center for Developmental Epidemiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC -- This special address will discuss issues related to the use of psychiatric medications with children under the age of six. Dr. Egger is a child psychiatrist and a member of a work group sponsored by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). In January 2008, AACAP published guidelines for the use of psychotropic medications with young children. Egger will (1) present data on national trends in the use of medications, including stimulant, antidepressant, mood stabilizer and antipsychotic medications with young children; (2) discuss neurodevelopmental, regulatory and ethical considerations in the use of medication with young children; (3) provide an overview of mental health disorders in young children that warrant clinical attention (psychosocial and psychopharmacologic treatment); (4) describe the evidence for and limitations of the current knowledge about treatment of early childhood mental health disorders; and (5) summarize the AACAP work group's guidelines for use of psychotropic medications with young children. The session will include clinical vignettes.

•    Delivering on the Promise of Quality Care for Infants and Toddlers-Presenters: Jerlean Daniel, PhD, National Association for the Education of Young Children, Washington, DC; Sandy Petersen, Early Head Start National Resource Center at ZERO TO THREE, Washington, DC; and Ron Lally, EdD, WestEd, Sausalito, CA -- Leading voices in the field will reflect on past accomplishments and current opportunities. This plenary will discuss various advances in the conceptualization and practice of infant/toddler care made over the last two decades and highlight a new joint effort by ZERO TO THREE and the National Association for the Education of Young Children to deliver on the promise of quality.

Early childhood professionals can register online at www.zttnticonference.org . The NTI, which draws nearly 2,000 professionals from across the country, will be held Dec. 5 - 7, with the pre-institute on Dec. 4, at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, 404 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles.

Reporters who want to attend the conference, talk to presenters or receive audiotapes of the sessions, should contact Lynette Ciervo or Tom Salyers at +1-202-638-1144.

ZERO TO THREE (zerotothree.org) is a national nonprofit organization that informs, trains and supports professionals, policymakers and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers.

###