Professor John Spencer
Professor of Psychology, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom
Professor Spencer’s research focuses on visuo-spatial cognition and early brain development using advanced imaging techniques.
He is currently leading an initiative on infant brain health in India funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as the University of East Anglia’s Longitudinal Brain Study funded by the United States National Institute of Health.
Keynote 1 – Early experiences shape the brain: Why you matter and how you can help children self-regulate
This keynote presentation will cover the processes of early brain development and how experiences shape brain structure and function.
He will discuss how caregivers and teaching teams can directly enhance children’s self-regulatory skills and provide guidance on how teachers and educators can significantly influence brain development trajectories.
Professor Deborah Phillips
Professor of Psychology, Georgetown University and Co-Director, Centre for Research on Children, United States of America
Professor Phillips was the first Executive Director of the Board on Children, Youth at the National Academy of Sciences and has held various significant roles, including President of the Foundation for Child Development.
Her research on the impact of early childhood education has received substantial funding, and she has earned several prestigious awards, including the 2022 Nicholas Hobbs Award from the American Psychological Society.
Keynote 2 – Neurons to Neighbourhoods: What the Brain Tells Us About the Criticality of the Early Years
This keynote presentation will explore:
- how stress affects young children's brains and behaviour
- the benefits of Victorian children receiving 2 years of funded kindergarten, and
- the importance of play in learning.
She will explore the critical role early childhood teaching teams play in fostering playful learning.
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