The Power of Connection:               Supporting Relational Health in Early Childhood
  • The Power of Connection: Supporting Relational Health in Early Childhood

    March 5, 2026 | Northern Illinois University, 1120 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563
  • Registration closes February 20! Join the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) and Reach Out and Read Illinois (ROR IL) for our inaugural summit on Early Relational Health!

    Pediatricians, family physicians, and other early childhood stakeholders are encouraged to attend. The full-day summit will feature keynotes from leading voices in Early Relational Health, sessions on the latest research and best practices in the clinical setting, and insightful commentary by community and family advocates.

    6.25 CME/CE credits available.

    Agenda: 

    8:00 – 9:30 am

    Morning Keynote: Early Relational Health: Building the Foundations for Lifelong Health and Wellbeing

    Speakers: David Willis, MD, FAAP, and a representative from the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC)

    9:30 – 9:45 am Break – Networking/Exhibit Hall Open
    9:45 – 11:00 am

    Managing Big Emotions in Small People: Strategies for Providers & Parents

    Speaker: Prachi Shah, MD, MS​

    11:00 – 11:30 am Break – Networking/Exhibit Hall Open
    11:30 am – 12:45 pm

    Lunch Keynote: Meeting Families Where They Are

    Speaker: Tamela Milan-Alexander, MPPA

    12:45 – 2:00 pm

    Panel Discussion: Advocating for Families and Communities

    Speakers: Lynette Fraga, PHD; Delreen Schmidt-Lenz, MSW, LCSW, I/ECMH-C

    Moderator: Gina Lowell, MD, MPH

    2:00 – 2:15 pm Break – Networking/Exhibit Hall Open
    2:15 – 3:30 pm

    Visualizing the Future of ERH in Illinois

    A facilitated group discussion

    3:30 – 3:45 pm

    Closing Remarks

    The Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics is accredited by the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics designates each live activity for a maximum of 6.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Medical Assistants can submit Certificates of Attendance to their accrediting board to claim credit for participation in the live activities.

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            Full Day Registration
            $25.00
              
            ROR Site Support Meeting AttendeeFor any ROR Illinois member attending the March 4 Site Support Meeting.
            $ Free
              
            Faculty/Speaker
            $ Free
              
            ICAAP Staff
            $ Free
              
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            Donate to Reach Out and Read IllinoisPlease consider making a donation to Reach Out and Read to advance Early Relational Health in Illinois
            $25.00
              
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          • General registration is $25.00. ROR Illinois participants attending the Reach Out and Read Site Support Meeting on March 4 may attend the summit at no cost. 

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