Association of Youth Museums Institute on Early Learning November 7-8, 1997 "Environments for the Very Young" Hosted by The Children's Museum (Boston) You are invited to participate in the first of AYM's Fall Institute Series for leaders in the museum field. Hosted by the Children's Museum in Boston, " Environments for the Very Young in Museums" will bring together museum professionals, scholars, designers, educators, and others who wish to elevate the conversation and further the vision of early learning in museums. Using The Children's Museum's "Playspace" as a jumping-off point, participants in this two-day Institute will: --survey the landscape affecting children in today's society; --engage in observation and analysis of a comprehensive early childhood program; --sample best practices from museums across the country; --explore the most current research on the ways in which young children experience their world; and --envision a state-of the art environment for the next generation of learners. "Environments for the Very Young in Museums" will lay groundwork for a larger AYM Early Learning Initiative with the goal of positioning children's museums as leaders in providing quality learning environments for young children. Participation in the Fall Institute is open by application to 50-75 professionals from museums and other youth-serving organizations with established early childhood programs. The cost of the two-day Institute is $250 for AYM members and $350 for non-members. Please contact the AYM office for guidelines and an application. The deadline for applications is Friday, September 5, 1997. Association of Youth Museums 1775 K Street, NW Suite 595 Washington, DC 20006 Phone (202) 466-4144 Fax (202) 466-4233 Email [log in to unmask]