National Black Child Development Institute coming to town October 6-9
By Tamara G
    An organization that is credited with helping hundreds of South Florida children receive essential social services is coming to town with their 42nd annual national convention.
   The National Black Child Development Institute is convening Oct. 6-9, 2012 at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale. According to their website, more than 2000 professionals from around the country who specialize in early care and education, elementary and secondary education and administration, child welfare and youth development, research and local, state, and federal policymakers will travel to South Florida to network, gain knowledge and acquire skills needed to ensure a quality future for all children.
   According to the local affiliate President, Tanya Ivy, the fact that Fort Lauderdale was chosen as this yearâs conference site is a testament to the good work the local chapter is doing. âWe are just blessed. We are a new affiliateâless than three years old. When the national office called two years ago and told me they were considering having the conference here, it was an honor,â explained Ivy.
   With more than 15 years experience as a social services worker, Ivy, who is a clinical counselor with a Masterâs Degree in Social Work from Barry University, took on this non-paid position as a labor of love. In her line of work, she said she has found that it is mostly children of color who do not have the basics to succeedâwhether that is emotional and/or physical support and social services.
   Ivy explained that although her organization is geared to-wards helping children of color, NBCDI is open to helping every child become a healthy and whole individual âregardless of race, religion or creed. âA fourth-grader just asked me that same question. We are open to ALL children. Itâs just that we find a lot of disparity with children of color, âsaid Ivy. According to her, once the children receive these essential ser-vices from NBCDI, she has seen an increase in communication and positive changes in them.
   For more information on how you can attend the 42nd annual conference or vendor space or if you would like to become involved with NBCDI, check out their website at nbcdi.org or call (786) 554-9283.
