Register Now for Opening Minds

The Early Bird discount ended January 8. The cost to register for Opening Minds is now $130 for everyone.


ONLINE REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED
Click here to download print registration form to bring with you onsite.

 

Registration Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Group Registrations

Members

Online Registration

Preconference Day

Professional Credits

Programming

Pricing

Purchase Orders

Special Events

 

Group Registration

Do you require the names of everyone in my group?

Yes. We now require that you submit the names of everyone in your group of 5 or more people. You can attach a list of names to your registration form, or add the individual names to your online registration.

If I’m registering a group, do I need to send a separate registration form for each individual person?

No. Simply write in the total number of people in item [A] at the top of the registration form, and then write the name and contact information of the group contact person at the bottom of the form. Though you will only have one contact person for the group, you must include a list of names of each person in your group.
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Members

What discounts or benefits do members enjoy at Opening Minds?

  • A $20 discount off early, individual registration
  • A extra day of free programming on Wednesday (pre-registration required, click here for details)
  • Free admission to the Craig Gass comedy show on Friday night. Note that you must sign up in advance to attend.
  • Access to the Member Lounge, where you can relax and plan your day. The Member Lounge is located in the Prairie Center.

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Online Registration

Can I register my group online?

Yes. A group of 5 or more people can register online before January 8, 2010. Groups may register with a single online transaction:

  1. Enter the email address of the primary contact for the group
  2. Choose "Group Registration" as the registration type
  3. Enter the primary contact's information, click continue
  4. When you have reached the confirmation screen, click "Add Another Person"

Repeat this process for each person in your group. Once you reach 5 or more group members, your total amount due will decrease with the group discount. You may not pay with a Purchase Order online.
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Can I pay with a purchase order online?

No. To submit a registration form with a purchase order, you must print out the form and fax or mail it to our office. The form MUST include a copy of the actual purchase order. We will not process your form if we only have a PO number.
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Preconference Day

Can I attend a Preconference Day session on Wednesday without registering for Opening Minds?

No. You must be registered for the 3-day Opening Minds Conference in order to register and attend the Preconference Day session on Wednesday, January 27. You can register for both Preconference and Conference on your registration form, or by using the online registration system.
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Can I attend more than one Preconference Day session on Wednesday?

No. You must choose only one session to attend. The sessions are from either 9:00 am - 12:00 noon, or from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Click here to see the list of sessions and their descriptions.
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Can I register onsite for Preconference Day on Wednesday?

Yes. You can come to the Preconference Day if you are already registered for Opening Minds, or you can register and pay for Opening Minds and Preconference Day on Wednesday morning. Current Chicago Metro AEYC members get in free. $45 for non-members.
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Can I get credit hours for Preconference Day? If so, how many?

Yes. Depending on which session you choose, you can get 3-7 credit hours at Preconference Day.
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Pricing

I'm only coming for one day. Do I still pay full price?

Yes. Our prices are set so that one day's fee gets you in for all three days. We do not track your attendance per day.
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How do I know if I am eligible for member pricing? (Am I a member?)

Only current members of Chicago Metro AEYC are eligible for member benefits at Opening Minds. This means you must have chosen "Chicago Metro" as your affiliate when you joined NAEYC. Contact our office if you are unsure of your status or affiliation, or if you have misplaced your membership ID number.
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Can I go to the conference on a scholarship?

Professional Development Funds (PDF) Mini-Grants are now available for individuals working in child care/after school care programs in Cook County. PDF Mini Grants are made possible with the generous support of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Apply now as funds are limited. For more information, contact Yvonne Spurlock at Action for Children at 773.564.8774 or Erica De Leon at 773.564.8733 for information in Spanish. Outside Cook County? Contact INCCRRA at 800.649.1884.
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What is the deadline for early bird pricing?

The deadline to receive a lower price on conference registration is January 8, 2010. Click here for more details.
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Professional Credits

How many DCFS in-service hours can I get at the conference?

You can earn up to 28.5 credit hours by attending Wednesday through Saturday:

Wednesday, January 27 Preconference Day up to 7 hours available
Thursday, January 28 Conference Day 6 hours available
Thursday, January 28 Make & Take Night 1.5 add'l hours available
Friday, January 29 Conference Day 6 hours available
Friday, January 29 Academy 2 add'l hours available
Saturday, January 30 Conference Day 6 hours available

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How many CPDUs and CEUs for social workers can I earn at the conference?

You can earn up to 28.5 credit hours by attending Wednesday through Saturday:

Wednesday, January 27 Preconference Day up to 7 hours available
Thursday, January 28 Conference Day 6 hours available
Thursday, January 28 Make & Take Night 1.5 add'l hours available
Friday, January 29 Conference Day 6 hours available
Friday, January 29 Academy 2 add'l hours available
Saturday, January 30 Conference Day 6 hours available

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How may Early Intervention Credits can I earn?

We won’t receive the list of approved courses from the E.I. office until the end of the year. If you are interested in E.I. approved workshops, please contact the office for a list.
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Programming

I can only come for one day. Which one is best?

All three days provide a mixture of quality workshops. However, check our daily workshop listings to find out which day has the most workshops of interest to you. (Daily listings will be available in early November.)
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How can I find out when a certain speaker is presenting?

This information will be available online in November. Click here for more information.
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Purchase Orders

What is the CPS vendor number?

Our Chicago Public Schools vendor number is 47706, and the vendor name is "Chicago Metropolitan Association for the Education of Young Children".
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I’m waiting for my finance department to cut a check, but I do have a PO number. May I send in the registration form?

Yes. Please note, however, that your registration form will be held from processing unless it is accompanied by a copy of the actual purchase order issued by your institution.
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Special Events

Can I bring a friend to the Craig Gass Comedy Night?

Yes. For only $25 a person, you can bring a spouse, friend, whomever! Advanced payment is required. Sign up on your conference registration form, or by using the online registration system.
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Can I get credit hours for the Make & Take Music Festival? If so, how many?

Yes. You can get up to 3.5 credit hours by attending the festival from 4:00 pm - 7:30 pm on Thursday, January 28.
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Don't see your question listed here? Feel free to contact the Chicago Metro AEYC office for the answer!