Opening Minds: Frequently Asked Questions

No. It is not a policy of Chicago Metro AEYC to release any contact lists. For your reference, the Opening Minds conference is attended by a mixture of early childhood professionals, including those who are:

Administrators
Child Care Providers
Child Welfare Workers
Early Intervention Specialists
ESL Teachers
Head Start Personnel
Medical Professionals
Mental Health Practitioners
Parents
Principals
Social Workers
Teachers

Group Registration

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

No. You can indicate the total number of people in item [A] at the top of the registration form, and then just include the name and contact information of the group contact person at the bottom of the form. Each badge you receive will have the school name rather than the individual person’s name. If you prefer, you can send us a list of names or a form for each person.
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Members

What discounts or benefits do members enjoy at Opening Minds?

A 15% discount on registration
Access to the Member Lounge, where you can relax, check e-mail, plan your day and receive free refreshments. The Member Lounge is located in the Prairie Center.
Free admission to the Second City comedy show on Friday night. Sign up in the Upcoming Events booth in Registration, or show your member ribbon and badge to the admission booth before the show begins.

Online Registration

Can I register my group online?

Yes! A group of 5 or more people can register online before December 14, 2008. Groups may register with a single online transaction. Group registrants must pay with a school or agency credit cards. Attendee names not required. If you are registering as a group, you only need to put your own name as the contact person. The name badges will have your school or center’s name instead of each individual participant.
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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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Refunds/Cancellations

I can't attend the Pre-Conference Day and/or the Opening Minds Conference. Can I get my money refunded?

Refunds of registration fees will only be made for cancellations due to medical reasons with a doctor's statement. Refund requests must be submitted in writing and postmarked or faxed no later than February 13, 2009. A $25 processing fee will be deducted from the total refund.
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I paid for, but can no longer attend the Awards Luncheon. Can I get my money refunded?

No. Luncheon fees are non-refundable.
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I am an exhibitor but I can't make it to the conference. Can I get my money refunded?

If a written request for cancellation is received by November 30, 2008, 50% of the booth fee will be refunded. Refunds will not be available after November 30, 2008.
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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. You must have selected "Chicago Metro" as your affiliation when you purchased your NAEYC membership. 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 in Spanish or English, contact: 773-564-8785 or 773-769-8178. 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 December 14, 2008. 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 6 hours per day by attending 4 workshops at 1.5 hours each. This means that you can earn a total of 18 hours over the course of all 3 days.
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How many CPDUs and CEUs for social workers can I earn at the conference?

You can earn 6 CPDUs per day by attending 4 workshops at 1.5 hours each. This means that you can earn a total of 18 CPDUs over the course of all 3 days.
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How may Early Intervention Credits can I earn?

You can earn a total of 16.5 EI Credits over the course of all 3 days. Click here for a PDF list of pre-approved workshops.
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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 Interactive Conference Planner to find out which day has the most workshops of interest to you.
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How can I find out when a certain speaker is presenting?

You can search workshops by presenter name by using the Interactive Conference Planner. Simply type in the first or last name of the presenter in the top, right-hand corner of the planner to see search results.
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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. You can fax a copy of the P.O. to 312-427-5399.
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Special Events

Can I bring a friend to the Second City show?

Yes. For only $25 a person, you can bring a spouse, friend, whomever! Advanced payment is required. Sign up on your conference registration form.
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Don't see your question listed here? Feel free to contact the Chicago Metro AEYC office for the answer!

Chicago Metro Association for Education of Young Children

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Opening Minds

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