The event, moderated by Child Development Department Lecturer Buse KERİGAN, commenced with the National Anthem and a moment of silence. The opening speech was delivered by the Head of the Child Development Department, Assistant Professor Nurten ELKİN. ELKİN elaborated on the significance of Child Development Day, discussed the department's areas of work, and its opportunities. Following ELKİN's speech, Assistant Professor Abdullah Yüksel BARUT from the Faculty of Health Sciences was invited to the stage.
BARUT emphasized the importance of the Child Development Department, which trains Child Development professionals closely involved in the education and development of children, for the future of our country. After highlighting the significance of the day, Professor William MOSIER, contributed to the day by discussing the working areas of child development professionals. MOSIER also shared his experiences and stressed the importance of specializing through postgraduate education in the field. Following this, Professor Makbule Meziyet ARI joined via video conference to discuss the significance of the day and the department's working opportunities.
After Professor Makbule Meziyet ARI's speech, Lecturer Buse KERİGAN conducted a creative drama workshop. Participants engaged in the "Human Bingo" game to get to know each other and have fun, followed by a quiz competition. Lecturers Bedriye ÇELİK KANCA and Buse KERİGAN provided codes to participants who correctly answered the quiz questions, enabling them to find hidden gifts in the faculty building. After the quiz, Professor Nefise Semra ERKAN spoke about the history and importance of the Child Development Department. ERKAN was presented with a plaque by Vice Dean Assist. Dr. Abdullah Yüksel BARUT after her speech.
After Prof. Semra ERKAN, Lecturer Bedriye ÇELİK KANCA gave a speech titled "Why Should We Read Children's Books?" In her speech, ÇELİK KANCA talked about why she chose to become a Child Development professional and discussed her career path towards becoming an academician. She also explained the importance of the Child Development Department and the significance of the day to the participants. Following Lecturer Bedriye ÇELİK KANCA, Research Assistant Hatice Zelal BİNGÖL delivered a speech titled "Toys and Children." BİNGÖL discussed what to consider when selecting children's toys, the essential elements of a toy, its contributions to child development, and educational material design. She also shared her experience with the patent process of the toy she designed and highlighted what to consider during this process. After BİNGÖL's speech, Research Assistant Rabia Ceren ATEŞ talked about "Becoming a Child Development Professional in Special Education," sharing the working conditions of child development professionals in special education institutions and their experiences working with children with special needs. Following ATEŞ, Research Assistant Şebnem ÇELİK delivered a speech titled "Effective Communication with Children." ÇELİK discussed the communication methods that experts working with children should know and apply when communicating with children, as well as the factors that hinder communication.
After the speeches by the department's academic staff, plaques were presented to the speakers by the Head of the Department, Assistant Professor Nurten ELKİN, and Professor Semra ERKAN.
