Conference to boost early childhood development set for New Bern campus.

Craven Smart Start and partners will hold the 20th Annual Building Brighter Futures Conference on Saturday at Craven Community College in New Bern, running 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Alisha Plescher will deliver the keynote address.

Craven Smart Start, Child Care Resource and Referral, and Craven Community College will host the 20th Annual Building Brighter Futures Conference this Saturday at the college's New Bern campus. The event is described as a professional development opportunity focused on early childhood and is part of ongoing regional efforts linked to North Carolina's Smart Start initiative. Organizers say the conference is intended for child care providers and others who work with young children, and it is reported as open to parents, foster parents and grandparents in the region. Alisha Plescher, a speech-language pathologist and autism specialist with emphasis on early intervention, is announced as the keynote speaker. Event details: - Date and time: Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Location: Craven Community College, New Bern campus, 800 College Court. - Organizers: Craven Smart Start and Child Care Resource and Referral in partnership with Craven Community College. - Intended audience: Child care providers and others who work with young children, plus parents, foster parents and grandparents in the six-county Region 2 area. - Keynote: Alisha Plescher, speech-language pathologist and autism specialist, focusing on family and community relationships. - Registration and fees: Early bird registration reported as $20 per person through 5 p.m. Friday, then $30; registration is reported to include a continental breakfast, lunch, a participant bag with resource materials and door prizes. Summary: The conference is presented as a regional effort to support professional development and strengthen links between families and community partners involved in early childhood care. The event is scheduled for Saturday at Craven Community College, and registration timing and fees are reported as noted.