Hundreds of teachers and educators spent their Saturday listening and learning from each other for the betterment of young people.

Saturday, IU South Bend hosted the Early Childhood Conference.

It was a day of networking, sessions, and listening to key-note speakers.

Teachers discussed teaching the importance of experience to children, nurturing, and making a connection with young families.

Organizers say a conference of this size is rare for a smaller community but invaluable.

Terri Kosik of the Early Childhood Development Ctr. said, "It provides information regarding childhood development, curriculum, trends, inclusion of children with special needs and programs. It’s a full gamut of topics for professional development."

More than 500 hundred teachers and educators attended the conference.