Bob Rockwell is professor emeritus and former director of the early childhood education program at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. He also has worked as a speech pathologist, a teacher for the hearing impaired, and an administrator, as well as a consultant for the University of Chicago and Project Head Start. A prolific writer, Rockwell's books include NUTRITION AND THE YOUNG CHILD; PARTNERING WITH PARENTS: EASY PROGRAMS TO INVOLVE PARENTS IN THE EARLY LEARNING PROCESS; and others in circulation throughout the world. In addition to writing, he gives workshops and keynote presentations, and has been internationally recognized for his contributions to science, early literacy,… family involvement, and nutrition.
Mary Hawley has more than 20 years experience teaching early childhood special education, preschool, primary grades, and middle school in both rural and urban settings. She also has taught education courses at Blackburn College, and a variety of parenting classes. Working with the University of Illinois Extension for eight years, she was the director of STARnet Region IV, a project of the Illinois State Board of Education offering resources, support, training and consultation to professionals and families of children with special needs. She is teaching in an inclusive preschool program with Alton Public Schools. Mary Hawley received her master's degree in early childhood special education… from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville and her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Illinois State University.