Division for Early Childhood 2024 Conference: Full Schedule

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8:00am CDT

Fostering Global Cognitive Development: A Teachers-to-Teachers Approach - Poster 18

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Discover impactful collaboration between EWU pre-service teachers and Guatemala's 'Hope for Literacy.' Using 'The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything,' they crafted culturally sensitive lessons, impacting 65 classrooms. Explore takeaways for global perspectives and engage in live demonstrations, gaining insights from firsthand experiences in Guatemala City.

Speakers

Lin Zhu

Assistant Professor, Eastern Washington University

Tara Haskins

Eastern Washington University

Ann Van Wig

Denise Ellenwood

Preschool Teacher, Garfield Elementary School

Kendall Brown

Shannon Salter

Student Teacher, Eastern Washington University

Rosie Hewett

Lecturer, Eastern Washington University

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

By Practitioners for Practitioners

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Faculty
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

EI/ECSE Personnel Recruitment & Retention Synthesis of Innovative Practices - Poster 11

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

This session will present strategies and practices that can be implemented to attract, prepare, and retain an adequate number and diverse group of state and local EI/ECSE personnel. These strategies will aim to reinforce the quality and racial and ethnic diversity of the workforce and the successful inclusion of children with disabilities across various settings.

Speakers

Ted Burke

Consultant, ECTA

Paula Grubbs

Technical Assistance Specialist, ECTA Center at UNC

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Policy

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Faculty
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Incorporating AI Into University Teacher Preparation Courses - Poster 32

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Many companies have been integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their products. This proliferation is at the point where the use of AI can no longer be ignored. This session will introduce attendees to AI, describe how AI can be incorporated into teacher education courses, and provide opportunities to interact with the AI to generate course content.

th

Speakers

Conrad Oh-Young

Assistant Professor, California State University, Dominguez Hills

Jennifer Buchter

professor, Eatern Illinois University

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Faculty
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Preschool Teachers’ Needs for Successful Inclusion: A Study From Utah - Poster 24

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

What do preschool teachers know about inclusive practices? Are they ready and able to implement them? This study examined confidence and competence for DEC recommended practices related to inclusion for Utah preschool teachers, supports available, supports needed, and the barriers to implementing practices known to increase outcomes for students with disabilities

Speakers

Meridith Karppinen

Sondra M Stegenga

Assistant Professor of Special Education, University of Utah

I have over 20 years experience in the fields of health and education working with individuals across the lifespan. I have provided services and supports to children and families as a home visitor, occupational therapist, early intervention program administrator, and state council... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Infusing Infant Mental Health into an Interdisciplinary Graduate Program - Poster 3

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

This poster will describe the project components and outcomes of Project BLENDS, a funded Office of Special Education (OSEP) Personnel Development grant with a focus on infant and early childhood mental health that involves four related services disciplines – social work, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and psychology.

Speakers

Hattie Harvey

Professor, University of Alaska Anchorage

University of Alaska Anchorage Programs: Social Work, School Psychology (new!), Children's Mental Health Graduate Certificate, Project BLENDS

Mary Dallas Allen

Cary Moore

Associate Dean, University of Alaska Anchorage

Karen Gallagher

University of Alaska Anchorage, Psychology Department

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Faculty
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Intermediate

8:00am CDT

Needs Assessment Data Drives DEC Professional Development CoP - Poster 28

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

This poster session will present the needs assessment data used to drive the DEC Professional Development Community of Practice in 2024 and to support its members. Reflective questions will be used to generate discussion and participants will have an opportunity to join the DEC PD CoP.

Speakers

Becky Hoffman

Professional Development Specialist, CESA5 RESource for the WI Birth to 3 Program

Serena Wheeler

Assistant Professor and Associate Director, Coaching in Early Intervention Training and Mentorship Program, University of Louisville

I train and mentor EI Providers in a statewide PD program and support ongoing program quality and improvements efforts. My primary areas of interest are evidence-based practices related to effective PD for early intervention providers and caregiver coaching to build family capaci... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Administrators
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

New CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. Developmental Milestone for Families - Poster 33

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

This poster session will review the 2022 updated CDC Milestones, For the first time in almost 20 years, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have updated guidelines for developmental milestones in the Learn the Signs. Act Early program. \

Speakers

Bethanne Vergean

CT Learn the SIgns Act Early Ambassador, UCONN UCEDD

Bethanne Vergean provides technical assistance and training for Connecticut’s Early Childhood system. Her work over the past 20 years has been centered on improving developmental monitoring in Connecticut. Through her dedicated advocacy, she has developed strong networking systems... Read More →

Melissa Crist

Director of Early Childhood Programs, Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development

Melissa Crist, M.S. is the Director of IdahoSTARS at the Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development, the state University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). IdahoSTARS houses the majority of quality initiatives in early care and education for the... Read More →

Janel Preston

Program coordinator- Autism Specialist, Institute for Disability Research Policy and Practice -USU

Deepa Srinivasavaradan

Deana Buck

Act Early Ambassador, Early Childhood Consultant

Jennifer Hall

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

8:00am CDT

Supporting Children with Disabilities- Begin with Belonging: What-Why-How - Poster 25

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Young children with a developmental disability can often experience anxiety, loneliness, discrimination and marginalization. Attendees will engage with a tool to evaluate dimensions of belonging in classrooms and prioritize dimensions for improvement. They will learn strategies they can implement immediately to enhance the culture of belonging and improve student outcomes.

Speakers

Maureen Ruby

Professor, Sacred Heart University

Avinash Mishra

SLP Faculty, Sacred Heart University

DEC 2024 Presentation MR AM QR pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Using Standards to Support Candidate Reflection and Field Experiences - Poster 6

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

This session describes using professional preparation standards to support preservice educators’ reflection and field experiences. Using the EI/ECSE and ECE Standards, observations are more focused and reflections based on what the field expects teachers to know and be able to do. Additionally, candidates indicate increased focus on their own and child and classroom needs.

Speakers

Megan Purcell

Purdue University

Shawna Harbin

Clinical Assistant Professor, Purdue University

Sara Schmitt

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Faculty
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

8:00am CDT

Early Numeracy, Online PD, and EI Professionals’ Practices and Perspectives - Poster 30

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

This mixed-methods study examined the impact of an online PD on IFSP early numeracy outcomes. Practices and perspectives of EI providers were also explored. The results of this study showed a need for more PD related to high-quality IFSP early numeracy outcome development and ways to support families in implementing early numeracy skills for children with disabilities.

Speakers

Koryne Nnoli

Assistant Professor, Morgan State University

Salenah Cartier

Lisa Shanty

Beth Boyle

Faculty, Johns Hopkins University

Rachel Hur

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

8:00am CDT

Embedding Sociocultural Competencies into Professional Development - Poster 4

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

This poster will present the growth in cultural competence experienced by pre-service social workers & early childhood special educators after completing a series of professional development microcredentials focused on diversity, equity, & socioculturally responsive practices specifically focused on historically marginalized immigrant & refugee children & families.

Speakers

L. Lynn Stansberry Brusnahan

Parent and Professor, University of St Thomas

Renee Hepperlen

Bonnie Ingelin

Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Special Education at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis Minnesota

Bonnie Ingelin is assistant professor of Early Childhood Special Education at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis Minnesota. She received her PhD at Florida State University in Special Education with an emphasis in teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Faculty
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Evidence-Based Practices for Bilingual Children with Disability - Poster 31

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

The purpose of the systematic review was to describe and analyze studies examining interventions for promoting social/language/communication for bilingual children who have disability below the age of five. Implications for research, policy, and practice will be shared.

Speakers

F. Kivanc Erdogan

Researcher, University of Massachusetts Boston

Serra Acar

Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts, Boston

Dr. Acar is an associate professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her research includes culturally and linguistically responsive assessment practices in early intervention/early childhood special education.

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Intermediate

8:00am CDT

Impact of a PD Session on Head Start Providers' Autism Perceptions - Poster 5

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

This poster will summarize the impact of a PD session about autism on Head Start providers’ autism knowledge and perceptions. Using a mixed-methods approach, preliminary results indicate providers made statistically significant gains in their autism knowledge, but a qualitative analysis revealed there is a desire for more information and training.

Speakers

Sarah Wiegand

Assistant Professor of Early Childhood and Special Education, New Mexico State University

I am an assistant professor of special education and early childhood education at New Mexico State University. I am a former Part C early intervention provider and autism resource specialist. My research centers around improving policies/practices in Part C and autism. I am a member... Read More →

Dr. Angela Owens

Director, New Mexico State University

Dr. Angela Victoria Enriqueta Owens is an instructor of Curriculum and Instruction in the School of Teacher Preparation, Leadership, and Administration at New Mexico State University. She educates early childhood and special education teacher candidates, is the Director of the New... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Nature-based Preschools - Poster 39

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

In this poster, participants will learn about the findings from a national cold-call audit/email survey of nature-based preschool programs. Participants will demonstrate increased knowledge of the characteristics of nature-based programs indicating willingness to serve children with disabilities, and will leave with strategies for advocating for inclusion in these spaces.

Speakers

Sarah Pedonti

Assistant Professor, Western Carolina University Birth-Kindergarten Education Program

Sarah F. Pedonti, Ph.D. is an assistant professor in Birth-Kindergarten Education at Western Carolina University. She teaches a range of courses that focus on inclusive methods and environments for diverse children with or at risk for disabilities. Her latest work focuses on how outdoor... Read More →

Cathy Grist

Professor, Western Carolina University

Cathy L. Grist, Ph.D. is a professor in the Birth-Kindergarten Program at Western Carolina University. Her teaching and work focus on preschool personality, assessment, infant, toddler, and preschool assessment, social-emotional issues, and self-regulation in young children

Derek Becker

Associate Professor, Western Carolina University Birth-Kindergarten Education Program

Derek R. Becker, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Birth-Kindergarten program at Western Carolina University. He teaches a range of early childhood research methods courses, along with math, science and curriculum. His research examines connections among play, physical activity... Read More →

Myra Watson

assistant professor, Western Carolina University Birth-Kindergarten Education Program

Myra K. Watson, Ed.D., is an assistant professor in the Birth-Kindergarten Program at Western Carolina University. She teaches a variety of courses focused on pedagogy in early childhood preservice teacher education. Her research is focused on teacher education, early career teacher... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Researchers
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

8:00am CDT

Literature Review: Identifying Young Children’s Perspectives in Research - Poster 18

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Young children with disabilities have things to say about the systems that affect them every day. However, little research has explored their perspectives on the practices and policies they are impacted by. This session will review what literature uncovered about children’s perspectives and what centering the perspectives of young children offers researchers.

Speakers

Kristen Witzling

Student, UW-Madison

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Researchers
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Metaverse and Its Technological Application - Poster 7

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

This session will discuss research results of the perception of early childhood special education
pre-service and in-service teachers regarding metaverse, technological application, and
educational design principles. Implications for practice, teacher preparation programs, and
practitioners also will be discussed.

Speakers

Sangsu Baek

Eunyoung Jung

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Researchers
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Supporting Children who are Deafblind to Access General Education - Poster 26

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

This mixed-methods study identified the educational trends of children who are deafblind and identified strategies to improve the outcomes of children. Secondary data from the National Deafblind Child Count Data and interview transcripts were used for data analysis and then integrated to identify the supports children who are deafblind should access.

Speakers

Ira Padhye

Project Director, Virginia Commonwealth University

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Virtual Equity: Parent Inclusion in Early Intervention Language Program - Poster 35

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Virtual care ensures marginalized families receive equity. HomeGoals combines education, coaching, measuring parent stress&vocabulary. Coaching targets joint attention, modeling &feedback. Education covers development, delay, behavior & support. A-B study was conducted 3x/5weeks (n = 2). High fidelity for parent reporting & observation was reported. Parent stress decreased

Speakers

Dr. Cherina Williams

Founder/Clinical Researcher/Program Developer, I Heart Speech Therapy

Hi! I'm Dr. Cherina Williams, licensed speech and language pathologist. I specialize in early intervention and I love discussing family-centered practice, parent education, early identification, parent coaching, parent stress, and collaborative practice. I am the creator of HomeGoals(TM... Read More →

Kelly Robinson

Speech Pathologist, Strong Link Therapy

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

9:15am CDT

Bridging the Gap: Linking LTSAE and The DEC RPs for Families

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

This session will explore the intersection of two powerful frameworks: Learn the Signs. Act Early (LTSAE) and the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Recommended Practices (RPs) to empower families in recognizing developmental milestones, acting early on developmental concerns, and engaging in early intervention that supports improved developmental outcomes.

Speakers

Melissa Crist

Director of Early Childhood Programs, Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development

Bethanne Vergean

CT Learn the SIgns Act Early Ambassador, UCONN UCEDD

Deepa Srinivasavaradan

Kristen Paul

Director of Early Childhood Programs, The Parents' Place of Maryland

Kristen Paul has devoted over two decades to various roles serving children and their families; her career has included work as a science teacher, Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at NASA, STEM Coordinator at Salisbury University, and family support for Birth to Five... Read More →

Deana Buck

Act Early Ambassador, Early Childhood Consultant

DEC 2024 Bridging the Gap pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Family

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

9:15am CDT

Oh...I'm so sorry: Shifting from Sympathy to Celebration

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

Chequers - 2nd fl

Despite efforts to promote positive views of disability, the deficit model permeates our practice and society. Upon the birth of a child with differences, parents are continually confronted with sympathy. and pity. Drawing from our own lived experiences and the field of disability studies, we discuss shifting to parent support that celebrates all children and families.

Speakers

Ann Mickelson

Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Holly Dregne

Teacher, Elm Lawn Elementary, Middleton, WI

Kristi Godfrey-Hurrell

Becky Hoffman

Professional Development Specialist, CESA5 RESource for the WI Birth to 3 Program

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

Family

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

9:15am CDT

The Odd Couple: Partnering With States to Build Capacity & Increase Equity

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

Burgundy - 1st fl

This session offers insight into the challenges and nuances of partnering with states on early education policy initiatives. It delves into the iterative nature of research-practice partnerships, highlighting challenges, breakthroughs, and shared learning. Participants learn strategies for navigating power dynamics, building mutual trust, and centering community voice.

Speakers

Allison Kimble-Cusano

Research Specialist, Institute for Child Success

Dr. Allison Kimble-Cusano (she/her) is a Research Specialist in the Impact & Practice program area of the Institute for Child Success. She is responsible for promoting equity-focused professional empowerment of early childhood professionals, systems-level research, evaluation and... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Burgundy - 1st fl

Policy

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Researchers
Audience 2 Faculty
Content Level Intermediate

9:15am CDT

Equity Audit: Identifying Disparities and Implementing Systemic Change

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

GrandSalon 4 - 1st fl

Are you interested in building and sustaining more equitable EI/ECSE systems? Want to receive resources and learn more about assessing the extent to which there is equity in state and local programs? Then join us as we explore the Equity Audit’s indicators of quality and engage in discussions regarding use of its results to improve policies, practices, and outcomes.

Speakers

Catasha Williams

Technical Assistance Specialist, UNC Frank Porter Graham CDI

Evandra Catherine

Director of Disability and Mental Health Policy, Children's Equity Project

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
GrandSalon 4 - 1st fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Content Level Intermediate

9:15am CDT

Using the Recommended Practices for Equitable Family Participation

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

Eglinton Winton - 2nd fl

Because racial disparities exist in EI/ECSE, there is an urgency to provide each family with the information and support needed to access services and to meaningfully engage within these services. Participants will learn strategies to address these needs through use of the DEC Recommended Practices and related resources in their work with families.

Speakers

Stephanie Moss

Chief Operating Officer, Parent to Parent of Georgia

Pat Cameron

Andrea Laser

Meedra Surratte

Using the RPs for Equitable Family Participation pdf

Using the RPs for Equitable Family Participation pptx

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Eglinton Winton - 2nd fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

9:15am CDT

Actualizing DEC’s Racial Equity Point of View

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

GrandSalon 21 - 1st fl

Liberation is a complex journey towards freedom and justice. It requires collective effort and diverse perspectives. DEC PPAC seeks to build a more equitable future for EI/ECSE through collaboration and shared leadership. This process involves personal growth and systemic change. Join us to discuss the future of championing DEC's RE POV throughout DEC's resource system.

Speakers

Lori Meyer

Associate Professor, University of Vermont

Hsiu-Wen Yang

Researcher, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Matt Klein

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
GrandSalon 21 - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

9:15am CDT

OER for Access, Equity, and Quality in Personnel Preparation

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

GrandSalon 15 - 1st fl

This session will provide an overview of the adoption and adaptation of Open Educational Resources (OER) for courses in three personnel preparation programs in different institutions. Examples of course materials and assignments will be shared.

Speakers

Serra Acar

Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts, Boston

Ching-I Chen

Associate Professor, Kent State University

Zhen Chai

Professor, California State University, Northridge

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
GrandSalon 15 - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Faculty
Content Level Intermediate

9:15am CDT

The Quest for OSEP Funding: Wowing the Reviewers and Writing Winning Grants

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

GrandSalon 12 - 1st fl

This session will focus on opportunities afforded by OSEP grants. Using an interactive format with audience participation, the session will explore the challenges of and strategies for writing high-quality grant proposals to increase the likelihood of successful funding. Highlighted will be interdisciplinary efforts, recent trends, and innovative strategies.

Speakers

Jennifer Kilgo

Harriet Able

UNC at Chapel Hill

Harriet is a Professor of Early Childhood and Special Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she teaches and researches issues regarding family empowerment, ethics, and interprofessional preparation.

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
GrandSalon 12 - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Faculty
Content Level Introductory

9:15am CDT

Perspectives on Leadership in EI and ECSE: Insights from Educators

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

GrandSalon 7 - 1st fl

The following mixed method study investigated EI and ECSE perspectives on teacher leadership (i.e., knowledge, skills, and beliefs). Participants shared their teacher leadership experiences, perceived support, and barriers. Presenters will overview results while discussing implications for practice and future research.

Speakers

Amanda Passmore

Assistant Professor, Elmhurst University

Dr. Amanda Passmore (she/her) is an Assistant Professor and Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Education at Elmhurst University. Her research includes topics in teacher leadership related to early childhood special education. Dr. Passmore has experience as an early childhood... Read More →

Veronica Kang

Assistant Professor, University of Maryland at College Park

Marie Tejero Hughes

Professor, UIC College of Education

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
GrandSalon 7 - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Intermediate

9:15am CDT

The Role of Digital Communication in Building Family-Educator Partnerships

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

GrandSalon 24 - 1st fl

This study examined how digital and non-digital communication shapes partnerships among educators and family caregivers and promotes family engagement that supports the development of children (aged 18 months to 6 years) with disabilities. The presentation will provide insights from teachers, therapists, and parents about practices that best support trusting partnerships.

Speakers

Sue Anderson

Associate Professor, Texas Christian University

I am a professor with degrees in both special education and educational technology. I have taught educational technology and special education courses to preservice teachers in Texas. I am currently researching the use of technology in special education settings. Before pursuing a... Read More →

Link to DEC presentation pptx

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
GrandSalon 24 - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Intermediate

10:30am CDT

Partnering with Immigrant Families for Promoting Social Emotional Learning

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

GrandSalon 15 - 1st fl

Early Childhood Education (ECE) practitioners must partner with families to promote early Social Emotional Learning (SEL). With the increasing number of immigrant families in the U.S., practitioners need more guidance for partnering with immigrant families. This session will provide strategies for promoting SEL with immigrant families of children with disabilities.

Speakers

Gounah Choi

Lecturer, University of Oregon

Kathryn Bigelow

Associate Research Professor, Juniper Gardens Children's Project, University of Kansas

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
GrandSalon 15 - 1st fl

Family

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

10:30am CDT

Saluting Strengths: Military Families with Children with Disabilities

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Burgundy - 1st fl

Researchers affirm the importance of professionals’ knowledge and skills when working with children and families from backgrounds different from their own. A population that has received little attention in ECSE is military families. In this session we discuss the experiences of military families and provide an overview of military-connected programs and resources.

Speakers

Karen Terry

Program Analyst, Dept of Defense

Robyn DiPietro

Asst. Project Director, OneOp-University of Illinois at Urbana-Chamapaign

Michaelene Ostrosky

Professor, University of Illinois

Amy Santos

Associate Provost and Professor of Special Education, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

DEC 2024 Resources pdf

DEC Saluting Strengths Slides pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Burgundy - 1st fl

Family

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

10:30am CDT

Ableism in Early Childhood: Policy Implications for Our Field

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

GrandSalon 9 - 1st fl

The Joint Inclusion Policy Statement shows that we have not been able to move the needle on inclusion in early childhood. Is ableism at work here? Let's explore this together! We will consider alternatives to the notion of disability and how a new way of thinking can impact our programs, policies, and practices. Together we can confront ableism in ECE and find solutions.

Speakers

Jani Kozlowski

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Every Child Can Fly: An Early Childhood Educator's Guide to Inclusion: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/every-child-can-fly-an-early-childhood-educators-guide-to-inclusion

Jennifer Fung

Inclusion Lead, National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning

Dr. Jennifer Fung is an educator, trainer, consultant, and researcher who has dedicated her career to ensuring that all young children, especially those with disabilities, have a strong start to their educational journeys. Jennifer is a senior content specialist at Cultivate Learning... Read More →

Allyson Dean

DEC ableism session slides 9 12 24 pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
GrandSalon 9 - 1st fl

Policy

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

10:30am CDT

Authentic Assessment Practices to Support Child Development

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

GrandSalon 24 - 1st fl

Have you ever wondered how professionals use the DEC Recommended Practices to observe and assess young children? What do different disciplines in early childhood settings have in common when it comes to assessment, and how are they different? These questions and more are explored in this session.

Speakers

Marisa Macy

Professor, University of Wyoming

Dr. Marisa Macy is full professor and holds the John P. Ellbogen Foundation Professorship of Early Childhood Education at the University of Wyoming. Macy has more than 25 years of experience as an educator. Macy, a Seattle native, earned a bachelor’s degree in English at the University... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
GrandSalon 24 - 1st fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

10:30am CDT

Creating CHANGE for the Next Generation of Early Educators

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

GrandSalon 18- 1st fl

High-quality early childhood education is equity! This presentation shares one approach to collaborating with community college faculty to design and deliver content that will prepare associate degree students to serve young children with disabilities and their families, including those who are multilingual and from racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse populations.

Speakers

Sloan Storie

Research Associate, University of Cincinnati

Jennifer Ottley

Research Director, University of Cincinnati

Ching-I Chen

Associate Professor, Kent State University

Lindsay Diamond

Associate Professor, University of Nevada, Reno

Anne Larson

Research Associate, University of Minnesota

Ann Mickelson

Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Naomi Rahn

Assistant Professor, UW-Whitewater

Sondra M Stegenga

Assistant Professor of Special Education, University of Utah

Creating CHANGE for the Next Generation of Early Educators DEC 2024 CHANGE Presentation (1) pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
GrandSalon 18- 1st fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Faculty
Content Level Intermediate

10:30am CDT

A Before & After Story: Professional Development to Engage Adult Learners

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Marlboro B - 2nd fl

Participants will consider what each of Knowles Adult Learning Principles look like in practice. Presenters will share the first-hand experience of moving from “sit & get” training, to using engaging strategies, as well as the data collected to determine effectiveness and impact. Participants will share their own strategies to expand everyone's bank of ideas.

Speakers

Sally Hansen

Director of Development and Technical Assistance, University of Denver

Sally began working in early childhood education and children’s mental health in 2001. As a family therapist, an early childhood education behavior consultant and early childhood program administrator, Sally blended the mental health framework with an educational approach to fully... Read More →

Dameri Watson

Senior Research Associate, University of Denver

Dameri Watson, M.S., is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Denver. Her work primarily focuses on partnering with leaders and providers in states, communities, and local programs to co-create and sustain high-quality inclusive experiences that welcome and support every... Read More →

Nancy Burdic

Senior Research Associate, PELE Center, University of Denver

Ron Roybal

Engaging Adult Learners DEC 2024 handout pdf

Adult Learning Principles pdf

Facilitate Adaptively pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Marlboro B - 2nd fl

Professional Development

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

10:30am CDT

Scaling-up Community Partnerships to Prepare Inclusive EC Educators

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

GrandSalon 3 - 1st fl

EPIC-ECEL is an equity-focused partnership between 2-year and 4-year IHEs to prepare inclusive EC practitioners and leaders through targeted and systematic curriculur enhancements, coaching practices. and intentional field experiences in inclusive EC settings. We will share strategies and resources for embedding inclusive practices in community college coursework.

Speakers

Rashida Banerjee

Professor, University of Denver

Ritu Chopra

Executive Director, PAR2A Center & Assistant Research Professor, University of Colorado, Denver

Julianne Daniel

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
GrandSalon 3 - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Faculty
Content Level Intermediate

10:30am CDT

Supporting Instructors to Embed Inclusive STEM Content in Higher Education

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

GrandSalon 12 - 1st fl

This session will focus on supporting faculty and professional development providers to embed STEM content for their students and participants. Freely available resources will be shared and participants will apply the content to their own practice to empower our early educators to embed inclusive STEM for all children and families.

Speakers

Jessica Amsbary

Technical Assistance Specialist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

Dr. Jessica Amsbary is an adjunct clinical assistant professor and the Coordinator of the Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support program at UNC-Chapel Hill. She also is a postdoctoral research associate at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute where she engages... Read More →

Chih-Ing Lim

Senior Technical Assistance Specialist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

Chih-Ing Lim, Ph.D., is currently Senior Technical Assistance Specialist at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA. Chih-Ing is the Co-Chair of the International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute and serves as... Read More →

Megan Vinh

Co-Director, ECTA and STEMIE Centers

IHE DEC Handout pdf

STEMIE IHE RFA pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
GrandSalon 12 - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Faculty
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

10:30am CDT

PRRFCT Match: A Parent-Mediated Intervention with Virtual Coaching

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

GrandSalon 7 - 1st fl

Promoting Reciprocal Relationships with Flexibility, Coaching, and Teaching: (PRRFCT Match) is a parent-mediated intervention package to increase engagement and reciprocity between dyads of parents and young children with developmental delays. Considerations for adapting and implementing culturally grounded interventions with children and families will be examined.

Speakers

Megan Kunze

Assistant Research Professor, Megan Kunze

Qi Wei

Alexis Bacon-Yates

DEC 2024 PRRFCT Match pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
GrandSalon 7 - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Intermediate

1:00pm CDT

Becoming Anti-Racist: Using Cultural Humility to Address Implicit Bias

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 7 - 1st fl

This 60 minute session will address the reduction of implicit bas, using culturally responsive practices to address racial and other biases to reduce biased actions, disproportionality, especially in regards to suspensions and expulsions. Participants will walk away with concrete skills that they can use immediately to address biases in their practice settings.

Speakers

Jasmine Crane

Director of Health and Well-Being, IREE--Institute for Racial Equity & Excellence

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 7 - 1st fl

By Practitioners for Practitioners

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

1:00pm CDT

Disability, Diversity, and Identity in Early Childhood

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Chequers - 2nd fl

Disability is a naturally occurring human variation. Some variations, such as nearsightedness, are so common that they're no longer considered disabilities. Others are considered an inconvenience to society. How do professionals help children and families form a positive disabled identity amid these implicit and explicit messages created by society?

Speakers

Charissa Darland

Educational Resources Specialist, Indiana University Bloomington

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

Family

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Families
Content Level Introductory

1:00pm CDT

Connecting the Dots! Collaborating as a Cross-Sector State Leadership Team

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 24 - 1st fl

Join this session to learn tools and strategies to support the capacity of cross-sector state leadership teams to implement an early childhood multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to improve the social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of young children with, and at risk for developmental disabilities or delays.

Speakers

Beth Vorhaus

Education Consultant, Vanderbilt

Ashley MacNish

Educational Consultant, Vanderbilt University

Kerri Wikel

Program Director, Team for Early Childhood Solutions (TECS)

DEC 2024 Connecting the Dots Collaborating as a Cross Sector State Leadership Team pdf

Spectrum of Community Engagement to Ownership pdf

Cross sector SLT Collaboration activity docx

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 24 - 1st fl

Policy

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Content Level Intermediate

1:00pm CDT

The Play to Learn Curriculum: Increasing Play Complexity in Children

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 6 - 1st fl

We will describe our Playing To Learn curriculum and provide an overview of related research, which contribute significantly to the body of knowledge surrounding interventions designed to enhance the complexity of children's play skills. We will outline the curriculum components and highlight specific goals and strategies for supporting play for all children.

Speakers

Erin Barton

Consultant, Barton Consulting

Erin E. Barton, PhD, BCBA-D, is an international educational consultant and founder of Barton Consulting, LLC and Faculty for the Pyramid Model Consortium. She has worked as a special education teacher and as a university professor, previously at Vanderbilt. She taught graduate-level... Read More →

Claire Winchester

Coach, consultant, & researcher, Growth Early Childhood Behavior Coaching

Claire Winchester, Ph.D, BCBA-D is an international early childhood behavior coach, consultant, and researcher with a specialization in supporting the families, teachers, and organizations that support young children. As the founder and operator of Growth Early Childhood Behavior... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 6 - 1st fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Administrators
Content Level Intermediate

1:00pm CDT

The Power of Reflection: Social-Emotional-Focused Questions for Families

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Kabacoff - Riverside Bldg.

How confident are you implementing reflection practices during home visits? Research shows reflection is one of the least used family coaching practices by early interventionists. Join us as we share a tool that will help early intervention providers to build their confidence and competence to support family reflection with a social and emotional lens.

Speakers

Ashley MacNish

Educational Consultant, Vanderbilt University

Crystal Williams

Julianne Daniel

Julia Sayles

Georgetown University

DEC 2024 Reflection HO pdf

Reflection Questions for Families on Social and Emotional Development DEC pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Kabacoff - Riverside Bldg.

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

1:00pm CDT

A Little Neurobiology and A Lot of Reframing

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 12 - 1st fl

Sources of stress can be biological, emotional, socio-cultural and environmental. By understanding the neurobiology of stress, families and early childhood practitioners can reduce their own reactivity and reframe the behaviors of the children in their care. Participants will learn strategies to reflect and respond in order to co-regulate young children.

Speakers

Corinne Catalano

Associate Director, Montclair State University

Corinne is the Associate Director for Education, Inclusion, and Development at Montclair State University’s Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health. She is the project manager for the NJ Preschool Inclusive Education Project (NJPIEP) funded by the NJ Department of Education... Read More →

Eileen McKeating

Assistant Director for Research and Evaluation, CAECMH, Montclair State University

Eileen McKeating, Ph.D. joined the Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health as a Research Assistant in 2014. She is responsible for the research and program evaluation for the Center’s many grant initiatives. In addition, she teaches graduate courses for the Department... Read More →

DEC2024 Stress and Reframing pdf

Self Reg Adult Reframe and Recognize Activity 2023 pdf

Reframing, Recognizing and Reducing a Young Child's Stress Activity 2024 pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 12 - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

1:00pm CDT

Evolving Perspectives: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Analysis of Transitions

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Through findings from a longitudinal cross-sectional study, this session examines declines in importance ratings of transition practices over time. Overall ratings significantly declined and were predicted by professional role, education level, and race. The discussion will center on implications for reconsidering approaches to transition planning.

Speakers

Beth Rous

Professor, University of Kentucky

John Nash

Associate Professor, University of Kentucky

Zijia Li

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Intermediate

1:00pm CDT

Tiered Online Training and Supports for Parents of Children with IDD

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Marlboro B - 2nd fl

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of the Tiered Online Training and Support (TOTS) virtual parent training model for parents of children with developmental disabilities. Participants will leave with an understanding of the usability, efficacy, and impact of TOTS and know how to access the program to use with the families they serve.

Speakers

Sabine Scott

Megan Kunze

Assistant Research Professor, Megan Kunze

Christina Karns

Assistant Research Professor, University of Oregon

Laura Lee McIntyre

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Marlboro B - 2nd fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Researchers
Audience 2 Families
Content Level Intermediate

1:00pm CDT

Enhancing Coaches’ Use of Evidence-Based Coaching to Promote Outcomes (OSEP)

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 13 - 1st fl

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Coaching is an evidence-based approach to support the use of effective practices with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities. Panelists will describe lessons learned through three OSEP-funded model demonstrations designed to enhance the use of evidence-based coaching frameworks to support outcomes for young children with disabilities and their families.

Speakers

Darbianne Shannon

Assistant Research Scientist, Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies, University of FL

Dr. Shannon is an Assistant Research Scientist with the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Florida. Dr. Shannon supports states and early childhood programs with the installation, implementation, sustainability and scale-up of professional... Read More →

Patricia Snyder

Director, Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies, University of FL

I am a Distinguished Professor of Special Education and Early Childhood Studies, an affiliate Professor of Pediatrics, the David Lawrence Jr. Endowed Chair in Early Childhood Studies, and Director of the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies at the University... Read More →

Lisa Knoche

Research Associate Professor, Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools/ UNL

Kathleen Artman-Meeker

Associate Professor, University of Washington

Carol Davis

Rachel Schachter

2024 DEC Conference Handout pdf

2024 DEC Conference PPT Accessible pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 13 - 1st fl

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

1:00pm CDT

Annual aRPy Ambassador Summit (invite only)

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 3:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 9 - 1st fl

During this invitation-only session, aRPy Ambassadors will share with one another the ways in which they are promoting and using the DEC RPs. The session will serve as an in-person work time, where questions, ideas and challenges are discussed and documented. This in-person time with the Ambassadors will help guide the planning and delivery of future Ambassador activities.

Speakers

Stephanie Moss

Chief Operating Officer, Parent to Parent of Georgia

Allison Jones

TA Specialist, ECTA

The ECTA Center supports state IDEA Part C and Part B, Section 619 programs in developing more equitable, effective, and sustainable state and local systems, that support access and full participation for each and every young child with a disability, and their family.

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 9 - 1st fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Advanced

2:15pm CDT

CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early: Milestones, Materials, and More!

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 6 - 1st fl

Would you like to improve your efforts and skills in the early identification of developmental concerns in young children? CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” campaign has developed FREE materials to share with families and providers. Join us to learn new skills about how to integrate these tools into existing EC systems. Leave with an action plan and a materials toolkit.

Speakers

Janel Preston

Program coordinator- Autism Specialist, Institute for Disability Research Policy and Practice -USU

Deana Buck

Act Early Ambassador, Early Childhood Consultant

Deepa Srinivasavaradan

Bethanne Vergean

CT Learn the SIgns Act Early Ambassador, UCONN UCEDD

Jennifer Hall

Melissa Crist

Director of Early Childhood Programs, Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development

DEC 2024 pptx

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 6 - 1st fl

By Practitioners for Practitioners

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Families
Content Level Introductory

2:15pm CDT

Lights, Camera, Red Flags! Roll Out the Parental Red Carpet

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Chequers - 2nd fl

Practical skills and sensitive language are crucial for addressing neurodiversity, physical diversity, and family differences in Early Head Start/Head Start classrooms. This presentation covers prevalence, best practices, and supporting underprivileged communities. If you're an educator, administrator, or advocate interested in fostering inclusivity, join us.

Speakers

Brooke Frenkel

Lights Camera Red Flags (1) pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

Family

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

2:15pm CDT

How Are Children with Disabilities Included in the Reggio Emilia Approach?

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 18- 1st fl

This session will explore inclusive practices for children with disabilities in Reggio Emilia, Italy. We will share the story of how a group of early childhood education professionals took a trip to Reggio Emilia, Italy to learn about the preschool approach and how it strengthened our learning, and created stronger supports within our own community of practice at home.

Speakers

Jacqueline Towson

Associate Professor, University of Central Florida, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Jacqueline Towson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders with a joint appointment in the School of Teacher Education at University of Central Florida. She completed her doctorate in 2015 at Georgia... Read More →

Marisa Macy

Professor, University of Wyoming

Judy Levin

Dena Harshbarger

Associate Professor, UNK

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 18- 1st fl

International

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

2:15pm CDT

Expand Your Leadership Vision with the Habits of a Systems Thinker

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Marlboro B - 2nd fl

This session will provide special education professionals with the essential skills of systems thinking through the application of the Habits of a Systems Thinker. Rooted in systems theory, this approach fosters a holistic perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness of individual actions and the impact on broader systems.

Speakers

Melanie Reese

Senior Technical Assistance Specialist, AnLar

As a Senior Technical Assistance Specialist at AnLar, Melanie is passionate about building systems to support inclusive opportunities for young children with disabilities. She is a skilled facilitator, trainer, and technical assistance provider. She has expertise in early childhood... Read More →

Monica Yudron

Betsy Lin

Pamela Elwood

EC Consultant, GHAEA

Eboni Walker

Senior TA Specialist, AnLar LLC

Eboni Walker serves as a senior technical assistance specialist at AnLar LLC working with early childhood leaders and professionals across the country to build capacity in leadership development. Prior to this position, she was the founding Executive Director of a charter school based... Read More →

Britt Braun

Senior Technical Assistance Specialist, AnLar

Britt provides creative and innovative approaches to supporting projects focusing on early childhood access, quality and special education. Britt has worked in the early childhood field at the school, district, and state levels. Her passion for building systems that support high-quality... Read More →

habits single page 2020 pdf

DEC Copy Circle of Concern and Influence Template pdf

iceberg current reality pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Marlboro B - 2nd fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Administrators
Content Level Intermediate

2:15pm CDT

Fostering Dignity and Equality for Every Child

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 24 - 1st fl

We will guide participants through what it means to know that respecting the dignity and worth of all children is a fundamental commitment that goes beyond ethical considerations. We will provide specific strategies for supporting the dignity of children with disabilities or children who might have disabilities and their families within early childhood programs.

Speakers

Erin Barton

Consultant, Barton Consulting

Claire Winchester

Coach, consultant, & researcher, Growth Early Childhood Behavior Coaching

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 24 - 1st fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

2:15pm CDT

Reimagining Professional Development for Equity and Inclusion

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Kabacoff - Riverside Bldg.

This session empowers leaders to implement a comprehensive approach to professional development grounded in Equitable Implementation. Presenters will share a roadmap that leaders can use to guide their teams to collaboratively design and implement professional development centered on the experiences of their program’s young children, families, and professionals.

Speakers

Sally Hansen

Director of Development and Technical Assistance, University of Denver

Jackie Joseph

Research Associate Professor, University of Denver

Jackie Joseph is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Denver Positive Early Learning Experiences Center, where her work promotes high-quality inclusion across the early care and education system. She specifically focuses on family partnerships and evidence-based strategies... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Kabacoff - Riverside Bldg.

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

2:15pm CDT

Black Fathers of Children With Disabilities: A Ripple Effect

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 10 - 1st fl

Becoming a father is a developmental milestone for men and has potential to support their mental health and wellness. Little research exists about the caregiver roles of Black fathers of children with disabilities. An understanding of the lived experiences of Black fathers of children with disabilities is warranted. Review of experiences and next steps will be reviewed.

Speakers

Brandy James, PhD

Early Childhood Learning Coordinator, Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 10 - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

2:15pm CDT

Exploring Early Childhood Expulsion Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 7 - 1st fl

We conducted interviews to learn about caregivers’ experiences with early childhood expulsion using a trauma-informed lens. We will present the findings, which highlight the harmful nature of expulsion, implications for research/practice, and facilitate a discussion about trauma and expulsion in early childhood.

Speakers

Mia Chudzik

Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Illinois

Courtney OGrady

Catherine Corr

Associate Professor, University of Illinois

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 7 - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Faculty
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Introductory

2:15pm CDT

Making an IMPACT: The Dimensions of Equity in Early Childhood Assessment

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 22 - 1st fl

This session provides an in-depth look at the dimensions of equity in early childhood assessment. Participants will explore the relationships between the cost, usability, technical merit, and cultural relevance of early childhood measures. They will consider the implications for how to best meet the measurement needs of their communities.

Speakers

Allison Kimble-Cusano

Research Specialist, Institute for Child Success

DEC 2024 IMPACT presentation pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 22 - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Intermediate

2:15pm CDT

Building the Bridge between EHDI and IDEA (OSEP)

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 13 - 1st fl

Effective collaboration between Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part C (Part C) can help both programs better support families. This session aims to grow attendee’s understanding of the EHDI programs, how Part C and EHDI can coordinate, and the available resources to support coordination.

Speakers

Vinetta Freeman

Sharon Walsh

Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 13 - 1st fl

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

3:30pm CDT

Addressing Gaps in Family Support Through Family-Informed Micro-Trainings

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

GrandSalon 10 - 1st fl

Participants will learn about the co-creation with families and early childhood professionals of brief "micro-trainings" on topics identified as gaps during family interviews with families of young children with disabilities. Participants will understand how format and content decisions were made and will consider new methods for dissemination.

Speakers

Katherine Herron

Director, Indiana University Early Childhood Center

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
GrandSalon 10 - 1st fl

Family

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Administrators
Content Level Introductory

3:30pm CDT

International Perspectives on Supporting Young Children with Disabilities

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

GrandSalon 24 - 1st fl

In this presentation, professionals from Spain and the U.S. will describe their work in improving the quality of services to young children with disabilities and their families. Through research, training, mentoring, and coaching, the group has influenced the implementation of recommended practices throughout Spain, and Central/South America.

Speakers

Jennifer Grisham

Professor, University of Kentucky

Jennifer Grisham, Ed.D., is Professor in the Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education program at the University of Kentucky, Lexington. She received her doctorate in Education from the University of Kentucky. She is also Faculty Director of the Early Childhood Laboratory at the... Read More →

Margarita Canadas

Catholic University of Valencia

VIRGINIA AYUSO

Ocupathional Therapy, Early Childhood Center

MIREYA VICENTE VILAS

Special Teacher, Early Childhood Capacitas

Cecilia Simón

Associate Professor, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

InternationalPresentation pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
GrandSalon 24 - 1st fl

International

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

3:30pm CDT

Connecting Awareness to Action: Nationwide Findings and Policy Solutions

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

GrandSalon 3 - 1st fl

We will present findings from roundtables of local, state, and federal stakeholders about EI/ECSE and kindergarten for children with disabilities. Themes include dual-identified students, family engagement, workforce, and connecting awareness to action. We will invite attendees to reflect on findings and share solutions to strengthen our recommendations to policymakers.

Speakers

Carrie Gillispie

Senior Policy Analyst, New America

Nicole Hsu

Policy Analyst, New America

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
GrandSalon 3 - 1st fl

Policy

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

3:30pm CDT

A Promising Model to Reduce Suspensions and Expulsions

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

GrandSalon 4 - 1st fl

In this session, a promising model to reduce the suspensions and expulsions of young Black children in early learning programs will be presented. Key components of this model include centering the voices of families and providers, and addressing community level factors. Participants will leave the session with key strategies that can be used to replicate the model.

Speakers

Jen Neitzel

Executive Director, Educational Equity Institute

Dr. Jen Neitzel is the Executive Director of the Educational Equity Institute, which is focused on eliminating the educational and opportunity gaps within communities through systems level change. Prior to this work, Jen was a Research Scientist and Technical Assistance Provider at... Read More →

Ebonyse Mead

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
GrandSalon 4 - 1st fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

3:30pm CDT

Combatting Bias in Early Childhood Education Systems

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

Eglinton Winton - 2nd fl

Using individual reflection and small and whole group activities, participants will gain awareness of their culture and identity and how they, as well as power dynamics, impact services through explicit and implicit biases. Participants will also learn evidence-based strategies for combatting biases to ensure equitable service delivery.

Speakers

Lynne Hall

Research Associate, Indiana University Bloomington

M.S. Ed.

Janet Ballard

Research Associate, Indiana University Bloomington

Janet has worked in the field of early childhood since 1993. She has been a developmental therapist in Indiana’s Early Intervention program (First Steps), a Bureau of Child Development Services State Program Consultant, developed and oversaw the day-to-day operations of an Early... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Eglinton Winton - 2nd fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Administrators
Content Level Introductory

3:30pm CDT

Lessons Learned from Two EI/ECSE Personnel Preparation Programs

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

GrandSalon 9 - 1st fl

We will share examples from two practicum models: undergraduate early intervention and graduate early intervention/early childhood special education. We will share examples of state-level strategic partnerships and discuss how to create interdisciplinary practicum experience with the goal of impacting child and family outcomes.

Speakers

Serra Acar

Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts, Boston

Catherine Brayden-Calias

Moira Downes

Manager of Field Experiences, University of Massachusetts Boston

Lynne Mendes

Leadership Program Manager, University of Massachusetts Boston

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
GrandSalon 9 - 1st fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Faculty
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Intermediate

3:30pm CDT

Meaningful Inclusion in Early Childhood Through Community Partnerships

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

GrandSalon 15 - 1st fl

Presenters will describe one suburban school district’s drive to provide meaningful inclusion for 3- and 4-year-olds with disabilities as a part of their early learning equity strategy. Participants will learn how preschool playgroups can be used in partnership with Community Schools to offer inclusive early learning opportunities to 3- and 4-year-olds.

Speakers

Kristen Witzling

Student, UW-Madison

Rebecca Penticoff

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher & Coordinator, Sun Prairie Area School District

Passionate advocate for inclusion, belonging and culturally responsive educational practices. Early childhood educator and leader in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. I began my career in Northern Virginia and my current role in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, allows me to work across early learning... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
GrandSalon 15 - 1st fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

3:30pm CDT

Infant & EC Mental Health: Advancing Practices in Personnel Preparation

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

GrandSalon 12 - 1st fl

Learn about an innovative approach to personnel preparation involving collaboration of EI/ECSE teachers & social workers that focuses on better addressing infant/early childhood mental health in ECE settings. Reasoning for this work, strategies for cross-program collaboration, and a crosswalk of interdisciplinary standards, including infant mental health, will be discussed

Speakers

Sondra M Stegenga

Assistant Professor of Special Education, University of Utah

Alysse Loomis

Meridith Karppinen

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
GrandSalon 12 - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Faculty
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Introductory

3:30pm CDT

Supervisory Coaching: Promoting Deliberate Decision-Making

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

GrandSalon 18- 1st fl

Coaching is an adult learning strategy that can build the capacity of individuals to create sustainable change. The predictable nature of coaching helps the coachee internalize a process for making deliberate decisions about their work. Learn to apply a capacity-building coaching framework to supervisory discussions to improve work force performance.

Speakers

Sarah Sexton

Director, Family, Infant and Preschool Program (FIPP)

01 Planning Coaching laminated pdf

01 Facilitating Coaching laminated pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
GrandSalon 18- 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Faculty
Content Level Intermediate

3:30pm CDT

Functional Frameworks for Inclusive Fieldwork: A Systematic Review

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

GrandSalon 22 - 1st fl

Evidence-based approaches to designing high-quality inclusive field experiences across early childhood personnel preparation that connect theory and practice are essential. This session will share the results of a systematic literature review of ECE/EI/ECSE fieldwork to help identify essential practices and fill research gaps to promote inclusive practices in communities.

Speakers

Maryssa Mitsch

Associate Professor, San Francisco State University

Maryssa Kucskar Mitsch, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Special Education in the Department of Special Education. Her primary teaching responsibilities includes courses in early intervention, assessment of young children at-risk and with disabilities, and family... Read More →

Jenna Weglarz-Ward

Associate Professor, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Proud DEC member and so excited to be back in person this year at conference!! A mom and former practitioner, my work now focuses on personnel preparation in family partnership and transdisciplinary collaboration to promote inclusion. I specifically focus on services for infants and... Read More →

Prince Estanislao

My name is Prince Estanislao (he/they). I am a third-year student in the Joint Doctoral Program in special education at UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University (SFSU). I am a course Instructor at SFSU and a Graduate Student Researcher for the Universal Transitional Kindergarten... Read More →

Hadas Arbit

Infant Developmental Specialist, Through the Looking Glass

Melissa Yarczower

Visting Assistant Professor, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Hello! My name is Melissa Yarczower and I am currently a visiting assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I teach both undergraduate and graduate coursework in EC/ECSE, mentor students, supervise fieldwork, and collaborate on curriculum development and program... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
GrandSalon 22 - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Faculty
Content Level Intermediate

3:30pm CDT

Inclusive Early Intervention for Children with ASD: Where Are We Now?

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

Marlboro B - 2nd fl

Young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) need inclusive experiences, especially to facilitate their social-communication challenges. The results of this literature review will provide information on the research related to inclusive child care center opportunities for children birth to five years old with ASD. Attendees are encouraged to share their experiences.

Speakers

Dawn Patterson

Faculty, West Chester University oi PA

Allyson Suda

Christy Hicks

Professor of Special Education, West Chester University

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Marlboro B - 2nd fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Intermediate

3:30pm CDT

Enhance and Empower: Using AT to Promote Engagement in STEM Experience (OSEP)

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

GrandSalon 13 - 1st fl

By Practitioners for Practitioners Join the STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education (STEMIE) Center for an interactive session and discussion on why assistive technology (AT) is critical for young children with disabilities to engage and participate fully in STEM learning and how assistive technology devices can support children’s STEM learning experiences.

Speakers

AT DEC STEMIE Handout pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
GrandSalon 13 - 1st fl

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory