Division for Early Childhood 2024 Conference: Full Schedule

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8:00am CDT

Inclusion of Students With Moderate to High Support Needs in Montessori - Poster 10

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

There is little research on inclusion within the Montessori classroom. In a recent survey of Montessori Schools, 8.5% of EC students enrolled were identified with disability, of which 65% had an IEP. This poster will use DEC’s Recommended Practices to discuss how students with moderate to high support needs are fully included EC Montessori classrooms.

Speakers

Raejean Burton Lopez

Doctoral Candidate/Occupational Therapist, University of Cincinnati/ECiDC

Raejean is pursuing her doctorate in educational studies with a focus in developmental and learning sciences at the University of Cincinnati. In addition to her work as a doctoral student, she is also a scholar in the Early Childhood Intervention Doctoral Consortium (ECiDC), a national... Read More →

Nicholas Black

Cathy Keith

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

By Practitioners for Practitioners

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

How to Create Inclusive Opportunities for Children with Visual Impairments - Poster 8

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

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

This session will discuss several different methods and intervention strategies that will enable children with visual impairments to be included in a variety of settings. Topics will include the simplification of instruction, tactile modifications, benefits of preview/review, task analysis, and how to use a variety of household materials to create multisensory activities.

Speakers

Kathy Boisvert

Integrated Early Childhood Teacher & Assistant Professor, Blackstone-Millville Regional School District & Worcester State University

DEC HANDOUTS Inclusive Opportunities for Children with VI SEPT 2024 pdf

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

Practice

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Adapting the Early Childhood Environment for Children with Disabilities - Poster 1

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

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

This poster session explores the critical role of adapting the physical, social, and temporal
environment of early childhood settings to support children with disabilities. Acknowledging the
diverse needs and abilities within this population, the session advocates for a holistic approach
that considers various dimensions of the environment.

Speakers

April Crutcher

Instructor of Special Education, Midwestern State University

Beth Barnard

Instructor, Midwestern State University

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

Professional Development

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Families
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Developing and Validating a Measure to Appraise Progress Monitoring Quality - Poster 21

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

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

We sought to develop and validate an easy-to-use teacher/classroom quality measure specific to progress monitoring. This measure may assist school districts and early childhood programs in understanding the ability of their teachers to engage in high quality progress monitoring and support children with intensive and diverse needs.

Speakers

Collin Shepley

Associate Professor, University of Kentucky

While I enjoy talking shop (e.g., progress monitoring, MTSS), I'm also a fan of building forts with my kids (or without) and trying not to cry when I watch a Pixar a movie.

Amanda Duncan

BCBA, Research Assistant, Doctoral Candidate, University of Kentucky

Emily Webb

Graduate Student, Research Assistant, University of Kentucky

Developing and Validating a Measure to Appraise Progress Monitoring Quality pdf

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

Professional Development

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

8:00am CDT

Leveraging Individual and Community Cultural and Social Assets - Poster 36

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

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

The presentation will provide data on a group of early childhood special education teachers who work in diverse urban communities and the cultural and social assets that they identified and leveraged to support the children and families that they serve.

Speakers

Ya-Chih Chang

Professor, California State University, Los Angeles

Talya Drescher

Associate Professor, California State University Channel Islands

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

Professional Development

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Faculty
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

A Systematic Review of Video Modeling to Teach Play Skills in Preschool - Poster 29

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

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

In this systematic review, we gauged the degree to which video modeling meets Council for Exceptional Children criteria as an evidence-based practice for teaching play skills to preschool students on the autism spectrum, and the conditions under which it is effective.

Speakers

Kaitlyn Viera

Ohio State University

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

Research

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Researchers
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Disproportional Child Behavior and Teacher Outcomes in Head Start - Poster 19

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

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

We examined links among teacher well-being, practice, and child social-emotional outcome in FACES 2014. We found teacher job satisfaction predicted classroom practice but not child outcome. Black children and those with disability were disproportionally reported with higher problem behaviors and lower social skills; Black teachers scored significantly lower by CLASS.

Speakers

Jun Ai

Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Gospel Kim

Postdoctoral fellow, University of California-Davis, MIND Institute

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

Research

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Advanced

8:00am CDT

Early Childhood Special Education, NDBIs, and Peers - Poster 27

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

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

A systematic literature review of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions as a peer-mediated intervention for preschool-aged children with ASD/ Developmental Disabilities. Together, these two evidence based interventions can support the learning of a variety of skills in various settings.

Speakers

Kate Anderson

Graduate Student, The Ohio State University

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

Research

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Preschool Teachers' Use of Self-Determination Teaching Practices in Class - Poster 17

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

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Twenty-one preschool teachers' use of self-determination (SD) teaching practices was observed and quantified during two classroom activities, using a direct behavior coding system. Teachers' use of SD practices varied across teachers, SD skill categories, and activity types. Teachers' use of SD practices showed positive correlations with their CLASS-PreK scores.

Speakers

Qunshan Zheng

Post-doc associate, University of Florida

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 →

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

Research

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Sensory-Motor Language Intervention for Emergent Writing in Young Children - Poster 13

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

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

This study combines interventions from OT and Speech to address co-occurring language and motor deficits in preschoolers with DLD, with potential to enhance learning efficiency and retention of emergent literacy, language, and fine motor skills, lessening the academic gaps between preschoolers with delays and their typically developing peers.

Speakers

Michelle Thompson

Assistant Professor, Old Dominion University

Danika Pfeiffer

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

Research

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Researchers
Content Level Intermediate

8:00am CDT

Sibling Synergy: Facilitating Dialogic Reading Use with Older Siblings - Poster 34

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

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

This presentation explores a study designed to promote language development in children within immigrant Latino families by using older siblings as dialogic reading partners. We explore the intervention program, address how it capitalizes on familial strengths, share successes and challenges, and identify future opportunities to enhance shared book reading among siblings.

Speakers

Miguel Garcia-Salas

Doctoral Candidate, Florida State University / Florida Center for Reading Research

Hi! My name is Miguel, and I am a doctoral student in the School of Communication Science and Disorders at Florida State University. I am also a Florida Interdisciplinary Research Fellow in Education Sciences through the Florida Center for Reading Research. I am passionate about working... Read More →

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

Research

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

8:00am CDT

Special Educators’ Partnership Practices with Refugee Families - Poster 23

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

Grand Ballroom A (Exhibits) - 1st fl

Young children from diverse linguistic and racial backgrounds are increasing, thus special educators are interacting with diverse families now more than ever. This convergent mixed methods study, used surveys and interviews, to explore early childhood (ECSE) and elementary special education teachers’ (n = 14) use of family professional partnership practices and culturally

Speakers

Nikki Adams

Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Amy Santos

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

Erica Ranade

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

Research

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Researchers
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

9:15am CDT

Finding a Friend: Key Social Skills for Children with Visual Impairments

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

Starboard/Port - Riverside Bldg

This session will discuss a variety of interventions that enable children with visual impairments to be effectively included in early childhood settings. Topics to be discussed include strategies that will increase social opportunities, peer-mediated interventions, and simple modifications that can make social activities more engaging for children with visual impairments.

Speakers

Kathy Boisvert

Integrated Early Childhood Teacher & Assistant Professor, Blackstone-Millville Regional School District & Worcester State University

DEC HANDOUT Finding a Friend (SEPT 2024) pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Starboard/Port - Riverside Bldg

By Practitioners for Practitioners

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Families
Content Level Introductory

9:15am CDT

Exploring Family-Profession Partnerships Through Intersectionality

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

Cambridge - 2nd fl

Research suggests that refugee families and early educators struggle to develop equitable family-professional partnerships in the U.S. This session will address the challenges faced and the support needed by early educators to develop partnerships with refugee families. We will also discuss how their multiple identities influence their partnerships.

Speakers

Ankita Bhattashali

Education Specialist, Utah State University

Gregory Cheatham

higher ed faculty, University of Kansas

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

Research

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Families
Content Level Advanced

10:30am CDT

Ideas for a Trauma-Informed Classroom: Practices From ECSE Teachers

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

Cambridge - 2nd fl

In this session, we will introduce the foundations of trauma-informed practices. We will share photos of trauma-informed practices that were shared by early childhood special education teachers in a research study. Then, we will facilitate a discussion about how attendees can implement these practices in their own classroom.

Speakers

Mia Chudzik

Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Illinois

Abby Hardy

Doctoral student, University of Illinois

Catherine Corr

Associate Professor, University of Illinois

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

Practice

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Administrators
Content Level Introductory

10:30am CDT

Practical Strategies for Engagement Across Online & In-Person Instruction

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

GrandSalon 21 - 1st fl

Teaching in higher education continues to evolve in skills needed to support student learning and engagement. This session will provide practical strategies in promoting student engagement in college classrooms for both online and in-person learning environments.

Speakers

Lindsay Diamond

Associate Professor, University of Nevada, Reno

Cynthia Baughan

Associate Dean, Anderson University

Laura McCorkle

Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
GrandSalon 21 - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Faculty
Content Level Intermediate

10:30am CDT

Teacher/Family Perceptions of Using Reach for the Stars for IEP Development

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

Starboard/Port - Riverside Bldg

Reach for the Stars (RFTS) is a person-centered approach that is used as a functional assessment tool and can lead to the development of a child's IEP. This session will discuss the effects of using RFTS with families, and teacher attitudes and perceptions of young children with disabilities. Lastly, we will discuss how this process shapes the development of the IEP.

Speakers

Sarah Hawkins-Lear

Assistant Professor, University of Kentucky

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 →

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Starboard/Port - Riverside Bldg

Research

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

1:00pm CDT

Strategies to Include Family Voice and Choice in the Behavior Support Plan

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

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Empowering families and practitioners collectively in communication, planning, and social-emotional support development is pivotal for enhancing outcomes in young children. With practical examples and user-friendly resources, participants will learn to foster family partnership, amplifying voice and choice in the Individualized Positive Behavior Support Process (IBSP).

Speakers

Meghan von der Embse

Learning and Development Facilitator, University of South Flordida

Ben Riepe

Senior Project Manager, University of Denver

Ben began his early childhood experience as a Head Start teacher, coach, and trainer. He is on staff at both the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations and the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center, where he supports high fidelity program-wide implementation of the Pyramid Model with families of diverse backgrounds in Denver, Colorado. His previous work includes the Colorado Center for Social Emotional Competence and Inclusion, where he supported communities in their efforts to embed evi... Read More →

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 →

Aniva Lumpkins

National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) Fellow; Doctoral Candidate, FIU

Aniva Lumpkins, Ed.S., is a clinical supervisor of school psychologists and a doctoral candidate pursuing her PhD in Special Education at Florida International University. As a recipient of the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) and Project INCLUDE fellowships... Read More →

family voice choice pdf

DEC Family Voice and Choice PPT Handout pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Family

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Families
Content Level Intermediate

2:15pm CDT

Creating Connection for Families of Children with Developmental Needs

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

GrandSalon 3 - 1st fl

Families of children with developmental needs may wish to connect with similar families for support but getting together can be challenging due to the varying availability of each family. We set up a family support event “Time with Me” within our EI centre to facilitate connection. Feedback showed that families enjoyed this event and gained valuable insights.

Speakers

Nurul Ain Bte Mohd Komari

Senior Speech Therapist, Head of Programs Development (Early Intervention), THK Early Intervention Centres (Singapore)

Nurul, a speech therapist by training, currently serves as the Head of Program Development in an early intervention service within a social service agency. Passionate about family-centered practices, she is committed to developing solutions that create a meaningful and lasting impact... Read More →

Shaun Ng

Senior Research Assistant, Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities

Multi-disciplinary research experience across industries from social service to healthcare, with diverse and adaptable capabilities in psychology and business development. Passionate about youth development and aspire towards working with like-minded individuals to promote positive... Read More →

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

Family

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

2:15pm CDT

Rural vs Urban Barriers to Accessing Inclusive Preschool Opportunities

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

Eglinton Winton - 2nd fl

Access and equity issues to inclusive educational settings are present in both urban and rural settings. In this presentation we will compare barriers impacting access to inclusive educational opportunities in rural vs. urban settings. Through this comparison we will highlight common practices that work across settings as well as unique approaches for each set of needs.

Speakers

Cori More

Jennifer Buchter

professor, Eatern Illinois University

Paula Kerchenski

Assistant Professor, Utah Tech University

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

Policy

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

2:15pm CDT

Autism & Inclusion: The Power of Words, Representation & Visuals

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

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Embark on an empowerment journey in Autism & Inclusion. Led by an inclusion specialist and two unique parenting perspectives. Discover stats, terms, and strategies for promoting sensory regulation, safety, communication, and social skills. Learn through quizzes, polls, and Q&A. Honor intersectionality by engaging in equitable practices. Gain immediate actionable insights.

Speakers

Emily Parker

President, Inclusive Compass

Hello, my name is Emily Hope Parker, and I’m thrilled to be part of the DEC conference. I've had the honor of working with children and their families for years as an accessibility educator, inclusion specialist, and advocate. My passion for inclusion extends far beyond my professional... Read More →

Alyssa McDonald

Meggan Wentworth

Vice President, Inclusive Compass

Autism & Inclusion Slides DEC pdf

Expanding Diet Visuals pdf

Disability Inclusion Book List pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Practice

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

3:30pm CDT

Tiered Coaching to Support Itinerant Practices in Early Childhood

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

Starboard/Port - Riverside Bldg

This session focuses on an Itinerant Coaching Model designed to meet the specific needs of early
childhood special education (ECSE) itinerant practitioners within school districts. Attendees of this
session will gain access to the nuts and bolts of a state-wide itinerant training and be able to identify
the benefits of tiered coaching for ESCE itinerant practitioners.

Speakers

Tanya Hutchinson

SEIT Coach, South Carolina Partnerships for Inclusion

Kate Ascetta

Assistant Professor, University of South Carolina

Melissa Griffin

Technical Assistance Coordinator, South Carolina Partnerships for Inclusion at the University of South Carolina

Melissa Griffin serves as the Technical Assistance Coordinator with SCPI. In this role, she facilitates the implementation of a tiered framework of supports for early childhood specialists and coordinates service delivery for districts working with SCPI to improve early childhood... Read More →

DEC SEIT Academy and Coaching Presentation pdf

2024 Coach's Corner Newsletter copy pdf

Resource Padlet Tiered Coaching pdf

SEIT Consultation and Tiered Coaching Model pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Starboard/Port - Riverside Bldg

By Practitioners for Practitioners

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory

3:30pm CDT

Everyone Can Play: Supporting ALL Students Through Self-Determination!

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

Chequers - 2nd fl

Join us in exploring the inclusive early childhood learning environment to discover how self-determination can enhance intentional instruction and interactions. Learn to foster growth and development through play by teaching choice-making, problem-solving, self-regulation and more. Leave empowered to create an inclusive environment where every student thrives!

Speakers

Meg Druga

Early Childhood Coordinator, TTAC @JMU

BIS: Concentration- Early Childhood Special Education;James Madison UniversityM.A.T, Early Childhood Special Education; James Madison UniversityMeg Druga holds her M.A.T. in Early Childhood Special Education from James Madison University and an endorsement in Early Childhood ages... Read More →

Erin Saxon

Educational Specialist, TTAC@ODU

Erin is an educational specialist at the TTAC ODU. The scope of Erin’s work includes providing training and technical assistance across VDOE Superintendent’s Study Regions 2 and 3 in the areas of early childhood special education and early literacy. She joined TTAC ODU with experience... Read More →

DEC 2024 Slides pdf

One Pager Tool IMD pdf

Elements of Im Determined png

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

Professional Development

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Introductory