Division for Early Childhood 2024 Conference: Full Schedule

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9:15am CDT

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

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

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

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 →

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 →

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

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

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

Caring Across Colors: Bridges to Understanding

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

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Explore the personal journey of a caregiver and provider, navigating ruptures and repairs shaped by their different racial identities. They will reflect upon the influence of historical racism on their individual stances and actions. Gain valuable insights into dismantling discrimination through self-awareness and proactive behavior in this enlightening discussion.

Speakers

Kirsten Sippel-Klug

Physical Therapist, Early Intervention

Kirsten Sippel-Klug, PT, MPP, I/ECMH-C is an early intervention physical therapist. For over 25 years she has been partnering with military families to facilitate their children’s development. Kirsten acknowledges Nat Vikitsreth, whose writings, classes, and clinical work have a... Read More →

Kena Chambers

Parent, Self

Handout Story Starters StroudLLC pdf

RacismInfographic 2020 pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

By Practitioners for Practitioners

Age 0-3
Audience 1 Practitioners
Audience 2 Families
Content Level Intermediate