Division for Early Childhood 2024 Conference: Full Schedule

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9:00am CDT

Does Your Early Childhood Evaluation Repertoire Include the Right Mix?

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

The relationship between sociocognitive skills and the emergence of language and communication abilities in infants & toddlers is strong and warrants focused examination in a developmental evaluation. Predictive associations with later diagnoses of autism and language delays in childhood will be covered and will include multicultural challenges to assessment accuracy.

Speakers

Ann Rogers

Business Development Manager, Western Psychological Services (WPS)

Ashley Arnold

Assessment Consultant Manager, WPS

DEC Final 9 2024 pdf

ESB Manual page pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Cambridge - 2nd fl

By Practitioners for Practitioners

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

9:00am CDT

Building Family Voice- Impact for Family Advocacy and Professional Learning

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Chequers - 2nd fl

Every family has a story to tell, and we can empower families to build and share their voice in advocating for their child and family, connecting with others, and informing professionals. Parents will share their stories and describe their experiences, and we will share practical strategies for including family voice in both pre- and in-service professional learning.

Speakers

Carol Stein

Coordinator, Georgia Sensory Assistance Project ~ UGA

Aynsley Hill

Michelle John

President, Vermont Hands & Voices

Doris Tellado

Cynthia Vail

Professor, University of Georgia

Dr. Cynthia Vail received her Ph.D. from Florida State University and has been on the faculty of the University of Georgia in the Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education since 1989, where she is currently Professor. She teaches in the Birth through Kindergarten/Early... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

Family

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

9:00am CDT

Digging into Child Outcomes: Data Use at the Local Level

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

GrandSalon 15 - 1st fl

Many state and local districts struggle to analyze and use child outcomes data to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of program improvements. Come and learn how to facilitate effective data use at the local level. See how district and state staff in California use the results of the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) (2015) assessment tool to make change at

Speakers

Elizabeth Schroeder

Project Director, Desired Results Access Project

Kellen Reid

National TA Provider, Research Investigator, ECTA, DaSy, STEMIE

Kellen Reid, MD MPH is a senior researcher scientist and technical assistance (TA) provider at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Reid’s training as a physician and in public health provide a unique fund of... Read More →

Nicholas Ortiz

TA Specialist, DaSy & ECTA Centers, SRI International

Ortiz is a national TA provider with the DaSy Center and ECTA Center. In this role, he supports state Part C and Part B 619 teams with the child outcomes indicators in their annual performance reports to the Office of Special Education Programs. He also facilitates learning communities... Read More →

TeamActivityReflectionQuestions pdf

Problem Statement and Factors Worksheet CA docx

PrioritizingTeamQuestions pdf

Paths for Child Outcomes Data Use Handout docx

Child Outcomes Data DEC Presentation 092024 pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
GrandSalon 15 - 1st fl

Policy

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

9:00am CDT

Systems Level Change in Early Intervention: Access to Quality Coaching

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

GrandSalon 13 - 1st fl

This panel will elicit discussion related to change at different system levels so that families and children, particularly those that are historically marginalized, access evidence-based early intervention services. We discuss a statewide professional development program and then discuss how such practices may be implemented in a shelter setting for unhoused families.

Speakers

Lauren Little

Scott Tomchek

Professor, University of Louisville

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 →

Anne Hoffmann

Kristen Vincent

Speech and Language Pathologist, Rush Univeristy Medical Center

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
GrandSalon 13 - 1st fl

Policy

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

9:00am CDT

Where Do We Begin? Talking with Families about Developmental Screening

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

GrandSalon 6 - 1st fl

A community-driven, systematic approach to developmental screening and referral supports families’ equitable access to Part C services. This OSEP-funded project involved collaboration among rural Part C programs, community partners, and families to strengthen Child Find and resulted in culturally responsive approaches to screening and referral for underserved families.

Speakers

Jenine Schmidt

Program Associate, WestEd

Jenine Schmidt is an Early Childhood Program Associate at WestEd. Schmidt holds expertise in early childhood development and culturally responsive pedagogy. Currently, Schmidt is developing early math resources to support professional learning providers throughout California. She... Read More →

Beth Cole

TA Liaison, WestEd

I’ve been working in EI since 1996 and have worked at the local, state and now, national levels. One of my projects is an OSEP-funded model demonstration project to pilot a model that communities can use to increase the use of developmental screening and referrals to Part C early... Read More →

Leslie Fox

Director, Early Childhood Intervention, Mental Health & Inclusion, WestEd

Jamie Michaud

DEC Presentation PPT 2024 0911 Full Slides pdf

DEC Presentation Handout Family Scenarios pdf

DEC Handout CIM C Value of EI Flyer pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
GrandSalon 6 - 1st fl

Policy

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

9:00am CDT

An Antibias Approach to Peer Mediated Interventions

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Eglinton Winton - 2nd fl

We discuss considerations and adaptations for promoting social engagement and learning among peers using an antibias approach for peer mediated interventions. We will provide strategies for teachers, coaches, and early interventionists to implement PMIs in their educational settings to promote social engagement among children.

Speakers

Abby Taylor

Data manager, Wisconsin alliance for infant mental health

Brandy M. Locchetta

Assistant Professor, University of West Georgia

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Eglinton Winton - 2nd fl

Practice

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

9:00am CDT

Beautifully Autistic: Assessing for Strengths

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Laizzez les bons stims rouler! In this session, parents, practitioners, and higher education faculty will discuss autistic strengths, how to conduct an assessment using a strengths-based approach, ways to discuss autism with families, and how to engage in autistic-affirming program planning. Participants will create an individualized implementation plan.

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 →

Sheri Bayley

Jenna Strain Lutz

I am an early childhood special education teacher working in Part C as an autism specialist for Minneapolis Public schools. I complete autism special education evaluations and provide consultations about autism to families and teams. I am passionate about autistic learning, equity... Read More →

Shannon Connaire

Mom, teacher, designer

Mom/stepmom/aunt to multiple neurodiverse kids, 7 diagnosed or self-identified as being on the autism spectrum, 5 ADHD, with some anxiety and learning differences also in the mix. I have ADHD and self-identified as autistic when one of my gender diverse children was diagnosed and... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Practice

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

9:00am CDT

Infant Mental Health Endorsement and Early Intervention Supports

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Kabacoff - Riverside Bldg.

This session will share the outcomes of research regarding infant mental health and early intervention practices. Particularly with those who have Connecticut's Infant Mental Health Endorsement. Attendees will understand how to implement Infant Mental Health Endorsement in their state and how to tie practices together for optimal early intervention supports.

Speakers

Nicole Cossette

Part C Coordinator, Office of Early Childhood - Birth to Three

Nicole Cossette, PhD, currently works for the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood in the field of Early Intervention. She is the Part C Coordinator and Early Intervention Division Director. Nicole has presented to multiple agencies on child development, taught courses on the subject... Read More →

Infant Mental Health Endorsement of Early interventionists (1) pptx

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Kabacoff - Riverside Bldg.

Practice

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

9:00am CDT

Intersecting Trauma with Behavior Based Practices: Ethical Considerations

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Starboard/Port - Riverside Bldg

Multiple models exist to support children’s social emotional development. This has led to confusion in how to support all students. This presentation will review research and provide a way to review current practices and integrate a trauma framework or perspective as a universal practice to support the social emotional development of all children.

Speakers

Jennifer Buchter

professor, Eatern Illinois University

Conrad Oh-Young

Assistant Professor, California State University, Dominguez Hills

Cori More

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Starboard/Port - Riverside Bldg

Practice

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

9:00am CDT

Building Socially-Emotionally Cognizant Learners Through Constructive Play

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

GrandSalon 24 - 1st fl

Constructive play is a critical aspect of early childhood development. It offers a platform for children to engage with their environment, peers, and emotions. This research explores the significance of constructive play and how it builds social-emotional awareness among young students. The focus is on how play activities contribute to holistic development of children.

Speakers

Crystal Foles

professor/educator, The Nurture School

Crystal Foles is a seasoned educational leader with 16 years of experience in both public and private sectors. With a doctorate in special education, a specialist degree in curriculum and instruction, and masters degrees in secondary education and gifted education, Crystal is a highly... Read More →

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Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
GrandSalon 24 - 1st fl

Professional Development

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

9:00am CDT

Implementing Recommended Practices in Low-Resource Settings of Colombia

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

GrandSalon 9 - 1st fl

Capacity building of practitioners in resource-poor environments has been suggested as a potential way to mitigate low levels of access to resources
We will present the process of implementation of Recommended practices in 15 entities of Colombia and how coaching to the practitoners and families they improve the outcomes in childrens and families

Speakers

Margarita Canadas

Catholic University of Valencia

Eliana Saldarriaga

Nidia Johana Arias Becerra

Carlos Qunitero

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
GrandSalon 9 - 1st fl

Professional Development

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

9:00am CDT

Moving Beyond Play: Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

GrandSalon 22 - 1st fl

Parent-mediated Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions for children with ASD often focus on play activities. By coaching families to use these evidence-based strategies during typical family routines, parents can extend intervention throughout their day and teach their children to use social communication skills during routines where those skills are needed.

Speakers

Rebekah Norris

Speech-Language Pathologist, Family, Infant & Preschool Program (FIPP)

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
GrandSalon 22 - 1st fl

Professional Development

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

9:00am CDT

Impact of Pyramid Model Behavior Incident Reports in Early Childhood

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

GrandSalon 16 - 1st fl

Research highlights the need for improved social-emotional learning (SEL) in preschool, necessitating professional development (PD) for effective SEL practices (Buettner et al., 2016). This quality PD study included coaching and BIR training to empower educators with effective SEL strategies, enhancing academic success and mitigating challenging behaviors.

Speakers

Stephanie Farris

Audra Classen

Associate Professor, University of Southern Mississippi

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
GrandSalon 16 - 1st fl

Research

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

10:15am CDT

Everyone Has a Voice: Embedded Functional Communication Systems

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Eglinton Winton - 2nd fl

This session will focus on the functional communication needs of all students. Participants will examine embedded learning opportunities to create functional communications systems within typical routines that can reduce challenging behavior and increase social engagement, resulting in increased outcomes.

Speakers

Ron Roybal

Ronald Roybal

Everyone Deserves A Voice DEC 2024 pdf

Routines Embedded Instruction pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Eglinton Winton - 2nd fl

By Practitioners for Practitioners

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

10:15am CDT

"I just ask a parent" - Partnering with Families the Smart Way

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

When early childhood providers work with infants and toddlers with special needs, they often rely on families to provide knowledge and support, and fill gaps in their expertise. How can we partner with families to build trust and to respect boundaries? How can we design PD that supports educators and reduces the burden on families? When should we just 'ask a parent?'

Speakers

Dr. Kim Bennett

Visiting Assistant Professor, Fitchburg State University

Dr. Kimberly Bennett is an assistant professor for Fitchburg State University. Dr. Bennett has more than 17 years of experience in the areas of Early Intervention and Early Childhood Education. She has held various early childhood professional and leadership positions as well as being... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Family

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

10:15am CDT

Honoring Intersectional Identities of Families

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

GrandSalon 6 - 1st fl

How do we honor the intersectional identities of families? Utilizing the family system’s theory, we hear from a parent of color, who has children with disabilities, her experiences holding multiple identities and how she navigates the education system. We will engage in reflection and discussion on ways to strengthen collaboration and deepen our understanding of families.

Speakers

Karina Du

Doctoral Student, San Francisco State University & UC Berkeley

Krystal Anderson

Danielle Grayson

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
GrandSalon 6 - 1st fl

Family

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

10:15am CDT

Family Centered Intervention: Greece - The Theotokos Foundation Pilot

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

GrandSalon 15 - 1st fl

The Theotokos Foundation participated as a pilot site for the ECI Project Greece organized by the Greek Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. The aim was to improve the availability of quality ECI services in Greece, through the development of contemporary, evidence-based Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) models and systems in Greece.

Speakers

Ioanna Karavaggeli

Speech and Language Therapist, Theotokos Foundation

Ioanna Karavangeli is a highly experienced speech and language therapist with a robust educational and professional background. She completed her undergraduate studies in 2001 at the Department of Philosophy, Pedagogy, and Psychology at the Kapodistrian University of Athens. Following... Read More →

Mirella Giannakopoulou

Head of Early Intervention and Pre-Vocational Training Departments, Theotokos Foundation

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
GrandSalon 15 - 1st fl

International

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

10:15am CDT

A Leadership Framework to Begin/Restart and Sustain Inclusive Education

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

GrandSalon 9 - 1st fl

“Where do I start?” “How do I start over?” “What is my role?” Program leaders and administrators seeking to develop early childhood programs frequently hear these questions as they navigate the transition to inclusive programming. We will discuss this work in context of Hitt and Tucker’s (2016) unified framework for education leaders.

Speakers

Mary Sheppard

Associate Professor, Saint Joseph's University

Kaitlin Moran

Assistant Professor, Saint Joseph's University

Andrea Golloher

Associate Professor, San Jose State University

Andrea Golloher teaches courses in the Education Specialist and Masterâ€™s programs. Her research explores methods of supporting inclusive education, including the impact of teacher preparation and professional development on attitudes toward and beliefs about disability and... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
GrandSalon 9 - 1st fl

Policy

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

10:15am CDT

An Equity Analysis of a State’s Early Intervention Program

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

GrandSalon 12 - 1st fl

This session will discuss results from an equity analysis of a state’s early intervention (EI) program. Key equity findings will be shared on eight components: governance, Child Find, eligibility criteria, EI service coordination, transitions and exits, child and family outcomes, and the personnel system. Implications for creating an equitable EI system will be shared.

Speakers

Evandra Catherine

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

Shantel Meek

Eric Bucher

Brittany Alexander

Adai Tefera

Diana Abarca

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
GrandSalon 12 - 1st fl

Policy

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

10:15am CDT

Using Part C Exit Data to Understand the Experiences of Families of Color

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Marlboro A - 2nd fl

Children and families from marginalized backgrounds face many disparities in early intervention (EI) services. Analysis of Section 618 exit data by exit reason and across racial/ethnic categories can provide insight into the reasons historically marginalized families exit and transition EI programs. In this session we discuss implications for Child Find and transitions.

Speakers

Diana Abarca

Evandra Catherine

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

Using Part C Exit Data to Understand the Experiences of Families of Color (1) pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Marlboro A - 2nd fl

Policy

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

10:15am CDT

Decoding the Expulsion Equation: Decision-Making of Preschool Directors

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Chequers - 2nd fl

The high number of student expulsions in preschools is a long-standing problem that negatively impacts their education. By understanding directors' decision-making processes, this research aims to support government regulators, local education agencies, and parents in promoting more inclusive environments where expulsion is unnecessary.

Speakers

Natalie Hess

Assistant Supervisor for Student Services, Delaware County Intermediate Unit

Delaware County Intermediate Unit 25, Morton, Pennsylvania (2020 to Present)Assistant Director Student ServicesLives the mission and vision of the organization, ensuring programs utilize evidence-based practices aligned to achieving annual goals. Supervises Early Intervention services... Read More →

Decoding the Expulsion Equation 09 20 2024 pdf

Decoding the Expulsion Equation pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

Practice

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

10:15am CDT

Inclusion as a Personnel Retention Strategy: Making Collaboration Work

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

GrandSalon 18- 1st fl

Collaboration, essential to effective inclusion, can be challenging for adults. Join us to reframe collaboration challenges as relationship building opportunities that result in effective inclusive practices. In this interactive session, we will discuss strategies for building collaborative relationships that promote staff retention while facilitating inclusion.

Speakers

Paula Grubbs

Technical Assistance Specialist, ECTA Center at UNC

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

DEC 2024 Inclusion as a Personnel Strategy Resources docx

DEC 2024 Reflection Guide for Collaboration Continuum docx

DEC 2024 Inclusion as a Personnel Strategy Upload version pptx

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
GrandSalon 18- 1st fl

Practice

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

10:15am CDT

Three Essential Tools for Homes, Child Cares, and Preschools

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

GrandSalon 22 - 1st fl

Processes and structures can lead to good practices, minimizing the impact of individual-professional acumen. This minimization enhances consistency without diminishing the strengths of professionals who do well. Three tools we have employed are supporting professionals visiting homes, child cares, and preschools: the Ecomap, the Matrix, the Next-Steps Form.

Speakers

Cami Stevenson

Robin McWilliam

Professor, The University of Alabama

Developer with colleagues of the Routines-Based Model. Founder and director of the Evidence-based International Early Intervention Office (EIEIO) at The University of Alabama.

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
GrandSalon 22 - 1st fl

Practice

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

10:15am CDT

Actionable Insights: Building Collaborations for Positive SE Growth in EI

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

GrandSalon 21 - 1st fl

Struggling to foster state collaboration that enhances social-emotional outcomes for EI-eligible children and families? Join VA infant mental health and EI partners to learn strategies to overcome barriers and promote capacity-building. Through an interactive discussion, participants will leave with an action plan to cultivate local and state collaborative systems.

Speakers

Jackie Robinson Brock

Project Director, Virginia Commonwealth University

Jackie Robinson Brock earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) with a concentration in Social Work Administration, Planning, and Policy Practice (SWAPP). She also obtained a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Non-Profit... Read More →

Lorelei Pisha

Professional Development Consultant, Virginia Early Intervention Professional Development Center at VCU

Cori Hill

VEIPD Center Director, Partnership for People with Disabilities at VCU

I oversee VA's early intervention Comprehensive System of Personnel Develop (CSPD). I am passionate about EI, especially family-centered practices, effective implementation, personal/professional biases, and preservice preparation.

Lisa Terry

Early Intervention Professional Development Consultant, Virginia Commonwealth University/Partnership for People with Disabilities

Lisa provides support for the design and implementation of professional development activities for early intervention providers and administrators in Virginia. She has worked in early intervention for over 15 years as an educator, service coordinator, clinical supervisor, and consultant... Read More →

Tracy Walters

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Coordinator, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Actionable Insights Handout DEC pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
GrandSalon 21 - 1st fl

Professional Development

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

10:15am CDT

Building Inclusion for Young Children in Mississippi - One State’s Journey

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

GrandSalon 3 - 1st fl

Cross sector leaders in Mississippi have committed to increase inclusion in early childhood settings. This session is the story of Mississippi told by the state leaders who supported the inclusion initiative, community leaders who worked to make processes to support inclusion and coaches who committed to collaboration with providers.

Speakers

Alissa Rausch

Faculty, University of Denver

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 →

Nicole Briceno

Associate Director, Mississippi Early Childhood Inclusion Center

As Associate Director, Nicole coordinates the professional development programming and develops curriculum used in topical training and technical assistance at the Mississippi Early Childhood Inclusion Center. Mrs. Briceno created the Special Needs Credential and Social-Emotional... Read More →

Alicia Westbrook

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
GrandSalon 3 - 1st fl

Professional Development

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

10:15am CDT

Building Tier-3 Behavior Supports for Child Care: One State’s Journey

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Kabacoff - Riverside Bldg.

From conception to implementation, presenters will describe how a behavior support network came to be a viable support for child care teachers. A description of how the PTR-YC model was adapted for use in child care will be discussed and implementation successes and challenges will be shared. Join us on one state’s journey to implement behavior supports in child care.

Speakers

Stephanie McAvoy

Lead Behavior Specialist, Pyramid PIECES Behavior Support Network

Heather Googe

Research Associate Professor, University of South Carolina

Nicole Randall

Program Manager, University of South Carolina-South Carolina Child Care Inclusion Collaborative & South Carolina Pyra

Building Tier 3 Behavior Supports for Child Care pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Kabacoff - Riverside Bldg.

Professional Development

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

10:15am CDT

Elevating Family and Self-Advocate Perspectives in Preservice Programs

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

GrandSalon 13 - 1st fl

"Nothing about us without us" should include preservice programs! This session will have a panel including faculty, administration, family, and self-advocate perspectives on involving individuals with disabilities at every level of curriculum development and teaching and practical strategies for forming and sustaining partnerships between communities and classrooms.

Speakers

Jennifer James

Assistant Teaching Professor, Wichita State University

M'Lisa Shelden

Chair & Program Director, Department of Physical Therapy, Wichita State University

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
GrandSalon 13 - 1st fl

Professional Development

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

12:00pm CDT

How Neurodiversity Creates Language Diversity

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

Marlboro A - 2nd fl

Many myths exist about language development in autistic children, myths about milestones, prognosis and treatment. Participants will review the research to decipher neuromyths from neurotruths. Participants will learn how that research should be guiding the conversation on how best to support early language development.

Speakers

Tracey Tasker

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Marlboro A - 2nd fl

By Practitioners for Practitioners

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

12:00pm CDT

MECP’s High Quality Inclusion Model: From Exploration to Program-wide LEAP

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

Chequers - 2nd fl

Over the past 10 years, The Multnomah Early Childhood Program in Portland, OR has been engaged in an initiative to bring high quality inclusion to their ECSE classrooms using the LEAP Preschool Model. In this session, we will discuss MECPs process, including stages of implementation of LEAP from exploration and implementation to scale up and sustainability.

Speakers

Tim Andrews

Edward Bovey

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

By Practitioners for Practitioners

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

12:00pm CDT

Practical Coaching Strategies of The PLAY Project’s Parent Training Model

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

The PLAY Project is a parent implemented intensive intervention program for autistic children that is developmental, playful, and relationship-based. Using video case studies, this workshop incorporates a family system’s perspective, PLAY Project methods for coaching, and the use of adult learning strategies to help empower parents to be their child’s best play partner.

Speakers

Stephanie Moore

Early Intervention Specialist Defense Health Agency

Certified Play Consultant for The PLAY Project (Play Language Autistic Youngsters). Certified Trainer for The Growing Brain from Zero To Three. Certified Early Intervention Specialist

Rick Solomon

Founder & Medical Director, The PLAY Project

Over the last 25 years, Richard Solomon M.D. served as the Medical Director of The Ann Arbor Center for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Dr. Rick, the ‘fun doctor’, is a nationally and internationally recognized expert and speaker in the field of autism science and intervention... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

By Practitioners for Practitioners

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

12:00pm CDT

Retrospective: Mothers of Children with ESN Reflect on Inclusive EI/ECSE

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 7 - 1st fl

This session provides an insightful perspective on the importance of inclusive early intervention/early childhood special education services (EI/ECSE) for children with extensive support needs (ESN), focusing on the retrospectives shared by two teacher educator mothers. Their experiences provide valuable insights into the impact of EI/ECSE supports on fostering inclusion.

Speakers

Carrie Wysocki

Assistant Professor, University of Findlay

Dr. Carrie Wysocki began her education at Ohio State where she earned her Bachelors and Masters in Education. She taught both elementary and middle school, and after several years she left teaching to work as an Instructor for Ohio State Newark in the Education Department. She... Read More →

Kimberly Christensen

Teaching Professor, Bowling Green State University

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 7 - 1st fl

Family

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

12:00pm CDT

Grow Your Own: Training Educators from the Community, for the Community

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

Cambridge - 2nd fl

Programs that serve children with the most significant needs have been hit hardest by the ongoing teacher shortage. Learn how one NYC agency is addressing this crisis by helping motivated adults from low-income communities become certified to work in ECSE. Attendees will gain inspiration and practical advice on how to establish their own Grow Your Own program.

Speakers

Jeanne Alter

CEO, Kennedy Children's Center

Carolyn Cleveland

COO, Kennedy Children's Center

DEC Conference New Orleans, 2024 pdf

DEC Conference 2024 Speaker Notes pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Cambridge - 2nd fl

Policy

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

12:00pm CDT

Addressing School Readiness in Early Intervention: Family and Practitioner

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 24 - 1st fl

This session examines the school readiness perspectives of EI practitioners and families of children with disabilities receiving early intervention services. Through surveys and interviews following online PD, and family focus groups examining family practices around pre-academic activities, perceptions of school readiness resulted in need for strong family collaboration.

Speakers

James Young

Project Administrator, Johns Hopkins University

Cecilia Leger

Program Manager, Early Intervention Projects, Johns Hopkins University Center for Technology in Education

Koryne Nnoli

Assistant Professor, Morgan State University

Lisa Shanty

Salenah Cartier

Beth Boyle

Faculty, Johns Hopkins University

Rachel Hur

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 24 - 1st fl

Practice

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

12:00pm CDT

Advocating for Early Intervention: Our Passion, Our Future

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 12 - 1st fl

This interactive session will consist of Early Interventionists and advocates from three states to discuss the struggles, strategies, and solutions they each engaged in to form new partnerships and strengthen their Early Intervention systems. Key themes including equitable access, adequate funding, workforce recruitment/retention, and family voice will be highlighted.

Speakers

Zareen Kamal

Policy Specialist, Start Early

Leanne Barrett

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT

Leanne is a Senior Policy Analyst at Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and works to improve early childhood policy statewide (Birth – Age 8). She is the coordinator of the RIght from the Start Campaign and the Rhode Island Early Learning Council. Leanne has been a leader in developing state... Read More →

Karen Berman

Managing Director, Advocacy and Policy, Start Early

I am so happy to be joining everyone for this conference. I focus on advocacy for children and families and state level systems change to support more equitable access to high quality and inclusive early childhood experiences for child with or at risk for developmental disabilities... Read More →

Caitlin Conley

Kentucky Early Intervention Providers Association

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 12 - 1st fl

Practice

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

12:00pm CDT

Beyond Best Practice: Creating a Sense of Belonging in Inclusive Settings

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 4 - 1st fl

Best practices for inclusion focus on access, participation, and support. However, without a sense of belonging for each child in the classroom, they will miss out on engagement opportunities, relationships, and teacher-student connections. This session explores ways to foster a sense of security, support, and acceptance for all members of the early childhood classroom.

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 →

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 4 - 1st fl

Practice

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

12:00pm CDT

Coaching and Educator Capacity Building in Early Childhood Environments

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 3 - 1st fl

Alberta’s new Inclusive Child Care program is committed to educator capacity building and on-site coaching of inclusive practices. GRIT will share its role in providing short term support to prevent child expulsion and a comprehensive leadership development approach focusing on program wide implementation of Pyramid Model practices.

Speakers

Julia Moore

ASaP Manager, The Grit program

Janice Comrie

Inclusive Child Care Manager, GRIT Edmonton

DEC Coaching and Educator Capacity Building WORKBOOK pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 3 - 1st fl

Practice

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

12:00pm CDT

Pathways to Inclusion: Social-Emotional Learning and Behavioral Supports

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

Eglinton Winton - 2nd fl

In this session, we address how using social-emotional learning strategies and behavioral supports fosters high-quality, inclusive early-childhood settings in alignment with the US Department of Education (2023) statement on the inclusion of children with disabilities and DEC Recommended Practices. We offer practical strategies and resources for practitioners.

Speakers

Shawna Harbin

Clinical Assistant Professor, Purdue University

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 →

Alina Mihai

Associate Professor of Education, Indiana University Kokomo

Pathways to Inclusion (Handout) docx

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Eglinton Winton - 2nd fl

Practice

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

12:00pm CDT

Family Rights in EI Video Series: From Referral Through Transition

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

Marlboro B - 2nd fl

This session features one state’s innovative approach to talking with families about their family rights in early intervention – watching and discussing videos! Join the creators of the Family Rights in EI Video Series to learn more about why and how they developed the series, and how it can be used to strengthen families’ understanding of their rights.

Speakers

Kristen Schraml-Block

PD consultant, EITP

Maria Kastanis

Associate Director, Early Intervention Training Program

Susan Connor

Director, EITP at the University of Illinois

Chris Guillen

Photographer/Producer, Chris Guillen

Chris Guillen is a photographer, producer and creative partner, and brings a unique skill set for the Early Intervention field. He is a husband of 31 years to Early Interventionist Chelsea Guillen, who ran an EI program for 12+ years and who is currently the EI Ombudsman for the state... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Marlboro B - 2nd fl

Professional Development

Age 0-3
Audience 1 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

12:00pm CDT

Partnering with Newcomer Families, Community Navigators, and Schools

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 16 - 1st fl

Educators frequently struggle to build collaborative relationships with newcomer families. The Leading in Newcomer Communities and Schools program was designed to address this need through a ten-session, virtually delivered CoP conducted with community leaders. Resources, lessons learned, and recommendations from the project’s implementation will be shared.

Speakers

Rashida Banerjee

Professor, University of Denver

Gloria Miller

Grace ILORI

Doctoral Student, University of Denver

Grace C. Ilori, Ph.D. is a doctoral student in the Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Denver. Before arriving in the US, she received her B.Ed, M.Ed, and Ph.D. from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and worked as a special education teacher for three years. She is a... Read More →

Savannah Hobbs

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 16 - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 5-8
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Administrators
Content Level Intermediate

12:00pm CDT

Reaching Every Child: Innovate & Implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and data-driven decision-making to tailor support services to meet individual student needs and close achievement gaps. This presentation will explore new data collection systems in early childhood for monitoring interventions and share effective strategies to implement in your program.

Speakers

Betsy Schrubbe

Student Services Coordinator, Indian Prairie School District 204

Kristine Black

Erin Moran

EC Teacher, Indian Prairie School District 204

Tracy Orrico

Speech and Language Pathologist, Indian Prairie School District 204

ReachingEveryChild.MTSS.Participants pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Professional Development

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

12:00pm CDT

Relationship-Based Partnerships: Pathways to Enhance Educator Well-Being

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 10 - 1st fl

Educators’ well-being impacts how they respond to challenging behaviors and build relationships with children. Well-being improves when educators are in partnerships that center their voices and help mitigate burnout and compassion fatigue. Partnerships are vital for rural educators who have limited workplace resources and experience high rates of poverty and stress.

Speakers

Lori Caudle

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

Hannah Thompson

Doctoral Student, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 10 - 1st fl

Professional Development

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

12:00pm CDT

Review of an Evidence-Based Coaching Framework: Practice-Based Coaching

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

Starboard/Port - Riverside Bldg

Findings from a review of published research on PBC including, the (a) characteristics of coaches and coachees, (b) extent to which PBC components were described, measured, and adapted, (c) provision of coach implementation supports, and (d) quality and rigor of the literature are shared. Search methods, findings, and implications for practice and research are discussed.

Speakers

Adrienne Golden

Research Associate, Vanderbilt University

Adrienne K. Golden, Ph.D., BCBA, is a Research Associate at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. She currently coordinates two large multi-year research studies, one to support implementation and sustainability of the Pyramid Model in PreK and Kindergarten classrooms in... Read More →

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 →

Mackenzie Martin

Student, Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies

JinHee Hur

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Starboard/Port - Riverside Bldg

Research

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

12:00pm CDT

Teachers’ Use of Effective Feedback: Inclusive Early Childhood Settings 

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

GrandSalon 18- 1st fl

Early childhood (EC) educators seek professional development (PD) to gain new strategies for teaching young children. Offering coaching is more effective for impacting change than one-time PD sessions. We explore how PD with coaching impacts the creation of high-quality inclusive preschools using the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP) to measure feedback.

Speakers

Angel Greer

University of Southern Mississippi

Thomas Lipscomb

Audra Classen

Associate Professor, University of Southern Mississippi

Alicia Westbrook

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 18- 1st fl

Research

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

1:15pm CDT

Nielsen’s Active Learning Approach Promotes Engagement for Complex Learners

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 4 - 1st fl

Children learn best by doing. For children with significant support needs, active participation in learning activities can be challenging. Lilli Nielsen's Active Learning approach includes careful assessment, planning, and selection of learning environments and materials; by using these strategies, practitioners are able to promote exploration, engagement, and learning.

Speakers

Carol Stein

Coordinator, Georgia Sensory Assistance Project ~ UGA

Danna Conn

Project Coordinator, TN DeafBlind Project/VUMC

Adrian Primm

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 4 - 1st fl

By Practitioners for Practitioners

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

1:15pm CDT

Applying Evidence-Based Practices for Young Children with ADHD

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Cambridge - 2nd fl

Evidence-based practices are essential to improve the qualify of life for families of young children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). In this session, we will share a systematic review of meta-analysis research and experience in applying these practices in supporting young children with ADHD.

Speakers

songtian zeng

associate professor, University of Massachusetts Boston

Michael Kim

Muqing Zhang

Fang Xu

Assistant Professor, Heritage Unversity

Xiaotong Liu

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Cambridge - 2nd fl

Family

Age 5-8
Audience 1 Families
Audience 2 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

1:15pm CDT

Building Racial Equity in Policy and Practice Through Family Leadership

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 6 - 1st fl

Racially diverse families who share their lived experience by engaging in policy formation, peer support, and professional development provide invaluable contributions while building their own leadership skills. This session will showcase family leadership from multiple states, strategies to recruit and retain diverse participants, and prospective long term equity impact.

Speakers

Mary Mikus

Mary Mikus has spent close to thirty years as a technical assistance provider and family advocate for young children receiving Early Intervention services and their families. Recently retired as an Education Consultant for Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA), Pennsylvania... Read More →

Sarah Holland

Director, Parent to Parent of PA

Vanessa Allen

Family Engagement Coordinator, Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Marisol Rose

State Parent Consultant, Early Steps, CMS, FDOH

I am the State Parent Consultant for Florida’s early intervention program, Early Steps, under the Division of Children’s Medical Services within the Florida Department of Health. I have served in this capacity since April 2021. Prior to my role at the state level, I spent 6 years... Read More →

Will Moncrease, Jr.

Partnership & Collaboration Manager, DCYF/ESIT

Misti Pollaro

Parent Training Coordinator, Family Network on Disabilties

About MeMisti Pollaro is a dedicated professional with over 14 years of experience at Family Network on Disabilities, where she has held various roles, from volunteer to IParent Training Coordinator. With more than 30 years of lived experience raising three neurodivergent sons and... Read More →

E Renae` Antalan

Community Collaboration Coordinator & Kinship GrandParent-Caregiver, Department of Children, Youth and Family Services (DCYF)

Good Sipping the Sweet Tea September, Everyone :-)!I hope you and yours are doing well. I come to you from the Squaxin Island and Nisqually Tribal lands of Washington State. I am a grandParent, with a capital 'P' for having raised my two special needs grandchildren for the last 9.5... Read More →

earlyint fam res update nov2023 v01 1 pdf

Division for Early Childhood Racial Equity Point of View pdf

Fact Sheet Advancing Racial Equity in Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education ECTA pdf

DEC One Page Handout FDOH Early Steps appv 9.2024 pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 6 - 1st fl

Family

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

1:15pm CDT

Infant Mental Health in Early Intervention: The Role of Reflection

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 21 - 1st fl

This session will focus on the role of infant mental health in early intervention, emphasizing reflection as a tool for culturally informed, equitable practice. We will present two approaches for building reflection into Part C: Reflective Groups for providers and FAN (an approach for family engagement and reflective practice). Implementation strategies will be presented

Speakers

Sarah Martinez

Erikson Institute

Linda Gilkerson

Susan Connor

Director, EITP at the University of Illinois

DEC presentation 2024 final pptx

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 21 - 1st fl

Family

Age 0-3
Audience 1 Administrators
Audience 2 Researchers
Content Level Intermediate

1:15pm CDT

Effects of Multi-Tiered Approach for Inclusive Daycare Centers in Korea

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Starboard/Port - Riverside Bldg

Multi-tiered program was culturally applied to 167young children from community-based inclusive settings in South Korea. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. The results show that there was a significant improvement in social competencies for young children with and without disabilities. Discussion and implications of the study results will be presented

Speakers

EUN HEE MA

Director, Seoul Gangnam Support Center for Childcare

Kay Heo

Professor, Chongshin University

Byul Park

Hye Rim Jang

teacher, seoul gangnam support center for childcare

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Starboard/Port - Riverside Bldg

International

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

1:15pm CDT

Banning Culturally Relevant Books: Denying Equitable Access to the Future

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Chequers - 2nd fl

Providing culturally appropriate books for children of color is critical as they deliver stories that mirror their identity, strengthen their self-esteem, and boost their creativity. Florida laws prevent such access and opportunities. Partnering across educational, religious and advocacy groups, we provided 660 appropriate books for young children. Here is our story.

Speakers

Suzanne Martin

Professor emerita, University of Central Florida

Recently retired and getting back to my roots in early childhood.

La Sonya Moore

AGENDA Banning Culturally Relevant Books pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

Policy

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

1:15pm CDT

Strategic Alchemy: Forging a Powerful Stakeholder Engagement Blueprint

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 10 - 1st fl

Join us in the dynamic process of transforming stakeholder engagement into an ongoing and impactful experience. Through strategic and energizing activities, this session provides tools to reshape the engagement process to authentically involve stakeholders in informing your program’s policies and structures and promoting improved outcomes for children and families.

Speakers

Greta Stanfield

TA Specialist, IDEA Data Center/University of Kentucky

Greta Stanfield currently serves as a Technical Assistant specialist for the IDEA Data Center (IDC). Through her role at IDC, she fosters relationships with colleagues and state leadership teams to build systemic processes, based on quality data, which will improve outcomes for children... Read More →

Christina MacDonald

TA Specialist, IDEA Data Center (IDC) and Data Center for Addressing Significant Disproportionality (DCASD)

Christina MacDonald is a TA Provider for the IDEA Data Center (IDC) and the Data Center for Addressing Significant Disproportionality (DCASD) at Westat. A passionate early childhood educator, Ms. MacDonald utilizes her extensive experience engaging diverse stakeholders and sparking... Read More →

StrategicAlchemyStakeholderEngagement DEC2024 508 compliant pptx

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 10 - 1st fl

Policy

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

1:15pm CDT

Building Bridges: Early Care Providers as Key Partners in EI

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Kabacoff - Riverside Bldg.

This session aims to explore the crucial role of early care providers in identifying and supporting young children with disabilities through early intervention. Recognizing child care providers as primary referral sources, we will delve into how they can contribute to the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) team and play a pivotal role in a child's developmental.

Speakers

Julie Parker

Professor, Mississippi State University

Building Bridges Early Care Professionals as Key Partners in EI (1) pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Kabacoff - Riverside Bldg.

Practice

Age 0-3
Audience 1 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

1:15pm CDT

Nurturing Self-Regulation: Trauma-Informed Practices for Young Children

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

This session will explore the importance of cultural relevance in trauma-informed intervention and provide practical strategies for increasing self-regulation for children in marginalized communities. Through research-based strategies, professionals can create supportive environments that promote resilience for children.

Speakers

Cathy Grist

Professor, Western Carolina University

Lori Caudle

Hannah Thompson

Doctoral Student, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Practice

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

1:15pm CDT

Partnering with Families to Create Inclusive Classroom Communities

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Eglinton Winton - 2nd fl

In this session, we will demonstrate how programs, coaches, trainers, and practitioners can create inclusive, high-quality classrooms through family partnerships. We will review strategies for partnering with families and how to incorporate anti-bias principles into professional development, coaching, and classroom practices to create inclusive classrooms.

Speakers

Amanda Tamagni

Learning and Development Facilitator, University of South Florida

Anna Winneker

Project director, USF

Denise Perez Binder

Assistant in Research, University of South Florida

Preschool Mod1 H4 community planning (2) pdf

DEC Creating Caring and Inclusive Communities slides pdf

Preschool Mod1 H10 words have impact (1) pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Eglinton Winton - 2nd fl

Practice

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

1:15pm CDT

Supporting Coaches within the PBC Framework: Research to Real Life

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Burgundy - 1st fl

In this interactive session we will (1) review the current literature around supports for coaches using the Practice-Based Coaching framework, (2) share models of coach support being used with authentic coaches in early childhood settings (e.g., school districts, childcare), and (3) elicit discussion around benefits and challenges of supporting coaches.

Speakers

Adrienne Golden

Research Associate, Vanderbilt University

Darbianne Shannon

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

Sarah Basler

Educational Consultant, Vanderbilt University

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Burgundy - 1st fl

Professional Development

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

1:15pm CDT

Using Rich Talk to Support Inclusive Classrooms Every Day

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 3 - 1st fl

•Setting the tone: Building warm relationships through discussion and dialogue
•Whole-classroom strategies to support children’s engagement, belonging, and connections with teachers and peers;
•Enhancing dialogue and discussion around differences; developing an inclusive learning environment
•Conversational frameworks using UDL principles to enhance communication

Speakers

Rebecca Rolland

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 3 - 1st fl

Professional Development

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

1:15pm CDT

What About Service Coordinators? Preparing for the Future

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 12 - 1st fl

Service coordination requires a highly specialized set of skills to support the needs of young children with developmental delays/disabilities and their families. This session focuses on the partnership of a university and Part C program to support the development of EI professionals and the mentorship needed for implementation of service coordinator activities.

Speakers

Kristen Gunnoud

Senior Case Coordinator, Mecklenburg County CDSA

Sheena Jennings

Early Intervention Supervisor / Ph.D. Student / Adjunct Instructor, Mecklenburg County CDSA / UNC Charlotte

Laura McCorkle

Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

DEC Conference September 2024 pdf

Ei ECSE Standards2020 pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 12 - 1st fl

Professional Development

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

1:15pm CDT

Can You CRAwl?: Growing Confidence and Competence in Childcare Providers

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 22 - 1st fl

This session will focus on the effects of nurse-led experiential training on childcare providers’ self-efficacy, response efficacy, confidence, and competence for specific healthcare needs such as seizures or asthma. How a program such as Childcare Ready for All (CRAwl) supports inclusivity and readiness will be discussed as well as policy implications.

Speakers

Victoria H. Davis

Associate Professor, Co-Program Director of CRAwl, University of South Carolina College of Nursing, University of South Carolina

Kate K Chappell

Professor, Co-Program Director of CRAwl, University of South Carolina College of Nursing

Can You CRAwl Presentation pptx

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 22 - 1st fl

Research

Age 0-5
Audience 1 Researchers
Content Level Intermediate

1:15pm CDT

Infusing the Pyramid Model into a Teacher Preparation Program

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

GrandSalon 16 - 1st fl

The Pyramid Model (PM) has a strong base of research with in-service teachers. However, an entire population of the future workforce has been excluded from the research – pre-service teachers. We will share our process for embedding the PM into teacher preparation programs. Attendees will be able to revise their own syllabus to include key features of the PM.

Speakers

Kate Ascetta

Assistant Professor, University of South Carolina

Heather Googe

Research Associate Professor, University of South Carolina

DEC Infusing the PM Ascetta & Googe 2024 pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 16 - 1st fl

Research

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