Division for Early Childhood 2024 Conference: Full Schedule

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9:00am CDT

Building Family Voice- Impact for Family Advocacy and Professional Learning

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

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

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

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

10:15am CDT

Empowering Families: The Who, What, Why & How of the Parent Center Network

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

Cambridge - 2nd fl

IDEA funded parent centers play a crucial role in promoting educational equity, empowering parents, fostering community and enhancing outcomes for all children. This session highlights the pivotal role of parent centers in supporting families of children with disabilities. Participants will explore the mission, structure and services provided by the parent center network.

Speakers

Michelle Lewis

Executive Director, Parent Information Center NH

Susan Barlow

Director of Special Projects/Consultant, Parent Network of WNY/SPAN

The Center for Parent Information and Resources is the central “Hub” of information and products created for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities

Michele Tyler

CPIR Associate Director, SPAN

The Center for Parent Information and Resources is the central “Hub” of information and products created for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities

DEC 2024 Parent Center Network pdf

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

Family

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

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

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

1:15pm CDT

Building Strong Connections: An ISD Early Learning Family Engagement

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

Marlboro B - 2nd fl

This presentation provides a model of a family engagement series in a Large Public-School District setting through a co-design approach. Families help generate the agenda for families with young children (including those with disabilities). Resources provided to promote a child’s development, social emotional. and academic learning with a home to school connection.

Speakers

Luisa Sanchez-Nilsen,Ed.D

Issaquah School District Special Services

Dr. Luisa Sanchez-Nilsen brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in advancing educational opportunities for PreK-12 students and adult learners. A recognized leader in public education, Dr. Sanchez-Nilsen has held influential roles as a state administrator, principal, school... Read More →

Carina Piscitelli

Special Education Instructional Specialist, Issaquah School District

Carina Piscitelli has worked for 13 years in the field of special education, supporting families and teachers in using high-leverage and evidence-based practices to enable success of all children in inclusive classroom, clinical, and community settings. This includes direct service... Read More →

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

Family

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