Division for Early Childhood 2024 Conference: Full Schedule

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9:00am CDT

Playing Nice in the Sandbox: ND Part C to Part B Workgroup

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

This presentation introduces a framework for cohesive transitions between families, Part C, and Part B staff, ensuring smoother processes. Guided by DEC Recommended Practice TR2, a collaborative workgroup aims for effective community building and shared understanding. Attendees gain insights for successful transitions, inspiring positive outcomes for both child and family.

Speakers

Jordan Anderson

Early Intervention Specialist, State of North Dakota Health and Human Services

Angela McSweyn

619 Coordinator, ND Department of Health & Human Services - Early Childhood Division

DEC Presentation 2024 pptx

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
GrandSalon 4 - 1st fl

Policy

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

10:15am CDT

Equitable, Inclusive EC Identification and Special Education Services

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

GrandSalon 4 - 1st fl

Use of anti-racist tools within initial evaluation and IEP development disrupt assessment/identification bias. Our EC program seeks to ensure equitable services focused on developmentally appropriate practices in the least restrictive, natural environment. This presentation provides a framework for improving the inclusive practices of EC special education programs.

Speakers

Sara Wenten

Early Childhood Program Support Teacher, Madison Metropolitan School District

Scott Zimmerman

Assistant Director of Special Education, Madison Metropolitan School District

Scott Zimmerman works for the Madison Metropolitan School District as the Assistant Director for Special Education/504 and Early Childhood. Scott has a Bachelor and Master degrees from University of Wisconsin Whitewater in special education. He also has a Master degree in Educational... Read More →

Megan Pierce

Speech and Language Pathologist, Madison Metropolitan School District

Amy Hefty

Assistant Director of Special Education/504, Madison Metropolitan School District

Amy Vercauteren Hefty is an impactful education administrator specializing in special education with over two decades of experience. As the Assistant Director of Special Education & Section 504 for elementary schools and early childhood in the Madison Metropolitan School District... Read More →

Nancy Molfenter

MMSD Equitable, Comprehensive and Inclusive Practices pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
GrandSalon 4 - 1st fl

Practice

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

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

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

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

Division for Early Childhood 2024 Conference

9:00am CDT

Jordan Anderson

Angela McSweyn

10:15am CDT

Sara Wenten

Scott Zimmerman

Megan Pierce

Amy Hefty

Nancy Molfenter

12:00pm CDT

Meridith Karppinen

Sondra M Stegenga

1:15pm CDT

Carol Stein

Danna Conn

Adrian Primm