Division for Early Childhood 2024 Conference: Full Schedule

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9:00am CDT

Where Do We Begin? Talking with Families about Developmental Screening

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

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

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

12:00pm CDT

Nurturing Empathy & Equity in Early Childhood: Little Learners Big Hearts

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

GrandSalon 6 - 1st fl

Discover practical strategies and resources to foster empathy and equity in early childhood education in "Little Learners, Big Hearts." Participants will engage in dynamic discussions and activities aimed at creating inclusive learning environments where every child feels valued and supported. Leave the session equipped with tangible resources and actionable strategies.

Speakers

Orinthia Harris

Executive Director, STEMearly

Early Childhood and STEM Education Consultant, Orinthia Harris, Ph. D. (Dr. OH) has provided on-site and virtual educational consulting services to organizations, public and private schools, library systems, and more. She has inspired thousands of students, educators, and administrators... Read More →

Jill Flanders

Executive Director, Center for Educational Improvement

I am still learning and teaching, equity and empathy, antiracism through children's literature. Leadership with mindful practice and emotional intelligence.

Randy Ross

Little Learners, Big Hearts DEC.pptx pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 6 - 1st fl

Professional Development

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

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