Division for Early Childhood 2024 Conference: Full Schedule

11:00am CDT

Systemic Change & Creating Inclusive Early Childhood Public School Programs

Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Engaging in lasting, systemic change to create inclusive early childhood programs that embrace ALL learners is a complex process, often riddled with antiquated beliefs about educating students with disabilities. Presenters will discuss accessible classrooms, multi-tiered systems of support, integrating related services, family & community partnerships and sustainability.

Speakers

Michele Gardner

Executive Director, New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education

Annie Corley-Hand

Director, Leading Innovative Learning Associates

CEC DEC 2024 CorleyHand Gardner pdf

Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

Professional Development

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

1:30pm CDT

Eat Sleep Console Method: EI's Role in Addressing Service Gaps

Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Chequers - 2nd fl

This presentation will explore the integration of the ESC model for babies who have been exposed to opioids prenatally and the role of EI programs, emphasizing its instrumental role in addressing service gaps for infants and families. We will provide insights from Jackson County, Oregon's EI program, showcasing how this approach aligns with DEC recommended practices.

Speakers

Stacy Inman

Director of Jackson County EI/ECSE, Douglas ESD

With over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood education, I am a dedicated mother of a 7-year-old boy and hold a Master's degree in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE). My passion lies in supporting young children and their families, ensuring that every... Read More →

Megan Glaze

Infant Family Teacher- Service Coordinator, Jackson County EI/ECSE

I am a Service Coordinator with Jackson County Early Intervention (a Program of Douglas ESD). I received a Master’s Degree in Special Education from California State University, Chico and hold teaching credentials in Special Education and General Education. I began working in the... Read More →

NICU Collaboration Form pdf

Addressing Service Gaps pdf

Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

Practice

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

2:45pm CDT

Navigating Intra-Family Conflict for Service Coordinators in EI

Wednesday September 18, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Chequers - 2nd fl

Prolonged conflict between parents can be harmful to a child and challenging for service coordinators to work within. This interactive session will introduce the CADRE Early Intervention Service Provider Resource: Navigating Intra-Family Conflict and provide opportunities to discuss strategies such as establishing roles, boundary setting , and de-escalating high emotions.

Speakers

Elisabeth Teller

Part C Family Liaison / Supervision & Monitoring, CT Office of Early Childhood

Kelly Rauscher

Learning and Development Specialist, CADRE

Kelly Rauscher provides trainings and TA to support the development and implementation of a full continuum of dispute resolution options. Rauscher specializes in system design and improvement, building local-level capacity, family engagement, and early dispute resolution. She co-leads... Read More →

Resource Navigating Intra family Conflict Final Accessible 0 (8) pdf

Navigating Intra family Conflict Final pdf

Wednesday September 18, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

By Practitioners for Practitioners

Age 0-3
Audience 1 Practitioners
Content Level Intermediate

4:00pm CDT

Got Equity? Wisconsin's Journey to Advancing Racial Health Equity in EI.

Wednesday September 18, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Chequers - 2nd fl

This session examines the ECTA Equity Fact Sheet and cross walks components applicable to Early Intervention with policies, practices and professional development activities provided by the Wisconsin (Part C) Birth to 3 Program including the use of data to identify disparities. Using disparity analysis, we can help other states address racial equity in Early Intervention.

Speakers

Melissa Velez

Professional Development Specialist, CESA 5

Regena Floyd-Sambou

Children and Family Program Specialist, WI Dept of Health Services

Got Equity Wisconsin’s Journey to Advancing Access and Racial Health Equity in Early Intervention FINAL pdf

Wednesday September 18, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

Practice

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

9:15am CDT

Oh...I'm so sorry: Shifting from Sympathy to Celebration

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

Chequers - 2nd fl

Despite efforts to promote positive views of disability, the deficit model permeates our practice and society. Upon the birth of a child with differences, parents are continually confronted with sympathy. and pity. Drawing from our own lived experiences and the field of disability studies, we discuss shifting to parent support that celebrates all children and families.

Speakers

Ann Mickelson

Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Holly Dregne

Teacher, Elm Lawn Elementary, Middleton, WI

Kristi Godfrey-Hurrell

Becky Hoffman

Professional Development Specialist, CESA5 RESource for the WI Birth to 3 Program

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

Family

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

1:00pm CDT

Disability, Diversity, and Identity in Early Childhood

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Chequers - 2nd fl

Disability is a naturally occurring human variation. Some variations, such as nearsightedness, are so common that they're no longer considered disabilities. Others are considered an inconvenience to society. How do professionals help children and families form a positive disabled identity amid these implicit and explicit messages created by society?

Speakers

Charissa Darland

Educational Resources Specialist, Indiana University Bloomington

Powerpoint pdf

ABA Resources Identify Implicit Biases Against People with Disabilities pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

Family

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

2:15pm CDT

Lights, Camera, Red Flags! Roll Out the Parental Red Carpet

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Chequers - 2nd fl

Practical skills and sensitive language are crucial for addressing neurodiversity, physical diversity, and family differences in Early Head Start/Head Start classrooms. This presentation covers prevalence, best practices, and supporting underprivileged communities. If you're an educator, administrator, or advocate interested in fostering inclusivity, join us.

Speakers

Brooke Frenkel

Lights Camera Red Flags (1) pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

Family

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

3:30pm CDT

Everyone Can Play: Supporting ALL Students Through Self-Determination!

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

Chequers - 2nd fl

Join us in exploring the inclusive early childhood learning environment to discover how self-determination can enhance intentional instruction and interactions. Learn to foster growth and development through play by teaching choice-making, problem-solving, self-regulation and more. Leave empowered to create an inclusive environment where every student thrives!

Speakers

Meg Druga

Early Childhood Coordinator, TTAC @JMU

BIS: Concentration- Early Childhood Special Education;James Madison UniversityM.A.T, Early Childhood Special Education; James Madison UniversityMeg Druga holds her M.A.T. in Early Childhood Special Education from James Madison University and an endorsement in Early Childhood ages... Read More →

Erin Saxon

Educational Specialist, TTAC@ODU

Erin is an educational specialist at the TTAC ODU. The scope of Erin’s work includes providing training and technical assistance across VDOE Superintendent’s Study Regions 2 and 3 in the areas of early childhood special education and early literacy. She joined TTAC ODU with experience... Read More →

DEC 2024 Slides pdf

One Pager Tool IMD pdf

Elements of Im Determined png

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Chequers - 2nd fl

Professional Development

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

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 →

SLIDES DEC 2024 Building Family Voice Impact for Family Advocacy and Professional Learning pdf

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

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

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

MECP LEAP Sustainability DEC 2024 pdf

LEAP FAST pdf

LEAP QPI 2023 pdf

LEAP RCT Strain & Bovey 2011 pdf

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

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.

LaSonya 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