Division for Early Childhood 2024 Conference: Full Schedule

11:00am CDT

Examining Equity in the Early Intervention Pipeline: A Scoping Review

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

IDEA (2004) mandates that eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities receive high-quality and non-discriminatory EI services. Yet, the factors that influence children’s and families’ equitable access to the varied steps in the EI pipeline, from referral to transition, are not well known. This presentation shares the results of a scoping review examining such factors.

Speakers

Ruby Batz

Assistant Professor, University of Nevada, Reno

I am a former preschool and special Ed teacher. Currently I research and teach about family engagement in EI/ECSE examining aspects of race/ethnicity, language and disability. I’m interested in improving EI/ECSE systems and working collaboratively with others to do so.

Lauren Cycyk

Katie Zuckerman

Veronica Underwood Carrasco

Ben Sanders

Sam Lim

Gauri Bharadwaj

Margaret Gillis

Principal Researcher, SRI International

Sheresa Blanchard

Wednesday September 18, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Research

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

1:30pm CDT

Calm is Overrated: How to Nurture Resilience as an Antidote to Burnout

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

GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Join us for a transformative session designed to offer equitable and essential social emotional skills to resource caregivers in understanding the myriad of factors that play into nervous system regulation.
Gain insight into your specific stress reactions and acquire a set of non-pathologizing, evidence-based techniques that offer immediate relief and long-term support.

Speakers

Danielle Brunson

CEO, TNP Wellness

At TNP, we've been dedicated to enhancing well-being in educational settings since 2019, with a special focus on teacher wellness and student accessibility. Our approach is multifaceted:Teacher Wellness: We recognize that teacher well-being is crucial for creating a positive learning... Read More →

Trinity Wilbourn

Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 5-8
Audience 1 Faculty
Audience 2 Administrators
Content Level Introductory

2:45pm CDT

Supporting the Practice and wellbeing of Special Educators

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

GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

The purpose of this study was to determine how an intervention package consisting of performance-based feedback plus wellbeing modules supported teacher candidate practice and wellbeing outcomes. We used performance-based feedback plus wellbeing resources to determine special educator outcomes. Researchers will engage participants to discuss implications.

Speakers

Christan Coogle

Associate Professor, George Mason University

Heather Walter

Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Special Education, George Mason University

I partner with education professionals and leaders to support the unique contextual systems in which they work support in leveraging their strengths to make a positive impact in educational settings and to increase overall outcomes of all children and families. I use interdisciplinary... Read More →

Clarissa Wade

PhD Student, George Mason University

Katherine Szocik

Postdoctoral Associate, Boston University

I am a postdoctoral associate studying special education teachers working conditions. I am also a member of DEC's personnel preparation committee. I received my PhD from George Mason University in special education teacher preparation with a focus in early childhood. My dissertation... Read More →

Wednesday September 18, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Research

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

4:00pm CDT

Caregiver Implemented Intervention: Building Confidence and Competence

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

GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Caregiver-implemented intervention is a teaching approach that systematically supports caregivers in leading their child toward family-prioritized goals. The approach prioritizes cultural preference, adult learning styles, and is strength-focused. Case studies and video examples of techniques with discussions on implementation strategies will promote participant learning.

Speakers

Cathy Hyslop

Megan Kunze

Assistant Research Professor, Megan Kunze

Alexis Bacon-Yates

Caregiver Implemented Intervention Building CII Competence in Families and Ourselves pdf

Wednesday September 18, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Family

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

10:30am CDT

Embedding DEC RPs and EI/ECSE Standards in Infant/Toddler Training Programs

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Infants, toddlers, caregivers, and families deserve the support of professionals with competencies in DAP and DEC Recommended Practices grounded in EI/ECSE Standards. The session will explore strategies to embed DEC RPs and EI/ECSE Standards in training/preparation programs for infant toddler professionals. This session is focused on workforce development in EI/ECE/ECSE.

Speakers

Jami Swindell

Assistant Professor, Fontbonne University

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Professional Development

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

1:00pm CDT

Evolving Perspectives: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Analysis of Transitions

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

GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Through findings from a longitudinal cross-sectional study, this session examines declines in importance ratings of transition practices over time. Overall ratings significantly declined and were predicted by professional role, education level, and race. The discussion will center on implications for reconsidering approaches to transition planning.

Speakers

Beth Rous

Professor, University of Kentucky

John Nash

Associate Professor, University of Kentucky

Zijia Li

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

Research

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

2:15pm CDT

Partnering with Community Providers to Support Black Autistic Children

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

GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

FACES (Fostering Advocacy, Communication, Empowerment, and Support) is an advocacy intervention designed to empower Black families to combat autism service disparities. This presentation will describe the development and manualization of the FACES Facilitator Training and highlight how we have leveraged community-based partnerships to increase FACES outreach.

Speakers

Jamie Pearson

Associate Professor, North Carolina State University

DeVoshia Mason Martin

Doctoral Student, North Carolina State University

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Research

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

3:30pm CDT

Who Knew Kindergarten Inclusion Would Work? (Spoiler: We did!)

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

GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

This session highlights an innovative inclusion model piloted in the 2023-2024 school year to increase children's access to equitable and inclusive kindergarten environments. Implementation methods, findings, and implications for leadership and practice will be discussed.

Speakers

Lorin Terrell

Jackie Joseph

Research Associate Professor, University of Denver

Jackie Joseph is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Denver Positive Early Learning Experiences Center, where her work promotes high-quality inclusion across the early care and education system. She specifically focuses on family partnerships and evidence-based strategies... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
GrandSalon 19 - 1st fl

Professional Development

Age 5-8
Audience 1 Administrators
Content Level Introductory

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

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