Division for Early Childhood 2024 Conference: Full Schedule

11:00am CDT

Let’s Play Together: Engaging Families and Young Children in Inclusive Play Using Technology

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

Through inclusive play interventions with peers, young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience significant gains in gross motor, social and emotional, and communication skills. This session will provide an overview of Special Olympics Young Athletes programming and highlight ways technology and digital media are being implemented to support families. Presenters will share an overview of the Young Athletes mobile app, a tool designed to provide families with personalized activities for their child, health education resources, and community connection opportunities. The session will include preliminary evaluation data about the utility and feasibility of the app based on an ongoing pilot with families in 5 countries, including the United States.

Speakers

Mary Beth Bruder

UCEDD/ECPC Director, UNIV OF CONNECTICUT HEALTH CTR

Infants & Young Children is an interdisciplinary journal focusing on children with disabilities or at risk for disability age birth to five years and their families. Of special interest are articles involving innovative interventions, summaries of important research developments and... Read More →

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

Family

1:30pm CDT

Exploring Preschool Data for Insights on Significant Disproportionality

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

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Explore ways to use IDEA preschool data to tackle significant disproportionality in early childhood education. In this interactive session, presenters help participants navigate the process, with an emphasis on high-quality data and intentional analysis, including special considerations for preschool that empower educators to foster equity and excellence for all students.

Speakers

Christina MacDonald

TA Specialist, IDEA Data Center (IDC) and Data Center for Addressing Significant Disproportionality (DCASD)

Christina MacDonald is a TA Provider for the IDEA Data Center (IDC) and the Data Center for Addressing Significant Disproportionality (DCASD) at Westat. A passionate early childhood educator, Ms. MacDonald utilizes her extensive experience engaging diverse stakeholders and sparking... Read More →

Julia Hartwig

ExploringPreschoolDataForInsights on SD DEC2024 pptx

Wednesday September 18, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Policy

Age 3-5
Audience 1 Administrators
Content Level Intermediate

2:45pm CDT

The More We Get Together, the Happier We'll Be

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

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

EI professionals, childcare providers and community programs can create welcoming and inclusive interactions for all infants, toddlers, and families. We will consider the ways we can support children of all abilities at home, at childcare, and in the community, to promote access and participation for all.

Speakers

Meg Liebreich

PD Training Consultant and Physical Therapist, EITP

Handout inclusion session pdf

Wednesday September 18, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

By Practitioners for Practitioners

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

4:00pm CDT

Exploring Assessment: PD That Supports Shared Understanding and Practice

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

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

What is the difference between evaluation and ongoing assessment? Which tools should we use? How do we ensure that practitioners are assessing with fidelity? This session will outline how one state Part C Program addressed these questions through the investigation of assessment tools and creation of Professional Development opportunities to support practice.

Speakers

Becky Hoffman

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

René Forsythe

Professional Development Specialist, CESA 5

I've been with the Portage Project at CESA5 for over 28 years, serving in a variety of roles that focus on building the capacity of families and organizations. Currently, I am the coordinator of the Family Service Credential and support early intervention programs in Wisconsin as... Read More →

Exploring Assessment Slides pdf

Evaluation Exploration Resources 2023 pdf

Wednesday September 18, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Professional Development

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

9:15am CDT

Bridging the Gap: Linking LTSAE and The DEC RPs for Families

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

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

This session will explore the intersection of two powerful frameworks: Learn the Signs. Act Early (LTSAE) and the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Recommended Practices (RPs) to empower families in recognizing developmental milestones, acting early on developmental concerns, and engaging in early intervention that supports improved developmental outcomes.

Speakers

Melissa Crist

Director of Early Childhood Programs, Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development

Melissa Crist, M.S. is the Director of IdahoSTARS at the Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development, the state University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). IdahoSTARS houses the majority of quality initiatives in early care and education for the... Read More →

Bethanne Vergean

CT Learn the SIgns Act Early Ambassador, UCONN UCEDD

Bethanne Vergean provides technical assistance and training for Connecticut’s Early Childhood system. Her work over the past 20 years has been centered on improving developmental monitoring in Connecticut. Through her dedicated advocacy, she has developed strong networking systems... Read More →

Deepa Srinivasavaradan

Kristen Paul

Director of Early Childhood Programs, The Parents' Place of Maryland

Kristen Paul has devoted over two decades to various roles serving children and their families; her career has included work as a science teacher, Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at NASA, STEM Coordinator at Salisbury University, and family support for Birth to Five... Read More →

Deana Buck

Act Early Ambassador, Early Childhood Consultant

DEC 2024 Bridging the Gap pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Family

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

1:00pm CDT

Strategies to Include Family Voice and Choice in the Behavior Support Plan

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

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Empowering families and practitioners collectively in communication, planning, and social-emotional support development is pivotal for enhancing outcomes in young children. With practical examples and user-friendly resources, participants will learn to foster family partnership, amplifying voice and choice in the Individualized Positive Behavior Support Process (IBSP).

Speakers

Meghan von der Embse

Learning and Development Facilitator, University of South Flordida

Ben Riepe

Senior Project Manager, University of Denver

Ben began his early childhood experience as a Head Start teacher, coach, and trainer. He is on staff at both the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations and the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center, where he supports high fidelity program-wide implementation of the Pyramid Model with families of diverse backgrounds in Denver, Colorado. His previous work includes the Colorado Center for Social Emotional Competence and Inclusion, where he supported communities in their efforts to embed evi... Read More →

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 →

Aniva Lumpkins

FCEC President | National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) Fellow | Supervisor, School Psychologists | Doctoral Candidate, FIU

Aniva Lumpkins, Ed.S., is a clinical supervisor of school psychologists and a doctoral candidate pursuing her PhD in Special Education at Florida International University. As a recipient of the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) and Project INCLUDE fellowships... Read More →

family voice choice pdf

DEC Family Voice and Choice PPT Handout pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Family

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

2:15pm CDT

Autism & Inclusion: The Power of Words, Representation & Visuals

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

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Embark on an empowerment journey in Autism & Inclusion. Led by an inclusion specialist and two unique parenting perspectives. Discover stats, terms, and strategies for promoting sensory regulation, safety, communication, and social skills. Learn through quizzes, polls, and Q&A. Honor intersectionality by engaging in equitable practices. Gain immediate actionable insights.

Speakers

Emily Parker

Instructional Inclusion Coach, Napa County Office of Education

Hello, my name is Emily Hope Parker, and I’m thrilled to be part of the DEC conference. I've had the honor of working with children and their families for years as an accessibility educator, inclusion specialist, and advocate. My passion for inclusion extends far beyond my professional... Read More →

Alyssa McDonald

Meggan Wentworth

Vice President, Inclusive Compass

Expanding Diet Visuals pdf

Disability Inclusion Book List pdf

Autism & Inclusion DEC Slides pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Practice

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

3:30pm CDT

Caring Across Colors: Bridges to Understanding

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

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Explore the personal journey of a caregiver and provider, navigating ruptures and repairs shaped by their different racial identities. They will reflect upon the influence of historical racism on their individual stances and actions. Gain valuable insights into dismantling discrimination through self-awareness and proactive behavior in this enlightening discussion.

Speakers

Kirsten Sippel-Klug

Physical Therapist, Early Intervention

Kirsten Sippel-Klug, PT, MPP, I/ECMH-C is an early intervention physical therapist. For over 25 years she has been partnering with military families to facilitate their children’s development. Kirsten acknowledges Nat Vikitsreth, whose writings, classes, and clinical work have a... Read More →

Kena Chambers

Parent, Self

Handout Story Starters StroudLLC pdf

RacismInfographic 2020 pdf

References and Resources DEC docx

tenets 2018 copy pdf

Thursday September 19, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

By Practitioners for Practitioners

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

9:00am CDT

Four Partnering Strategies for Inclusion in the Blended Preschool

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

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Attendees will explore and discuss four strategies toward successful inclusion in a blended preschool environment: role structures, staff learning, problem solving teams, and family partnerships. Gain a greater understanding of the role of relationships, the potential barriers to inclusion, and the importance of group reflection as a mechanism for successful change.

Speakers

Dr. Joy Bauman

Early Childhood Program Director, Belvidere CUSD 100, Illinois

Courtney Adkins

Speech Language Pathologist, Belvidere CUSD 100

Judi Flodin

Early Childhood Blended Teacher, Belvidere CUSD 100

Four Partnering Strategies for Inclusion in the Blended Preschool Environment pptx

Four Partnering Strategies for Inclusion in the Blended Preschool Environment pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Practice

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

10:15am CDT

"I just ask a parent" - Partnering with Families the Smart Way

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

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

When early childhood providers work with infants and toddlers with special needs, they often rely on families to provide knowledge and support, and fill gaps in their expertise. How can we partner with families to build trust and to respect boundaries? How can we design PD that supports educators and reduces the burden on families? When should we just 'ask a parent?'

Speakers

Dr. Kim Bennett

Visiting Assistant Professor, Fitchburg State University

Dr. Kimberly Bennett is an assistant professor for Fitchburg State University. Dr. Bennett has more than 17 years of experience in the areas of Early Intervention and Early Childhood Education. She has held various early childhood professional and leadership positions as well as being... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Family

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

12:00pm CDT

Reaching Every Child: Innovate & Implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

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

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and data-driven decision-making to tailor support services to meet individual student needs and close achievement gaps. This presentation will explore new data collection systems in early childhood for monitoring interventions and share effective strategies to implement in your program.

Speakers

Betsy Schrubbe

Student Services Coordinator, Indian Prairie School District 204

Kristine Black

Erin Moran

EC Teacher, Indian Prairie School District 204

Tracy Orrico

Speech and Language Pathologist, Indian Prairie School District 204

ReachingEveryChild.MTSS.Participants pdf

Bit.ly LINK pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Professional Development

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

1:15pm CDT

Nurturing Self-Regulation: Trauma-Informed Practices for Young Children

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

Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

This session will explore the importance of cultural relevance in trauma-informed intervention and provide practical strategies for increasing self-regulation for children in marginalized communities. Through research-based strategies, professionals can create supportive environments that promote resilience for children.

Speakers

Cathy Grist

Professor, Western Carolina University

Cathy L. Grist, Ph.D. is a professor in the Birth-Kindergarten Program at Western Carolina University. Her teaching and work focus on preschool personality, assessment, infant, toddler, and preschool assessment, social-emotional issues, and self-regulation in young children

Lori Caudle

Hannah Thompson

Doctoral Student, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

2024 DEC Self Regulation pdf

Friday September 20, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Prince of Wales - 2nd fl

Practice

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