State Early Childhood Technical Assistance Systems

Kansas

• The Kansas Inservice Training System
• TA System Description
• 12/01/06

Basic design features

The KS TA system is supported by the KS Department of Education, the KS Department of Health and Environment, and is located at the University of Kansas Center on Developmental Disabilities. There are other agencies, funded by the state agencies that also provide TA related to early intervention and early childhood special education service provision.

Primary clients/recipients of technical assistance services

Primary clients of the state technical assistance system include early intervention providers, early childhood special education personnel, administrators, parents and families.

Ways technical assistance is provided

Technical assistance is most frequently provided through the following methods: statewide and regional meetings, workshops, consultation to programs, providing information and consultation via telephone and e-mail, and facilitation of peer to peer mentoring. Training and TA is occasionally provided through in-service training courses, telephone or e-mail mentoring, and development of print and/or non-print materials. The state TA system also uses interactive video and/or audio teleconferencing, Internet, e-mail, bulletin boards, listservs, instructional audio and videocassettes and resource facilities such as the Early Childhood Resource Center.

TA system operations

Technical assistance needs are assessed through a variety of methods such as review of reports, monitoring site visits, grant applications and feedback from meetings and training events. The lead agencies and the KITS program staff review the indicated needs and establish priorities for training. A master calendar of training events is maintained and developed by KITS.

Evaluation of the TA system

The TA System is evaluated by a variety of methods including changes in program performance related to monitoring and the continuous improvement systems of both lead agencies. The evaluation of progress made by programs on individual program improvement plans developed with local programs are also considered. Formal and informal feedback from recipients of services and activities are utilized.

Relationship of TA system to the monitoring/supervision of local programs

The outcomes of the continuous improvement system for monitoring are shared with the state TA system and sometimes determine the needs and priorities addressed by the entire system and local programs. Specific needs of local programs are determined individually.

Relationship of TA system to the state’s Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD)

The CSPD and the State Improvement Grant are parts of a greater TA system. University and college credits are offered as part of specialized personnel preparation activities such as summer institutes.

For further information, contact:

• David Lindeman, KITS Project Director
• Kansas Inservice Training Center
• Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities
• 2601 Gabriel
• Parsons, KS 67357
• Phone: (785) 421-6550 x 1713
• Fax: (785) 421-6550 x 1702
• E-mail: lindeman@ku.edu
• Web: http://www.kskits.org/index.shtmll


• Carolyn Nelson, Acting Part C Coordinator
• Children's Developmental Services
• State Department of Health and Environment
• 1000 SW Jackson, Suite 220
• Topeka, KS 66612-1274
• Phone: (785) 296-6135
• Fax: (785) 296-8626
• Email: cnelson@kdhe.state.ks.us
• Web: http://www.kdheks.gov/its/


• Marguerite Hornback, 619 Coordinator
• Student Support Services
• State Department of Education
• 120 East 10th Avenue
• Topeka, KS 66612-1182
• Phone: (785) 296-1944
• Fax: (785) 296-1413
• Email: mhornback@ksde.org
• Web: www.kansped.org/