State Early Childhood Technical Assistance Systems

Nevada

• Part C TA System Description
• 5/6/02

Basic design features

The Nevada State TA system is incorporated within the structure of the part C lead agency. It is a centralized system supported by the Department of Human Resources, the Part C Lead Agency. The primary agencies that make up the state TA system include the Lead Agency for Part C and the Department of Education, Part B, Section 619 Preschool Program. The University of Nevada also does limited training relevant to early intervention.

Federal funding sources for Part C and Part B, Section 619 Preschool Program contributes to the operations and maintenance of the state TA system.

Primary clients/recipients of technical assistance services

Primary clients/recipients of technical assistance services are early intervention providers and administrators. Secondary clients include Head Start, child care providers and others who have interest in the topics. Families are considered to be direct clients/recipients of technical assistance. The Parent Training and Information Project (PTI) offers training to parents also, and Part C has recently provided some joint training with the PTI.

Ways technical assistance is provided

Technical assistance is frequently provided by regional/topical workshops, in-service training courses, consultation to programs in person and via telephone and email. A statewide conference is held annually. Model demonstration sites, peer information exchange and print products are used occasionally to provide technical assistance.

Distance learning technologies are frequently used to provide technical assistance including Internet, electronic mail, bulletin boards, and listservs. Interactive video and audio teleconferencing are used occasionally. The state has a Web page that also provides direct information to early intervention providers and parents. A lending library that has a large number of instructional videos and books is used frequently by providers statewide.

TA system operations

Each early intervention program is given a Part C allocation yearly for which they provide a spending plan. This spending plan may include dollars designated for technical assistance and training. The priority is that training and technical assistance must relate to the areas in program monitoring that have been deficient or out of compliance.

Part C staff also provides individual technical assistance to programs to ensure compliance with Part C of the IDEA.

Evaluation of the TA system

A file is kept on all TA activities, which includes sign-in sheets from participants and evaluation forms. Programs also report quarterly on changes they are making as a result of technical assistance and any needs for ongoing support. Results are used internally to look at technical assistance needs, and changes are made to meet the specific needs of programs.

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

The outcomes of local monitoring are shared with the state TA system and used to determine some of the technical assistance that is provided.

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

The CSPD and the TA system are the same in Nevada. There is an Early Childhood Special Education certification program for birth to eight, and the

Part C technical assistance contributes to CEUs needed to maintain the certification.

Relationship with Section 619 of Part B

Part C and Section 619 Preschool Program are involved in frequent joint training and funding of technical assistance. The joint activities usually focus on issues that affect both systems including topics such as autism and transition.

For further information, contact:

• Wendy Whipple
• Program Manager
• Nevada Department of Human Resources
• Community Connections
• 3987 South McCarran Boulevard
• Reno, NV 89502
• Phone: (775) 688-2285 ext. 243
• Fax: (775) 688-2558
• Email: wywhippl@dcfs.state.nv.us