Training Resources for Early Interventionists and Service Coordinators

Several states have on-line courses or modules that are part of a credentialing or qualification process that is required for any provider in the Part C early intervention system. Other states have developed on-line training as part of a certification program for a personnel category often called Early Intervention Specialist, Infant and Toddler Specialist or Developmental Specialist.

Florida
Early Steps Training by Children's Medical Services, Department of Health - Florida's Part C Program includes 3 orientation modules required for all Early Steps providers and a training module for the Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist. (downloaded 3/29/10)

Missouri
First Steps Training Modules - These courses are designed to give providers new to the program skills for working with families in their natural environment. In addition to a statement of beliefs and principles of the Early Intervention System, courses include Orientation, Evaluation and Assessment, and IFSP Outcomes in Natural Environments, Transition and a specialized module on Service Coordination. Select the First Steps Provider Training link from the list of E-learning courses.

Virginia
Principles and Practices- Requirements for Early Intervention Certification contains four on-line training modules that are aligned with required competencies for all providers (including service coordinators) who want to practice as a certified provider in VA's Infant and Toddler Connection System. Requires registration and log in.

The following is a collection of on-line training materials that states are using in early intervention programs to provide inservice supports for EI providers. Some are specifically designed for a designated role (for example service coordinators) but still have content that is applicable for all providers. Materials are varied in design and format, including competency based, self study and content to be delivered by trainers.

Iowa
Early ACCESS Competency Based Service Coordination Training Program is research based and composed of five modules. Approved Trainers deliver this training

• Module 2--Family Centered Practices (2006)
• Module 3--Early ACCESS Process Section 1 (2007)
• Module 3--Early ACCESS Process Section 2-IFSP Process (downloaded 1/29/10)
• Module 3--Early ACCESS Process Section 3--Evaluation and Assessment (downloaded 1/29/10)
• Module 3--Early ACCESS Process-- Transition Planning (downloaded 1/29/10)
• Module 3--Early ACCESS Process Section 4--Transition Planning (2006)
• Module 4--Coordinating Community Resources (2006)
• Module 5--Infant and Toddler Development (January 2006)

Maryland
Early Childhood Tutorial - The purpose of the tutorial is to provide an up-to-date, evidence-based training resource for early intervention and special education administrators, providers, and families. Three modules on Evaluation and Assessment, the IFSP and Transition, include legal requirements, essential content, reflection and activities and recommended readings with annotations.

• Evaluation and Assessment (2007)
• Developing & Implementing IFSPs (downloaded 1/29/10)
• Early Childhood Transition (downloaded 1/29/10)

Kansas
Using Primary Service Providers & Coaching in Early Intervention Programs. KITS Information Packets(PDFs)

• Introduction (June 2007) (PDF: 309kb)
• Definition and Characteristics (June 2007) (PDF: 908kb)
• Implementing the Model (June 2007) (PDF: 4,568kb)
• Supporting Families (June 2007) (PDF: 466kb)
• Activity (June 2007) (PDF: 256kb)
• References, Resources, Websites (June 2007) (PDF: 3,305kb)

Nebraska
Nebraska's Early Childhood Training Center

Resource Documents for Practitioners: Functional IFSPs/IEPs

New Mexico
This guide is a self-study resource for service coordinators (PDF: 3,332kb) that contains guidelines about eligibility requirements and coverage of health plans and other funding sources throughout New Mexico.

NM Family Infant Toddler Program Technical Assistance Document - Natural Environments (2002) (PDF: 717kb)

North Carolina
The Orientation module is for all new providers in early intervention. Needs Dreams and IFSPs is a four part description of the IFSP process.

• Online Orientation to Early Intervention (downloaded 1/29/10) (PDF: 624kb)
• Needs, Dreams, and IFSPs (downloaded 1/29/10) (PDF: 2,581kb)
• Part I: Overview of the IFSP Process
• Part II: Focus on the Family and the Child
• Part III: Developing Outcomes, Activities, and Service Plans
• Part IV: Facilitating Reviews and Transitions

Texas
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program created 5 Web based Training Modules to support ECI providers to improve practice.

• Writing Better IFSPs
• Ethics: Making Better Decisions
• Family-Centered Services: Making Every Contact Count
• Individualized Family-Centered Transition Planning module is currently being updated
• Documentation in ECI module

Wisconsin
Fundamentals of Service Coordination for the Wisconsin Birth to 3 Program - Fundamentals of Service Coordination is an electronically-based learning module for new and veteran service coordinators in Birth to 3. Learners will have the opportunity to read case-based scenarios and apply what they have learned. An online orientation and a archive of webinars are also available.

CORE of a Good Life: Guided Conversations with Parents on Raising Young Children with Disabilities

West Virginia
Team Facilitation Training

• Powerpoint Presentation Slideshow (PDF: 677kb)
• Powerpoint Presentation Handout - Color (PDF: 283kb)
• Powerpoint Presentation Handout - Black/White (PDF: 311kb)
• IFSP Scenario (PDF: 51kb)
• IFSP Team Meeting Planning Worksheet (PDF: 51kb)
• Lost on the Moon (PDF: 52kb)
• Models for Team Interaction (PDF: 59kb)
• The Davidson's Story (PDF: 58kb)