The 2005 OSEP National Early Childhood Conference

Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
Washington, DC

February 7-9, 2005

Optional
Pre-Conference Meetings: February 5 and 6, 2005
Post-Conference Meeting: February 9, 2005

Conference Dates and Time

The 2005 OSEP National Conference was held Monday, February 7 through Wednesday, February 9 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. A series of optional pre-conference meetings were held Saturday, February 5th through Sunday, February 6 and Wedesday February 9, respectively. topics and presenters to be announced soon. On Saturday, two meetings took place: Outcomes for Young Children with Disabilities and their Families: A Workshop by the Early Childhood Outcomes Center (ECO); and, Young Children with Challenging Behavior: A Workshop by the Center for Evidence-Based Practice. On Sunday, meetings were held for: State ICC Chairs, Members and Staff; Part C Coordinators; Section 619 Coordinators; and an orientation for first-time conference attendees.

One post-conference meeting was held for Pacific Basin Early Childhood representatives on Wednesday afternoon, February 9.

Conference Goals for Participants

• Gain a better understanding of research findings and effective practices
• Further utilization of knowledge from research and practice related to US Department of Education goals and initiatives- "No Child Left Behind," IDEA and including all children
• Build relationships/linkages with others to promote collaborative work and innovative programs
• Acquire resources that will lead to implementing successful evidence-based practices of high standards and accountability in the implementation of the IDEA
• Promote family leadership in policy and system improvement at the federal, state and local levels
• Gain a sense of confidence, energy, and achievement for continued work on early childhood issues

Conference Participants

The 2005 Conference was attended by a variety of audiences involved in planning and delivering services to young children with special needs (birth through age 8) and their families. Participants included:

• State Part C coordinators and staff
• State Section 619 coordinators and staff
• State ICC chairs, members and staff
• Early Childhood Projects staff
• Federal ICC members
• National/regional/state technical assistance (TA) providers
• OSEP and other federal agency staff
• Parents of children with disabilities and/or special health care needs who are currently serving as parent representatives on local and state Interagency Coordinating Councils, Special Education Advisory Panels or other advisory boards and who have knowledge of IDEA and the early intervention and preschool special education systems. Read a special letter for parent participants.
• Partners from the early childhood community, including child care, Early Head Start, Maternal and Child Health, Social Services, etc.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

CEUs were available to conference participants through the Friday Center of Continuing Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Sponsorship

This conference was sponsored by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Programs (OSEP). It was planned collaboratively with a Conference Planning Committee representing diverse interests and perspectives and the National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC).