Agenda

Saturday | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday

Pre-Conference Events

Saturday, December 1, 2007

9 : 00 AM - 4 : 00 PM

Strategies for Measuring Child and Family Outcomes Workshop

Kathleen Hebbeler, Lynne Kahn
Earliest Possible Date Worksheet (DOC: 27kb)
Welcome to The Child Outcomes Data Workshop! (PPT: 3410kb)
Communicating to the Public about Child Outcomes Data (PPT: 8840kb)

Participants in this workshop will explore analyses and interpretation of their child outcomes data. The group will discuss such questions as "What did we find? What does it mean? How can I tell if it's clean?" Sample state data will be provided for discussion, and participants are encouraged, if possible, to bring their own data and roll up their sleeves.

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Pre-Conference Events

Sunday, December 2, 2007

8 : 30 AM - 5 : 00 PM

National Meeting of State ICC Chairs, Members and Staff

This will be an opportunity to share our SICC resources, discuss old and new issues. In the afternoon, the ICC members and staff will join ITCA for Federal updates in Salons A & B. Discussion opportunities to address the question: "Where are we going in Early Intervention?

Part C Coordinators Meeting

Annual Membership Meeting December 2, 2007 (PPT: 3638kb)
Role of the Medical Home in Family- Centered Early Intervention Services (PDF: 78kb)
Federal Update (PPT: 1829kb)

This meeting is hosted by the IDEA Infant and Toddler Coordinators Association, and is open to Part C Coordinators and staff from all states and territories. Two participants from member states/territories are invited to attend as part of their membership. Pre-registration through the Association is required for all participants. The meeting agenda includes: General Association Business, Reports and Products Update, Strategic Plan review, Federal Update,Historical Perspective/Future Directions of Part C.

1 : 00 PM - 5 : 00 PM

Consortium of Section 619 Coordinators Business Meeting

Notes from the 619 Constituency Meeting National Early Childhood Conference December 5, 2007 (DOC: 44kb)

This meeting is intended for state and territorial Section 619 Coordinators. It is the premier opportunity for Section 619 coordinators to meet as a group to discuss high priority issues related to federal requirements for SPPs/APRs, data collection, and other issues. Coordinators will also formulate future initiatives for the Consortium of Section 619 Coordinators.

3 : 30 PM - 5 : 00 PM

Orientation for First-Time Attendees

Betsy Ayankoya, Joicey Hurth, Julia Martin

This session will provide an overview to the purposes, sponsors and participants of the annual OSEP National Early Childhood Conference. Highlights of this year's agenda and hints for enhancing participant experience will be included.

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Welcome and Opening Plenary

Monday, December 3, 2007

9 : 00 AM - 9 : 30 AM

Welcome and Greetings: Gail Houle and Julia Martin, Office of Special Education Programs; Sam Odom, Director FPG; Lynne Kahn, Interim Director, NECTAC; Joicey Hurth, Associate Director, NECTAC

Plenary

Monday, December 3, 2007

9 : 30 AM - 10 : 30 AM

Implementation: The Missing Link between Research and Practice

Implementation: The Missing Link between Research and Practice (PPT: 601kb)
APSAC Advisor Excerpt (PDF: 525kb)

Opening Plenary Speaker: Dean Fixsen, Director of The National Implementation Research Network and Research Professor at the University of South Florida Collaborative for Children, Families and Communities. Dean specializes in the development and national implementation of evidence-based programs for children, families and adults with mental health and behavioral disorders.

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Concurrent Sessions | Round 1

Monday, December 3, 2007

11 : 00 AM - 12 : 30 PM

If It Ain’t Broke...How Will We Know?

Terry Harrison, Marshall Peter, Richard Zeller
If It Ain’t Broke, How Will We Know? (PPT: 1781kb)

This session will review national Part C data related to Procedural Safeguards. Possible explanations for the relative lack of activity in Part C dispute resolution will be explored as will the experiences of New Jersey, a state that capably manages dispute resolution activity. Ample time will be allowed for session attendees to share their successes, challenges, and concerns.

Act Early: The Role of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Early Identification

Georgina Peacock, Camille Smith
Act Early: The Role of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (PPT: 17902kb)
Learn the Signs. Act early.
The National Center of Medical Home Iniatives for Children with Special Needs

An overview of CDC's role in early identification and early intervention. Highlights of history and current projects, including Learn the Signs: Act Early. Discussion will also cover future research, policy and programmatic needs.

Coaching in Early Childhood: An Overview of Professional Development Models Implemented in Kansas, Nebraska and Maine

Sue Bainter, Mary Bohning, Linda Labas, Ellen Pope, Carol Puffer, Jan Thelen
Coaching in Early Childhood
Research and Training Center on Early Childhood Development
Literacy Coaching Clearinghouse
CASE

This session highlights experiences of three states using coaching in early childhood within their professional development systems. Each state receives support from Dathan Rush and M’Lisa Sheldon. The models presented are used in Part C, Part B, and Early Reading First, and span across professional roles and responsibilities.

Early Literacy in Part C and Part B (619) Programs: How Are We Doing and How to Move Forward

Carl Dunst
CELL - Center for Early Literacy Learning

The first part of this presentation will discuss the Center for Early Literacy Learning (CELL)’s work in determining the level of early literacy practices occurring in Part C and Part B (619) programs and identifying evidence-based early literacy practices for children served by these programs from the available literature. The second part of the presentation will describe CELL’s specialized technical assistance activities that will occur over the next four years to enhance early literacy learning for young children with disabilities.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Dads

Christopher Auer, Bruce Orr
Continuation of Getting fathers Involved in the Lives of their Children with SPD (PDF: 355kb)
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Dads (PPT: 1764kb)

Want to know how to interact with and effectively engage fathers of children with special needs? Want insights into getting the father of the child with special needs more involved? Get the inside scoop from this panel discussion featuring three experienced dads with a diverse range of experiences. You may be surprised at what you hear!

Federal Updates from the Child Care Bureau, The Office of Head Start, and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities

Beth Caron, Moniquin Huggins, Jennifer Johnson, Jim O'Brien
Federal Early Childhood Initiatives and Activities:.Updates from Child Care Bureau, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Office of Head Start and OSEP (PPT: 637kb)
National Child Care Information Center

There are many exciting initiatives happening at the Federal level for children and their families. This session will share the latest updates from the Child Care Bureau, the Office of Head Start and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. Time will be made available for questions and discussion.

Issues Related to Implementation Success

Dean Fixsen
What is NIRN?

Do you have questions about taking research to practice? What is the most effective means of implementation in the human service arena? This will be an opportunity to discuss ideas and issues with Dean Fixsen about implementation frameworks that can guide efforts to move science-to-service more effectively and more efficiently to result in better outcomes for children and families.

Measuring Child Outcomes: Preparing the 2008 APR for Indicators B7 and C3

Kathleen Hebbeler, Lynne Kahn, Ruth Ryder, Jennifer Tschantz
Part B SPP Indicator B7 (DOC: 54kb)
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the SPP/APR: Early Childhood Outcomes (Part C Indicator #3 and Part B Indicator #7) (PDF: 125kb)
Part C SPP Indicator C3 (DOC: 70kb)
ECO Suggested Format for SPP Indicator B7, due February 2008 (PDF: 35kb)
ECO Suggested Format for SPP Indicator C3, due February 2008 (PDF: 35kb)
Timeline for Reporting Early Childhood Outcomes (Indicators B7 and C3) (DOC: 31kb)

This session will provide participants an opportunity to discuss the data analysis and reporting child outcomes for Indicators B7 and C3 in preparation for the February 2008 APR submission. OSEP and ECO staff will present relevant resources and information, followed by an open discussion where participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and to discuss options for data analysis and reporting on child outcomes.

Meeting the Challenge of Fiscal Stability: Refining an Interagency Finance System

Julie Curry, Maureen Greer, Erin Kinavey, Susan Ord
A National Position on Inclusion: An Opportunity for Dialogue (PPT: 2016kb)
Utah’s Finance System Planning (PPT: 357kb)
Meeting the Challenges of Fiscal Stability: Refining and Interagency Finance System (PPT: 4307kb)

This session will describe the strategic planning process that three states are implementing to address the fiscal challenges facing their early intervention systems. The states will share the challenges and opportunities that they have experienced while utilizing the skills and processes gained from the fiscal leadership symposium.

New Part C Coordinator Orientation

Jim Henson, Grace Kelly, Lynda Pletcher

This session, available by invitation only, will provide an orientation to the Part C system for Part C Coordinators who have been in their positions for less than one year. Features will include identification of OSEP requirements, a time table for reports, critical elements in a Part C system and TA resources. New coordinators will have an opportunity to ask questions and identify future TA needs.

PDA (Professional Development in Autism) Center: Five Years of Lessons Learned

Ilene Schwartz

The PDA Center provides training and support for school districts, families and communities to ensure that students with ASD have access to high quality, evidence-based services. In 5 years, the Center has provided training to more than 150 school districts. This session will include what we have learned about effective components and limitations of training and where that knowledge has led us toward providing training at district and state levels.

Using Assistive Technology with Infants and Toddlers

Philippa Campbell
Using Assistive Technology with Infants and Toddlers (PDF: 4801kb)
Tots-n-Tech
Technology and Media Division Of The Council for Exceptional Children
The Division for Early Childhood
Toys and playtime tips for children with special needs

A set of recommendations, based on studies carried out through Tots-N-Tech Research Institute, will be presented in this session. Participants will have opportunities to share information about how AT is used in their states and to discuss and identify recommendations for implementation in their own settings.

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Concurrent Sessions | Round 2

Monday, December 3, 2007

2 : 00 PM - 3 : 30 PM

“Connecting the Dots" -- Iowa’s Online Transition Training

Ann Bailey, Mary Schertz
Connecting The Dots (PPT: 1534kb)

This session will demonstrate an online training regarding tranisiton practices at age 3, designed to support states in addressing compliance. The training, developed by the Iowa Department of Education and the North Central Regional Resource Center, will assist Service Coordinators and LEA staff in understanding the early childhood transition process.

Cross-Sector Professional Development Systems: State Strategies to Support All Early Childhood Professionals

Lori Connors-Tadros, Sarah LeMoine
Cross-sector Professional Development Systems: (PPT: 4286kb)
SpecialQuest continues…..
National Professional Development Center on Inclusion

Share and discuss successes and lessons learned in implementing professional development systems and activities across sectors: child care, Head Start, public prekindergarten, early intervention, etc. Explore the key elements of a cross-sector approach and learn about new resources to support planning, including NCCIC’s Early Childhood Professional Development Systems Toolkit.

Cultural and Linguistic Competence in Early Childhood and Early Intervention Settings: The Role of Self-Assessment

Tawara Goode, Wendy Jones

Assessing attitudes, practices, structures, and policies of organizations and their personnel is a necessary, effective and systematic way to plan for and incorporate cultural and linguistic competence. The National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC) continues to pioneer innovative instruments and processes for conducting self-assessment. This session will offer participants the opportunity to engage in self-assessment, view a DVD vignette, and participate in facilitated discussions on self-assessment in early childhood and early intervention settings.

Do You Have a Vacancy? Factors Affecting Personnel Shortages and Strategies for Successful Recruitment/Retention

Sharon Ringwalt
Do You Have a Vacancy? (PPT: 66kb)

Personnel shortages can affect states’ compliance with OSEP indicators related to timeliness of evaluations, assessments, and delivery of services. This session will provide information gleaned from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA’s) focused initiative on personnel issues in healthcare and education. Common barriers to successful recruitment and retention will be presented, as well as potential solutions to these barriers.

Expanding Opportunities: A Cross-Agency Initiative to Promote Inclusive Options for Young Children with Disabilities, Birth to Five

Beth Caron, Moniquin Huggins, Jennifer Johnson, Mary Jones, Jim O'Brien, Jennifer Olson
Expanding Opportunities (PPT: 1098kb)

Over the last three years, The Child Care Bureau, the Office of Head Start, the Administration on Developmental Disabilities and OSEP have invited cross-agency teams from 11 states to participate in a strategic planning initiative with the goal of improving inclusive opportunities for young children with disabilities. In this session, Federal representatives from the sponsoring agencies will discuss the goals of the initiative. Representatives from Idaho and Oregon will provide updates on their achievements and ongoing efforts.

How a Functional and Responsive State Data System Can Help Address APR Indicators and General Supervision

Terry Harrison, Jamie Kilpatrick, Rich Lewis, Christine Nogami-Engime Rhonda Spence, Sharon Walsh, Wendy Whipple
NJEIS GENERAL SUPERVISION SYSTEM (PPT: 1041kb)
Data System Evolution (PPT: 299kb)
TENNESSEE’S EARLY INTERVENTION DATA SYSTEM (DOC: 132kb)

This session will describe the strategies, criteria, and considerations in revamping a state data system to become functional and responsive to the data needs of the state, including APR indicators and general supervision systems. Real life examples of data system development will be presented and demonstrated by state Part C Coordinators and national TA providers.

How To Explain the Numbers: Helping Staff, Parents, and Other Stakeholders Understand the Results of the NCSEAM Surveys for Part C (Indicator C4) and 619 (Indicator B8)

Batya Elbaum, Pamela Roush
How to Explain the Numbers (PPT: 367kb)

Making good use of data requires a common understanding of what the data mean. This session will provide participants with strategies for explaining the measures and percentages that come from the NCSEAM rating scales addressing Indicators C4 and B8.

No Magic Bullet! Effective Child Find Requires Many Different Approaches

Carl Dunst, Carol Trivette

What evidence there is from mostly randomized controlled studies suggests that there is no single answer to the question, “How do you increase child find and referral?” If you know your eligibility definition, monitor who takes care of the potentially eligible children, and understand whether these providers believe intervention can make a difference; then you can target your child find message and increase your referrals. This session will explore the major findings from the 5-year Tracking, Referral, and Assessment Center for Excellence (TRACE).

OSEP Part C Fiscal Management Verification: What Is It And How Do I Prepare?

David Steele, Anne Taylor
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS (PDF: 53kb)
OSEP Part C Fiscal Management Verification (PPT: 49kb)
OSEP Part C Fiscal Management Verification: What Is It And How Do I Prepare For It? (PPT: 298kb)
Federal Matching Rate (FMAP) for Medicaid and Multiplier – Kaiser Family Foundation (PDF: 375kb)
How Do I Prepare? (PPT: 14522kb)

This presentation will provide a detailed walk-through of the Part C Fiscal Management Verification Desk Audit, including definitions and practical information related to the implementation of requirements. States will learn more about this OSEP process and critical elements of the requirements.

Paving the Way for Earlier Intervention and Improved Outcomes for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Gail Houle, Rebecca Landa

Evaluating social and communication development in infants at high and low risk for ASD starting at 14 months of age revealed that approximately half of all children with ASD may be diagnosed around their first birthday. This session discusses recent findings using standardized tests of development and play-based behaviors in children 14, 18, and 24 months of age. The presentation focuses on how disruptions in social, communicative and play development can signal earlier diagnosis and lead to earlier intervention.

Rising to the Challenge of Supporting “Challenged Families”: The Early Childhood Family Support Community of Practice

Donna Beauchamp, Ann Turnbull
Early Childhood Family Support Community of Practice Fostering Wisdom-Based Action (PPT: 5632kb)
Beach Center On Disability

This presentation will focus on families who face multiple challenges and need responsive supports. It will highlight best available research, family wisdom, and professional wisdom as identified through the Early Childhood Family Support Community of Practice (CoP). Emphasis will be on how the CoP can be an ongoing resource for Part C systems.

RTI Goes To Pre-K: An Early Intervening System Called Recognition and Response

Virginia Buysse
The Recognition and Response Project

The session presents the origins of Recognition and Response and the rationale for using a multi-tier model for early intervening. Participants will have an opportunity to consider methods of universal screening and progress monitoring as part of an integrated assessment plan and review instructional support strategies within a three-tier model.

Zero Means Birth, Especially for Preterm Born Children: Early Intervention’s Opportunity and Responsibility

Heidelise Als
Zero Means Birth (PPT: 37726kb)
Changing the future for infants in intensive care

Preterm infants constitute 12 % of US newborns (18% for African Americans) and are the largest subgroup requiring Early Intervention (EI) and special school services. NIDCAP, an evidence-based cost effective intervention, begins in the newborn intensive care nursery, significantly prevents early and later disability. National implementation is strongly encouraged.

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Concurrent Sessions | Round 3

Monday, December 3, 2007

4 : 00 PM - 5 : 30 PM

Principles and Effective Practices for Providing EI Services in Natural Environments: Reaching Consensus

Joicey Hurth, Grace Kelly, Lynda Pletcher, Naomi Younggren
Key Principles and Practices for Providing Early Intervention Services in.Natural Environments: .Reaching Consensus (PPT: 83kb)
TA communities

A national workgroup of researchers, state leaders, family members and TA providers has been working to reach consensus and describe principles and practices of service delivery for young children and families in natural environments. Draft documents will be shared for group discussion and input. Participants should review the documents prior to the session at http://www.nectac.org under Announcements/handouts for Principles and Practices session at National Conference or ask for copies at the conference registration desk.

A National Position on Inclusion: An Opportunity for Dialogue

Virginia Buysse, Camille Catlett
DEC Position Statement Inclusion (PDF: 84kb)

This session will provide an opportunity to learn more about the development of a joint DEC-NAEYC position statement on inclusion. Participants will be encouraged to discuss core components and to provide suggestions. Next steps, including opportunities for submitting written comments on a draft, will be described.

CAPTA: Lessons Learned

Mary Jones, Laura Kender, John Lippitt, Kim Wedel, Regina Woodcock
Idaho CAPTA Lessons Learned (PPT: 37kb)
A Helping Hand: Mother to Mother (DOC: 30kb)
CAPTA: Lessons Learned.Child Welfare to EI Referrals.& Substance Exposed Newborns (PPT: 46kb)
The Massachusetts Early Childhood Linkage Initiative (MECLI) (DOC: 48kb)
Mandatory Referral Of Children, Birth To 3, for Infant Toddler Program (ITP) Services On All Child Abuse and Neglect Reports Dispositioned As Substantiated (DOC: 75kb)
Suggested Language for Talking with Parents about the Child Indicators (DOC: 32kb)
CFS/ITP Referral Flow Chart Mandatory Referral On All Substantiated Reports of Abuse/Neglect court related steps are shaded (DOC: 45kb)

This panel discussion highlights strategies of four states that are working collaboratively with child protective services agencies, birthing hospitals, and other agencies to refer, evaluate and serve infants and toddlers who are involved in a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect or are identified as affected by illegal substance abuse, or withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure.

Charting the Course for the Drug Endangered Child

Holly Hopper
Charting the Course .for the .Drug Endangered Child (PPT: 23650kb)
Kentucky's Drug Endangered Child (DEC) Training Network

Drug exposure in utero or in the home environment can result in a range of negative effects to children. Identifying situations of risk in time to respond can be difficult. Interventions, caregiver support and a healthy environment are critical to improve the developmental trajectory of children born to drug using mothers. Many exposed children have delays that are not severe enough to qualify for services. This session will address what we know about the effects of the drug using environment on ability to nurture the young child and how we can alter the course of the drug endangered child.

Consultation and Legal Authority Under IDEA

Kim Carlson, Laurie Dinnebeil

The expansion of itinerant services in most states has raised questions about the relative efficacy of service delivery models (direct vs. consultation). Consultation has been identified as a preferred model of intervention by some advocates. The presenters will address relevant research and the legal authority for consultation.

Creative Financing and Private Insurance (Part I)

Brad Hutton, Carolyn Stiles
Private Insurance Reimbursement in the .New York State – Early Intervention Program (PPT: 3533kb)
NH 2007 Insurance Legislation (PPT: 83kb)

In this two-part session, Part C Coordinators from diverse states will relate their experiences with obtaining private insurance to financially support Part C services. The session will focus on challenges (e.g., lifetime caps) and successes (e.g., new revenue streams) in accessing funding from health insurers. Opportunities for question and answers will be built into the session.

Critical Data Features That Can Enhance Finance, Billing, and Data Collaboration

Terry Harrison, Jamie Kilpatrick, Anne Lucas, Christine Nogami-Engime, Rhonda Spence, David Steele
NJEIS CENTRAL MANAGEMENT Finance, Billing, Data Collaboration (PPT: 988kb)
Data System Features that Enhance General Supervision (PPT: 8333kb)

This session will describe components of state data systems that were designed to augment state and local agencies' abilities to improve their systems of finance and billing. In addition, creation of data collaboration capabilities which enable more effective and timely transition and monitoring will be described and demonstrated.

Early Childhood Transition: Effective Approaches for Building and Sustaining State Infrastructure

Sheron Cochran, Dawn Downer, Linda Goodman, Maria Synodi, Kathy Whaley
Indiana’s Transition Initiative for Young Children and Families (DOC: 55kb)
SMOOTH AND EFFECTIVE TRANSITION OF YOUNG CHILDREN (DOC: 39kb)
Early Childhood Transition: Effective Approaches for Building and Sustaining State Infrastructure (PPT: 145kb)
Indiana’s Transition Initiative for Young Children and Families (DOC: 55kb)
Indiana's Transition Initiative for Young Children and Families (PPT: 224kb)
CT Transition (PPT: 8678kb)

This session provides an overview of the National Transition Initiative collaboratively sponsored by OSEP, the RRC Network, NECTAC and the National Early Childhood Transition Center. The initiative focuses training and TA supports to states as they design and implement effective systems in response to the APR early childhood transition indicators reflecting the regulatory requirements under the IDEA. Two states, Connecticut and Indiana, will share their multi-level strategies for change and maintenance of an infrastructure which leads to positive child and family transition outcomes. Strategies discussed will include approaches to general supervision, data collection and analysis, collaborative activities, policy clarification and personnel development.

Implementation of Interventions to Promote Young Children’s Social and Behavioral Outcomes

Glen Dunlap, Lise Fox, Barbara Smith
Implementation of Interventions to Promote Young Children’s Social and Behavioral Outcomes (PPT: 736kb)
Center for Evidence-Based Practice: Young Children with Challenging Behavior

Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations of Early Learning

The TA Center on Social Emotional Intervention provides states with training and technical assistance on effective approaches for promoting the social-emotional development of young children served under the IDEA. This session will include a description of the activities and resources of the Center and a focused discussion on what the Center can do to address needs and challenges.

Itinerant ECSE Part B (Section 619) Services: Research Support for Consultation and Legal Authority Under IDEA

Kim Carlson, Laurie Dinnebeil
Consultation and Legal Authority Under IDEA (PPT: 1131kb)

The expansion of itinerant services in most states has raised questions about the relative efficacy of service delivery models (direct vs. consultation). Consultation has been identified as a preferred model of intervention by some advocates. The presenters will address relevant research and the legal authority for consultation.

Local Benefits of Implementing Child Outcomes Data

Mary Ann Discenza, Sandi Harrington

The collection of child outcomes data is very new, but there are already reports of benefits at the local level. Virginia’s Part C Coordinator will share their approach to measuring child outcomes using the Child Outcomes Summary Form (COSF), and a local administrator will talk about how the implementation has impacted local programs and practices.

On the Road Home

Dottie Goodman, Mary Louise Jones, Brenda Sharp, Jan Stevenson
early steps: A New Look (PPT: 370kb)
On the Road Home (PPT: 5407kb)
Welcome to TEA's Hurricane Information Site

Almost two and one half years post hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we will reflect on the challenges faced by the Gulf states in the aftermath of massive destruction and diaspora of their populations. Insights will be offered through presentations by Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education staff from effected states on system operations and challenges then and now. Facilitated discussion will follow the presentation.

State and National Developments in Early Care and Education: Advocating for Quality Programs

Helen Blank
Federal Early Care and Education Issues (PPT: 1344kb)

This session will provide highlights of developments at state and federal levels concerning early care and education. It will discuss strategies advocates use to support investment in high quality programs and what the future landscape might be in the states and territories. Audience members are encouraged to share their experiences.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Plenary

6 : 00 PM - 8 : 00 PM

Pascal Trohanis Memorial Reception

Pat Slide Show cartoons (PPT: 21700kb)
Pat Slide Show Photos (PPT: 26492kb)

Everyone is invited to a tribute to the late Director of the National Early Childhood TA Center, Pat Trohanis. Members of the Trohanis family will participate in this Reception which will feature music, photo montage, and personal reflections.

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Plenary

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

9 : 00 AM - 11 : 00 AM

Greetings and Updates from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)

Lou Danielson, Ruth Ryder

Concurrent Meetings with MSIP State Contacts and Project Officers

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

11 : 30 AM - 12 : 30 PM

Section 619 State Contact

Section 619 Coordinators meeting with Nancy Treusch, OSEP MSIP

Team A - Gregg Corr

Part C and ICC representatives from the following states/jurisdictions: AR, BIA, DC, IA, KY, NM, ND, OR, PA, PR, RI, SD TX, VT, WV

Team B - Judy Gregorian

Part C and ICC representatives for the following states/jurisdictions: AS, AZ, CO, CNMI, CT, MP, FM, GU, HI, MH, MA, MI, OH, PW, TN,WA

Team C - Lois Taylor

Part C and ICC representatives from the following states/jurisdictions: AK, DE, FL, ID, KS, MD, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, OK, UT, VI, WY

Team D - Larry Ringer

Part C and ICC representatives from the following states/jurisdictions: AL, CA, GA, IL, IN, LA, ME, MN, MS, MO, NC, SC, VA, WI

Part D Early Childhood Projects and Parent Centers

OSEP Research to Practice Division Staff

Plenary

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

2 : 00 PM - 3 : 45 PM

History and Vision: Serving Families and Young Children with Special Needs

Robert “Bobby” Silverstein has over 30 years experience analyzing complex public policy issues and developing comprehensive, innovative, and common-sense legislative and regulatory solutions. Currently, Mr. Silverstein is the director of the Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy and is with the law firm of Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville, PC. Mr. Silverstein served in various staff capacities in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate between 1985 and 1997, negotiating and drafting bipartisan, consensus legislation. As staff director and chief counsel for the Subcommittee on Disability Policy of the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources, he was the behind-the-scenes architect of many bills enacted into law, including the IDEA (PL 99-457) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Respondents: Martha Ziegler, private consultant, parent leader and advocate for families and people with disabilities for over 40 years. Jan Thelen, 619 Coordinator, Special Education Office, NE State Department of Education, a leader in early childhood special education service system development and improvement for 33 years. Ron Benham, Part C Coordinator, MA State Department of Public Health, a leader in Early intervention service system development and improvement s for 24 years.

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Concurrent Sessions | Round 4

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

4 : 15 PM - 5 : 45 PM

Early Learning Guidelines: What are States Doing and What are the Implications?

Karen Alexander McGinley, Jim Lesko, Jana Martella, Catherine Scott Little
Early Learning Guidelines: What are States Doing and What are the Implications? (PPT: 517kb)
Delaware Infant and Toddler Early Learning Foundations (PPT: 641kb)
Examining the Content of Infant-Toddler Early Learning Guidelines: What Has Been Addressed and What Hasn’t? (PPT: 85kb)
ECEA SCASS RESOURCES ON EARLY LEARNING STANDARDS

Almost half of the states have published Early Learning Guidelines to describe the characteristics, skills, and knowledge they hope to facilitate in infants and toddlers. Participants in this session will learn how states can develop high quality guidelines that support best practices for infants and toddlers, hear recommendations from the ZERO TO THREE Expert Advisory Panel, and learn the results of content analyses of guidelines. Participants will discuss implications for developing or implementing early learning guidelines for infants and toddlers, how they connect and align with guidelines for children aged three to eight and for young children with disabilities.

A Primer for State Leaders in Translating Part C Services and Supports into Medicaid Reimbursement

Susan Mackey Andrews
This chart was originally developed for the Infant and Toddler Coordinator’s Association (ITCA) for inclusion in a Part C Medicaid Technical Assistance Manual (August 2005) (PDF: 16kb)

This session is designed to meet a range of states' needs, from Medicaid 101 to improving current Medicaid partnerships. Participants should bring questions and scenarios for problem solving or translation and creative approaches to accessing Medicaid to support EI/ECSE services and supports. Handouts will include a dictionary of terms to help in the translation process for EI/ECSE leaders interested in maximizing Medicaid funding for their state. The facilitator will be responsive to varying needs within the group.

Creative Financing and Private Insurance (Part II)

Dawn Downer, Linda Goodman, Brad Hutton
Indiana Part C First Steps (PPT: 45kb)

In this two-part session, Part C Coordinators from diverse states will relate their experiences with obtaining private insurance to financially support Part C services. The session will focus on challenges (e.g., lifetime caps) and successes (e.g., new revenue streams) in accessing funding from health insurers. Opportunities for question and answers will be built into the session.

Daddy's Boots/Mommy's Boots: Challenges for Young Children Who Face the Deployment of a Parent

Heather Hebdon
Daddy’s Boots/Mommy’s Boots- Challenges for Young Children who Face the Deployment of a Parent (PPT: 7550kb)
Military Homefront

Children with disabilities have many challenges, but when coupled with a parent deploying for military duty, the additional stress the family undergoes can be difficult. This interactive presentation will provide strategies, resources, and information on the needs of this population.

Important Ways That Early Interventionists Can Make a Difference in the Lives of Families with Infants Who Were Born Prematurely

Brenda Hussey-Gardner
Development of Infants Born Prematurely: Important Ways Early Interventionists Can Make a Difference (PDF: 280kb)

This presentation will provide information on medical issues associated with developmental delay in premature infants, research related to trends in early intervention services and ways to help families of children with premature infants, including monitoring developmental milestones and understanding preemie signals.

Maltreated Infants: Identifying Factors Associated with Poorer Outcomes

Julie McCrae, Anita Scarborough
Maltreated Infants: Identifying Factors Associated with Poorer Outcomes (PPT: 587kb)
Developmental Profiles of Young Maltreated Children

Presenters will provide characteristics of maltreated infants and their caregivers that are linked to poorer developmental outcomes five years later. Findings will be discussed in the context of how Part C can provide interventions to meet the vision of CAPTA that recognizes specific factors associated with later developmental problems.

Monitoring of Local Programs for Better Outcomes on Indicator B6

Marlene Christ, Mary Louise Jones, Ann Kremer, Cynthia Ramagos, Pam Reising-Rechner

Two states will share how they have improved performance and obtained better data in local programs for Indicator B6 (Preschool Settings). Monitoring of and technical assistance to low performing LEAs have been effective improvements strategies. There will be opportunities for discussion and questions.

National Professional Development Center on Inclusion (NPDCI): Products and Strategies to Support States

Virginia Buysse, Camille Catlett, Shelley deFosset, Pam Winton
DEC Position Statement Inclusion (PDF: 84kb)

Participants will learn about the components of an integrated plan and a state portfolio for professional development on inclusion. In this interactive session, participants will also learn about strategies and products that are being developed by NPDCI to support state cross-sector professional development planning for inclusion. Presenters will generate and share ideas about the kinds of supports that help them in their roles as facilitators of inclusion.

Personnel Preparation in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education: An Overview of Credentialing, Training and Technical Assistance, and Provider Perspectives

Mary Beth Bruder, Cristina Mogro-Wilson, Barbara Smith, Vicki Stayton
Personnel Preparation in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education: An Overview of Credentialing, Training and Technical Assistance, and (PPT: 451kb)

The Center to Inform Personnel Preparation Policy and Practice in Early Intervention and Preschool Education will give an overview of the national projects conducted over the past 5 years focusing on three main areas: (1) Credentialing for personnel working with children in Parts C and 619; (2) training and technical assistance; and (3) personnel perceptions from those working in the field.

Restructuring State Governance to Bring Early Childhood Programs and Services Together

Patricia Cameron, Paula Goff, Joicey Hurth, Vivian James
Massachusetts: Restructuring State Governance to Bring Early Childhood Programs Together (PPT: 197kb)

Several states have restructured how early care and education services are administered in order to create true collaborations and shared resources among various early childhood programs. States differ on which programs were brought together and on the mechanisms/impetus for doing so. KY, MA and NC will share their progress in these collaborative efforts, describing their approaches, challenges, impacts and lessons learned. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss and share their own experiences.

Transition and School Readiness: The State of the Evidence and Recommended Practices

Beth Rous
BarriersToTransition (DOC: 196kb)
Major Transition Barriers Identified for Young Children from Culturally Diverse Backgrounds and with Significant Disabilities (PDF: 200kb)
Transition and School Readiness (PPT: 1313kb)
PRELIMINARY LIST OF STANDARD PRACTICES (DOC: 1634kb)
NECTC, National Early Childhood Transition Center
State of the Evidence and Implications for Policy and Practice (PDF: 2102kb)

The National Early Childhood Transition Center (NECTC) will provide an overview of current research on transition and school readiness. Specific information on key transition practices will be presented along with strategies identified to support these practices for both sending and receiving agencies. Discussion will focus on the use of evidence-based practices.

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Concurrent Sessions

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

8 : 30 AM - 10 : 00 AM

Infant and Toddler Program Constituency Group Meeting

Ron Benham, Maureen Greer

Participants will debrief the Conference, with opportunities to discuss new learnings, questions and challenges. Participants may continue the discussion of future directions for early intervention. They will generate potential strategies for addressing challenges, and ideas for follow-up activities. The session is open to all interested in the Part C program for infants and toddlers and their families.

Parents and Family Members Constituency Group Meeting

Mary Eaddy, Nancy Peeler, Judy Swett

Participants will debrief the Conference, with opportunities to discuss new learnings, questions and challenges. Participants will discuss future directions for parent leadership and services for families and young children with special needs. They will generate potential strategies for addressing challenges, and ideas for follow-up activities. The session is open to all interested in parent leadership in IDEA early childhood programs.

Preschool Special Education Program Constituency Group Meeting

Mary Louise Jones, Jim Lesko

Participants will debrief the Conference, with opportunities to discuss new learnings, questions and challenges. Participants will discuss future directions for preschool special education programs. They will generate potential strategies for addressing challenges, and ideas for follow-up activities. The session is open to all interested in the Section 619 program.

Closing Plenary

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

10 : 30 AM - 12 : 15 PM

The Dance of Partnership: Why Do My Feet Hurt?

Janice Fialka
THE DANCE OF PARTNERSHIP: Why do my feet hurt? Strengthening the parent-professional partnership (PDF: 1321kb)
Working With Families: Rethinking Denial (PDF: 194kb)
A Few Strategies which Promote Parent-Professional Partnerships (PDF: 51kb)

Janice Fialka, nationally recognized social worker, author and speaker will present on Strengthening the parent-professional partnership. She writes and presents from her dual perspectives as a social worker of 30 years and as a mother of an adult with cognitive disabilities. Currently, she is the Special Projects Trainer for Michigan's Part C, Early On Training and Technical Assistance.

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Post-Conference Activities

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

12 : 30 PM - 5 : 00 PM

Pacific Basin Lunch and Technical Assistance Meeting

Representatives from the Pacific jurisdictions, OSEP and TA providers to the Pacific region.

1 : 30 PM - 5 : 00 PM

General Supervision, Monitoring, and Accountability: Contemplating the Annual Performance Report (APR)

Ann Bailey, Jennifer Huisken, Sharon Walsh

This session will focus on the general supervision and monitoring provisions of IDEA 2004 with a particular emphasis on Part C early intervention and Part B preschool special education. Discussions will be within the context of national accountability efforts particularly the importance of and use of valid and reliable data to ensure improved outcomes for children and their families. Requirements related to the State Performance Plan (SPP) and the Annual Performance Report (APR), state and local public reporting and the state and local determinations process will be discussed with opportunities for participants to identify and discuss issues and strategies related to their own state and local examples. The session will also discuss strategies for using state data to identify and correct noncompliance related to performance on SPP compliance indicators as well as reporting these data on SPP-C Indicator 9 and SPP-B Indicator 15 annually through the APR process. During the session, tools and strategies will be shared that have been developed by the North Central Regional Resource Center (NCRRC) to guide state and local planning for the use of performance data to prioritize and implement effective improvement strategies to ensure continued improved performance on SPP indicators. Participants will have opportunities to use these tools and work in small facilitated groups using their own state/local/regional data or data from hypothetical SPPS and APRs. There will be ample time for discussion of participants’ state and local issues and challenges.

Supporting Early Childhood Transition: State of the Evidence and Implications for Policy and Practice

Beth Rous
IDEA (DOC: 70kb)
Transition Conference Planning Timelines and APR Indicators (DOC: 92kb)
State of the Evidence and Implications for Policy and Practice (PPT: 1217kb)

The National Early Childhood Transition Center (NECTC) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs to investigate and validate practices and strategies that enhance the early childhood transition process and support positive school outcomes for children with disabilities. This 3 1/2 hour workshop is designed to provide administrators, professional development faculty, and trainers with information on broad-based transition practices that have emerged from the series of studies undertaken by NECTC. Information will be shared on a conceptual framework for transition that may be used to guide the identification of appropriate strategies at the local or state level. Specific findings related to the "at three" transition will be presented and discussed within the context of this conceptual framework and will include information on proposed child and family outcomes related to key transition practices. Time will be provided for sharing and discussion among participants about results from the NECTC studies and implications for state and local programs.

Supporting Young Children with Challlenging Behavior within Inclusive Programs: Adopting the Pyramid Model

Lise Fox, Mary Louise Hemmeter

This workshop will provide participants with an overview of the Pyramid Model Framework and the adoption of the approach by inclusive programs to promote the social development of young children and effectively address challenging behavior. Presenters will share case studies on the implementation of this model within child care, Head Start, and public school programs and share resources that are availalbe for training and program implementation.

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