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Pre-Conference Events

Saturday, December 6, 2008

9 : 00 AM - 12 : 00 PM

Analyzing and Using Early Childhood Outcomes Data

Lisa Backer
Cornelia Bruckner
Kathy Hebbeler
Alice Ridgway

Roll up your sleeves and expand your skills on analyzing and using outcomes data at the pre-conference data workshop! There will be an emphasis on hands-on activities designed to increase participants’ skills for federal reporting as well as decision-making for program improvement. Participants are encouraged to bring their own state and/or local outcomes data. Continental Breakfast available at 8:00 am.

1 : 30 PM - 5 : 00 PM

Using Valid and Reliable Data to Identify and Correct Noncompliance

Colleen Head
Anne Lucas
Alma McPherson
Alice Ridgway
Ruth Ryder
Rhonda Spence
Sharon Walsh

In this intensive workshop, participants will use scenarios and discussion to understand how to collect valid and reliable data to: 1) identify noncompliance; 2) identify local factors contributing to noncompliance; 3) develop meaningful corrective action plans; and 4) verify correction of noncompliance. Strategies for electronic tracking correction of noncompliance will also be shared. State agency representatives will share how their states ensure they have valid and reliable data to use for effective monitoring.

2 : 00 PM - 6 : 00 PM

Orientation for New Part C Coordinators

James Henson
Grace Kelley
Lynda Pletcher
Rhonda Spence

This is a gathering of the new coordinators hired during this last year (January through December 2008). The aim of the session is to establish a supportive learning community of colleagues in similar circumstances. Participants will discuss specific issues, concerns and questions; explore new orientation materials and resource links; pre-view the Part C Coordinators Meeting organized by the Infant Toddlers Association (ITCA) and the OSEP Early Childhood Conference. Facilitators for the sessions are representatives of the national work group for Part C orientation.

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Constituency Group Meeting

Sunday, December 7, 2008

8 : 30 AM - 5 : 00 PM

Meeting of State ICC Chairs, Parents and Staff: Engaging, Orienting and Educating our Members

This year's meeting of ICC Chairs, parents and staff will include a brief orientation to the purpose and roles of State Interagency Coordinating Councils, followed by a panel presentation on ways to encourage partnerships on your SICC. During the afternoon, the group will meet jointly with members of ITCA, the Infant-Toddler Coordinators Association. Continental Breakfast available at 7:30 am.

Part C Coordinators Meeting

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. Additional participants may register to attend the meeting. Pre-registration through the Association is required for all participants. The meeting agenda includes: General Association Business, Reports and Products Update, Strategic Plan review, Future Directions, and Washington Federal Update.

1 : 00 PM - 5 : 00 PM

Consortium of Section 619 Coordinators Business Meeting

The Consortium of Section 619 Coordinators will hold its annual business meeting. The meeting is planned and chaired by the Steering Committee. The meeting begins with a great "meet and greet," followed by business items of importance to 619 coordinators. Regional steering committee representatives are elected at this meeting. The Strategic Planning Committee presents on accomplished, ongoing, and planned activities for linking Section 619 issues with other early childhood organizations and programs. This meeting is intended for state section 619 coordinators.

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Reception and Networking

Sunday, December 7, 2008

5 : 30 PM - 6 : 45 PM

Welcome Reception for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Judy Swett

Please join us for an opportunity to meet and network with other famiy members, reconnect with old friends and make new ones. If you have any questions about the conference there will be people available to answer them and to help you plan your time while you are here. This reception is being sponsored by PACER (from private funds).

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Plenary

Monday, December 8, 2008

8 : 30 AM - 10 : 30 AM

Welcome and Opening Plenary

OSEP Welcome by Gail Houle and Julia Martin Eile. Greetings by the Assistant Secretary of OSERS - Tracy Justesen. Welcome from NECTAC by Lynne Kahn and Dean Fixsen. Dan Habib, photo journalist, rarely thought about inclusion before he had his son Samuel seven years ago. Now he thinks about inclusion every day. Habib's documentary film Including Samuel examines the educational and social inclusion of youth with disabilities as a civil rights issue.

Concurrent Sessions

Monday, December 8, 2008

11 : 00 AM - 12 : 30 PM

A Town Meeting on Inclusion

Dan Habib

Join this session to take part in a town-meeting style discussion about the benefits and challenges of the educational and social inclusion of children with disabilities, facilitated by filmmaker and parent Dan Habib. Habib’s documentary film Including Samuel follows the efforts of the Habib family to include Samuel, now 8, in all facets of family, school and community life. Including Samuel also features four other families with varied inclusion experiences, plus interviews with dozens of teachers, young people, parents and disability rights experts.

Accountability: Alignment and Assessment of Early Learning Standards for Children Birth through Age Five

Linda Champion
Mary Louise Jones
Cindy Ramagos
Sandra Reifeiss

How do we determine what young children with disabilities know and are able to do? Two states will share their early learning standards for infants and toddlers and preschool/prekindergarten children. There will be a facilitated discussion about the alignment of the standards, how they are assessed, and how they are modified to meet the needs of all children.

Evidence-Based Practices in Early Childhood: How Professional Organizations Promote Research-Policy-Practice Connections

Linda Halgunseth
Rob Mullen
Dale Walker

Panelists representing professional organizations will discuss how their association defines evidence-based practice and the criteria used to determine if a practice is evidence-based. Ways in which organizations work with practitioners, families, policymakers, and researchers in understanding and implementing the latest recommended practices will also be discussed.

Facing the Challenge of Providing Services to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Part 1

Lee Grossman
Gail Houle
George Jesien
Georgina Peacock
Bonnie Strickland

A panel of representatives will present on current challenges and opportunities related to the earlier identification of young children with ASD and the increase in prevalence of ASD across the country. This panel will outline the national challenges and opportunities for state Part C programs. This is Part 1 of a 2 part session. Part 2 is offered later in the day at 4:00 pm-5:30 pm.

New Tools in the Tool Box: What We Need in the Next Generation of Early Childhood Assessments

Kathy Hebbeler

The session will provide an overview of the challenges of the current early childhood assessment tools. The presenter will lead the participants in a discussion of the needs for new instruments for various purposes and considerations for developers of the next generation of early childhood assessment tools.

Personnel Preparation: What We Know and What We Need to Know

Mary Beth Bruder
Vicki Stayton

The Center to Inform Personnel Preparation Policy and Practice in Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education has collected, synthesized, and analyzed information related to certification and licensure requirements for personnel in Part C and Part B, Section 619, as well as to the quality of training programs that prepare these personnel. This presentation will provide an overview of 10 studies completed by the Center, and the critical gaps in knowledge that were identified.

Promoting Young Children’s Participation in Activities and Routines through Adaptation and Assistive Technology Interventions

Philippa Campbell

Recent data suggest that adaptation and AT are not frequently used as interventions to promote infants' and preschoolers' participation in child care, home, and community settings. A system for using these interventions will be presented. Participants will learn how to use the system components through hands-on application with illustrative case studies.

Systematic Approaches to Improving State Compliance and Performance on APRs

Ardith Ferguson
Patti Fougere
Wendy Whipple

This session will explore the comprehensive activities undertaken by three states that have improved their performance and determination status. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss related issues, including: use of data and corrective action plans, and concrete improvement activities that target the root causes of specific issues.

The Fiscal Verification Process – Updates from OSEP

Charlie Kniseley
Lucille Sleger
Rhonda Spence

Representatives from the Office of Special Education Program (OSEP) will provide a detailed explanation of the Fiscal Verification Process.They will discuss OSEP's current fiscal verification procedures and how they were implemented during recent verification visits.

The Ripple Effects of Family Leadership

Darla Gundler
Chris Lehman
Barbara Popper
Rich Robison

Parent leaders know that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and that the leadership developed during those very first steps is often the leadership that grows and strengthens with time. Parent leadership is an individualized parent-driven endeavor, whether it is leading an IFSP or IEP meeting, or leading a state Interagency Coordinating Council. The presenters will discuss parent leadership activities and programs in their states geared for families receiving early intervention or preschool special education services, focusing on how to develop leadership programs that meet families’ needs and how to sustain these programs through administrative and policy changes.

Transition from Part C to Part B: Transitioning to Progress

Elizabeth Gordon
Kimberly Mitchell
Lianne Petrocelli
Kate Rogers
Ginger Sheppard
Susan Sheppick

OSEP staff will facilitate a panel presentation on effective early childhood transition strategies. Panelists from SD and VT representing Part C and Part B programs will discuss strategies for enhancing communication, coordination, and technical assistance at the local level. They will share how they have aligned policy and procedures to facilitate smooth transition from Part C to Part B that led to improvement in both the system and the data for the APR Indicators C8 and B12.

2 : 00 PM - 3 : 30 PM

Crossing the River: Bridging and Sharing Data to Make Transition Successful

Linda Goodman
Kala Surprenant
Maria Synodi

This session is designed to provide information about data sharing and bridging data gaps across Parts C to B to ensure successful transitions for toddlers with disabilities. The session will review applicable regulations under the IDEA, FERPA and other data confidentiality, retention and related requirements. Specific procedures and practices that states are using to improve transition will be shared. An opportunity for questions/answers and dialogue will be included.

Curriculum Framework as a Model for Quality Systems and Programming

Sarah Jackson
Susan Korey-Hirko

Presenters will give an overview of the elements of a Curriculum Framework including an explanation of four elements and how they link to one another, to other initiatives and to requirements such as IEPs. Presenters will also offer strategies to apply this content to your state/agency.

Early Childhood Transition: Facts, Figures, Fantasies, and the Future

Ron Dughman
Karen Mikkelsen
Phyllis Mondak
Beth Rous
Kathy Whaley

This session will provide a national context for examining early childhood transition by reviewing the APR data on what states are reporting and then looking at the National Early Childhood Transition Center's findings on efforts to support transition planning. The framework from Designing and Implementing Effective Early Childhood Transition will be reviewed, resources and tools presented, and state examples provided. Questions and discussions will end the session.

In-utero Substance Exposure: Good News, Bad News and Intervention Strategies

Celeste Gray
John Lippitt

This session will address identification and intervention for young children exposed to illegal substances in-utero, CAPTA requirement for child welfare notification and data on the incidence and impact of exposure. Presenters will facilitate a discussion on identification, roles, and intervention strategies.

National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders: Promoting Early Identification and Use of Evidence-Based Practices

Deborah Hatton
Sam Odom

Information about the early identification of autism spectrum disorders and the use of evidence-based practices (EBP) will be presented in this session. Early signs of ASD, manifestations of core features of ASD in young children, and resources for implementing evidence-based practices will be provided. In addition, the key goals of the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder will be shared.

National Professional Development Center on Inclusion (NPDCI): What’s in it for You?

Camille Catlett
Pam Winton

Recent legislation (2008 Higher Ed Act; 2007 HS Reauthorization) has established requirements and incentives for states to develop state-wide early childhood professional development systems and plans. NPDCI will share a multi-faceted approach to helping states develop cross-sector professional development plans to increase opportunities for high quality preschool inclusion. Presenters will also share concept papers, research compilations, activities, and planning processes including an online community to support conversation and exploration.

Personnel Issues in Early Intervention: A Discussion with Service Provider Associations

Elizabeth Kennedy
Tim Nanof
Diane Paul
Sandra Schefkind
Jackie Twining-Martin

Panelists representing service provider professional associations will discuss strategies their organizations are using to address personnel shortages in early intervention. Panelists will also discuss each organization's position statements and standards on training personnel to work in early intervention and how the associations work with universities, practitioners, and policymakers in understanding these requirements.

Response to Intervention (RTI) in Early Childhood: What Do We Know and What Does It Look Like?

Virginia Buysse
Judy Carta

Response to Intervention (RTI) is beginning to be discussed in the early childhood field as a possible approach to identifying and intervening with young children at-risk for and with developmental delays. Presenters will share their work and facilitate a discussion on how RTI can be successfully integrated into early childhood programs, including descriptions of specific promising screening/progress monitoring tools and tiered interventions.

The Impact of Privacy Regulations: How EHDI, Part C, and Health Providers Can Ensure that Children and Families Get Needed Services

Maureen Greer
Darla Gundler
Gayla Hutsell
Mary Louise Jones
Karl White

This session will address the critical importance of a strong partnership between the Part C Lead Agency and the EHDI program. Both Part C and EHDI support the goal of early identification and early intervention. System challenges and opportunities to meet the needs of infants with suspected or confirmed hearing loss will be discussed. Presenters will address issues related to the implementation of HIPAA and FERPA protections, transition to 619 or other appropriate placements and development of meaningful interagency agreements that also support the privacy rights of families.

The Science and Practice of Using Science in Practice

Karen Blase
Dean Fixsen

A presentation and summary of key factors to consider when trying to implement innovations in family and community settings. Practical advice will be offered to help identify and overcome some of the most common barriers to effective use of innovations for young children.

Using Technology for Training, Technical Assistance, and Strategic Communication - Part 1

Larry Edelman

This lively, provocative session will stimulate thinking about how we might adopt and use technology to effectively conduct needs assessments, deliver training and follow-up, support performance, disseminate information, and provide technical assistance. The session will demonstrate a number of emerging technologies and provide tools for determining the feasibility of adoption. Part 1 of a 2 part session.

4 : 00 PM - 5 : 30 PM

Adapting Literacy Learning Practices for Young Children with Disabilities

Carl Dunst
Carol Trivette

This session describes a framework for developing adaptations to the practices of the Center for Early Literacy Learning (CELL) that promote the early literacy learning of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities. This approach uses the least intrusive adaptations possible to promote the greatest level of child participation in everyday literacy learning activities which have development-enhancing characteristics and consequences.

Early Intervention Service Delivery Models: Who is Using What and What Do They Mean?

Carol Johnson
Lynda Pletcher
Roxane Romanick
Naomi Younggren

Primary service provider, primary coach, transdisciplinary team, consultation services; states have used these terms to describe their current or visionary early intervention service systems. During this session we will examine the meaning of these terms and how the associated models are being implemented across the country. We will explore how two states have approached the long term systemic change needed to sustain a service system change and the issues, challenges and success they have faced. In doing so, we will illustrate the process as the states move from referral through transition. Come exchange information with your colleagues who are in the process of adopting or sustaining designated service delivery models.

Facing the Challenge of Providing Services to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Part 2

Rebecca Giles
Erin Kinavey
Carol Noddings Eichinger

A panel of state representatives and a recipient of a state implementation grant for improving services for children and youth with ASD will react to national challenges and opportunities for state Part C programs. Panel members will share promising strategies and initiatives including: new private insurance legislation mandating coverage of services for children with an Autism diagnosis, CMS approved community based waiver to serve children with a diagnosis in the Autism Spectrum, and federally funded initiatives to improve access to health services for children and youth with ASD. Part 2 of a 2 part session.

How to Use (and Not Abuse) Your Child Outcomes Data for Public Messaging

Cornelia Bruckner
Kathy Hebbeler
Lynne Kahn
Alice Ridgway

The presenters will describe and show examples of how the child outcomes data collected for the APR can be disaggregated and/or summarized to produce meaningful information for various audiences about the progress of children participating in Early Intervention, EC Special Education, and in some states, other early childhood programs and services.

Influence of Trauma and Toxic Stress on the Social-Emotional Health of Infants and Toddlers and Their Families

Kimberly Diamond-Berry

Infant mental health and social/emotional development will be defined in the context of early care giving relationships. The influence of trauma on the prevalence of infants, toddlers and caregivers with social-emotional issues will also be examined. The presenter will engage participants using facilitated discussion and activities within this interactive session.

Preschool Inclusion: Fortunately It Only Gets Better. Here’s Why…

Patricia Cameron
Joan Izen
Ruth Littlefield
Donna Traynham
Valerie vonBehren
Nancy Vorobey

Are you looking for ways to enrich your APR improvement activities related to inclusion? You’ll leave this interactive session with ideas on interagency coordination and communication, data collection, and innovative ways to focus funds on statewide and local inclusion initiatives. This session is where you want to be for this round of concurrents.

Streamlining and Integrating State General Supervision Activities with APR Development

Ann Bailey
Martha Diefendorf
Jennifer Huisken-LaPointe
Anne Lucas

This workshop is designed for states to explore the implications of various strategies for integrating state general supervision activities with APR development. States will have the opportunity to engage in several activities to explore the degree of integration of their general supervision components and how best to organize their general supervision activities to ensure continuity with APR development activities.

Transition Across the Lifespan: Using Communities of Practice to Support Parent-Professional Partnerships

Nancy Peeler
Beth Rous
Ann Turnbull

This session will provide information on the experiences of a family member and university researchers as they partnered using a Communities of Practice approach to support families in understanding and navigating the transition process. Presenters will share key learnings, examples of strategies and products, and discuss with participants the implications for states, researchers and family members.

Using a Response to Intervention Framework to Promote Young Children’s Social Development: The Teaching Pyramid Model

Judy Carta
Lise Fox
Phillip Strain

Response to Intervention (RTI) models are being adopted by states to provide a continuum of evidence-based tiered interventions to improve the academic and behavioral outcomes for all students. The RTI problem solving framework offers a promising approach for meeting the needs of all young children within inclusive environments. The discussion will include the use of screening and ongoing assessment, implementation of the Pyramid Model as a RTI, and a discussion of the benefits and challenges associated with the implementation of RTI in early childhood programs.

Using Parent Training and Information Centers to Support Families Receiving Early Intervention

Connie Curtin
Cassie Johnston
Lianne Petrocelli
Carmen Sanchez
Marty Smith
Judy Swett

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires that all federally funded parent training and information centers (PTIs) provide training and information for parents of children from birth through 26. This presentation will focus on three PTIs that work collaboratively with their states (Minnesota, Vermont, and Washington) in helping families receiving early intervention services learn about their rights, disabilities, and child development.

Using Technology for Training, Technical Assistance, and Strategic Communication - Part 2

Larry Edelman

This lively, provocative session will stimulate thinking about how we might adopt and use technology to effectively conduct needs assessments, deliver training and follow-up, support performance, disseminate information, and provide technical assistance. The session will demonstrate a number of emerging technologies and provide tools for determining the feasibility of adoption. Part 2 of a 2 part session.

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Concurrent Meetings with MSIP State Contacts and OSEP Project Officers

Early Bird Session (optional)

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

7 : 30 AM - 8 : 45 AM

Planning the Agenda for 2009 Data Meeting

Jean Dauphinee
Joy Markowitz

This is an open discussion session designed to get feedback about the 2009 Data Meeting agenda. Participants will have ample opportunity to identify relevant data collection, reporting and analysis issues they would like covered at the Data Meeting.

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Plenary

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

9 : 00 AM - 10 : 30 AM

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

Ruth Ryder, Director of the Division of Monitoring and State Improvement Planning (MSIP) and Larry Wexler, Director of the Research to Practice Division (RTP) will provide updates and information from OSEP.

Concurrent Meetings with MIP State Contacts and OSEP Project Officers

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

11 : 00 AM - 12 : 30 PM

Part D Early Childhood Projects and Parent Centers

OSEP Research to Practice Division Staff

Section 619 Coordinators Meeting

Section 619 State Contact, Nancy Treusch, OSEP MSIP

Team A

Gregg Corr

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

Team B

Judy Gregorian

Part C and ICC representatives from the following states/jurisdictions: AS, CO, CNMI, CT, FM, GU, MA, MH, MI, MT, NV, OH, OK, PW, TN, WA

Team C

Alma McPherson

Part C and ICC representatives from the following states/jurisdictions: AK, AZ, DE, FL, HI, ID, KS, MD, NE, NH, NJ, NY, 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, NC, SC, VA, WI, WV

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Plenary

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

2 : 00 PM - 3 : 30 PM

Framing the Message: Using Research to Inform Practice

Pat Levitt

This presentation will review the efforts that neuroscientists have made in developing communication strategies for conveying research findings to inform policy makers with regard to investments in children. In this context, the concepts will be introduced regarding our current understanding of the factors that contribute to the development of human brain architecture and chemistry. The role of genes and environment in this complex process will be discussed, and how the two interplay to influence the development of complex behaviors, such as executive functions, emotional regulation and learning. The challenges in bringing a brain science perspective to the policy world will be a starting point for discussion.

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Concurrent Sessions

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

4 : 00 PM - 5 : 30 PM

Building Workforce Capacity: Utilizing Therapeutic Assistants

Ron Benham
Linda Goodman
Rick Ingraham
JoAnn Otlin

Connecticut, California and Massachusetts will highlight efforts and share materials regarding the utilization of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech/Language Assistants in service provision in early intervention programs. Specific guidance and documents will be shared to encourage audience discussion and participation.

Conversations with Pat Levitt on Environmental Factors

Pat Levitt

The conversation will discuss research findings that illustrate the disconnect between what we know about drugs, chemicals and other factors that can influence brain and fetal development, and what we do with regard to legal and public policies in dealing with pregnant women who have substance abuse issues. Examples of misinformed policies will be presented, and developing rational strategies for getting research information out to the public will be a point for discussion.

Effective Interventions for Promoting Social Development: Implementing and Sustaining Evidence-Based Practices

Lise Fox
Barbara Smith

Two national centers (Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Interventions for Young Children and the Center on the Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning) will provide guidance on the adoption, implementation, and scaling up of evidence-based practices to promote young children’s social development. Information on program models, resources, and critical features of sustainable programs will be provided.

It’s Essential, Not Just Icing on the Cake: Family Participation in State Outcomes Measurement Systems

Diana Colgrove
Chandra Jones
Carolyn Stiles
Erica Swanson
Vanessa Winborne

This session will highlight parent-professional partnerships and how these relationships have led to more successful child and family outcome measurement systems. Participants will hear the family perspective about how families have been and can be involved in state Outcome Measurement Systems. There will be time for discussion regarding family involvement in state outcomes work.

Medicaid in These Changing Times

Maureen Greer
Sharon Walsh

This session will explore the use of Medicaid by Part C systems, the challenges faced by states and the political context that impacts proposed changes in Medicaid. Presenters will review the current moratoria and will explore potential changes that may affect Part C.

MyTeachingPartner: A Consultative Model of Professional Development

Grace Funk

This session will provide information about MyTeachingPartner, a professional development program that uses an individualized consultative model to enhance teachers’ knowledge and skills. The presenter will describe the program and discuss the integral role of technology in the program. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss how this model might be adapted for use within their existing professional development systems.

Play as a Developmental Domain: Description, Assessment, and Intervention

Karin Lifter

Assessment and intervention in play to support children with delays and disabilities requires the assumption of play as a developmental domain. Empirically based descriptions of play, their connections to assessment, and their uses in play and social interventions will be presented followed by facilitated discussion centered on translation to practice.

Playing Well With Others: Interagency Partnerships

Kate Roper

This session will highlight Massachusetts' efforts in establishing meaningful relationships with multiple state agency partners to promote positive outcomes for young children served in a variety of early care settings.

Social and Emotional Impact After Neonatal Intensive Care

Penny Glass

Most professionals believe in the merits of early intervention services for young children with special needs. What are the important considerations when planning the treatment plan for a child who may be hospitalized or who has chronic health care needs? Many professionals, and parents, think “more is better” when it comes to therapy. This presentation will provide background information on early attachment/social relationships of a child, and discuss how this process may be disrupted for a child with special needs and multiple health issues. Considerations for planning comprehensive treatment programs for these infants and young children will be discussed.

SpecialQuest Birth-Five: Promoting State-level Cross-sector Professional Development on Inclusion

Linda Brekken
Patricia Cameron
Kathy Maybee
Phyllis Mondak
Donna Traynham

The SpecialQuest Birth-Five initiative is underway nationwide. Come learn about key themes across the 10 State Leadership Teams as they work to support state-level interagency professional development for inclusion. We will discuss specific strategies planned/implemented, resources, and lessons learned, as well as implications and opportunities for session participants in their work.

Thinking Through Improvement

Ann Bailey
Jennifer Huisken-LaPointe

"Thinking Through Improvement" is a planning process developed by the North Central Regional Resource Center. Emphasis is placed on using data to guide the improvement planning process. The materials provide information and activities on prioritizing areas for improvement, setting targets, selecting improvement activities, evaluating process and impact, and reporting progress.

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Constituency Group Meeting

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

8 : 30 AM - 10 : 00 AM

Infant and Toddler Program Constituency Group Meeting

Ron Benham
Terry Harrison

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 activiites. 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

Darla Gundler
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
Phyllis Mondak

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.

State TA System and CSPD Staff Constituency Group Meeting

Sharon Ringwalt
Kathy Whaley

Participants will debrief the Conference, with opportunities to discuss new learnings, questions and challenges. Particpants will discuss future directions for technical assistance and personnel development. They will generate potential strategies for addressing challenges, and ideas for follow-up activities. The session is open to all interested in technical assistance and professional development.

Closing Plenary

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

10 : 30 AM - 12 : 00 PM

Disability Awareness in Early Childhood Education

Keith Jones

Disability rights consultant, advocate, composer, producer, and hip-hop performer. Keith seizes every chance to use his life story to inspire youngsters with disabilities and to reassure their parents, opening their eyes to what is possible. Keith discusses the importance of disability awareness and inclusion in early childhood education, how issues of disability affect youth in their own self-perception, and the barriers or challenges that educators face around inclusion. Keith will also share what role if any, personal beliefs and/or prejudices play in interacting with and serving people with disabilities.

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Post-Conference Activities

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

1 : 30 PM - 5 : 00 PM

Identifying Permanent Hearing Loss in Children Served by Part C and Part B- Section 619 Programs

Diane Behl
William Eiserman
Terry Foust
Lenore Shisler
Randi Winston

This session will summarize the benefits of early identification of hearing loss and will demonstrate procedures that can be used in Part C and Section 619 programs to efficiently identify hearing loss. The workshop will focus on how program administrators at state, regional, and local levels can improve hearing screening practices.

Meeting the Transition Requirements: The State of the Evidence and Recommended Practice

Katherine McCormick
Beth Rous

The National Early Childhood Transition Center has engaged in five years of research to determine specific factors that impact the transition process for children at age 3 and as they enter kindergarten. This session will summarize findings from the research within the context of the transition APR and IDEA requirements (Indicators C8 and B12), via presentation and large and small group facilitated discussions.

12 : 30 PM - 5 : 00 PM

Pacific Basin Lunch and Technical Assistance Meeting

This meeting is for representatives from the Pacific jurisdictions, OSEP and TA providers to the Pacific region. Pre-registration required.

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