2025 International Inclusion Institute: Full Schedule

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7:30am EDT

(In-Person) Check in and Breakfast

Wednesday May 14, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am EDT

Wednesday May 14, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
TBA

Break

8:30am EDT

(Hybrid) Making Adaptations to Support Access and Meaningful Participation Within Everyday Routines and Activities for All Children

Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

TBA

All children have the right to meaningful participation in early care and education environments. Yet, children
with disabilities are often excluded from routines and activities within these environments. This session will
support practitioners in understanding how to use adaptations to promote participation and belonging within
classrooms. This session will also explore several online resources that are available at no-cost to support
adults in providing access and meaningful participation for each child.

Speakers

Megan Vinh

Senior TA Specialist, FPG

Bio

Allison Jones, M.Ed.

Technical Assistance Specialist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at UNC, Chapel Hill.

Allison Jones, M.Ed. is a TA Specialist with the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems. Allison has worked in the field of early childhood for over 20 years... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

Concurrent

8:30am EDT

(Hybrid) The Global Promotion of My Abilities First project and Taiwanese development and strategies to facilitate application of My Abilities ID Cards

Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

TBA

The My Abilities First (MAF) project, initiated in 2016, emphasizes empowering children and their families through self-expression and the use of positive language in children's services. In 2020, Taiwan joined this global MAF project by introducing My Abilities ID Cards (ABID) for children under 12 years old with special needs and placing these ABIDs on the first page of children's individual profiles to encourage practitioners to focus on children's strengths rather than their weaknesses. Additionally, Taiwan has expanded this transformative approach by incorporating ABID into physiotherapy education, highlighting the importance of a strength-based approach for children with special needs. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a discussion about challenges and solutions as well as lessons learned across differing contexts.

There are three subtitles to introduce the global promotion of My Abilities First project and Taiwanese development and strategies to facilitate application of My Abilities ID Cards. Three subtitles are: 1. Schiariti Veronica- My Abilities First: Global Promotion of Children's Right to Self-Expression. 2. Liao HF- Promoting My Abilities First: Launching My Abilities ID Card Demonstration Sites in Taiwan 3.Wang PJ- Facilitating Positive Language in HealthcareEducation in Taiwan: My Abilities ID Cards

Speakers

Dr. Verónica Schiariti

Adjunct Associate Professor; Creator of "My Abilities First" project, Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, BC, Canada

Dr. Schiariti has also led many knowledge translation initiatives to disseminate the application of the ICF Core Sets in clinical practice around the world. Her work has been recognized with different honours and awards, including the 2022 Children's Healthcare Canada Individual... Read More →

Professor Hua-Fang Liao

President, Taiwan Society of ICF, Taipei, Taiwan

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hua-Fang-Liao

Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

Concurrent

8:30am EDT

(In-Person) Assessing and Monitoring Communication in Young Autistic Children Using the Early Communication Indicator for Autism (ECI-A)

Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

TBA

The Early Communication Indicator for Autism (ECI-A), an adaptation of the original ECI, is a naturalistic, play-based measure designed to assess and monitor communication trajectories in autistic children aged 12–60 months. The presentation will include an overview of administration and scoring of the ECI-A, as well as ideas for using the ECI-A in practice and data from a recent study. It will include interactive components, such as examples from real parent-child interaction videos and opportunities for participant engagement and discussion. Attendees will gain knowledge about the ECI-A’s capacity to capture communication behaviors (e.g., gestures, vocalizations, speech, directed communication, joint attention) and track child progress, along with information about available ECI-A training opportunities.

Speakers

Jessica Steinbrenner

Associate Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Jessica Steinbrenner is a trained speech-language pathologist (SLP) and an associate professor in the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has worked with autistic individuals for over two decades as both an SLP and an... Read More →

Aishah Almathkour

Doctoral Student, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Aishah Almathkour, M.S., SLP, is a second-year doctoral student in the Speech and Hearing Sciences program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With a background in pediatric care gained from Kuwait and clinical practice in NC, Aishah developed a foundation in supporting... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

Concurrent

8:30am EDT

(In-Person) Building Tier-3 Supports for Child Care: One State’s Journey

Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

TBA

Dr. Walter Gilliam has stated that “Suspensions and expulsion are adult decisions and adult reactions to children’s behavior in those settings.” Join us to learn about our Behavior Support Network, rooted within the Pyramid Model’s evidence-based framework. From conception to implementation, presenters will describe how a behavior support network came to be a viable support for child care teachers. A description of how the PTR-YC model was adapted for use in child care will be discussed and; implementation successes and challenges will be shared. Join us on one state’s journey to implement behavior supports in child care.

Speakers

Stephanie McAvoy

Lead Behavior Specialist, Pyramid PIECES Behavior Support Network of South Carolina

Stephanie McAvoy is a Lead Behavior Specialist with the Pyramid PIECES Behavior Support Network. In this role, she provides behavior support services in child care programs throughout South Carolina. Stephanie has over 15 years of experience and holds a master’s degree in special... Read More →

Dr. Heather Googe

Principal Investigator, South Carolina Pyramid PIECES , SCIC, & SCPI

Dr. Googe has over 20 years of experience working in the field of early childhood special education and holds a PhD in Special Education from the University of South Carolina. She is a Research Assistant Professor at the Yvonne & Schuyler Moore Child Development Research Center at... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

Concurrent

8:30am EDT

(In-Person) From "Challenging" to Connected: How Belonging Impacts Children's Behavior

Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

TBA

Ever wonder why some environments bring out the best in children? This session invites providers to reframe challenging behaviors as expected and meaningful expressions of a child’s experiences. Participants will explore how belonging shapes children’s development and consider practical ways to create environments where every child feels connected and valued. Presenters will offer strategies for co-creating connection and inclusion and for turning challenging moments into opportunities for further understanding and supporting young children.

Speakers

Jackie Joseph

Research Associate Professor, University of Denver

Dr. Jackie Joseph is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Denver, where she is focused on connection, meaningful participation, and joyful learning across all levels of early childhood care and education systems. Dr. Joseph specializes in family partnerships and best... Read More →

Sally Hansen

Director of Development and Technical Assistance, University of Denver

Sally has been dedicated to early childhood care and education and children's mental health for over two decades, bringing a unique blend of therapeutic, behavioral, and administrative expertise to her work. With experience as a family therapist, early childhood behavior consultant... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

Concurrent

8:30am EDT

(In-Person) Harnessing the Power of Family’s Lived Experiences and Stories: Examples, Resources, and Practices

Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

TBA

This session will offer a unique opportunity to hear from individuals who can speak as both family members and professionals about what they experienced, what they learned, and what they want to share with families and professionals. Join us to hear their advice on the most effective practices for supporting family engagement, then dive into conversations about how to build reciprocal relationships in higher education, state professional development, and local program efforts.

Speakers

Camille Catlett

Senior Technical Assistance Specialist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

Camille Catlett | Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

Kelli Odden

Professor, Mayville State University

Kelli Odden is a professor of education at Mayville State University.

Samtra Devard

Samtra Devard is a family advocate from Bear, DE.

Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

Concurrent

10:00am EDT

(In-Person) Morning Break and Snacks

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am EDT

TBA

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
TBA

Break

10:30am EDT

(Hybrid) Empowering Your Child to Fly: Working Together to Foster Early Childhood Inclusion

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

TBA

As early childhood professionals and parents of children with a disability, Jani and Latisha have spent a lot of time thinking and wondering about relationships between parents and members of the early childhood field. These are powerful partnerships! How we can learn together using these unique perspectives? What are the most important components in the family-educator relationship? What makes for a successful partnership? Those questions and more will be explored in a session meant for families, educators and all early childhood "inclusionists." Join us to share stories, discuss the evidence, and basically just try to figure it out together.

Speakers

Jani Kozlowski

Technical Assistance Specialist, UNC-CH

Jani Kozlowski, MA is a passionate early childhood professional, author, speaker, technical assistance specialist and consultant focused on supporting each and every child and family during the most critical period of development. Jani provides professional development and technical... Read More →

Latisha R. Stuckey

Founder, Destiny's Child Foundation

Placeholder - will finalize when co-presenter confirms - Latisha R. Stuckey is a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She is a single parent of two sons. Latisha recently obtained her Master of Human Service Marriage and Family Counseling degree from Liberty University. She has... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

10:30am EDT

(Hybrid) Get Up & Move: Using Play & Movement to Promote Inclusion, Wellness, & Exploration in Early Childhood

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

TBA

Active learning is essential for social emotional development, health, wellness, and learning growth. Get Up and Move (GUM) activities help to engage children with diverse abilities socially, academically, and physically. This session centers on the importance of integrating active play, kinesthetic instruction, and physical movement into inclusive early childhood experiences. Participants will engage in “GUM” warm-ups, games, and simulations designed to get bodies moving, brains thinking, and smiles beaming. Participants will also explore and discuss high-leverage strategies to actively include children with a wide range of strengths and needs. And participants will leave with ready-to-implement ideas to meet the needs of all children through meaningful play.

Speakers

Amanda Kloo

Director of Inclusive Recreation, National Inclusion Project

Dr. Amanda Kloo is an educator, interventionist, and developmental specialist with decades of experience teaching children of all ages and abilities. She is Director of Inclusive Recreation at the National Inclusion Project, a nonprofit providing recreation programs, schools, and... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

10:30am EDT

(Hybrid) Voices of Inclusion: Beneficiary and Parent Perspectives from Sinfonía por el Perú

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

TBA

This session brings to life the perspectives of young musicians with differing abilities and their families participating in Sinfonía por el Perú, a nationally recognized social music program. By centering beneficiary and parent voices, this presentation highlights real experiences, expectations, and the essential role of family engagement in fostering truly inclusive music education.

Key Takeaways:

Youth Voices in Inclusion: Insights from interviews with young musicians with various abilities on their perceptions and expectations toward inclusion.
The Power of Family Engagement: Introduction of the Parent Package, a practical resource designed to empower families as active partners in their child's musical and social development.
Building Supportive, Inclusive Environments: Practical strategies for educators, administrators, and community leaders to strengthen inclusion within music programs, ensuring meaningful and sustainable participation for all.

This presentation will offer both pilot-tested insights and practical approaches, equipping participants with ideas to foster a culture of inclusion in their communities.

Speakers

Petra Kern

Owner & Founder/Fulbright Specialist, Music Therapy Consulting/Fulbright Perú

Dr. Petra Kern, Ph.D., MT-BC, MTA, DMtG, is a globally recognized expert in music therapy, with a strong commitment to family-centered inclusion practices. As a Fulbright Specialist (2024–2027), she collaborates with Sinfonía por el Perú, strengthening its Special Education Program... Read More →

Luis Alberto Castillo

Coordinator, Special Education, Sinfonía por el Perú

Luis Alberto Castillo Acosta is a lawyer, percussionist, and music educator with over 20 years of experience in music education. Trained in El Sistema Nacional de Orquestas de Mérida, Venezuela, he has dedicated his career to expanding opportunities for young musicians with disabilities. As... Read More →

Anel Romina Vasquez Cieza

Social Intervention Team, Special Education, Sinfonía por el Perú

Anel Vásquez is a Peruvian sociologist with expertise in social research, inclusion, and equity. A graduate of Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, she also studied at UNC-Chapel Hill as an exchange student. With six years of experience in both the public and private sectors... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

10:30am EDT

(In-Person) Tools for Preparing Adult Learners to Individualize to Support Each and Every Child

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

TBA

This session will focus on options for designing effective coursework and professional development that supports participants to learn, try out, and apply practices for supporting each and every learner. Techniques for addressing adaptations and evidence-based teaching practices will be offered, including ways in which to use place-based personas to support outcomes that reflect attention to early childhood inclusion.

Speakers

Camille Catlett

Senior Technical Assistance Specialist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

Camille Catlett | Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

Kelli Odden

Professor, Mayville State University

Kelli Odden is a professor of education at Mayville State University.

Sharon Little

Higher Education Liaison, Early Years (formerly Child Care Services Association)

Sharon Little, Ed.D is Higher Education Liaison with CCSA, with thirty-eight years of experience in the field of early education and adult learning. Sharon is a former Program Lead and Community College Faculty in Early Childhood Education, a recipient of SCRIPT-NC during her program... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

10:30am EDT

Addressing Exclusionary Discipline: Developing a Child Guidance Policy in Your Program that Supports Inclusion

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

TBA

This session on developing and implementing child guidance policies will equip participants with the knowledge and tools to create and refine child guidance policies that address challenging behaviors, support early childhood development, and ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive in inclusive environments. We will introduce and explore the Teaching and Guidance Essential Policies Checklist (TAGPEC) to help early childhood administrators, TA providers, program coaches, and practitioners design and implement system-level policies to support and promote children’s social-emotional development, prevent challenging behaviors, and to support families and staff.

Speakers

Anna Winneker

Project Director, Program-Wide Positive Behavior Support, University of South Florida

Anna Winneker has a professional and educational background working with children identified with emotional/behavior disorders in settings ranging from residential treatment to inclusion.She completed her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on exceptional student education... Read More →

Amanda Tamagni

Learning and Development Facilitator, University of South Florida

Amanda Tamagni, Ed.D., is a Learning and Development Facilitator in the Department of Child and Family Studies, Florida Center for Inclusive Communities at the University of South Florida. She provides technical assistance and training on inclusive early childhood practices and support to programs to build their capacity for implementing high-quality inclusion in early childhood settings. Amanda previously provided technical assistance... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

10:30am EDT

Calm and Connected: Embracing Co-Regulation in Early Childhood Settings

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

TBA

Co-regulation in early childhood is more than deep breathing and counting to ten. Adults can co-regulate with children throughout the day, during both challenging and low-stakes interactions with young children.Learn about the co-regulation/self-regulation continuum and how to develop a habit of promoting emotional intelligence and social-emotional development throughout the day and across activities.

Speakers

Sarah Sexton

Director, Family, Infant & Preschool Program

Dr. Sarah Sexton earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Boston University, two master’s degrees, one in special education and one in educational leadership, both from Bank Street College, and a doctorate from Appalachian State University. Dr. Sexton has worked... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

10:30am EDT

Stay-Play-Talk: A Peer-Mediated Intervention for Autistic Children with Limited or No Spoken Language

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

TBA

“Stay-Play-Talk" is a peer-mediated intervention that has been shown to have beneficial impacts on social communication skills for autistic children. This session will review strategies from Stay-Play-Talk to help peers be responsive play and communication partners. We will describe clinical applications for its use with autistic children with limited or no spoken language who are learning to use a speech-generating device to augment speech. The presentation will include video examples and practical tips for implementing peer-mediated interventions in real-world settings.

Speakers

Janet Weaver, MA

Project Coordinator, Juniper Gardens Children’s Project, University of Kansas

Janet Weaver is a Project Coordinator at Juniper Gardens Children’s Project in the Life Span Institute at the University of Kansas. She is the coordinator for the Peer Interventions for Preschoolers with Autism (PIPA) project, a five-year, multi-site study focused on adapting an... Read More →

Sarah Greer, MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC

Clinical Research Specialist, Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Sarah Greer (she/her) is a Clinical Research Specialist in the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is the site project coordinator for the Peer Interventions for Preschoolers with Autism (PIPA) project, a multi-site study... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

12:00pm EDT

(In-Person) Lunch

Wednesday May 14, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

TBA

Wednesday May 14, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
TBA

Break

1:00pm EDT

(Hybrid) “All About Me” As a Strategy for Self-Advocacy

Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

TBA

Self-advocacy is crucial for individuals with disabilities- especially kids! Self-advocacy is also challenging for individuals with disabilities- especially kids! It is a taught, learned, and practiced skill. Revamping the familiar “All About Me” activity is a fantastic way to equip children of all ages, stages, and abilities to make informed, authentic, empowered decisions about school, life, and play. During this session, we will engage together in hands-on, minds-on, hearts-on "All About Me" activities. Participants will leave with practical and meaningful ideas for strategy implementation.

Speakers

Amanda Kloo

Director of Inclusive Recreation, National Inclusion Project

Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

1:00pm EDT

(In-Person) Integrating Inclusive STEM Learning in Early Childhood Educators' Coursework and Professional Development

Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

TBA

Interested in how to incorporate emphasis on inclusive STEM learning in courses you already teach? Or workshops you already offer? This session will highlight specific strategies for weaving STEM learning and currently required content together. Discover what emphasis on STEM might look like in a course/presentation on language and literacy, family-centered practices, child development, early childhood curriculum, and more.

Speakers

Sarah Pedonti

Assistant Professor, Western Carolina University

Dr. Pedonti earned her degree in Child Development from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2008 and M.Ed. in Human Development from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2009. She taught in public early childhood programs and worked in Head Start for 10 years before earning her Ph.D. from UNC-Chapel... Read More →

Donna Harris

Mrs. Harris earned her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University in 2003 and graduated from Western Carolina University with a Master's degree in Birth-Kindergarten education. She has taught in a variety of classroom settings, including working with toddlers... Read More →

Jessica Amsbary

Technical Assistance Specialist, FPG Child Development Institute, UNC Chapel Hill

Dr. Jessica Amsbary is the Program Coordinator of the Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support (ECIFS) Master’s Degree in Education for Experienced Teachers program at UNC-Chapel Hill. She is also a Technical Assistance Specialist at the FPG Child Development Institute where... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

1:00pm EDT

Beyond Play: Parent Perspectives of Using Their Family's Everyday Routines to Support Their Young Children With Autism

Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

TBA

This session features parents of young children with autism who share their perspectives on receiving early intervention support designed to enhance their ability to foster their children's participation in everyday routines. Activities such as toothbrushing, dressing, going to the park, and mealtimes are often impacted when young children experience differences in social and communication development. Parents in this session will share their experiences and impressions of how helpful it is when early intervention supports focus on bolstering their children's learning outside of play routines.

Speakers

Kris Everhart

Associate Director, Family, Infant and Preschool Program

Following four years as a musician in the United States Marine Corps, Ms. Everhart graduated from Frostburg State University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communication and a minor in Public Relations. She received a second Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language... Read More →

Rebekah Norris

Speech-Language Pathologist, Family, Infant and Preschool Program

Rebekah Norris, MS, CCC-SLPMs. Norris is a licensed speech-language pathologist through the North Carolina Board of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

1:00pm EDT

Maximizing Opportunities for Learning and Development of All Young Children: A Universal Design for Learning Approach

Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

TBA

This interactive session will:
1. Review the research related to the role of access, participation, and belonging within the early childhood school and classroom
2. Hear from families and learn about their experiences navigating and partnering with their child’s school and early educators
3. Reflect upon the 3 Universal Design for Learning Principles (UDL) and apply the UDL principles to provide high-quality teaching and learning environments that support children’s development and allow all children to meet high expectations

Speakers

Bweikia Foster Steen

Associate Professor, George Mason University

Dr. Bweikia Steen has been involved in the early childhood education field for over 20 years. Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. She previously served as Associate professor and the director of the... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

1:00pm EDT

Understanding and Supporting Preschoolers’ Social Development

Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

TBA

In this interactive session, participants will learn about the Teacher Impression Scale (TIS), a 14 item impression scale completed following a 5-mintue center-time observation. The TIS is a practical tool that teachers can use to assess preschool children’s strengths, identify children who may experience challenges with peer social competence skills, and assess progress of children for whom programs have been developed to support peer social competence. Presenters will provide information for how teachers can use the TIS in their settings. Videos will be used for examples for teachers to practice coding the TIS. Discussions will focus on how teachers can use this measure in their own settings.

Speakers

Ann Sam

Senior Research Scientist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

Ann Sam, PhD, is a senior research scientist, at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. Her research and professional development interests are rooted in her direct experience as a public-school teacher working in preschool and kindergarten classrooms with students with... Read More →

Stephanie Reszka

Research Scientist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

Stephanie Reszka, PhD, is a researcher at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research centers on classroom and school-based interventions for children on the autism spectrum, with current and previous projects... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

2:30pm EDT

(In-Person) Afternoon Break and Snacks

Wednesday May 14, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

TBA

Wednesday May 14, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
TBA

Break

3:00pm EDT

Breaking Down Silos: Preparing the Early Childhood Workforce through a CDA Apprenticeship Program focused on Inclusion

Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

TBA

Evidence suggests all children prosper in high-quality, inclusive environments, but especially children with disabilities. However, many early educators haven’t been afforded the opportunity to learn evidence-based strategies that put children with disabilities on a path to reaching their full potential. This knowledge enhances children’s future academic and social outcomes, while simultaneously reducing the risk of teacher burnout. Learn about the University of Maryland’s (UMD) Early EdCorp, a Registered Apprenticeship program focused on preparing assistant teachers/paraeducators to leverage inclusive practices while earning their Child Development Associated (CDA) credential. Explore ways to partner with UMD’s Early EdCorp to promote inclusion in your community.

Speakers

Amanda Schwartz

Associate Project Director, Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention, University of Maryland at College Park

Amanda Schwartz is the Associate Project Director for the Maryland Early EdCorp Registered Apprenticeship program. She also serves as an instructor for the University of Maryland, College Park dual certification program for future early childhood and early childhood special education... Read More →

Christy Tirrell-Corbin

Executive Director, Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention, University of Maryland at College Park

Dr. Christy Tirrell-Corbin, is a Dean’s Impact Professor and a Clinical Professor of Human Development. She serves as the founding Executive Director of the Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention (CECEI), the Director of the Early Childhood General/Special Educat... Read More →

Beth Boyle

Inclusion Specialist, Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention, University of Maryland at College Park

Dr. Beth Boyle is a Faculty Research Associate at the University of Maryland, Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention. She has a Doctorate in Education, Early Childhood Special Education, and a master's in psychology. Her work has focused on both research and the development... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

3:00pm EDT

Changing the Narrative: Navigating Grief in Early Childhood Families with Children with Exceptionalities

Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

TBA

This session will explore the unique challenges that early childhood families, with children from birth to five, face when navigating grief, especially in the context of raising children with exceptionalities. We will address the emotional and practical complexities of grief and caregiving, incorporating the mental health needs of both infants and young children. Participants will gain valuable insights into fostering resilience and understanding and providing effective support for families while navigating grief through the lens of early childhood development and mental health.

Speakers

Marilyn Barge, DSW, LSW

Southeast Regional Board Member, Pennsylvania Association for Infant Mental Health

Presenter BIO: Marilyn Barge,DSW, LSWWebsite: https://www.pa-aimh.org/about-us.html Dr. Marilyn Barge holds a doctorate from Tulane University School of Social Work, a master's degree from Temple University, and a bachelor's degree in Social Work from Temple University. She also has a Pre-K-12 School Counseling certification from Rosemont College and holds... Read More →

Marilyn Pendelton, EdD, RN, LNC, CSN

CEO, Your Voice Heard, LLC

Presenter BIO: Marilyn Pendelton, EdD, RN, LNC, CSNWebsite:https://urvoiceheard.comDr. Pendelton is a transdisciplinary leader. She is the founder and CEO of Your Voice Heard, a federal government procurement-ready small business. Their mission is to educate and equip leaders, school communities, and workforce members with tools to recover from the grief caused by... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

3:00pm EDT

Integrating AI into Higher Education and Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

TBA

This session explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education by focusing on the integration of AI into Learning Management Systems (LMS) and higher education settings to ensure that all learners can access and participate fully. Participants will learn how AI can create personalized, inclusive learning experiences that address the unique needs of each and every learner, including multilingual learners and students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Attendees will leave with practical strategies to implement these AI tools responsibly, ensuring they are both inclusive and effective.

Speakers

Dorentina Dedushaj

Research Coordinator and Instructor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dorentina is a researcher and educator passionate about inclusive early childhood development and innovative learning. As a Research Coordinator at the Early Learning Lab (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), she manages projects focused on early childhood language development... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

3:00pm EDT

Navigating Preschool Itinerant Services: Best Practices for Success

Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

TBA

Dive deep into the world of itinerant services and uncover strategies that have positively impacted the lives of young children and families across states and school districts. In this session, we'll explore system-level considerations and innovative implementation approaches designed to enhance your programs. We will share guidance for embedding instruction, collaborative planning, IEP placement decisions, logistics, and professional development. Participants will have the chance to review the Illinois Itinerant Guidance, reflect on the content, and engage in discussions on how itinerant services can be brought to life in your programs.

Speakers

Ann Kremer

Project Director, Early CHOICES

Ann Kremer is the Project Director for Early CHOICES a preschool inclusion initiative of the Illinois State Board of Education. The mission of Early CHOICES is to increase high quality inclusive opportunities for young children. Ann has a masters of education in early childhood... Read More →

Ruth E. Gallucci

State ECSE AG Liaison, NASDSE

Ruth Gallucci serves as the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) State Early Childhood Special Education Affinity Group (ECSE AG) Liaison, as well as a Technical Assistance Consultant for the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) and... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

3:00pm EDT

Positive Social Engagement in Early Childhood Classrooms: What Does it Look Like?

Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

TBA

This session aims at presenting current evidence of everyday practices for nurturing peer interactions and supporting positive social engagement in early childhood classrooms. Participants will review recommended practices, watch video clips of classroom implementation, and discuss ways inclusive practices can be individualized to support the diverse learning profiles of children.

Speakers

Dr. Amy Grattan

Executive Director, Paul V. Sherlock Center On Disabilities Rhode Island College

Amy Grattan, Ph.D., is the executive director of the Sherlock Center on Disabilities. Her work in RI includes serving as a consultant to numerous RI initiatives focused on improving the quality of education for young children; participating and then leading the expansion and revisions... Read More →

Elena Soukakou

Honorary Research Fellow, University of Roehampton, UK

Elena P. Soukakou is an Honorary Research Fellow in the School Education, University of Roehampton, United Kingdom. She is also a visiting Professor at the Department of Early Childhood Education of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Dr. Soukakou has been working... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

3:00pm EDT

We Are Not Hard to Reach: Engaging Black Fathers of Children with Disabilities

Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

TBA

This presentations aims to develop a better understanding of the lived experiences of Black fathers of children with disabilities. The diagnosis of disability in a child presents a challenge for many parents and families (Huang, Kellett & St Jon 2010). For most parents learning about their children's disability, shock becomes the first response to dealing with the diagnosis (Hemming & Akurst 2009; Yaacob et al. 2021). Fathers are regarded as "hard to reach" by educators and practitioners within social services. In this session audience members will hear about lived experiences of the Black Father Crew, fathers of children with disabilities from across the United States.

Speakers

Brandy D. James

Director, Black Father Crew

Brandy James is the Early Childhood Learning Coordinator for Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation and Lecturer in the Department of Family Community Medicine at The University of Arizona. Her work has addressed a variety of topics in ECSE/EI, including early childhood providers... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent

3:00pm EDT

Assessment Practices that Integrate Cultural and Linguistic Factors for Bilingual Children

Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

TBA

This presentation centers on cultural and linguistic factors for assessing bilingual children. Fundamental components and strategies for framing an assessment that integrates these aspects will be discussed. Specific focus will be given to guiding principles for assessing language and communication skills. Key considerations relevant to working with families of children from bilingual backgrounds will be addressed as well.

Speakers

Kimberly C. Jenkins

University of North Carolina at Chapel HIll

Kimberly Jenkins, PhD, CCC-SLP is an assistant professor in the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research interest is the acquisition and development of language in children who are in the process of learning two languages... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
TBA

Concurrent