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Audience: Early childhood special education professionals clear filter
Tuesday, May 13
 

9:00am EDT

(Hybrid) Demystifying Assistive Technology: Practical Tips for Early Childhood Professionals
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
This hands-on and interactive session will explore myths and facts related to the use of assistive technology (AT) in early childhood environments to help participants plan for and use AT as part of children’s everyday routines and activities. We will include specific examples of AT that attendees can explore, make/fabricate, and try out during the session, and engage in interactive activities to learn, practice, and plan for using AT to foster belonging and inclusion for children with disabilities. After the session participants will be able to:
1. Describe assistive technology and its benefits for young children.
2. Explain specific ways that they will be able to embed assistive technology into their own early childhood/early intervention work settings.
3. Leave with a set of resources and create an action plan to embed assistive technology to fully include children with disabilities across early childhood environments.  
Speakers
avatar for Ann Sam

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 →
avatar for Jessica Amsbary

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 →
avatar for Hsiu-wen Yang

Hsiu-wen Yang

Researcher, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
  Preconference, Practice-focused

9:00am EDT

(In-Person) Advancing Inclusive Practices to Promote Social-Emotional and Behavioral Development
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session, we will discuss how there is need for continued support for early childhood educators so that as we work to eliminate practices such as suspension and expulsion, we provide early childhood educators with a toolkit of inclusive, proactive, and preventative strategies they can use in its place to promote social emotional competence. We will also address how exclusionary discipline disproportionately impacts young children of color and young children with disabilities. We will provide strategies to facilitate the meaningful inclusion of all young children. This includes strategies on how to seek additional support for children with disabilities who may have behavior viewed as challenging.
Speakers
avatar for Megan Vinh

Megan Vinh

Senior TA Specialist, FPG
Bio
avatar for Courtney O'Grady

Courtney O'Grady

Assistant Professor, The University of Alabama
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
  Preconference, Behaviors that challenge

9:00am EDT

(In-Person) Fostering Communication and Literacy Skills for Children with Complex Support Needs in Inclusive Settings
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
Children with complex support needs require an extensive array of supports to access their environment, interact with others, participate in instruction, learn, and communicate autonomously. When these supports are not present, they have reduced access to language, communication, and literacy interactions compared to their peers with and without disabilities. This session will describe specific supports such as augmentative and alternative communication and accessible literacy lessons that address these needs and result in increased access, participation, and learning success.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Thompson

Lisa Thompson

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Allisa (Lisa) Thompson is currently a PhD student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she works as a research assistant in the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies. Prior to her doctoral studies, she served as a special education consultant, literacy consultant... Read More →
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
  Preconference, Practice-focused

9:00am EDT

(Virtual) Making Inclusion Work: Use of and Resources for Planning and Implementation of Early Care and Education Environment (ECEE) Indicators of High Quality Inclusion
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
Through the use of the ECEE Indicators, this workshop will share strategies and practices providers can use to support inclusion and belonging in their setting. The ECEE Strengths and Needs Assessment will be shared to support the development of an action plan that immediately recognizes what providers are doing to support inclusion and belonging and aids the provider in planning next steps to enhance inclusive practices. Participants will explore how practices can be embedded into the context of daily early childhood routines. The session will include opportunities to review videos and discuss implementation of the ECEE indicators in small groups and individually.  A resource site for supporting learning about the ECEE will also be shared with participants.
Speakers
avatar for Alissa Rausch

Alissa Rausch

Faculty, University of Denver
avatar for Ben Riepe

Ben Riepe

Senior Project Manager, University of Denver
Ben began his early childhood experience as a Head Start teacher, coach, and trainer. He is on staff at both the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations and the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center, where he supports high fidelity program-wide implementation of the Pyramid Model with families of diverse backgrounds in Denver, Colorado. His previous work includes the Colorado Center for Social Emotional Competence and Inclusion, where he supported communities in their efforts to embed evi... Read More →
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
  Preconference, Practice-focused

2:45pm EDT

(Hybrid) Implementing and Sustaining Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood Environments
Tuesday May 13, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
Speakers
avatar for Pat Snyder

Pat Snyder

UF Distinguished Professor David Lawrence Jr. Endowed Chair in Early Childhood Studies Director, Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies, University of Florida
I am a Distinguished Professor of Special Education and Early Childhood Studies, an affiliate Professor of Pediatrics, the David Lawrence Jr. Endowed Chair in Early Childhood Studies, and Director of the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies at the University... Read More →
avatar for Hsiu-wen Yang

Hsiu-wen Yang

Researcher, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
LG
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Tuesday May 13, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
  Plenary, Systems

4:30pm EDT

(In-Person) Reflection Session: Teachers and providers – Special education, regular education, childcare, Head Start
Tuesday May 13, 2025 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
TBA
Tuesday May 13, 2025 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
TBA
  Reflection, Practice-focused
 
Wednesday, May 14
 

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
avatar for Megan Vinh

Megan Vinh

Senior TA Specialist, FPG
Bio
avatar for Allison Jones

Allison Jones

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, Practice-focused

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
avatar for Jessica Steinbrenner

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 →
avatar for Aishah Almathkour

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, Autism

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
avatar for Stephanie McAvoy

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 →
avatar for Dr. Heather Googe

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, Systems

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
avatar for Jackie Joseph

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 →
avatar for Sally Hansen

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, Behaviors that challenge

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
avatar for Amanda Kloo

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, Practice-focused

10:30am EDT

(In-Person) 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
AW

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 →
AT

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, Behaviors that challenge

10:30am EDT

(In-Person) 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
avatar for Sarah Sexton

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, Practice-focused

10:30am EDT

(In-Person) 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
avatar for Janet Weaver

Janet Weaver

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 →
avatar for Sarah Greer, MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC

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, Autism

1:00pm EDT

(Hybrid) 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
avatar for Bweikia Foster Steen

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, Practice-focused

1:00pm EDT

(In-Person) Dollars and Sense: State and Local Considerations for Leveraging Funds to Support Inclusive Settings
Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA
Making individualized Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) placement decisions by first considering a regular early childhood program is a requirement under IDEA. Join the conversation to explore key data, factors, and leveraging points of your state, district and local community to identify:where children are who are key partners;which policies influence your actions, how funding sources may be used, and a commitment to action to support and expand inclusive opportunities for young children with disabilities. Tools and resources will be shared.
Speakers
avatar for Debbie Cate
Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA
  Concurrent, Systems

1:00pm EDT

(In-Person) 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
avatar for Ann Sam

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 →
avatar for Stephanie Reszka

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, Practice-focused

1:00pm EDT

(In-Person) Integrating AI into Higher Education and Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 3:30pm 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
avatar for Dorentina Dedushaj

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 1:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
TBA
  Concurrent, Higher education/Professional development

3:00pm EDT

(In-Person) 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
avatar for Kimberly C. Jenkins

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, Practice-focused

3:00pm EDT

(In-Person) 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
avatar for Ann Kremer

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 →
avatar for Ruth E. Gallucci

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, Systems

3:00pm EDT

(In-Person) 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
avatar for Elena Soukakou

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 →
DA

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 →
Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
TBA
  Concurrent, Practice-focused
 
Thursday, May 15
 

8:30am EDT

(Hybrid) Supporting Autistic Toddlers with Interfering Behaviors in Early Intervention
Thursday May 15, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
This session will focus on addressing interfering behaviors as part of early intervention services. We will describe the development process of freely available online modules to support EI providers to use a caregiver coaching model as part of their service to empower caregivers to use evidence-based practices (EBPs) in daily routines and activities. The module focused on addressing toddler's interfering behaviors will be described with video examples and case studies so that participants can explore how to use the module and its resources as part of their practice. The module format (including planning, using, and monitoring progress) will be outlined and user data related to EBP knowledge and module usefulness will be presented. Finally, participants will develop an action plan to apply what they learned in their own work.
Speakers
avatar for Ann Sam

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 →
avatar for Jessica Amsbary

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 →
Thursday May 15, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Concurrent, Autism

8:30am EDT

(In-Person) Tiered Coaching to Support Special Education Itinerant Practices in Early Childhood
Thursday May 15, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
This session focuses on a tiered coaching model designed to meet the specific needs of early childhood special education (ECSE) itinerant practioners who service young children with disabilities in general education classrooms including community programs. Attendees of this session will gain access to nuts and bolts of a state-wide itinerant training, the Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) Academy. The SEIT Academy is designed to promote and support the implementation of a special education itinerant model within early childhood programs as part of the continuum of services for preschool children with disabilities. Come learn about the benefits of tiered coaching that increases the effectiveness of professional development and supporting itinerant practioners establishing and/or enhancing the implementation of itinerant services within their school districts. 
Speakers
avatar for Tanya Hutchinson ECSE MA

Tanya Hutchinson ECSE MA

Special Education Itinerant Teacher Coach, University of South Carolina-South Carolina Parterships for Inclusion
Tanya Hutchinson serves as the Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) Coach. In this role, she supports school districts who have completed the SEIT Academy as they implement the special education itinerant model in preschool programs within their district. Tanya has over 25 years... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Kate Ascetta

Dr. Kate Ascetta

Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Special Education, University of South Carolina
Dr. Kate Ascetta is an assistant professor of Early Childhood Special Education. Before pursuing her Ph.D. at University of Oregon, she worked in a variety of settings with young children and early childhood teachers. She began as an early childhood special education teacher for young... Read More →
avatar for Melissa Griffin

Melissa Griffin

Technical Assistance Coordinator, University of South Carolina-South Carolina Partnerships for Inclusion
Melissa Griffin serves as the Technical Assistance Coordinator with SCPI. In this role, she facilitates the implementation of a tiered framework of supports for early childhood specialists and coordinates service delivery for districts working with SCPI to improve early childhood... Read More →
Thursday May 15, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Concurrent, Higher education/Professional development

10:15am EDT

(In-Person) Leveraging Primary Care to Promote Universal Screening and Early Connections for Young Children
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
TBA
Frequent, universal screenings in pediatric primary care are critical for identifying whether children are meeting key developmental milestones. Early and consistent screenings play a vital role in detecting potential developmental delays, behavioral concerns, and social-emotional challenges—issues that, if left unaddressed, can significantly impact a child’s long-term health and well-being. Beyond flagging potential concerns, these screenings reveal referral needs, ensuring families gain access to essential services and interventions. HealthySteps (HS) is an evidence-based program that strengthens pediatric care by embedding an early childhood specialist and behavioral health promotion/prevention expert into the primary care team, specifically serving families with children from birth to age three. HS Specialists collaborate with the primary care team and caregivers to promote healthy child development. In addition to providing positive parenting guidance, they support early identification and care coordination and systems navigation--ensuring families receive timely, effective connections to critical resources. This session will offer an in-depth overview of the HealthySteps approach, highlighting best practices for linking families to services, and strategies for equipping families to navigate the complexities of accessing care. Participants will be encouraged to engage throughout the session by asking questions and sharing their experiences
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Baron, Ph.D.

Melissa Baron, Ph.D.

Quality Director, HealthySteps, a program of ZERO TO THREE
As the Quality Director of HealthySeps, a program of ZERO TO THREE, Melissa Baron is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based services that support the healthy development of infants and toddlers. With a Ph.D. in Family Science and Human Development, she brings both academic... Read More →
avatar for Natalie Tackitt, MED, MSA

Natalie Tackitt, MED, MSA

North Carolina HealthySteps Coordinator, Zero to Three
Natalie Tackitt has over 30 years of experience in a variety of educational settings including classroom teaching in pre-school through high school, providing parenting education in home visiting, school and pediatric settings, elementary and middle school classroom education as a... Read More →
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
TBA
  Concurrent, Collaboration

10:15am EDT

(In-Person) Literacy Beginnings: Including Children with Extensive Support Needs in Emergent Literacy Learning
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
TBA
Emergent literacy is the foundation for later reading and writing development for all children. Emergent literacy activities help children develop understandings of the forms and functions of print, while developing essential language and communication skills. Children with extensive support needs often face barriers to participating in emergent literacy activities. Their combined language, communication, physical, sensory, and cognitive needs often result in limited learning opportunities. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is one essential support for children with extensive support needs. In this session, we will describe ways to incorporate AAC into comprehensive approaches to emergent literacy and provide hands-on practice using AAC during shared reading and using alternative pencils for writing.
Speakers
avatar for Suzanne Feinstein

Suzanne Feinstein

Suzanne Feinstein, M.A., CCC-SLP is a doctoral student in Speech & Hearing Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is currently a research assistant in the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies. Her research interests include understanding how various... Read More →
avatar for Hsiao-Ting Su

Hsiao-Ting Su

Doctoral Student, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hsiao-Ting, M.A., CCC-SLP, is currently a doctoral student in Speech & Hearing Sciences at the University o.f North Carolina-Chapel Hill where she works at the Center for Literacy Disability Studies as a research assistant. She is a bilingual Mandarin-English SLP and has worked in... Read More →
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
TBA
  Concurrent, Practice-focused
 
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Tuesday, May 13
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Thursday, May 15
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