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Audience: Professional development providers 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

(In-Person) Preparing Inclusion Advocates and Leaders: Tools and Strategies for Faculty and PD Providers
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
This session will focus on ways in which to build the capacity for early childhood educators to recognize, create, implement, evaluate, and advocate for high-quality inclusive learning and development opportunities for young children. Tools and strategies that help promote emphasis on the full participation of each and every child and their family will be highlighted. Presenters will share examples of how to bring an inclusive lens to any course or professional development offering. Focused tabletop discussions will provide opportunities for participants to follow their interests and learning priorities.
Speakers
avatar for Camille Catlett

Camille Catlett

Senior Technical Assistance Specialist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute
Camille Catlett | Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute
avatar for Kelli Odden

Kelli Odden

Professor, Mayville State University
Kelli Odden is a professor of education at Mayville State University.
avatar for Sharon Little

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 →
avatar for Samtra Devard

Samtra Devard

Samtra Devard is a youth and family advocate from Bear, DE.
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
  Preconference, Higher education/Professional development

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
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Tuesday May 13, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
  Plenary, Systems

2:45pm EDT

(Hybrid) Implementing and Sustaining Promising State Level Practices
Tuesday May 13, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
Speakers
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 →
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 →
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Tuesday May 13, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
  Plenary, Systems

4:30pm EDT

(In-Person) Reflection Session: Higher education faculty/Professional development providers
Tuesday May 13, 2025 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
TBA
Moderators
avatar for Camille Catlett

Camille Catlett

Senior Technical Assistance Specialist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute
Camille Catlett | Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute
Tuesday May 13, 2025 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
TBA
  Reflection, Higher education/Professional development
 
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

(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
avatar for Dr. Verónica Schiariti

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 →
avatar for Professor Hua-Fang Liao
avatar for Pei-Jung Wang

Pei-Jung Wang

Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy Department, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
Pei-Jung (Grace) Wang currently works as an assistant professor of physical therapy department at Asia University. Her research interest focus on pediatric rehabilitation, assessment and factors influencing mastery motivation in young children with and without developmental disabilities... Read More →
Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Concurrent, International

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

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
avatar for Camille Catlett

Camille Catlett

Senior Technical Assistance Specialist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute
Camille Catlett | Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute
avatar for Kelli Odden

Kelli Odden

Professor, Mayville State University
Kelli Odden is a professor of education at Mayville State University.
avatar for Samtra Devard

Samtra Devard

Samtra Devard is a youth and family advocate from Bear, DE.
Wednesday May 14, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Concurrent, Higher Education/Professional Development

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
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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) 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

(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
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 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

3:00pm EDT

(In-Person) 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
avatar for Amanda Schwartz

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 →
avatar for Christy Tirrell-Corbin

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 →
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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, Higher education/Professional development

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

(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) 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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Grumman
TBA
  • Break
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  • Keynote
  • Plenary
  • Preconference
  • Reflection
  • Age Group
  • 0-3
  • 3-5
  • PreK-3rd Grade
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  • Early childhood professionals
  • Early childhood special education professi
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