Monday, October 16, 2023
9:00 am -10:30 am Opening Keynote
The Power of Your Mission
Liz Huntley
Using her own personal story, Ms. Huntley‘s presentation focuses on the negative impact of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) on brain development in young children and the power of early childhood intervention as a way to buffer the negative impact of the ACEs. Ms. Huntley will also discuss the positive impact of early childhood education on all students regardless of their home circumstances.
11:00 am-12:00 Noon Breakout Sessions
Strategies to Strengthen Emotional Well-Being in Early Intervention Professionals
Sydney Scarpulla & Nanci Scarpulla, MEd, LPC, NCC
General – All Audiences
Lecture Intermediate
Attendees will be introduced to the concept and importance of self-awareness and emotional well-being and how to implement that knowledge in their professions, classrooms, and homes.
Teaching Independent Sleep Skills to Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers
Kendall Hampton
General – All Audiences
Lecture, Discussion Introductory- Intermediate
This session will include an introduction to the science of sleep and describe developmental factors that affect sleep needs from infancy through the preschool years. We will also discuss sleep shaping and sleep training methods that are appropriate at different ages to foster independent sleep skills in young children of all abilities. How to support caregivers to implement healthy sleep routines and behavioral interventions that will result in their families getting the rest they need to thrive will also be addressed.
Modern Architects for a Strong Preschool Team: Collaboration Serving All Children
Ashley Isbell & David M Finn, EdD
General – All Audiences, Preschool/Classroom
Lecture, Discussion Introductory- Intermediate
This presentation will describe the role of para-professionals using the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Core Competencies. Examples of existing positions and their responsibilities will be presented. Members of a highly successful team will share strategies of how cooperation among team members can enhance effective, evidence-based practices.
How to Support Childcare Providers Who Care for Toddlers with Characteristics of Autism Through Coaching and Mentorship
Pam Ramsey, MCD, CCC-SLP & Mallory Manning, MS, CCC-SLP
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Speech-Language Pathologists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Discussion Introductory- Intermediate
This will be an interactive session with Early Intervention (Part C) providers who are also Autism Mentors on how to support childcare providers who care for children under three with characteristics of Autism. The five Autism Spectrum Disorder intervention practices adopted by Part C Early Intervention are effective in the childcare setting as well as the home and will be discussed.
Chapter 1: Pre-Verbal, Early Language Skills to Start Telling the Story
Emily Burkhalter, MS, CCC-SLP
General – All Audiences
Lecture, Discussion Introductory- Intermediate
This session will focus on what early language and preverbal skills are, why they are important, how you may already be working on some of them, and how easy and rewarding it is to use them in your activities. These early skills help children to begin to tell their stories and that is one of the main reasons we are all here, to help people tell their stories and live the life they were meant to.
An Overdue Paradigm Shift: Early Detection and Intervention for Cerebral Palsy
Valerie Pieraccini MS, OTR
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture Intermediate
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. Learn a new way of thinking about CP and why the “wait and see” approach is outdated. Understand the new evidence behind detection and treatment of CP and how to translate it into practice.
Let’s take a Sensory Road Trip: A Social Story
Kristie Hamby, IMH-E & Candy Chatman
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Intermediate
This training will teach you some navigational secrets to work with children with sensory needs. Let us drive around the curves and up the mountain to see how we can all work together to make this trip fun and exciting for everyone. We will talk about the road signs and how to read them for success. We will focus on the importance for reading the signs and focus on solutions to sensory needs. Maybe we will even write a social story to share about the conference. We will focus on the importance of social stories for children to understand their environment and other supports that may be needed in educational and everyday life.
1:30 pm-3:00 pm Breakout Sessions
The Proactive Classroom
Tiffany Simon, MA
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced
Sometimes as teachers and caregivers, we have an experience with a child that leaves us frazzled and frightful. That one experience might even cause us to have unfair perceptions of the child’s ability to handle similar experiences in the future. That is when the question becomes “am I protecting myself or harming this child’s development?” The Proactive Classroom will give caregivers an opportunity to share their tough experiences while healing from and learning through them. Participants will discuss the importance of experiences on early development, distinguish the differences between being proactive versus reactive, and brainstorm ideas for being more proactive in their own practices and programs.
Strategic Target Selection for Speech Sound Disorders
Carol Koch, EdD, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow, BCS-CL
Speech-Language Pathologists
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Intermediate
Target selection is an important key to effective intervention for children with severe speech sound disorders. This session will provide clear and helpful guidelines for using assessment data to inform target selection across several evidence-based approaches for working with children who have speech sound disorders.
Transitioning from Part C to Part B
Tabitha Perry, MS & Shelia Bolling, MS
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Part B
Lecture, Discussion Intermediate
Participants will learn how the school system and Early Intervention (EI) collaborate to provide a smooth transition from Part C (Early Intervention) to Part B (local school system). Learn about what occurs during the EI transition meeting as well as what occurs during the Part B referral meeting.
Understanding Motor Disturbances: Detection and Treatment
Valerie Pieraccini MS, OTR
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists, Nurses
Lecture Advanced
Disturbances in motor behavior in infants should alert us to look closer at the developing motor skills of young children. Early evaluation, monitoring, and/or treatment is crucial when neuroplasticity affords us the greatest opportunity for intervention to produce functional gains.
Her Name is Nora: Navigating the World with a Severe Developmentally Delayed/Medically Complex Child
Katie Malone, MCD, CCC-SLP
General – All Audiences
Lecture Introductory
Dive into the world of a parent with a severe developmentally delayed/medically complex child. Learn that a professional’s outlook affects teaching and/or therapy methods used, and how a positive outlook can make a huge impact on the child’s life. Hopefully our journey will encourage others to love each child that is placed in their care whole heartedly, no matter the size or amount of obstacles the child may face.
Art From Head To Toe
Amy Hess & Nancy Raia
General – All Audiences
Hands-on activities Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced
Come dive into multi sensory art! You will learn how to use every day tools to help your students create art that utilizes all the senses.
Evidence-Based Assessment Practices for Preschoolers Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Kameron C. Carden, PhD, CCC/SLP, LSLS Cert. AVEd
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Speech-Language Pathologists, Families
Lecture, Discussion Introductory, Intermediate
This session will cover the results of a survey study conducted in Alabama to identify school-based practitioner perceptions and practices regarding evaluating preschoolers who are deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) using listening and spoken language (LSL) for initial special education eligibility determinations. The study results will be compared with evidence-based recommendations from the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) and evidence-based assessment practices from the literature. A more evidence-based framework for evaluating preschoolers who are DHH using LSL will be explored.
3:15 pm – 4:45 pm Breakout Sessions
Understanding Substance Use Disorder and Its Impact on the Family
Amie Martin, LMSW, MEd & Mandy Irby, LMSW
General – All Audiences
Lecture Introductory
The session will encompass the science behind substance use including its impact on mothers, infants, and children. Topics addressed will include signs, symptoms, and effects of withdrawal; neonatal abstinence syndrome; and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder on infants and children. Attendees will also learn effective interpersonal communication, collaboration skills, and family engagement strategies that will facilitate rapport building and trust with this population.
Keeping an Eye on CVI (Cortical Visual Impairment)-An Early Intervention Guide for Families and Early Interventionists
Christine Spratling
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP))
Lecture, Discussion Introductory, Intermediate
“Keeping an Eye on CVI” was developed by the Georgia Sensory Assistance Project and Georgia PINES to help early interventionists and families understand better how Cortical Visual Impairment is affecting their child’s vision. It consists of 3 parts: the CVI assessor’s documents, a mini “CVI curriculum” for the early intervention specialist, and handouts for the family to inform and help document their child’s CVI journey.
The Importance of Attachment in Early Child Development
Jamie Hill, NCC, LPC, ECMH-E
General – All Audiences
Lecture, Discussion Introductory, Intermediate
Healthy attachment to a safe and consistent caregiver is vital to every child’s early social and emotional development. This session is an overview of how attachment forms, what it looks like and how to improve unhealthy attachment in young children.
Motor Impairments in Children on the Autism Spectrum; How to Assess and How to Intervene
Barbara Connolly PT, DPT, EdD, FAPTA
Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists
Lecture Intermediate
This session will provide an overview of the types of motor impairments that have been documented in children on the Autism Spectrum. Suggestions will be offered for assessment tools. The role of physical therapists and occupational therapists will be discussed with examples of effective intervention strategies.
Changes are Coming: Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) Updates
Stephanie Frucci Bear, EdS, CCC-SLP; Sheila Bolling; and Kathy Wilkins
General – All Audiences, Preschool/Classroom, Speech-Language Pathologists
Lecture Introductory
The focus of this presentation is sharing new guidance on the Early Intervention to Preschool Tracking Log (Indicator 12), upcoming changes to preschool outcomes (Indicator 7), and provide participants useful resources and instructions to improve Local Education Agency (LEA) data for Preschool Least Restrictive Environment (Indicator 6), and pertinent information on various topics with a focus on preschool students with disabilities, including Individualized Education Plan (IEP) development, eligibility considerations, monitoring, and more.
How to Administer the Infant-Toddler Developmental Assessment (IDA) and Developmental Assessment of Young Children (DAYC)
Vanessa Hinton, PhD
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals)
Lecture, Discussion Introductory
Participants will learn how to administer and score the Infant-Toddler Developmental Assessment (IDA) and Developmental Assessment of Young Children (DAYC) correctly. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions about these two protocols.
Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning (LAMP)/Words for Life (WFL): Vocabulary Review and Practice
Melissa Pouncey, MS, CCC-SLP
General – All Audiences
Lecture, Hands-on activities Introductory
In this 1 ½ – hour product training, participants will learn about Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) Words for Life. The class will cover the difference between LAMP and LAMP WFL, the guiding principles of LAMP WFL, saying words and phrases in 1-hit, transition and full basic tools, and strategies for teaching.
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
8:30 am-10:00 am Tuesday Keynote
Inviting Dad to the Dance: Building Partnerships with Fathers in Early Childhood
Jenna Weglarz-Ward, PhD
General – All Audiences
Strong father-child relationships support positive outcomes for children’s physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development, particularly for young children with disabilities. However, barriers to father involvement such as fathers not understanding their role in their children’s development, mothers acting as gatekeepers to information and services, or professionals not seeing fathers as valuable targets for intervention persist. This keynote will highlight major benefits, barriers, and strategies to support father involvement for fathers to engage with their children and support their development.
10:30 am-12:00 Noon Breakout Sessions
All Means All: Including Children with Challenging Behavior
Kimberly Hile PhD & Courtney O’Grady PhD
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Discussion, Hands-on activities Intermediate
Young children who exhibit challenging behaviors are often excluded (formally [i.e., suspension/expulsion] or informally [“please pick your child up as he/she’s having a bad day”]) from learning environments. This session will highlight the Pyramid Model’s evidence-based strategies for nurturing young children’s social/emotional development to support their full and active inclusion across settings. Participants will learn about the intervention tiers, strategies to replace challenging behaviors with positive social skills, and how to collaborate with families to set young children up for success.
Early Childhood Trauma and Brain Development
Sabrina Robinson, M.A. & Sarritha Scales
General – All Audiences, Preschool/Classroom, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Discussion, Hands-on activities Intermediate
The early years of a child’s life are very important for later health and development. How the brain grows is strongly affected by the child’s experiences with other people and the world. It is up to us to nurture the care for the mind which is critical for brain growth.
Making Center Time Meaningful
Susanne Napp & Linda Check
Preschool/Classroom, Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Intermediate
Center time is a critical part of the day in a preschool classroom. This session will provide strategies to ensure that this time is meaningful and engaging for all students-specifically those with special needs.
Hypotonia OR Low Tone: What is the Difference and What are the Interventions?
Barbara Connolly PT, DPT, EdD, FAPTA
Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists
Lecture Introductory, Intermediate
Children with Down Syndrome and other syndromes/conditions may present with hypotonia or low tone due to neuroanatomical differences in the structure of their brain,s but also due to sensory processing problems. Additionally, these children have been found to score differently on standardized tests of sensory processing when compared to the typically developing child. This session will provide an overview of the Central Hypotonia Care Pathway developed by the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. Effective evaluation and intervention strategies will also be presented.
Communicate with Me: Early Intervention and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
Dianna Havard Penn, MS, CCC-SLP
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Speech-Language Pathologists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Intermediate
This implementation-based session uses a variety of hands-on activities and video demonstrations to guide participants through the process of identifying, analyzing and applying the components needed for successful integration of AAC in the EI session using the “5 Steps of Early Intervention with AAC” tool. This tool will enable service providers to identify the following information and document it in an easy to follow format: a) identify motivators/engagement activities, b) identify the various modalities a child uses to communicates, c) list appropriate target vocabulary for activity, d) describe most effective environmental set up, and e) explain effective interaction strategies. This document can be used as a reference for parent coaching, as well as for families to reflect back on when the service provider is not present, facilitating generalization for both the family and the child.
Building an Effective Team: What Supervisors Need to Know
Nancy Gardner, OTR/L; Jessica Letson; Stephanie Holderby; Susan Sellers, JD; and Deb Aldridge
Program Directors, Managers, Supervisors, Team Leads
Discussion Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced
Today’s workplace has seen many changes since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the workforce itself is no exception. This session is designed for program directors and managers, team leads, CEOs and Executive Directors, or any others serving in a supervisory capacity. Topics to be discussed include: how to find and retain personnel, how to build upon employee strengths, understanding generational communication differences, differences in leadership styles, how to identify and mitigate a toxic work environment, how to address issues when one employee is “the problem”, how to have difficult conversations, and how to develop a personal network of peers to brainstorm with, collaborate with, or sometimes just vent.
Rain, Rain Go Away: Inclusive Indoor Play
Michala Steele, MS
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture, Hands-on activities Introductory, Intermediate
In this engaging 1 1/2-hour training, participants will explore activities to engage all developmental domains when the weather or other factors keep you and the children in your care indoors! Since we know that children learn best through their play, expect movement, interactive activities, and fun multisensory ideas!
Supporting Literacy Development and Exploring Available Resources for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children, Their Families and Professionals
Stacy Abrams, MA and Shanae Rouse
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Families
Lecture Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced
Strategies on supporting Literacy Development for young deaf children will be discussed and followed with an opportunity to learn about the available online resources, learning and networking opportunities made available on the Clerc Center Online Community for the families and professionals working with the children.
1:30-3:00 pm Breakout Sessions
Addressing Cerebral Visual Impairment in Young and Medically Complex Children: Early and Ongoing Multidisciplinary Collaboration is Critical
Kathleen M Weden, MS, OTR/L
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture Introductory, Intermediate
This session will present current evidence based practices for assessing and managing Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), and the role of the multidisciplinary team when working with these children. There will be a report of findings from a scoping review of interventions for children with CVI. Lastly, there will be a brief report on findings from a mixed-methods study examining a newly designed functional vision assessment for young and medically complex children with CVI, and caregiver experiences and perspectives on assessing their child’s vision.
Surviving to Thriving: Supporting Families and Infants Once They Transition From NICU to Home
Mary Beth Moses, PT, MS, PCS, NTMTC & Sandee Owen Coker, OTD, OT/L
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory, Intermediate
Supporting families and infants once they are home from the Neonatal-ICU (NICU) is a key factor in helping these babies and families thrive. Early Intervention providers will benefit from understanding the common challenges families and infants face after a NICU stay and practical strategies and resources to help families and promote infant regulation, feeding, growth, parental bonding and overall development.
Learning to Lead for Inclusion and Equity in Early Childhood
Jenna Weglarz-Ward, PhD; Kimberly Hile, PhD; and Courtney O’Grady, PhD
Creating an inclusive and equitable society is beneficial for everyone; however meaningfully including young children with disabilities and developmental delays and those at-risk for disabilities remains a struggle for most early childhood programs. This session will explore the common barriers and feasible strategies for inclusion at personal, program, state, and societal levels. We will end with a specific focus on developing our own inclusive and equitable philosophies and developing leadership skills to advocate for change.
Babies at Work: Therapy or Play
Kierstin Cusuman; Cindy Florence, MA; Jane Lamb; and Sara Mizerany Lemons
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory
Early intervention providers are often asked, “how do you do therapy with a baby?” We will explain why play is one of the most important tools we use. We will demonstrate how through play babies explore their world and work toward developmental milestones in all areas. Participants will learn how to use play to empower families to meet their child’s therapy goals.
Sink or Swim: Building Strong Speech and Language Skills Necessary for Success in the Preschool Classroom and Beyond
Kelli Ellis, MS CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert AVT & Natalie Baldwin, MCD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert AVT
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory, Intermediate
Because spoken language abilities are foundational for later academic success, it is critical that preschool educators have the tools to develop speech and language skills through daily preschool activities. Teachers and other service providers will learn practical strategies to incorporate language-rich instruction into their existing preschool curriculum and to identify at-risk students who need additional support.
Creating Meaningful Language Opportunities
Candi Milcznski
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals) and families
Lecture, Discussion Intermediate
Families will learn more about whole child approach. They will understand the importance of paying attention to each child development domain that’s beyond language. In this session we will discuss the purpose of language plan for each child, importance of child development, and how to interpret individual language/communication plan based on the child.
*The presentation will be given in ASL.
“Sensitive Senses”: Understanding the Importance of all Sensory Systems in Children
Samantha Davidson; Tashia Purnell, MEd; and Jennifer Hill
General – All Audiences
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory
In this training, we will explain the eight different sensory systems and how to include children with sensory needs. You will be shown several sensory activities for all age groups. Participants will enjoy walkthrough sensory stations as well as a make-and-take.
Please note: Maximum attendance for this make-and-take session is 100.
Take a Look, It’s In Our Book
Holly Glasgow
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture Introductory
This session will provide a brief overview of the Alabama Standard’s for Early Learning and Development, from concept to completion. Connections will be made from Standard Components, to classroom personalities, to tips for successful adoption and use.
3:15-4:45 pm Breakout Sessions
The Power of Ordinary Moments
Joy Winchester
General – All Audiences
Lecture Introductory
In a world where children have more resources than ever before why are they growing up so unhappy? We forgot that in early childhood the power of ordinary moments in every culture is what excites the brain. Let’s get back to the basics and celebrate the magic of the countless ordinary moments that build the brains of our children, if we allow them to have them.
Addressing Sensory-Based Feeding Challenges
Sandee Owen Coker OTD, OT/L & Margaret Summersell M.S., R.D.
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory, Intermediate
This session will explore family based strategies for addressing the feeding and nutritional needs of children with sensory based feeding problems. The session will build on a brief review of basic feeding/nutrition and then discuss assessment and intervention techniques used specifically with children who have sensory challenges. The effective use of a team approach will be emphasized.
I Want it My Way – Receptive Language Delay vs. Noncompliance
Tracy Martin, MS, CCC-SLP & Rachel Lunsford, MS, CCC-SLP
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Speech-Language Pathologists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory, Intermediate
Receptive language can be tricky to address in preschoolers. Is the problem that the child does not understand what you are saying or is it that the child is a preschooler who wants to do his/her own thing? Understanding vs. compliance will be discussed in this session, as well as looking at the definition and causes of late language emergence, and how to develop receptive language skills in the natural environment.
You’ve Got a Friend in Me! How Visuals Can Become Your BFF in the Preschool Classroom
Dorothy Kristen Tullis, MA., BCBA, LBA & Virginia Bjorklund
General – All Audiences, Preschool/Classroom
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory
Hey besties!!! We want you to learn more about your new BFF, visual supports!! In this session we will explain what visuals in the classroom can support, discuss multiple types of visual supports, and use hands-on examples to ensure you will be able to implement the strategies that have been explained.
Evaluating for Autism in Alabama: Developing Programs to Support Early Diagnosis & Prioritizing Rural and Diverse Communities
Wendy Pittard, Michelle Creekmore, Mary Beth Vick, MA
Early Intervention/Preschool Directors and Professionals
Lecture Intermediate
This session will include an overview of the Autism Initiative within Early Intervention and expansion efforts of Autism evaluations within Alabama. We will discuss the initiative components, how one can obtain assistance or service through the initiative, as well as an overview of sustainability plans for long term support to families. We will explore the diagnostic model, funding structure, and Department of Mental Health (DMH) Autism services. It is clear that there is a need for additional autism testing options within our state, especially for low-income families. This session will assist Early Intervention programs with how to create quality Autism testing for our rural and diverse communities for equitable access.
Congenital Heart Disease and Developmental Delay in Infancy and Early Childhood
Anna Ruth McCalley, MS, OTR/L, NTMTC
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture Introductory, Intermediate
We will provide info regarding how congenital heart disease impacts development and the importance of early monitoring/intervention for this population.
Supporting our Friends Who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Visually Impaired
Susie Thomas, EDD, CTVI, COMS, NBCT; Anna Peters, CTVI, NBC; Kathryn Duncan, EdS; Kim Moon; and Candi Milcznski
General – All Audiences
Lecture, Discussion Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced
During this session, participants will learn the importance of language acquisition for children with hearing differences. They will also be introduced to Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) Outreach and learn what is all about and how it can help their students who are deaf/hard of hearing or visually impaired. Participants will learn how to identify common characteristics of students with visual impairments and what a Functional Vision Assessment is and why it is important for students with vision loss. Finally, participants will be introduced to the resources available from the Center for Assistive Technology Training and some of the assistive technology that is available for students with vision loss.
Understanding your Child and Parent Rights
Felicia Carswell, MS Ed
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals)
Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory, Intermediate
Participants will gain detailed knowledge and understanding about child and parent rights. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and present scenarios.
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
8:30 am -9:30 am Breakout Sessions
Emotion Monsters: Helping Children Self-Regulate
Paula Peacock & Anna Gracey Whaley
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP))
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory
During this very engaging “make-and-take” training, participants will discuss the various ways to help children regain their self-control through self-regulation. Movement and FUN is a guarantee!
Please note: Maximum attendance for this make-and-take session is 100.
Executive Functioning Skills in “My Backpack”
Amy Brakenhoff
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory
Do you want to know more about executive functioning skills and build skills for yourself and your children? Join us as we explore executive functioning through a Conscious Discipline Lens. This session will explore skills we already have in our “backpacks,” as well as skills we want to add. You will discover strategies to help children put executive functioning skills in their “backpacks” too.
The Complexities of Feeding and Eating
Danielle Peters, MS, OT/R
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture, Hands-on activities Introductory
This is an educational session on the complexities that occur with those who have feeding and eating challenges. Strategies will be discussed to implement across all environments to help children and their caretakers feel more empowered to feed and help their child eat at a level they can be successful.
Playing with Words: Naturalistic Language Instruction in Early Childhood Classrooms
Ragan McLeod, PhD
Preschool/Classroom
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory
In this session, presenters will provide guidance for planning and implementing naturalistic language instruction embedded in daily classroom routines and activities. Resources and video examples will be shared.
Service Coordination Roundtable Discussion on Outcome Development
Nikki Thompson & Debra Florea
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals)
Lecture, Discussion Intermediate
Participants will engage in an active discussion on writing Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) outcomes. This open discussion will center on writing appropriate outcomes, specifically, outcomes for unusual parent/family concerns. Discussion will include how to write uncommon outcomes, criterion, and procedures to be functional and measurable. Participants are encouraged to bring specific concerns they have encountered to discuss at this session.
Morning Meeting: Promoting Character, Community, & Inclusion
Hannah Kennedy, PhD & Kate Scarborough, PhD
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom
Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory
In this session, practitioners will be given strategies, ideas, and resources to help build community through morning meeting activities in the inclusive early childhood setting. Presenters will provide interactive tools and structures for teachers to use to support students with disabilities and their peers in the inclusive classroom. This presentation will include strategies that teachers can use to target cross-disciplinary content, as well as social and emotional learning.
Differentiating Instruction for Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) Students Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Toolbox of Strategies to Support the Whole Child
Wendi Glass, BS, MS & Frankie Kietzman, EdS
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families, Undergraduate and Graduate Students in the field of ABA and other related fields
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory, Intermediate
This session will look at the unique characteristics of DHH learners with a focus on neurodiverse learners, including those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We will identify techniques to enhance teaching strategies to increase academic and language development, overcome barriers in our field of practice, and facilitate opportunities for supporting students, clients, consumers, parents, partners, communities, and other stakeholders. These methods will include, but are not limited to, sensory integration, social skills learning, ABA techniques, and foundational learning skills to allow students to make meaningful gains and acquire foundational skills.
9:45 am -10:45 am Breakout Sessions
Everything You Need to Know About Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS)
Billy Ronilo, MS, PT
General – All Audiences
Discussion Intermediate
Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS) is a sister-agency of Early Intervention within the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS). Come learn everything you would ever want to know about CRS from services provided to referrals, clinic, fees, etc.
Parenting an Exceptional Child: Understanding and Supporting Families Through the Cycle of Emotions
Ukawia Johnson, LMSW
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Speech-Language Pathologists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced
There are a variety of reasons why families’ involvement may differ, particularly those who are grieving the loss of the child they imagined. Many families experience a range of feelings when they are informed of child’s unique circumstance. We will list and describe various feelings and explore strategies to help parents and professionals approach and navigate these feelings.
“My Mommy Says My Brother Has Special Needs- Am I Not Special Too?”: The Unspoken Needs Of The “Other” Sibling
Michala Steele, MS
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture, Hands-on activities Intermediate
This training will analyze the typical vs. atypical sibling relationship. When the complaints of typical siblings are invalidated, challenging behaviors, attention-seeking habits, and feelings of resentment may arise. Participants will hear of my brother’s amazing journey from receiving a failure to thrive diagnosis to triumphing from early intervention services; while simultaneously hearing his younger sister’s point of view as she learns to excel in her own gifted program.
Alabama’s Early Intervention System: Do the Roots Run Deep?
Kristin B. Helms, OTD, OTR/L ; Kelley Prendergast, MS, CCC-SLP; Mary Drayton; and Stacie Rolf
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture, Discussion Introductory
Do referral partners in your community understand Early Intervention (EI) services at a working level? Do referral partners know how to explain Early Intervention services to families? Do referral partners know what differentiates EI from other programs in the community? Do all families understand they have been referred to Early Intervention? The Collective Impact Model in IDEA Part C (CIM-C), an OSEP-funded, five-year project focused on a structured approach to collaboration with community partners to improve child find referrals, has partnered with Alabama’s Early Intervention to work with a Local Child Find Team in the Dothan Early Intervention district. CIM-C Local Child Find Team members will discuss what was explored, learned, and developed to assist in answering these questions.
Authentic Early Childhood Rituals, Routines, and Activities: No More ‘Letter of the Week’!
Jennifer L. Kilgo, PhD
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families, Administrators
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced
This session will: (a) highlight the importance of early learning focused on authentic, evidence-based instruction for young children; (b) present a rationale for revamping learning rituals, routines, and literacy activities (e.g., circle time/morning meeting, letter of the week, calendar, themes); and (c) provide illustrations of authentic, contextually relevant instruction and learning opportunities. The focus will be on how to adapt routines and rituals to meet the abilities, experiences, and interests of all children; and how to focus on early literacy using environmental print and other authentic learning opportunities.
How to Reach Lovey- What to Do When You Have No Idea
April Baker, MS
Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Speech-Language Pathologists, Families
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory
This session will be about utilizing strategies and ideas to encourage speech and language development.
TCB in a Flash – Taking Care of Babies (and Toddlers): Improving Outcomes for Children with Hearing Loss through Early Access to Specialized Services
Kelli Ellis, M.S., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert AVT & Natalie Baldwin, MCD, CCC-SLP/LSLS Cert. AVT
General – All Audiences, Birth-3 (Early Intervention Professionals), Preschool/Classroom, Speech-Language Pathologists, Home Visitors (e.g. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Parents as Teachers (PAT), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)), Families
Lecture, Discussion, Hands-on activities Introductory, Intermediate
Early Intervention providers are often the “first responders” after diagnosis of hearing loss in young children. Professionals and families will explore real-world resources to assist them in acting early and effectively to achieve desired communication outcomes for their children. Participants will be prepared to successfully respond to this neurodevelopmental emergency!
11:00 am-12:00 pm Wednesday Closing Keynote
Bringing Empathy Back
Joy Winchester
General – All Audiences
Empathy as a practice is on a decline in adults and therefore children. We can’t give what we don’t have. How do we build empathy in ourselves and in our children when it seems to be a lost skill? There are intentional strategies that can be put into place each day and once those brain pathways are built it’s just a matter of using them regularly so you don’t lose them!