Michigan DEC Conference - FULL

The presenter will connect the Kindergarten CCSS to general Career and College Ready characteristics to facilitate a conversation on how Early Childhood Special Educators currently support and may continue to support children to find success as they transition to Kindergarten. This session will: provide an understanding of CCSS and Career and College (CCR) Characteristics; revealing practices (current and potential) to support student success in light of CCSS and CCR; and define messaging about how we can best support students and educators around these topics. (3-5)

In this session, participants will get an overview of both technology tools and other resources that you can use with early childhood learners. These activities and tools will enhance developmental learning in this group of youngsters. This session will include low tech, mid tech, websites and web-based activities for the little ones, and of course some apps! (B-8)

This session will introduce participants to the key components of moving to a function-oriented process when working with families of infants and toddlers. The concepts of interest-based learning, authentic assessment, gathering family information, child outcomes rating, and writing functional outcomes within the IFSP will be addressed. (B-3)

“I don’t have a lot of energy anymore. I’m running on empty.” Those are troubling words, but not uncommon for parents and providers. This interactive workshop will provide an overview of self-care strategies to use to restore energy and find a bit more balance in our work and lives. It is designed to be interactive, fun, and engaging.

This session is a panel discussion on the state approved assessment tools used to help determine a rating for the preschool special education child outcomes. All children enrolled in early childhood special education and receiving six months of continuous service are required to be assessed for the Child Outcomes Summary Form (COSF). A panel will discuss the tools and how they are being used for the Child Outcomes Summary Form (COSF). Participants will have the opportunity to view the tools and crosswalks as well ask questions.

Lack of time to practice and limited technical support can cause us to be frustrated with technology. At Ingham Intermediate School District, a Professional Learning Community (PLC) was created for Early On personnel to provide support and opportunities for learning. We know children learn by playing and so do adults. This community is a place to play and practice with all sorts of technology, such as digital video, iPads, and various software or Internet programs. This presentation will give educators and administrators an example of what could be created for a technology PLC for other districts. Strategies for professional support using resources such as Twitter will be discussed as well (attendees may want to bring laptops/smart phones to this session for hands on experiences). (B-8)

This session is intended to keep preschool special education program administrators and coordinators well-informed of topics related to Part B Section 619 of IDEA. Updates feature guidance from the Michigan Department of Education, professional development, and opportunities for questions and answers. This session on Early Childhood Special Education Updates will focus on 3 ECSE indicators: B6, Educational Environments, B7, Preschool Special Education Outcomes and B12, Transition. Information and updates on all 3 indicators will be discussed. (3-5)

The iPad has become the newest go-to gadget to engage young learners. Although it is only 3 years old, its easy-to-use touch screen and thousands of inexpensive apps make it a popular device for young children. This session will explore a range of resources and strategies for implementing these amazing devices into early childhood. Learn how an iPad, or other tablet device, can be a dynamic tool within an early childhood program as well as in the home. We will discuss the benefits and barriers as well as fundraising, research, accessories, and - of course – apps and where to find them. (B-8)

This session will introduce participants to the key components of moving to a function-oriented process when working with families of infants and toddlers. The concepts of interest-based learning, authentic assessment, gathering family information, child outcomes rating, and writing functional outcomes within the IFSP will be addressed. (B-3)

Every IEP/IFSP includes a checkbox to mark to "Consider the Assistive Technology Needs of the Student". Annually, the box is marked with an "X", but is assistive technology really "considered"? How do we really know what students need to be successful in the early childhood classroom? Parents and early childhood educators in this session will: understand what thoughtful consideration of assistive technology means, and will understand that consideration of the educational environment can make an impact on successful child outcomes. (B-8)

Teachers, therapists, and early interventionists will how to use video in their practice to assess children and monitor their progress, share information with parents, and build their own skill set. (B-5)

This session will describe the history of inclusionary program at the Midland County ESA. Specifics will include: how to plan for inclusion, how to fund inclusion, mistakes to avoid, and successes of inclusion. Target audience includes administrators, teachers, and itinerant staff.