3:00 — 4:30 pm

• On Exhibit: Taking a Tour of Free and Fabulous Online Resources that Promote Evidence-Based Practices in Early Childhood (EI/EC)
  • Debbie Lickey and Deana Buck
    Room: Coral Reef E
    In this workshop the presenters will take the participants on a tour of three Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) sponsored programs: CSEFEL, CELL and CONNECT. These programs provide a treasure chest of free, downloadable activities, strategies, and family communications with an emphasis on pre-literacy, social emotional/ behavior and practical ways to modify and adapt activities and environment.
• Providing Primary Provider Early Intervention Services (EI)
  • Susan Sigler
    Room: Captain's Table B
    This session takes a look at the principles of a transdiciplinary approach to early intervention. Discussion will include the organization needed for a local system to truly support the primary provider approach in the delivery of services and what it takes to make the model work.
• The Effects of Music Therapy on Language Development in Young Children (EC)
  • Corey Herd Cassidy and Patricia Winter
    Room: Coral Reef B
    SLPs and music therapists collaborated to examine the impact of music therapy on language skills/interactions of preschool-aged children with communication disorders. Music therapy techniques that were utilized, including singing, playing musical instruments, and creative movement activities, will be explored and shared with the participants.
• Getting Kids on the Road to Reading: A Multisensory Approach to Early Literacy (EI/EC)
  • Vera Meyerholtz
    Room: Coral Reef C
    Young, diverse learners can achieve future reading success through carefully planned literacy instruction. Discover how to build a foundation for later reading proficiency. Explore effective ideas for a fun, positive impact on early learning. Learn how to implement appropriate practices in preschool.
• Supporting Parents in Raising Resilient Children: Resources for Social Emotional Development (EI)
  • Stacie Jackson and Cathy Cook
    Room: Coral Reef A
    We all agree parents are children's first teachers. How can we support parents as they build strong, resilient children through nurturing positive social-emotional development? This interactive session will begin with an overview of the research that supports building partnerships with families, utilize small group discussions about the roles of partners in early learning, and conclude with one 6-week teaching model for teaching parents how to build resilient children!
• Upping the Ante in Transition Planning Conferences (EI/EC)
  • Margaret Aunins, Kimberly Boose, Kathy Beasley
    Room: Captain's Table C
    Agendas for Transition Planning Conferences can vary widely based on parent understanding of the special education process and available services. They can also include targeted information to assist parents in making informed decisions about what is best for their family when the child may still be two and eligible for both Part B and C at the same time.

Tuesday July 17th, 2012

7:00 — 8:30 am Registration open/Vendors open
Room: Beach Club C Exhibit Hall

8:00 — 4:30 pm
All-Day Workshop:
Coaching in Early Intervention and Early Childhood (EI/EC)
Presenters:
M’Lisa Sheldon, PT, Ph.D., Director/Researcher
Dathan Rush, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, Associate Director/Researcher
Family, Infant and Preschool Program at the J. Iverson Riddle Development Center, Morganton, NC
Room: Beach Club A/B

TO ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP, YOU MUST HAVE PRE-REGISTERED WHEN YOU REGISTERED ONLINE FOR THE CONFERENCE.

This interactive and engaging workshop will support participants in understanding the evidence base and the characteristics of the practice of coaching in early intervention and preschool settings as an adult learning and capacity-building strategy. Participants will become aware of and have the opportunity to practice the use of reflective questioning, providing feedback, and joint planning. Handout materials will include tools and checklists related to use of coaching in early intervention across settings.

8:00 — 11:30 pm - Breakout Sessions and Seminars

8:00 — 11:30 am
Seminar 3:
Meaningful Activities for Teaching Math Concepts to Young Children (EC)
Presenters:
Cathy Cook, M.Ed.
Coordinator for Early Childhood, Family Involvement at James Madison University
Marilyn Rice, M.Ed.
Program Specialist, Early Childhood, VDOE TTAC at Virginia Commonwealth University
Room: Coral Reef C

This session is limited to 30 participants.

Young children begin experiencing the fundamentals of mathematics when they put two shoes on two feet, want more than one cookie, and learn that they are smaller than their parents. Embedding opportunities for children to count, classify, compare, and measure within the daily schedule will be the focus of this workshop. Strategies for developing developmentally appropriate math materials will be shared.

8:00-11:30 am
Seminar 4:
Supporting Families as they Learn More About Autism Spectrum Disorder: Hints, Strategies and Resources (EI/EC)
Presenters:
Deana Buck, Program Group Leader, Early Childhood & Education Program Area
Partnership for People with Disabilities at VCU
Dawn Hendricks, Ph.D., Director of Training, VCU Autism Center for Excellence
Room: Captain's Table A

Have you ever had concerns that a child you support may possibly have characteristics of autism spectrum disorder? Have you ever wondered how to discuss this with family members? A key role of early interventionists and early childhood providers is to ensure children get the specific services and supports they need. This includes talking to families and offering resources, information and guidance.

This session will provide participants with key information to assist families as they learn more about ASD and will include tips for talking to parents as well as identification of key resources. Participants will also learn more about the “Learn the Signs: Act Early” campaign, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wonderful, user-friendly resources have been developed for use by early intervention providers, early childhood providers, families, and medical professionals to improve developmental outcomes for all young children. Come to this interactive seminar to learn more about these wonderful resources and how they can be used in your work with young children and their families.

Sessions:
8:00 — 9:30 am

• Building Family Partnerships Through Reflective Practices (EC)
  • Mary Mackrain
    Room: Coral Reef E
    This session will explore key elements that support relationship based practices within early childhood supervision with an emphasis on the impact and implications of our own beliefs and experiences. Key themes include:
    • The impact of our own assumptions related to infant and early childhood mental health.
    • Our internal beliefs, traditions, culture and other characteristics of our life experiences that effect relationships.
    • The importance of the parallel process and perspective taking
    • Listening and wondering together as we supervise (being reflective)
• Inclusion Treasures to Enhance Learning and Family Connections (EI/EC)
  • Selina Flores
    Room: Coral Reef B
    Come discover rich resources that can help administrators, staff, and families to support the successful participation of very young children. We will explore evidence-based tools including activities, videos, websites, and training modules. Handouts will include diverse examples that can be helpful in many settings and applications. This session will feature an engaging combination of lecture and facilitated discussion coupled with demonstrations of media and websites
• Integrating Child Indicators into the IFSP, Part I (EI)
  • Sandy Harrington, Karen Walker, Beth Tolley, Susan Sigler
    Room: Captain's Table B
    This session will introduce and provide concrete strategies for integrating the child indicators through the entire IFSP process from intake to transition.
• How Do I Get from Here to There? Transition from EI to School (EI/EC)
  • Stacie Jackson
    Room: Coral Reef A
    We will focus our session on how one local Infant & Toddler Connection office works with local school divisions to ensure smooth transitions for families from early intervention services to school-based services. Participants will take part in small group and large group discussions and brainstorming.
• Autism 101 (EC)
  • Amanda Armstrong
    Room: Coral Reef D
    This workshop will offer participants an overview of autism and strategies to support students with autism. Participants will be able to recognize the needs of students with autism, relate supports for students with autism to the needs of all students, and identify evidence-based practices to meet the needs of students with autism. The information will be presented through lecture, video, hands-on activities, and group discussions.
• Medicaid Waivers: Getting Started (EI)
  • Lynn Blythe and Debra Holloway
    Room: Captain's Table C
    This session will provide information on Virginia's Medicaid Waivers. The focus will be on how early childhood professionals can support families in learning how to access this important resource. Medicaid Waiver information is of particular importance to families due to the recent Department of Justice (DOJ) --Commonwealth of VA Settlement that is expected to increase the availability of this long-term care resource.
• AT Work Session (EI/EC)
  Room: Orion's 11th Floor
  

  PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR MAKE-IT/TAKE-IT

10:00 — 11:30 am

• Early Relationships Matter: Strategies for Increasing the Quality of Early Interactions to Enhance Lifelong Social Development (EI/EC)
  • Dr. Kristen Roorbach Jamison
    Room: Coral Reef A
    Consistent, positive interactions between young children and caregivers are essential to later development. Teachers and service providers are in a unique position to increase positive interactions in young children's lives. This presentation and interactive discussion will introduce strategies for increasing high quality interactions in early classrooms and home visiting programs as well as identify "red flags" in social/emotional development that may suggest the need for early intervention.
• Let the Children Play: The Importance of Play in Early Childhood (EC)
  • Michelle Swain-Clauberg and Betsy Darling
    Room: Coral Reef D
    Play should be an essential part of every child's early childhood experience. Come play with us and learn about why play is important and how to include play in your program's curriculum every day.
• Integrating Child Indicators into the IFSP, Part II (EI)
  • Sandy Harrington, Karen Walker, Beth Tolley, Susan Sigler
    Room: Captain's Table B
    This session will introduce and provide concrete strategies for integrating the child indicators through the entire IFSP process from intake to transition.
• A Parent's Perspective on Family-Centered Practices (EI)
  • Debra Holloway
  Room: Captain's Table C
  
• Enhancing Supervision through Relationships, Respect and Reflection (EI/EC)
  • Mary Mackrain
    Room: Coral Reef E
    Through reflection and discussion, this session will explore social emotional development to include behavioral milestones of infants and young children within the context of caring relationships and the effects of the caregiving environment. Participants will:
    • Explore and discuss simple, research-based strategies to enhance adult practices associated with social and emotional well-being within natural settings;
    • Recognize critical typical and atypical social and emotional milestones of very young children;
    • Learn best practice promotion and prevention strategies for building social emotional health in infants and young children that are easy to implement.
• FREE Inclusive Practices for Teaching ALL Children (EI/EC)
  • Phyllis Mondak and Sandy Wilberger
    Room: Coral Reef B
    The session will expand the teaching skill set for teachers, child care providers, and others that work with children and their families. It will discuss the various strategies to work with children with a wide range of abilities and backgrounds. Resources on a variety of teaching strategies, imbedding skills within the routine already established, working with other service providers collaboratively, working with parents, and other staff development topics such as how to improve team work will be shared.
• AT Work Session (EI/EC)
  Room: Orion's 11th Floor

11:30 am — 1:00 pm Boxed lunches provided/Vendors open

1:00 — 4:30 pm
Seminar 5:
Tips and Tools for Supporting Social and Emotional Health of Young Children within Natural Environments (EI/EC)
Presenter: Mary Mackrain, M.Ed, IMH-E (IV)
Room: Captain's Table A

Participants in this session will reflect and discuss social emotional development of infants and young children. The seminar will focus on: research-based strategies that enhance adult practices associated with the well-being of very young children in natural settings, typical and atypical milestones in this area, and best practice promotion and prevention strategies for building social emotional health in very young children. Infant Mental Health endorsement competency areas supported through this training include: Theoretical Foundations, Direct Service Skills, and Thinking.

1:00 — 4:30 pm
Seminar 6:
Video Self-Modeling for Children with Autism (EI/EC)
Presenter: Amanda Armstrong, M.Ed., BCBA
Coordinator of Autism Services, VDOE TTAC at James Madison University
Room: Coral Reef D

This workshop will offer participants an understanding of how to use video modeling to make effective behavior changes in the classroom with students with autism. Participants will practice capturing videos, editing videos and planning the use of videos.

Sessions:
1:00 — 2:30 pm

• Beyond Sand and Water: Irresistible Sensory Trays and Bins (EC)
  • Nicole Root
    Room: Coral Reef E
    Through the presentation of unique combinations of sensory-rich and open-ended materials, participants will be inspired to offer more than just beans and rice for sensory play. They will also realize how easy and fun it is to provide hands-on play when one begins thinking outside the box.
• Take a Look It's in a Book: Using Children's Literature to Design Interactive Activities and Instruction (EI/EC)
  • Tammy Foster
    Room: Coral Reef B
    Young children need to develop early literacy skills in order to be successful with formal reading and writing in school. This presentation will discuss the importance of early literacy, provide methods for incorporating literacy skills in all areas of the classroom, and include hands on activities for attendees.
• The Family to Family Network of Virginia (EI)
  • Charlie House and Kerri Kochelek
    Room: Captain's Table C
    Participants in this session will hear about family experiences with early intervention and early childhood programs and will learn about the Family-to-Family Network of Virginia that provides emotional, informational, and systems navigational support to families.
• I Spy with My Beautiful Eye (EI)
  • Cory Hall
    Room: Coral Reef A
    After a review of typical development for the birth to three populations, participants will practice and refine their observation skills by viewing video clips, discussing observations and interpreting how we can use the information gathered through our observations in assessment and everyday practice.
• Moving Beyond Themes: Facilitating Studies in the Preschool Classroom (EC)
  • Carol Bellamy/Teaching Strategies Group
    Room: Coral Reef C
    Many teachers- new and experienced- are familiar with themes and use them in their classrooms. This session will take participants on a journey through several actual studies done in a classroom by examining documentation and photos as they learn how to move from themes to studies in the classroom. These studies are in-depth investigations on how to help children develop the knowledge, skills and disposition needed for success in kindergarten and life.
• Parents and Young Children with Disabilities: How They Play (EI/EC)
  • Dana Childress
    Room: Captain's Table B
    Play offers a context for learning and intervention for young children with and without disabilities. Come learn about how young children with disabilities play and how their parents interact with them during playtime. Learn strategies that will guide your intervention with families as they encourage their child's development during play.
• AT Work Session (EI/EC)
  Room: Orion's 11th Floor

3:00 — 4:30 pm

• The Impact of Attachment Trauma on Child Development (EI/EC)
  • Jane Probst
    Room: Coral Reef E
    At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will understand the overall building block for infant brain development and be able to relate it directly to the bio-psycho-social-spiritual needs of the infant. The importance of gentle human contact, fixed eye gaze, and appropriately responding to infants and toddlers through an attuned and loving relationship is biologically necessary for brain development and the infants "internal working model" that last a lifetime. Participants will also have a screening tool used by the ACE study as part of the presentation along with a complete list of references as part of the presentation of recommended readings. Child appropriate DSM -V proposed revisions will also be reviewed.
• Crossing the “Mental Health Divide”: The Early Educator as the Emotional Guide (EI/EC)
  • Colleen Gleason
    Room: Coral Reef A
    The early childhood practitioner may feel the need for more training to adequately and intimately support the mental health needs of families. Relevant and applicable philosophies from the field of mental health, such as affect, regulation, intimacy, and relationship will be explored for the early childhood educator/special educator.
• Calm, Cooperative Classrooms: Effective Strategies to Reduce Bullying and Other Challenging Behaviors (EC)
  • Mary Lynn White
    Room: Captain's Table B
    There is growing concern about bullying and challenging behaviors in young children. Intentionally building children's social-emotional skills limits aggression and increases pro-social behaviors. This interactive workshop highlights effective, research-based strategies that can be easily implemented in the classroom and can strengthen children's social-emotional competence and create an environment that is calm, caring and more respectful.
• Child Assault Prevention for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children and Families (EI)
  • Rebecca Plesko-DuBois
    Room: Captain's Table C
    Children who are deaf or hard of hearing are at increased risk for experiencing abuse & neglect by age 18. Learn the statistics, strategies and family resources available to promote safety and success for all children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Increase your knowledge in order to PREVENT future abuse.
• Inclusive Playgroups: How to Make it Work (EC)
  • Patricia Eitemiller, Erin Croyle, and Deatrice Williams
    Room: Coral Reef B
    For over ten years, the Infant and Toddler Connection of Alexandria has provided free inclusive playgroups to the community for all young children. Attend this session to learn how they provide an opportunity for children with developmental delays to be included with their peers and how to start your own group.
• Overcoming Feeding Difficulties in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (EI/EC)
  • Alicia Hart
    Room: Coral Reef C
    Many children with ASD demonstrate challenges related to eating a variety of foods. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the eating challenges children with ASD may present and the potential reasons why such challenges may develop. The session will focus on how to address challenges and overcome feeding difficulties within the context of the home or school environment. This session will be presented through lecture with PowerPoint slides. There will be question and answer time.
• AT Work Session (EI/EC)
  Room: Orion's 11th Floor
  

  PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR MAKE-IT/TAKE-IT

Wednesday, July 18, 2011

8:00 — 8:30 am Continental Breakfast/Vendors open
Room: Beach Club C Exhibit Hall

8:00 — 11:30 pm - Breakout Sessions and Seminars

8:00 — 11:30 am
Seminar 7:
Follow-up to All-Day Workshop (EC), Coaching in Preschool Settings (EC)
To participate in this seminar, you must have pre-registered and attended the Tuesday workshop
Presenters:
M’Lisa Sheldon, PT, Ph.D., Director/Researcher
Dathan Rush, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, Associate Director/Researcher
Family, Infant and Preschool Program at the J. Iverson Riddle Development Center, Morganton, NC
Room: Coral Reef D

The focus of this seminar will be on the use of coaching when working with teachers, parents, and other individuals in preschool environments. Participants will receive and have the opportunity to practice using checklists and other coaching tools applicable to classroom contexts.

8:00 — 11:30 am
Seminar 8:
Bridging the Gap between Intervention and Everyday Life: Let’s Make it Easier (EI)
Presenter: Dana Childress., M.Ed.
Program Specialist in EI, Partnership for People with Disabilities

Room: Captain's Table A

You have the power to close the gap! This session will open with a visual story about the presenter’s experience as a mother receiving EI for a brief time and how this changed the support she provided to families as an interventionist. Small and large group discussion, video clips, and a case study will help participants learn evidence-based strategies that they can use to make it easier to connect with young children and their families.

Sessions:
8:00 — 9:30 am

• The Self-Determined Young Child: Building Blocks for Independence (EI/EC)
  
  • Nancy Anderson and Carol Wiegle
    Room: Captain's Table C
    Research supports teaching self-determination skills to students with disabilities and the early years are a perfect time to begin this process! This presentation will introduce participants to the "I'm Determined" project's philosophy, tools, and instructional ideas that support self-determination in the young child. Parents and professionals will learn strategies that are the building blocks for a self-determined child.
• Dramatic Play in the Early Childhood Classroom: A Tool for Developing Higher Level Thinking Skills (EC)
  • Marilyn Rice
    
  Room: Coral Reef E
  
• Oral Sensory and Feeding Development in Infants and Toddlers (EI)
  • Ami Teague
    
  Room: Coral Reef A
  Come and learn about oral sensory development in infants and toddlers; what it is, how to recognize milestones in this area of development and what to do when there are concerns that typical development might be off track.
• Talk, Sing, Read, Write, Play: Making Every Book an Experience (EI/EC)
  • Krista Dawson
    
  Room: Coral Reef C
  This workshop demonstrates research-based practices that help young children develop skills they need BEFORE they learn to read. Learn how any book can be used with the five practices: Talking, Singing, Reading, Writing and Playing, to deepen a child's experience and understanding while having fun.
• It's All About the Kids: An Open Panel Discussion Supporting Transition Planning in Early Childhood (EI/EC)
  • Moderator: Cori Hill, Panel: to include Phyllis Mondak, Karen Cox
    
  Room: Captain's Table B
  

10:00:-11:30am

• So Much to See, Taste, Smell, Hear, and Touch: An Introduction to Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation in Infants and Toddlers (EI/EC)
  • Heather Kennell and Amy Russell Yun
    
  Room: Coral Reef A
  In this session, presenters will provide basic information on sensory processing, including an overview of each sensory system and how differences in sensory processing may impact infants and toddlers. Participant Goals:
  1. Participants will gain a basic understanding of sensory integration and sensory processing difficulties.
  2. Participants will identify sensory processing differences across the birth to five spectrum.
  3. Participants will identify strategies to respond to the self-regulation needs of infants and toddler.
• Getting Real Results: Making Assessment Fun in the Early Childhood Classroom (EC)
  • Valerie Wesseldine, Katrina Hutsko, Kelli Good, Beth Clingenpeel
    
  Room: Captain's Table C
  
• Visual Tools for Teaching Children with Autism (EI/EC)
  • Mindy Gardzinski and Karie Kern
    
  Room: Coral Reef B
  Participants will come away with effective visual strategies to implement with children with Autism. Strategies will be presented for the 1:1 environment as well as those that can be modified to a classroom setting. In addition to the strategies, attendees will have the opportunity to receive files in an electronic format if a personal jump drive is supplied.
• Can iPads Really Help Young Children Learn? (EI/EC)
  • Beth Pruitt and Deb Woodward
    
  Room: Coral Reef E
  Staff from Child Development Resources will share exciting results and strategies based on the use of i-pad applications to motivate and promote learning in very young children. View real time applications and video of use with very young children in our program. Small group discussions will be used to share strategy ideas.
• Coaching in Natural Environments: Beyond the Bag of Tricks (EI)
  • Corey Herd Cassidy and Patricia Winter
    
  Room: Coral Reef C
  Providers who practice in early intervention know how important it is to target outcomes that are individualized and family-centered. This session will focus on a) providing services that are family-centered and focused on everyday routines and b) coaching parents to utilize their own everyday opportunities to address their children's needs.
• Ain't Misbehavin': Understanding and Managing Challenging Behavior in Preschool Classrooms (EC)
  • Margaret Vaughan and Selina Flores
    
  Room: Captain's Table B
  Frustrated? Upset? At your wit's end? Classroom behavior got you down?? Come and be revived as we discuss and dissect behavior from bottom to top. Participants will walk away feeling refreshed and armed with a cheat sheet of tactics that they can apply in their preschool classrooms.

11:30 am -1:00 pm Plated lunch provided/Vendors open.
Room: Beach Club A/B

1:00 — 4:30 pm
Seminar 9:
Follow-up to All-Day Workshop (EI),Coaching in Early Intervention Settings (EI)
To participate in this seminar, you must have pre-registered and attended the Tuesday workshop
Presenters:
M’Lisa Sheldon, PT, Ph.D., Director/Researcher
Dathan Rush, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, Associate Director/Researcher
Family, Infant and Preschool Program at the J. Iverson Riddle Development Center, Morganton, NC
Room: Coral Reef D

This seminar will address how to use coaching as an interaction style to support parents and other care providers when working in natural environments. The content will include how to gather and use information about child interests and activity settings and promote parent involvement during and between visits. Participants will analyze video of the 3 parts of an effective early intervention visit and have the opportunity to practice coaching based on their own experiences.

1:00 — 4:30 pm
Seminar 10:
The Impact of Prematurity from the NICU to Preschool (EI/EC)
Presenter: Stacey Dusing, PT, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Physical Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University
Room: Captain's Table A

Infants born preterm are faced with the challenge of adapting to an environment for which they are not prepared. The consequences of this mismatch continue when the infant is discharged home. This presentation will guide participants through the development of preterm infants from the NICU, to early intervention, and preschool.

Sessions:
1:00 — 2:30 pm

• Dig a Little Deeper: Using Knowledge of Sensory Processing to Interpret and Respond to Challenging Behaviors (EC)
  • Heather Kennell and Amy Russell Yun
    
  Room: Captain's Table B
  Sometimes, the behaviors we observe are only the tip of the iceburg and educators and caregivers need to 'Dig a Little Deeper' to interpret challenging behaviors. Through integrating current research in cognitive neuroscience and sensory processing, participants will learn strategies to educate and assist teachers and caregivers to improve self-regulation and social participation. Participant Goals:
  1. Participants will understand the relationship between CNS functioning, self-regulation, sensory processing, and behaviors.
  2. Participants will identify strategies to assist young children to identify and alter their level of arousal with the assistance of a teacher or caregiver.
  3. Participants will identify strategies to assist teachers and caregivers in identifying and respond to children's self-regulation needs at home, school and in the community.
• Building a Preschool Community of Inclusion (EC)
  • Polly Smith, Dana Guarino-Murphey
    
  Room: Coral Reef E
  Lynchburg City Public Schools and community early childhood providers increased inclusive placements for preschool children with disabilities from 30% to 85%. Come learn our process, challenges, celebrations, and benefits to your school division of implementing inclusive practices.
• Classrooms That Work for Students with Autism (EC)
  • Amanda Armstrong and Teresa Cogar
    
  Room: Coral Reef B
  This session will focus on classroom and environmental structures for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Participants will learn strategies and see examples for enabling students to maximize learning and engagement in the classroom. Participants will learn through lecture, group activities and hands-on practice.
• Using the Smart Board to Enhance Literacy and Number Sense (EC)
  • Christine Shank
    
  Room: Coral Reef C
  The session will demonstrate: the use of the Smart Board, how to create lessons using the Smart Board, and where to find downloadable programs on the Web.
• Early Math for Infants and Toddlers (EI)
  • Pam Booker
    
  Room: Coral Reef A
  This session will provide participants with information on early math concepts and discuss how to incorporate those concepts into daily routines, activities, and play for infants and toddlers.
• Infant Massage: Empowering the Parent (EI)
  • Karen Walker
    
  Room: Captain's Table C
  Infant massage not only aids in bonding, promoting intimacy and establishing attachment, it also benefits self-regulation, sleeping, digesting, and other physical aspects of a baby's and caregiver's physical and mental health status.

3:00 — 4:30 pm

• Help, I'm Burned Out! What Do I Do Now? (EI/EC)
  • Glenda Lewis-Fleming
    
  Room: Coral Reef E
  Whether a family member or professional, everyone is vulnerable to burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. As stress increases, challenges may appear unbearable! This exciting, energetic session will explore warning signs of burnout and promote strategies for burnout prevention.
• Screening for Social and Emotional Competence in Children Under Five (EI/EC)
  • Adrienne Frank and Elise Wall
    
  Room: Captain's Table C
  This session will promote the use of the Ages & Stages Questionnaire: Social Emotional (ASQ:SE) screening to identify children (2-60 months) who are in need of more supports and resources. Participants will learn the benefits and issues for educators, therapists, families, and other caregivers in using a systematic approach.
• Technology Overload! Strategies for Adapting and Implementing Technology in the ECSE Classroom (EC)
  • Jennifer Gentry and Heather Fleming
    
  Room: Coral Reef B
  As general educators evolve to meet the needs of the 21st century learner, so too must special educators. This hands-on seminar will provide specific strategies on how to adapt and incorporate current technology into the preschool classroom; including: Smart-Table, iPad, touch screens, flip cameras, and other assistive technology devices.
• Easy Ways to Include Physical Activity in the Day (EC)
  • Katie Kowalski
    
  Room: Coral Reef C
  The AAHPERD recommends that Toddlers engage in at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity each day and that Preschoolers engage in at least 60 minutes each day. This presentation will walk educators through how to develop a 30 minute structured movement program
• Partnering for Quality (EI)
  • Pam Booker
    
  Room: Coral Reef A
  The purpose of this session is to share experiences and information on the unique collaboration between two agencies, the Henrico Parent Infant Program (Part C) and the Infant Toddler Network of VA - Central Region, to ensure high quality services provided within natural environments.
• Taking the Indoors Outdoors: Using Playgrounds for More Than Just Motor (EC)
  • Cheryl Henderson and Dana Guarino-Murphey
    
  Room: Captain's Table B
  This activity-based workshop will review the benefits and importance of outdoor learning experiences for young children. It will provide opportunities for participants to develop creative ideas to extend literacy, math, science, and social science learning to the outdoor environment. Lecture, activity, handouts provided.

4:30 pm Turn in conference evaluations & Pick up certificate of attendance

Conference Information and Logistics

Location and Lodging

The conference will be held at The Cavalier Hotel, Oceanfront at 42nd St., Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23451. Participants must make hotel reservations for overnight stay by calling The Cavalier Hotel at 757-425-8555 or 888-SINCE-27. The conference rate for the Ocean view rooms at The Oceanfront Cavalier will be $151.00 per night from July 16-18, 2012. The Cavalier is also offering the special rate of $151.00 per night at their historic property, The Cavalier on the Hill. To receive these rates, please identify yourself as part of the SHINING STARS CONFERENCE. Make your reservations early, as space is limited. The reservation room block will close on June 15, 2012.

Featured Speakers

John Almarode, Ph.D.
Dr. Almarode is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Early, Elementary, and Reading Education at the College of Education at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia. He has worked with all age groups in education from kindergarteners to graduate students. He spent his K-12 career in Augusta County teaching all grade levels of science and mathematics. As a staff developer, John has presented locally, nationally, and internationally on the role of brain research in education and the creation of engaging classroom environments. Dr. Almarode lives in Waynesboro with his wife Danielle, a fellow educator, their daughter Tessa, and their two dogs, Angel and Forest.

M’Lisa Sheldon, PT, Ph.D.
Dr. Sheldon is the Director of the Family, Infant and Preschool Program (FIPP) at the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center in Morganton, North Carolina. Prior to assuming the Directorship at FIPP, she was on faculty in the Department of Rehabilitation Science, College of Allied Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) in Oklahoma City. Dr. Sheldon is a Graduate Fellow of the ZERO TO THREE National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Their Families. She is former chair of the Practice Committee, Section of Pediatrics, American Physical Therapy Association. She currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Early Intervention and has co-authored several articles related to early intervention teamwork and a chapter related to physical therapy personnel preparation and service delivery. She co-authored a book entitled, Physical Therapy under IDEA. Dr. Sheldon presents nationally on topics related to motor learning, transition, inclusion, evaluation and assessment, primary service provider as coach, and supporting children and families in natural environments. She is co-author of the book, Coaching Families and Colleagues in Early Childhood, published in 2005. Dr. Sheldon’s natural settings include hanging out at home with her husband, W.C., and their two boys, Will (age 9) and Sam (age 7); participating in activities at school; exercising regularly by walking the hilly golf cart paths behind her home; traveling with family especially to Florida Gulf beaches; dining out with family; and working in her office at FIPP.

Dathan Rush, Ed.D., CCC-SLP
Dr. Rush is the Associate Director of the Family, Infant and Preschool Program (FIPP) at the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center in Morganton, North Carolina. Prior to his work at FIPP, Dr. Rush was clinical assistant professor and personnel development consultant in the Lee Mitchener Tolbert Center for Developmental Disabilities at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. In this capacity, he consulted with various state agencies and programs related to individual, team and organizational development. He has a master's degree in speech-language pathology and is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Dr. Rush served as a co-developer and Director of the Oklahoma Statewide Training and Regional Support (STARS) personnel development program. He also developed a child care training contract within the Oklahoma State Department of Human Services entitled TIC-TOC Training: Training Inclusive Child Care = Terrific Opportunities for Children. He served as Assistant Director of the Oklahoma SoonerStart Early Intervention Program at the State Department of Health from 1992-1999. He was also an Editorial Board Member of Infants and Young Children from 1994 to 2001, and has published articles in the area of inservice training and teaming in early intervention. He is past president and former executive council member of the Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Dr. Rush has presented numerous workshops statewide and nationally on topics related to team-building, primary service provider as coach, training of trainers, coaching, and supporting children and families in natural environments. He is co-author of the book, Coaching Families and Colleagues in Early Childhood published in 2005. Dr. Rush's natural settings include spending quiet time at home with his wife Sarah; "treasure hunting" at antique shops, malls, flea markets, and country auctions; church activities; exploring new destinations in his adopted home state of North Carolina; spending time at the beach; and working in his office at FIPP.

Who Should Attend

• Early Childhood Educators
• Early Childhood Special Educators
• Early Intervention Providers
• Early Childhood Paraprofessionals
• Head Start, Title I, and Even Start Providers
• Childcare Providers/ Administrators
• Families Virginia Preschool Initiative
• Related Service Providers

For more information and TO REGISTER
Please register online at http://www.ttaconline.org/staff/s_events/s_event_detail.asp?cid=1982
Once on TTAC Online, click on your region of Virginia, click on the Events tab at the top, and scroll down to Creating Connections to Shining Stars: Virginia’s Collaborative Early Childhood Birth to Five Conference. Click on the conference description and follow the directions for General Registration.