2026 International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute

Concurrent, Learning/natural environments (e.g. home or classroom)

As families seeking early intervention support become increasingly diverse, so must our commitment to designing learning environments and supports where each child's and family's unique qualities ,are acknowledged, valued, and supported. ,Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) offers a framework for meeting families and students' diverse needs and assets but MTSS fulfills its promise only when implemented in ways that affirm families' and students' full humanity and their rightful presence in all learning and community spaces.

Speakers

Seena Skelton

Founder/ Principal Consultant, Makeeba Consulting, LLC

Dr. Seena M. Skelton is a nationally recognized leader in educational justice, inclusion, and systemic school transformation, with over 28 years of experience. She serves as the Leadership Development and Research Project Director for SWIFT Education Center at the Life Span Institute... Read More →

Wednesday May 20, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Redbud

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Administrator, Coach, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Faculty in IHE, Family or Family Advocate, Policy Maker, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format In-Person

8:30am EDT

(In-Person) Every Child, Every Classroom: Navigating the Path to Early Childhood Inclusion

Wednesday May 20, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

Moutain Laurel

Are you working to create a classroom or program that demonstrates belonging? Are you hoping to find strategies to build collaborative, supportive relationships with families, specialists, and community partners? Then this workshop is for you! Join us for an interactive workshop that bridges the gap between research and reality, with practical applications of inclusive practices in early childhood education. Explore indicators of high quality inclusion that can be used to assess your classroom, program or community and discover strategies for sustainable implementation. Learn about an Illinois school district that moved from segregated to inclusive settings and is continuing to expand into the wider community. Bring your questions and ideas – leave with a plan!

Speakers

Jani Kozlowski

Technical Assistance Specialist, UNC-FPG

Jani Kozlowski, MA is a passionate early childhood professional, author, and speaker focused on supporting children and their families during the most critical period of development. She currently leads initiatives focused on early childhood inclusion and personnel development at... Read More →

Melissa McCullough

Principal, East Moline School District

Melissa McCullough is a dynamic leader and social work professional with over 20 years of experience in public education and mental health, holding a Master of Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) and a Master of Social Work (MSW). They serve as a Principal for East Moline, Illinois School... Read More →

Every Child, Every Classroom Resource List pdf

could do should do activity pdf

everychildeveryclassroomslidesmay2026 pdf

Wednesday May 20, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Moutain Laurel

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Administrator, Coach, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Faculty in IHE, Family or Family Advocate, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format In-Person

8:30am EDT

(In-Person) Meeting Children Where They Are: Adapting Instruction for Preschool Children

Wednesday May 20, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

Dogwood

Inclusion Institute Problem Solving Process for Making Adaptations (2) (1) docx

To effectively support all preschool children, including those with disabilities, it's essential to understand each child's developmental level and use appropriate adaptations to guide instruction. This session will focus on using developmental indicators to understand a child’s current development and determine the next learning target. Participants will also explore how to adapt the environment, materials, and instruction to meet individual needs. The STEMIE Guide to Adaptations will be used as a framework to support participants as they work through a case study on selecting needed adaptations. ,

Speakers

DelShana LeGrant

IDEA Regional Consultant: Preschool, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Dr. DelShana LeGrant is an IDEA- Preschool Regional Consultant in the Office of Exceptional Children Division of Educator and Student Advancement at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Education Consultant for Hines-Gaither Consulting, LLC., Diversity, Equity and... Read More →

Kimberly Terry

IDEA Preschool Consultant: Intensive Support, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

For more than twenty years, Kimberly Terry has dedicated her career to advancing high-quality early care and education for young children with and without disabilities across North Carolina. She has supported early learners and their families, as well as pre-service educators, practicing... Read More →

Inclusion Institute Joshua Case Study docx

Participant Copy of Meeting Children Where They Are Inclusion Institute 2026 pptx

Wednesday May 20, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Dogwood

Concurrent, Learning/natural environments (e.g. home or classroom)

Age Group 3-5
Audience Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider, Coach, Faculty in IHE, Administrator, Therapist/Specialist
Information Level Introductory
Format In-Person

10:15am EDT

(In-Person) A Least Restricted Environment (LRE) Toolkit for Families of Young Children

Wednesday May 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

Bellflower

Final v.2 ENTORNO MENOS RESTRICTIVO GUI A DE RECURSOS FAMILIARES pdf

Join us to learn how we created a toolkit for families that is designed for families by families to help them advocate for inclusion from the start. The toolkit is designed to support families in navigating inclusion in the early childhood system. Each resource is accompanied with links and guidance to help families and providers understand and use the tools effectively. We will share our strategies for marketing the toolkit and engaging stakeholders in sharing the toolkit across our state.

Speakers

Ann Kremer

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 education... Read More →

Tareema Jean-Baptiste

Early Childhood Special Education Family Professional Development Resource Specialist, STAR NET Region V

Tareema Jean-Baptiste is the Early Childhood Special Education Family Professional Development Resource Specialist for Star Net Region V (City of Chicago). A dedicated expert in special education and family advocacy, Tareema brings both professional depth and personal passion to her work.As a fierce advoc... Read More →

IECISI NC 2026 handout pdf

ECLRE Family Toolkit Resource Guide 23 pdf

FINAL Chinese Translation Family Resource Guide pdf

Wednesday May 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
Bellflower

Age Group 0-3, 3-5, Pre-K-3rd Grade
Audience Policy Maker, Administrator, Faculty in IHE, Coach, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider, Therapist/Specialist, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Family or Family Advocate
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format In-Person

10:15am EDT

(In-Person) Understanding Child Media Use for Sensory Regulation: Research by the UNC FaMLab on Media Sensory Curation and Family Media Conflict

Wednesday May 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

Windflower

Concurrent, Learning/natural environments (e.g. home or classroom)

Many families, especially those with neurodivergent children, struggle to manage their children',s media use. This session presents original research by a UNC professor who is herself autistic, with autistic children. The presentation weaves original theory and research findings together with personal stories to humanize the struggle for both parents and children, and offers suggestions for building a family discourse around sensory experiences to help parents identify non-media alternatives that support their children',s sensory regulation.

Speakers

Kristen Harrison

Richard Cole Eminent Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Kristen Harrison holds the Richard Cole Eminent Professorship in the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at UNC, where she runs the Family and Media Lab. She studies media psychology, with a special focus on how media portray and affect our bodies.

Wednesday May 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
Windflower

Age Group 0-3, 3-5, Pre-K-3rd Grade
Audience Family or Family Advocate, Therapist/Specialist, Individual with Disabilities or Disability Advocate, Researcher and/or Evaluator, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format In-Person

10:15am EDT

(In-Person) Using the AEPS-3 to Support Inclusion for Young Children

Wednesday May 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT

Redbud

The Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System (3rd Ed.) is a linked system that includes assessment, goal development, teaching/intervention, and progress monitoring. The presenter, an author of the AEPS-3, will describe each component of the AEPS-3 and how it can be used to support young children in inclusive settings. The presentation will focus on: 1) the importance of using authentic assessment information to development functional goals, 2) a tiered curriculum framework that provides guidance on universal (tier 1), focused (tier 2), and specialized (tier 3) support, 3) how to use the AEPS-3 as an ongoing progress monitoring tool, and 4) how to include families in all aspects of their child's education using AEPS-3. ,

Speakers

Jennifer Grisham

Professor Emeritus, University of Kentucky

Jennifer Grisham, Ed.D. Jennifer Grisham, Ed.D. is a Professor Emeritus in the Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education program at the University of Kentucky. She taught there for 35 years and was Faculty Director of the UK Early Childhood Lab for 25 years. She taught courses in... Read More →

AEPStoSupportInclusion pdf

Wednesday May 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
Redbud

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Administrator, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Faculty in IHE, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider, Policy Maker, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Researcher and/or Evaluator
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format In-Person

12:45pm EDT

(Hybrid) Community Inclusion Teams in Early Childhood: Innovation to Implementation

Wednesday May 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT

Dogwood

Presenters will share stories from a variety of communities that have used the ECTA Community Indicators to leverage local partnerships to support children based on family strengths and needs. During this time, participants will 1) explore examples of challenges solved at the local level through intentional community partnerships, 2) reflect on potential partnerships in their own communities, and 3) consider both opportunities and challenges for building impactful community partnerships in their local context. Questions for reflection and conversation during this part of the session will include:

What can we learn from intentionally constructed community partnerships to improve outcomes for children and families within the community?
How have community partners efficiently used family voice to improve opportunities for young children?
What has been the impact of community partnerships on children, families, educators, and leaders?
How could strategies be adapted for your local community?

Speakers

Ben Riepe

Senior Project Manager, University of Denver

Ben Riepe, MA, is a Senior Project Manager for the Marsico Institute for Early Learning at the University of Denver. He has dedicated the last 25 years to supporting young children in inclusive settings. As a Head Start teacher, coach, and trainer, he supported high-fidelity program-wide... Read More →

Melissa Griffin

Technical Assistance Coordinator, SC Partnerships for Inclusion

Melissa Griffin is the Technical Assistance Coordinator for South Carolina Partnerships for Inclusion (SCPI). In this role, she leads the implementation of a tiered framework of supports for early childhood specialists and oversees service delivery for districts partnering with SCPI to strengthen early c... Read More →

Dana Bennett

Technical Assistant Specialist, SC Partnerships for Inclusion

Dana Bennett holds a Master's Degree in Education and has 18 years of teaching experience in both special education and 4K classrooms within the public school system. She has also served as a family childcare teacher and an Inclusion Specialist. For the past four years, Dana has worked... Read More →

Commuinty Road Map 2pages pdf

FPG 2026 Community Inclusion Teams pdf

Ecomap jpeg

Wednesday May 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Dogwood

Age Group 0-3, 3-5, Pre-K-3rd Grade
Audience Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider, Administrator, Coach, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Family or Family Advocate, Individual with Disabilities or Disability Advocate
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format Virtual, In-Person

12:45pm EDT

(In-Person) An Introduction to the Role of the Itinerant Early Childhood Special Educator

Wednesday May 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT

Windflower

Concurrent, Learning/natural environments (e.g. home or classroom)

How does the Itinerant Early Childhood Special Educator (ECSE) support our youngest learners in the early childhood programs they would participate in if they did not have a disability? We understand the importance of allowing all young children to learn alongside their peers, but how do itinerant teachers ensure they provide the proper support to meet high expectations? This session will touch upon how itinerant services meet the needs of young children, describe the role of the itinerant ECSE teacher, as well as the role of the general early childhood teacher. We will then look at a vehicle for embedding instruction through collaboration between educators and families, giving participants a hands-on opportunity to try the tool. We will end by discussing the important first steps for new itinerants. Join us in this introductory session as we delve into the effective practices that empower our youngest learners to reach their full potential.

Speakers

Alissa Rausch

University of Denver

Ruth 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 & IDEA Data Manager Affinity Group Liaison, as well as a Technical Assistance Consultant for the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) and the Center... Read More →

IECSE Schedule pdf

Planning Matrix pdf

An Intro to the Role of the IECSE 2026 pdf

IECSE Schedule docx

Planning Matrix docx

Wednesday May 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Windflower

Age Group 3-5
Audience Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Therapist/Specialist
Information Level Introductory
Format In-Person

12:45pm EDT

(In-Person) Finding the Right Fit: Using the Coaching Match Tool to Strengthen Inclusive Practices

Wednesday May 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT

Bellflower

Concurrent, Learning/natural environments (e.g. home or classroom)

Effective coaching starts with the right match. In this session, participants will explore the online Coaching Match Tool and related resources. This practical tool helps leaders and coaches align coaching strategies with educator needs, experience, and context. We’ll walk through how the tool works, discuss evidence-based principles behind matching, and share examples of how programs have used these resources to build capacity for inclusion. Participants will leave with actionable steps for integrating the Coaching Match Tool into their own systems, along with access to templates and guides that make implementation easy.

Speakers

Kathleen Artman Meeker

Professor and Director, University of Washington

Kathleen Artman-Meeker serves as a Professor of Early Childhood Special Education and Director of the University of Washington Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Her experiences as a childcare assistant, elementary school special educator, classroom coach, and content developer... Read More →

HO1 CoachScenarioCards docx

Slides FindingRightFit pdf

Wednesday May 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Bellflower

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider, Coach
Information Level Intermediate
Format In-Person

12:45pm EDT

(In-Person) Many Ways to Show you Care with Fred Rogers Productions

Wednesday May 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT

Azalea

Concurrent, Learning/natural environments (e.g. home or classroom)

This series of joy-filled, short documentaries and music video feature children showing how they care for their families. The videos are part of a multi-platform content initiative for children ages 2-6, their families, and caregivers. This session will share content and resources that can be accessed right away to share with young learners and families in regard to caregiving. ,,This session will highlight the beauty of all families.

Speakers

Mallory Mbalia

Director of Learning and Education, Fred Rogers Productions

As Director of Learning and Education at Fred Rogers Productions, Mallory Mbalia advises and collaborates with colleagues to further realize the organization's educational mission for children and families. She previously served as Director of Education at PBS North Carolina in Education... Read More →

Wednesday May 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Azalea

Age Group 0-3, 3-5, Pre-K-3rd Grade
Audience Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Family or Family Advocate, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Therapist/Specialist, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format In-Person

12:45pm EDT

(In-Person) Strategies for Supporting Participation and Learning for Children with Vision and Hearing Needs

Wednesday May 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT

Moutain Laurel

Concurrent, Learning/natural environments (e.g. home or classroom)

Children with low-incidents conditions often need specialized intervention strategies to fully participate in home and classroom activities. Until now, the strategies were implemented by specialists and largely unknown to caregivers and teachers. FIPP has partnered with the Early Learning and Sensory Support Team to develop guides for working with children with low incidents conditions using strategies any can implement. ,

Speakers

Kris Everhart

Associate Director, Family, Infant and Preschool Program

Kris Everhart is the Associate Director of the Family, Infant and Preschool Program in Morganton, North Carolina. Kris is a speech-language pathologist with nearly 30 years of experience working in early intervention with families of infants and toddlers.

Sara Carter

Wednesday May 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Moutain Laurel

Age Group 0-3
Audience Family or Family Advocate, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Therapist/Specialist, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider, Coach, Policy Maker
Information Level Intermediate
Format In-Person

2:00pm EDT

(In-Person) Better Together: Partnering with Child Care Providers for Inclusive Experiences

Wednesday May 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

Bellflower

Concurrent, Learning/natural environments (e.g. home or classroom)

This session will focus on intentional strategies to build a partnership between special education service providers and child care providers. Participants will look at reflections from child care educators about partnering and investigate potential solutions to barriers. Participants will also create an individualized plan for both sharing information with child care providers and asking questions to better understand the child care setting.

Speakers

Lindsay N. Giroux

Manager, Inclusion & Behavior Support, Bright Horizons

Lindsay supports over 600 Bright Horizons centers with all things related to inclusion, behavior, and Pyramid Model. Her other work includes training instructional coaches, building social-emotional professional learning opportunities, and authoring books for educators (Create an... Read More →

Leiha Knecht

Assistant Director, Bright Horizons at Research Triangle Park, Bright Horizons

Leiha is the assistant director at Bright Horizons at Research Triangle Park. She started as a preschool/preK teacher, and then transitioned to being an instructional coach before her current center leadership position. She has her master's in Early Intervention and Family Support... Read More →

Partnering with Child Care 2026 Inclusion Institute (1) pptx

Wednesday May 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Bellflower

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Therapist/Specialist, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format In-Person

2:00pm EDT

(In-Person) Beyond Disability History and Awareness Month: Turning Policy into Inclusive Practice in Early Childhood

Wednesday May 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

Windflower

International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute Presentation May 20, 2026 ppt

Some children with disabilities grow up with limited opportunities to see themselves reflected in their communities or to understand disability as an important part of who people are and how they experience the world. Disability History and Awareness efforts, such as statewide initiatives like North Carolina’s Disability History and Awareness Month, offer an important opportunity to change that narrative.
This session will explore how policy and awareness initiatives can go beyond recognition to meaningful action in early childhood and elementary settings. Using North Carolina’s legislation as an example, participants will learn about the advocacy and policy journey behind Disability History and Awareness Month and consider how similar efforts might be advanced in their own states or communities.
The session will also highlight practical strategies for introducing disability awareness in developmentally appropriate ways in early learning environments. Participants will explore how early education can support children with disabilities in developing a stronger sense of identity and confidence in advocating for themselves, while also helping all children build understanding, connection, and inclusive relationships. Participants will leave with ideas and strategies they can apply in their own contexts to move from awareness to action and create learning environments where all children feel seen, valued, and included.

Speakers

Philip Woodward

Systems Change Manager, North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilites (NCCDD)

Manages community living initiatives. Has been Hard of Hearing since age four, wears hearing aids, reads lips, and knows American Sign Language (ASL). Very interested in friendships and Personal Support Network development for people with disabilities.

Wednesday May 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Windflower

Concurrent, Learning/natural environments (e.g. home or classroom)

Age Group Pre-K-3rd Grade
Audience Individual with Disabilities or Disability Advocate, Family or Family Advocate, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Therapist/Specialist, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Coach, Administrator
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format In-Person

2:00pm EDT

(In-Person) The Japanese Practice of Mimamoru and Lessons on Inclusion

Wednesday May 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

Moutain Laurel

kozlowski 2026 autonomy inclusion and the power of possibility pdf

What stories do the children in your classroom believe about their own sense of competence? Are children with and without disabilities free to take risks and explore the limits of their abilities? Let’s discuss! Participants will discover the Japanese practice of mimamoru, or "watchful protection" and how this practice can foster inclusion and belonging. You’ll learn from the perspectives of an early childhood professional with a disability and a Japanese educator, following a series of observations in Japanese child care and PreK programs. This interactive session blends personal stories, cross-cultural wisdom, and immediate application. Explore how to rewrite children's narratives from "I need help" to "I can figure this out." Consider your own protective instincts and challenge them with a view of inclusion through the lens of another culture. Leave with a list of strategies to try out, ideas to share with families & colleagues, and one concrete commitment to shift from over-helping to becoming an anchoring presence. The stories children tell themselves are first learned in our programs. We have an incredible opportunity to ensure they are stories of competence and self-assurance.

Speakers

Jani Kozlowski

Technical Assistance Specialist, UNC-FPG

Ryutaro Shintani

Professor, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Shintani is a professor at the Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts in Kyoto, Japan and a long-time early childhood advocate and leader in their country. They have worked for ten years at a Japanese institution for early childhood educator training, where they have primarily... Read More →

mimamoruslides pdf

Wednesday May 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Moutain Laurel

Concurrent, Learning/natural environments (e.g. home or classroom)

Age Group 3-5
Audience Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider, Coach, Faculty in IHE, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Researcher and/or Evaluator
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format In-Person

2:00pm EDT

(Virtual) From Awareness to Belonging: Partnering with Families to Create Sesame Street’s Autism Resources

Wednesday May 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

Azalea, Virtual on Zoom

Concurrent, Learning/natural environments (e.g. home or classroom)

In this session, we will share the history of the Sesame Street and Autism initiative and how Julia came to life, highlighting the collaboration and research that shaped her introduction to Sesame Street. We’ll also explore how Sesame Street’s bilingual Autism tools can strengthen partnerships among families, early educators, and community providers in inclusive early childhood settings. Participants will learn how resources can help build connections, support routines, and affirm each child’s individuality, while gaining practical strategies to integrate these tools into family engagement and classroom practice.

Note: The presenter for this session is presenting virtually.

Speakers

Rocio Galarza

VP, Educational Programs, Sesame Workshop

In this role, Rocío leads the development of educational content and research for a wide range of multimedia projects. As an expert in early childhood educational development and the needs of young children, Rocío works with advisors to ensure that the content of Sesame Street’s... Read More →

Wednesday May 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Azalea, Virtual on Zoom

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Administrator, Coach, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Faculty in IHE, Family or Family Advocate, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Introductory
Format Virtual

3:15pm EDT

(Hybrid) A Retrospective on Inclusion: Building and Sustaining Inclusive Early Childhood Systems Over Time: Part 1 of a 2-Part Session

Wednesday May 20, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT

Dogwood

Data demonstrating inclusive opportunities for children with disabilities has long been stagnant. This is largely because it is very difficult for states to unify and align systems that support high-quality inclusion across fragmented early childhood environments (e.g. public schools, Head Start, community-based childcare and home-based care.) This session showcases the journey for two states two years after receiving intensive technical assistance aimed at implementing inclusive practices statewide. Leaders will highlight bright spots, showcasing how they have supported systems with a shared purpose around inclusive early childhood education. Leaders will also share the persistent challenges that hinder progress for children, families and providers in programs. Facilitators will guide discussions that help participants to uncover innovative, cross-sector solutions to ensure access, participation and belonging for children with disabilities across the system. Participants will leave with a toolkit of strategies to support implementation and sustainability of policies and practices in their own mixed-delivery early childhood systems.

Speakers

Alissa Rausch

University of Denver

Megan Vinh

Faculty, Frank Porter Graham

Megan Vinh, PhD, is a senior technical assistance specialist at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, she leads projects aimed at improving access, experiences, and outcomes for children with disabilities within the early... Read More →

Statewide Implementation Retrospective pptx

Resources from Partners docx

Wednesday May 20, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
Dogwood

Age Group 3-5
Audience Family or Family Advocate, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Therapist/Specialist, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider, Coach, Administrator, Policy Maker
Information Level Intermediate
Format Virtual, In-Person

3:15pm EDT

(In-Person) Authentic Assessment and Multilingual Learners: How Parents and Educators Interpret Child Development and Learning

Wednesday May 20, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT

Azalea

Children are often misunderstood due to limitations of an assessment system. Misunderstandings can be a misdiagnosis, mistaken information leading to failures in interventions and curriculum for children, particularly multilingual learners, as well as misinterpretations of test results. Professional development is needed for ongoing improvement of assessment practices in the early childhood workforce. Presentation goals that can be applied immediately are: (1) gain understanding about early childhood authentic assessment, & impact on children and families including those from multilingual backgrounds, and (2) understand how different disciplines perceive the role and purpose of assessment, authentic assessment, and quality indicators/standards for assessing young children. Research will be shared on authentic assessment practices and participants will have the opportunity to discuss and reflect on the learnings and what this means in practice and how practitioners can co-produce services for children with families.

Speakers

Marisa Macy

Professor, University of Wyoming

Marisa Macy is a full professor in the College of Education in the School of Teacher Education at the University of Wyoming. She holds the John P. Ellbogen Foundation Professorship of Early Childhood Education.Macy has more than 25 years of experience as an educator. She started her... Read More →

Wednesday May 20, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
Azalea

Age Group 0-3, 3-5, Pre-K-3rd Grade
Audience Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Family or Family Advocate, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Therapist/Specialist, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format In-Person

3:15pm EDT

(In-Person) Bridging the Gap: Linking CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early (LTSAE) and the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Recommended Practices to Strengthen Early Childhood Inclusion

Wednesday May 20, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT

Bellflower

This session will explore how Learn the Signs. Act Early (LTSAE) and the DEC Recommended Practices can be integrated to advance high‑quality early childhood inclusion. Participants will examine specifically how early identification, responsive instruction, and collaborative teaming can strengthen equitable access, participation, and support for all children across early childhood settings. The session will be led by presenters serving as both Act Early and DEC aRPy Ambassadors that have experience supporting the implementation of family-engaged developmental monitoring and the Recommended Practices in diverse programs. Presenters will share recommendations and examples from two states illustrating how programs have enhanced inclusion through early identification, cross‑system collaboration, and intentional use of the DEC Recommend Practices.

Speakers

Melissa Crist

Director of Early Childhood Programs, University of Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development

Melissa Crist, M.S., is the Director of Early Childhood Programs at the Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development (CDHD). Melissa directs multiple early childhood projects at the CDHD including IdahoSTARS which houses the state Quality Rating and Improvement System, state... Read More →

Deepa Srinivasavaradan

Director of Early Childhood Initiatives, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network

Deepa Srinivasavaradan is the State Parent Lead and Director of Early Childhood Initiatives at the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network in New Jersey. In this role, she leads several early childhood projects, including the NJ Inclusive Child Care Project, and also serves as the Association... Read More →

EC Inclusion Institute DEC RPs and LTSAE pdf

Wednesday May 20, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
Bellflower

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Family or Family Advocate, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider, Coach, Faculty in IHE, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Administrator
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format In-Person

3:15pm EDT

(In-Person) When OTs and Educators Partner Well: A Practical Model for Building Inclusive Early Childhood Programs Together

Wednesday May 20, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT

Windflower

Concurrent, Learning/natural environments (e.g. home or classroom)

The session opens with an honest look at why OT and educator partnerships so frequently break down, even when both parties are deeply committed to inclusion. From there, participants are introduced to a practical partnership framework built around three pillars: shared language, shared observation, and shared planning. Each pillar is unpacked with concrete examples drawn from real classroom and clinic partnerships, including strategies for co-developing sensory and regulation support plans that educators can actually implement without requiring clinical expertise. The session includes facilitated small group discussion and a collaborative planning activity that participants can bring back to their own settings. The final portion addresses how to bring families into the partnership as equal contributors rather than recipients of information, which aligns directly with the 2026 Institute theme of Powerful Partnerships.

Speakers

Brittni Winslow

OTR/L, CEO, Owner, Emerge Pediatric Therapy

Brittni Winslow, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 14 years of clinical experience specializing in sensory integration, executive function, and neurodiversity-affirming practice. She is the CEO and owner of Emerge Pediatric Therapy, a multi-location practice serving... Read More →

When OTs & Educators Partner Well pptx

Wednesday May 20, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
Windflower

Age Group 0-3, 3-5, Pre-K-3rd Grade
Audience Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Administrator, Family or Family Advocate, Therapist/Specialist, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format In-Person

4:30pm EDT

(Hybrid) A Retrospective on Inclusion: Building and Sustaining Inclusive Early Childhood Systems Over Time: Part 2 of a 2-Part Session

Wednesday May 20, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Dogwood

Speakers

Alissa Rausch

University of Denver

Megan Vinh

Faculty, Frank Porter Graham

Wednesday May 20, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Dogwood

Age Group 3-5
Audience Family or Family Advocate, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Therapist/Specialist, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider, Coach, Administrator, Policy Maker
Information Level Intermediate
Format Virtual, In-Person

4:30pm EDT

(In-Person) Families as Partners in Assessment

Wednesday May 20, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Bellflower

Family engagement is a cornerstone of equitable and effective assessment practices in inclusive early childhood education. This presentation explores how families can be meaningfully positioned as partners—not simply informants—in the assessment process. Drawing on culturally and linguistically responsive frameworks, the session highlights strategies for collaborating with families to gather authentic information about children’s strengths, needs, and everyday learning contexts. Participants will examine approaches that honor family expertise, promote shared decision-making, and support assessment practices that are inclusive, strengths-based, and developmentally appropriate. Practical examples and reflective tools will be shared to help educators and practitioners build reciprocal partnerships that enhance assessment quality and improve outcomes for young children and their families.

Speakers

Serra Acar

Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts Boston

Dr. Serra Acar is an Associate Professor in the Early Education and Care in Inclusive Settings Program at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She earned her doctoral degree in the Early Intervention Program from the University of Oregon. Dr. Acar's primary research interests are... Read More →

Wednesday May 20, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Bellflower

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Administrator, Coach, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Faculty in IHE, Family or Family Advocate, Teacher/Teacher Assistant/Itinerant Teacher/Family Child Care Provider, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Intermediate
Format In-Person

4:30pm EDT

(In-Person) Stop, Collaborate & Listen

Wednesday May 20, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Azalea

A workshop to help educators and staff learn to adequately take a moment to communicate and ,collaborate ,with parents effectively. Participants will be able to recognize the benefits of parent and professional relationships, which promote well-being and academic achievement. Participants will also have the opportunity to identify various communication styles that help bridge gaps. By the ,end ,of the session, participants will summarize the importance of effective communication and utilize their tools.

Speakers

Triahnna Miles

Parent Educator, Exceptional Children's Assistance Center

Triahnna Miles joined ECAC in 2023 as a Parent Educator. She is a spouse of a disabled, US Army veteran. Prior to joining ECAC, Triahnna worked as an Exceptional Children’s teacher (severe emotional disability, co-op, and resource) with grades 6-8, a Registered Behavioral Technician... Read More →

Wednesday May 20, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Azalea