2026 International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute

There is limited guidance for faculty and professional development providers interested in designing and implementing ‘blended’ personnel preparation or professional development programs (i.e., ones that attempt to blend both general and special education theory and practice). This session will provide practical guidance and resources for applying a blended approach to preparation and professional development across the continuum of early childhood personnel preparation and support. Participants will engage in interactive and collaborative exploration of resources as they apply to their individual contexts.

The RBI was developed in the United States, where it has undergone trials with different cultures. With international implementation of the Routines-Based Model, the RBI has also been exported to culture overseas, in Australasia, the Far East, Central Europe, and Southern Europe. This presentation will address cross-cultural adaptations and how these have remained faithful to the model.

In this interactive session, participants will explore six essential principles of adult learning and experience what it looks like to design professional development that honors how adults actually learn. Through activities, discussion, reading, writing, and reflection, participants will examine where these principles already show up in their practice—and discover new, practical ways to strengthen them.
Rather than simply learning ,about adult learning theory, participants will experience each principle in action. Along the way, they’ll uncover why each principle matters and how to intentionally apply them when facilitating presentations, coaching sessions, and staff meetings. Participants will leave with concrete ideas, fresh perspectives, and a deeper understanding of how to design and facilitate professional learning experiences that are engaging, meaningful, and effective for adults.