2026 International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute

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.

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.

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.

The home visiting workforce often struggles with how to maximize caregiver learning during home visits. This session focuses on strategies to scaffold caregiver learning during home visits including supported practice, prompting, intentional modeling, reflection, and how to use the PICCOLO to reinforce and expand responsive strategies. We will discuss how to decide what level of scaffolding each caregiver needs and when to apply each scaffolding strategy.

Session handouts can be viewed at this link: https://hihello.com/hi/fippscaffoldingcaregiverlearning

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.