2026 International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute: Full Schedule

8:30am EDT

(In-Person) WE CAN AND WE MUST: Practical Strategies Advancing Inclusion and Belonging for Every Child

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

This session will highlight key strategies to advance meaningful inclusion and belonging and is designed for educators, educational leaders, and family partners across states, communities, and programs. Building inclusive communities requires intentional collaboration, both horizontally across programs and vertically within each program’s administrative structure, each tailored to the unique context of the state, community, and program. Participants will explore core principles, mindsets, and evidence-informed practices that strengthen inclusive opportunities for every child. The session will feature successful policies, guidance, and actionable strategies that can be implemented at multiple levels of the system and across programs. Corresponding tools and resources will be shared to support sustained implementation and cross-role partnership.

Speakers

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 →

Debbie Cate

TA Specialist, ECTA/DaSy

Debbie Cate is a technical assistance (TA) specialist with the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG) at the University of North Carolina (UNC). Her work within the Trohanis Technical Assistance Projects is with the Early Childhood TA Center (ECTA) and the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems (DaSy) Center. Her current work supports states in their provision of early childhood special education services in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), for children ages birth through... Read More →

We Can and We Must Practical Strategies pdf

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

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Administrator, Coach, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Faculty in IHE, Family or Family Advocate, Policy Maker, Researcher and/or Evaluator, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
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

Feedback Survey

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

FINAL Chinese Translation Family Resource Guide pdf

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

Concurrent, National/state/system level

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) Building Belonging for Infants and Toddlers: Strategies for Inclusive Child Care Experiences

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

Dogwood

Feedback Survey

Families of infants and toddlers regularly seek out child care for their children--however for children with disabilities finding care that not only provides access for their families but a true sense of belonging remains challenging. This session will provide research, resources, and strategies for supporting inclusive child care systems for infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays. We will focus on state and program-level barriers and opportunities for Part C early intervention and child care systems to work together to create meaningful and inclusive experiences for families. Participants will leave with reflection tools to bring back home to impact infants and toddlers in their states and communities.

Speakers

Jenna Weglarz-Ward

Associate Professor, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Dr. Weglarz-Ward is an associate professor across early childhood and special education programs at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her work centers around supporting inclusive experiences for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families--with a focus on family partnership... Read More →

IT Inclusion in Childcare Inclusion Institute 2026 pdf

ADDITIONAL IT Inclusion in Childcare Inclusion Institute 2026 pdf

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

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Administrator, Coach, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Faculty in IHE, Family or Family Advocate, Policy Maker, Researcher and/or Evaluator, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Intermediate
Format In-Person

12:45pm EDT

(Hybrid) From Vision to Practice: The Revised DEC-NAEYC Joint Position Statement on Early Childhood Inclusion

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

Redbud

Feedback Survey

Creating inclusive early learning environments takes intention, collaboration, and action. Grounded in the shared mission of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Division for Early Childhood (DEC), the Joint Position Statement on Early Childhood Inclusion calls on all of us to move from vision to practice. In this session, you’ll learn what’s new in the currently being-revised statement, have an opportunity to share your feedback, and explore concrete ways everyone of us can apply these principles to strengthen inclusion and belonging across early childhood environments.

Speakers

Peggy Kemp

Executive Director, Division for Early Childhood (DEC)

Peggy is the Executive Director of the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC). Dr. Kemp is a recognized leader and tireless advocate devoted to quality services to young children with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who serve... Read More →

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 →

Mary Harrill

Senior Director, Higher Education, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Mary Harrill is senior director of higher education at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Draft Inclusion Statement April 2026 docx

DEC Position Statement on Ethical Practice Executive Summary pdf

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

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 0-3, 3-5, Pre-K-3rd Grade
Audience Administrator, Coach, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Faculty in IHE, Family or Family Advocate, Policy Maker, Researcher and/or Evaluator, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format Virtual, In-Person

2:00pm EDT

(In-Person) ICP Revised Edition: Findings from the ICP Pilot

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

Redbud

Feedback Survey

This session presents the an overview of the revised Inclusive Classroom Profile and shares findings from the research study that assessed the psychometric properties of the revised tool. ,Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the changes, additions and new features of the ICP tool, ,discuss the findings of the pilot research and reflect upon the different ways they can use the ICP tool in their own work.

Speakers

Lia Rucker

State Anchor, NC Rated License Assessment Project, UNC-G, Human Development and Family Studies

Amy Grattan

Executive Director, Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities Rhode Island University

Elena Soukakou

Faculty, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Elena P. Soukakou is an Honorary Research Fellow in the School Education, University of Roehampton, United Kingdom. She is also teaching faculty at the Department of Early Childhood Education of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Dr. Soukakou has been working in the... Read More →

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

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 3-5
Audience Administrator, Coach, Faculty in IHE, Policy Maker, Researcher and/or Evaluator, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Intermediate
Format In-Person

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

Feedback Survey

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

Statewide Implementation Retrospective pptx

Resources from Partners docx

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

Concurrent, National/state/system level

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

(Hybrid) When the Roads Don’t Meet: Improving Pathways to Early Intervention and Inclusion

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

Redbud

Feedback Survey

This session explores the intersections between early identification, early intervention, and inclusion in early childhood systems. Using a Fragile X case example and cross-system research findings, presenters will examine where families encounter barriers and highlight practical strategies to improve referrals, coordination, navigation supports, and inclusive participation outcomes.

Speakers

Karen Zyskind

Sheresa Blanchard

Senior Education Researcher & Technical Assistance Specialist, SRI International/Education Division

Sheresa B. Blanchard, PhD, is a senior education researcher and technical assistance specialist at SRI with over 25 years of experience in education, early childhood, special education, and early intervention. She is currently the co-lead for the DaSy/ECTA Cross-Center Child Find... Read More →

Samantha Scott

RTI

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

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 0-3, 3-5, Pre-K-3rd Grade
Audience Family or Family Advocate, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Researcher and/or Evaluator, Policy Maker, Coach, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor
Information Level Introductory
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

Feedback Survey

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

Concurrent, National/state/system level

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

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

Feedback Survey

Speakers

Alissa Rausch

University of Denver

Megan Vinh

Faculty, Frank Porter Graham

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

Concurrent, National/state/system level

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) Rising Together: Fostering Wellness in Home Visiting and Early Intervention

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

Windflower

Feedback Survey

The Institute for Home Visiting Workforce Development (Workforce Institute) ,is advancing a National Strategy for the Home Visiting Workforce to strengthen support for home visitors, focusing on wellbeing, career pathways, and workforce stability. This session will explore evidence-based strategies to improve workforce well-being, with specific implications for Early Intervention (EI) professionals. Through interactive engagement, participants will identify current initiatives and co-create personal action plans for sustainability. ,

Speakers

Katari Coleman, PhD

Senior Project Director, Education Development Center, Inc.

Katari Coleman, an early childhood education thought leader and expert, leads innovative efforts to advance all children’s and success. She has expertise in child development, out-of-school time (OST) care, early childhood and OST workforce development, family engagement, parent... Read More →

Pritay Washington

Training & Technical Assistance Associate, Education Development Center, Inc.

Pritay Washington is an experienced trainer and manager who supports early childhood and out-of-school time programs in improving service quality to promote school readiness and youth success. She specializes in designing professional learning, delivering outcomes-focused technical... Read More →

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

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Administrator, Coach, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Faculty in IHE, Family or Family Advocate, Policy Maker, Researcher and/or Evaluator, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Intermediate
Format In-Person

4:30pm EDT

(In-Person) “Keeping Kids Connected: What Families (and Professionals) Need to Know About Exclusionary Discipline in Early Childhood Settings (and What to Do When It Happens)

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

Moutain Laurel

Feedback Survey

Preschoolers are suspended at nearly three times the rate of their school‑aged counterparts, with disparities across gender, race, and disability status placing some young children at significantly greater risk than others. While certain forms of exclusionary discipline are widely recognized, many young children experience “informal” or “soft” exclusion—practices that families and even early childhood professionals may not identify as exclusionary at all.

In this session, attendees will learn about and discuss what exclusionary discipline looks like in early childhood settings, how it affects children and families, and what we can do together to reduce its use and support more inclusive, developmentally appropriate practices.

Speakers

Kristen Paul

Director of Early Childhood Programs, The Parents' Place of Maryland

Kristen Paul has worked with children and families for over 25 years in a variety of capacities, including as a high school science teacher, Federal agency education advisor, college administrator, and in family support for Birth to Five programs. In addition to her current role as... Read More →

Keeping Kids Connected What Families and Professionals Needs to Know About Exclusionary Discipline in Early Childhood pdf

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

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 0-3, 3-5, Pre-K-3rd Grade
Audience Administrator, Coach, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Faculty in IHE, Family or Family Advocate, Policy Maker, Researcher and/or Evaluator, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format In-Person

10:30am EDT

(Hybrid) From Data to Action: Using Data to Make Informed Decisions

Thursday May 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Redbud

Feedback Survey

,
This session will examine data on the federal, state, and local levels to identify who is included and who isn’t. Through the review and analysis of environment, age, eligibility, and location, participants will explore making informed programmatic decisions and identify strategies to include all. ,The session will highlight practical strategies to develop a culture of data use to examine and improve program quality. ,
,

Speakers

Debbie Cate

TA Specialist, ECTA/DaSy

Micole Atkins Kirkland

TA Specialist, SRI International

Micole Atkins Kirkland, Ed.D., education researcher and technical assistance provider at SRI, works within the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems (DaSy Center) to support State Education Agencies (SEA) in uncovering and addressing data quality issues and disparities. Prior to joining SRI, she served... Read More →

Using Data to Make Informed Decisions Final pdf

Thursday May 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Redbud

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Administrator, Coach, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Faculty in IHE, Family or Family Advocate, Policy Maker, Researcher and/or Evaluator, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Intermediate
Format In-Person, Virtual

10:30am EDT

(In-Person) Data-Informed Family Advocacy: Strengthening Inclusion & Choice

Thursday May 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Azalea

Feedback Survey

Families are powerful advocates when equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to understand and interpret data. This session explores how families can use data to advance inclusive practices and make informed school choice decisions. Participants will learn how to help families interpret school and district data, understand equity indicators, and apply this knowledge to advocate for inclusive environments and high-quality educational options. Using DaSy's Look! Think! Act! Framework, practical examples, tools, and interactive discussion, participants will build the skills and confidence needed to support families to influence decisions that promote access, belonging, and positive outcomes for all children.

Speakers

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 →

Susan Barlow

Director of Special Projects, Parent Network of Western New York

Susan Barlow has over 45 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families in various programs. In 1990 she started the administration of a Case Management Program. She has developed and collaborated on numerous programs and conducted hundreds of... Read More →

Cindy Weber

Early Childhood Training & Technical Assistance Specialist, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network

Cindy Weber serves in multiple roles at SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN), united by a shared commitment to engaging, empowering, and educating parents.Cindy is the Detection, Connection, and Intervention Project Coordinator and an Early Childhood Training and Technical Assistance... Read More →

Thursday May 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Azalea

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 0-3, 3-5, Pre-K-3rd Grade
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

8:00am EDT

(Virtual) Inclusive Systems, and Early Relational Health : Leadership Strategies for Young Children and Families

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am EDT

Virtual on Zoom

Feedback Survey

This session centers the growing intersection of inclusion, relational health, and systems level early relational health (psychological safety) But we supports for young children and their families. Participants will explore how implementation leaders can strengthen systems through practices that prioritize connection, emotional regulation, family voice, and reflective leadership.
Drawing from current work in early childhood mental health, Pyramid Model implementation, and family belonging frameworks, the session offers practical strategies for integrating inclusion and emotional wellness into professional development systems, community partnerships, and family engagement structures. Participants will examine how leadership teams can move from isolated practices toward a coherent systems approach that supports educators, families, and children through a lens of belonging, dignity, and prevention.
This session is especially relevant for leaders/ professionals interested in bridging inclusion work with early childhood mental health and cross sector collaboration.
Participant Outcomes
Participants will:

Deepen understanding of relational health as a foundation for inclusion
Explore systems strategies that connect mental wellness with Pyramid implementation
Strengthen family belonging and community partnership structures
Apply reflective leadership strategies to systems level change
Leave with tools to align inclusion and mental health priorities across teams

Speakers

Yolanda Sosa

Yolanda Sosa has worked for 30 years in Early Intervention/ Childhood. She has been an International Consultant/Presenter in Mental Health and for Pyramid Model Consortium for 25 years; presenting in national, international conferences and training institutes; coaching on Trauma-Informed... Read More →

inclusion leadership erh NC 2026 Yolanda Sosa pdf

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am EDT
Virtual on Zoom

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Administrator, Individual with Disabilities or Disability Advocate, Policy Maker, Researcher and/or Evaluator, Family or Family Advocate
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format Virtual
Zoom Links https://inclusioninstitute.fpg.unc.edu/2026-zoom-links/

8:00am EDT

(Virtual) “Keeping Kids Connected: What Families (and Professionals) Need to Know About Exclusionary Discipline in Early Childhood Settings (and What to Do When It Happens)

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am EDT

Virtual on Zoom

Feedback Survey

Speakers

Kristen Paul

Director of Early Childhood Programs, The Parents' Place of Maryland

Keeping Kids Connected Inclusion Institute 2026 pdf

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am EDT
Virtual on Zoom

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 0-3, 3-5, Pre-K-3rd Grade
Audience Administrator, Coach, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Faculty in IHE, Family or Family Advocate, Policy Maker, Researcher and/or Evaluator, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format Virtual
Zoom Links https://inclusioninstitute.fpg.unc.edu/2026-zoom-links/

10:00am EDT

(Virtual) Using the AEPS-3 in International Contexts

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT

Virtual on Zoom

Feedback Survey

The Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System - 3rd Edition (AEPS-3) has gained recognition in a variety of international contexts due to its adherence to recommended practices for serving young children with disabilities. In this presentation, the presenter will describe the process of validating a tool, developed in the United States, for use in countries with different languages and cultures. The presenter has wide experience conducting this work and will share the opportunities and barriers of adapting tools like the AEPS-3. Those not working in international contexts will find the presentation useful as they consider how measures they are using address the needs of the diverse populations of children and families they serve. ,

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 →

Adapting the AEPS 3 Intl Contexts pdf

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Virtual on Zoom

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Administrator, Coach, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Faculty in IHE, Family or Family Advocate, Policy Maker, Researcher and/or Evaluator, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Intermediate
Format Virtual
Zoom Links https://inclusioninstitute.fpg.unc.edu/2026-zoom-links/

8:00pm EDT

(Virtual) Targeting Higher Quality: Early Childhood Inclusive Education Practice in China

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT

Virtual on Zoom

Feedback Survey

Based on a five-year project and research funded by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China and UNICEF, this presentation will share the findings from experience of practitioners and researchers on inclusive preschool education in 37 kindergartens across seven pilot areas in China. It focuses on how multiple stakeholders, including university researchers, regional resource centers, preschool teachers, and health departments, collaborate and integrate resources to enhance teachers' inclusive education competencies, improve the quality of inclusive education in kindergartens, and ensure that more children can access and participate in high-quality early childhood education.

Speakers

Xueyun Su

Deputy Dean, China Research Institute of Care and Education of Infants and Young Children, East China Normal University

Su Xueyun, Ph.D. in Special Education, is a Professor and Doctoral Supervisor serving as the Associate Dean of the China Research Institute of Care and Education of Infants and Young Children in East China Normal University (ECNU). She also holds key roles including Standing Council Member of the Early Childhood Education Professional Committee of the Chinese Society of Education.She has long been dedicated to research in preschool inclusive education, early intervention, and child development, exerting profound... Read More →

Xueyun SU Early Childhood Inclusion institute PPT 0623 pdf

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Virtual on Zoom

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 0-3, 3-5, Pre-K-3rd Grade
Audience Faculty in IHE, Policy Maker, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider, Researcher and/or Evaluator
Information Level Appropriate for all levels
Format Virtual
Zoom Links https://inclusioninstitute.fpg.unc.edu/2026-zoom-links/

10:00am EDT

(Virtual) Designing and Implementing Blended Preparation and Professional Development: A Discussion

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT

Virtual on Zoom

Feedback Survey

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.

Speakers

Ching-I Chen

Associate Professor, Kent State University

Naomi Rahn

Associate Professor, University of Wisconcin-Whitewater

Dr. Rahn is an associate professor of special education at University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. She has taught at several universities and has worked in the field as an early childhood special education teacher and early interventionist. Her areas of interest include naturalistic... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Virtual on Zoom

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 0-3, 3-5, Pre-K-3rd Grade
Audience Administrator, Coach, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Faculty in IHE, Family or Family Advocate, Policy Maker, Researcher and/or Evaluator, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider
Information Level Intermediate
Format Virtual
Zoom Links https://inclusioninstitute.fpg.unc.edu/2026-zoom-links/
Resource Link https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ED1XDtleOpcMswtcRQ6xmQN0zS8WT_nGIjjIZ2W_75U/edit?usp=sharing

10:00am EDT

(Virtual) Why the Routines-Based Interview Is a Cross-Cultural Success

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT

Virtual on Zoom

Feedback Survey

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.

Speakers

Robin McWilliam

Professor, The University of Alabama

Robin is a professor of Education at The University of Alabama, where he is the director of the Evidence-based International Early Intervention Office (EIEIO). He is also the founder and director of The RAM Group, a collection of experts on the Routines-Based Model.

Cami Stevenson

Administrator and Associate Director, Multnomah Early Childhood Program and EIEIO

Why the Routines Based Interview Is a Cross Cultural Success pdf

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Virtual on Zoom

Concurrent, National/state/system level

Age Group 0-3, 3-5
Audience Family or Family Advocate, Early Interventionist/Home Visitor, Trainer/TA Provider/Professional Development Provider, Coach, Faculty in IHE, Student or Post-Doctoral Fellow, Administrator, Researcher and/or Evaluator, Policy Maker
Information Level Intermediate
Format Virtual
Zoom Links https://inclusioninstitute.fpg.unc.edu/2026-zoom-links/

8:30am EDT

10:15am EDT

10:15am EDT

12:45pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

3:15pm EDT

3:15pm EDT

3:15pm EDT

4:30pm EDT

4:30pm EDT

4:30pm EDT

10:30am EDT

10:30am EDT

8:00am EDT

8:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

8:00pm EDT

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

Get help with the event