PLUK News feed

Interconnected Systems Framework: A Pennsylvania Example - Webinar - Feb. 7, 2013

What:
By collaborating at the local and state level within systems that support youth and families, educators can more efficiently allocate resources and provide prevention and early intervention for all students. Presenter Kelly Perales outlines the Interconnected Systems Framework. The learning objectives of this presentation are to enable participants to describe, implement and apply the ISF.

When:
Thursday, February 7, 2013
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Mountain

Cost:
Free

Instructions for participation:
Please make sure you have prepared your computer to access the meeting through Adobe Connect.
1. Click here to test your connection and install required software
2. Click here to watch a tutorial on Adobe Connect

On The day of the webinar, log into the meeting site 5-10 minutes early.
1. Click here to join the Adobe Connect Meeting
2. Select "enter as guest" then click the "enter room" button
3. Turn off your computer speakers. You will listen to the audio portion through the telephone.
4. Dial the conference number prefferably using a landline: 1-800-201-2375 Enter participant code: 434706# when prompted

The Family Role in Part C: Two State’s Strategies in Promoting Family Involvement - Webinar - Jan. 22, 2013

Click here to register for this webinar

What:
The webinar will focus on 2 critical aspects of family participation in Part C systems and services. The first involves caregiver understanding and orientation to their rights and responsibilities as recipients of Part C services. The second aspect speaks to effective family involvement in local and state interagency coordinating councils. The presenters include a current and past members of the Board of the Early Intervention Family Alliance. Both will discuss in detail their state curricula on family involvement trainings they have conducted over the past several years as well as the outcomes of these efforts.

When:
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Mountain

Cost:
Free

 

Effective Transitions: Part C to Part B Workshop - Nov. 20, 2012

Click here to register for Effective Transitions Workshop

What:
This training will provide clarification on steps in the transition process that relate to initial evaluation and eligibility determination practices for the transition of young children and their families from IDEA Part C Early Intervention (Birth to age 3) into IDEA Part B special education preschool services. This training is meant to assist Montana Part C providers and Montana school district (Part B) personnel in facilitating a smooth and effective transition for eligible families and children.

When/Where:
November 20, 2012  1:30PM-3:30PM
MSUB College of Education Building, Room 122
Billings, MT

Target Audience:

• Preschool teachers (age 3-5)
• speech language pathologists
• special education directors
• administrators
• Part C service providers

Contact:
Debra Miller
657-2072
dmiller@msubillings.edu

Routines-Based Early Intervention - Helena/Billings - May 21 / May 23, 2012

Click here to download the full flyer for this event (PDF)

What:
Children deserve the most effective intervention possible, provided in the most relevant places, at the most relevant times, by the most relevant people. In the Routines-Based approach, professionals work with the child's natural caregivers, who are generally parents and child care providers or teachers. Parents and other caregivers learn to make the most out of the learning opportunities that occur throughout the day, every day. This results in much more effective and meaningful intervention than, for example, weekly sessions in a therapy room. The child's best "interventionists" are those adults who are with the child throughout the day.

Participants will learn the importance of:

• Understanding the family ecology and the usefulness of the ecomap
• Family-centered, functional assessment and the usefulness of the Routines-Based Interview
• Integrating services and the usefulness of the primary service provider
• Support-based home visits and the usefulness of family consultation
• Collaborative consultation to child care and the usefulness of consultation individualized within routines

When/Where:
May 21, 2012
Red Lion Colonial Hotel (block of rooms are available)
Helena, MT
Registration by emailing Karen Cech at kcech@mt.gov | For questions, contact Erica Peterson (406)444-5647 or epeterson2@mt.gov

AND

May 23, 2012
MSUB College of Education Bldg - Room 427
Billings, MT
Online Registration | For questions, contact Debra Miller (406) 657-2072 or dmiller@msubillings.edu

Early Childhood Intervention Open House - Billings - April 28, 2010

Early Childhood Intervention is having an open house at their new location.

When: Wednesday, April 28 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm.

Where: 2016 Grand Ave - Billings, Montana 59102

For more information, call 406-281-6180

Refreshments served.

Financial Challenges Among Autism's Costs

Link: Challenges When Santa Reyes' son, Yoleheri, was diagnosed with autism at age 3, the Lawrence, Mass., woman, who speaks little English, had no idea where to turn for help for her autistic son. When she began to pursue answers, she discovered her son was not receiving appropriate services, such as speech therapy. On this World Autism Awareness Day, it may be worth noting Reyes' experience is not unique. It is true of many families with limited resources who are dealing with an autistic offspring. Autism's toll isn't merely calculated in the difficulty it takes to communicate or learn; the complex neurobiological disorder also adds up quickly in dollars and cents.

npr.org: Recession Hurting Kids With Developmental Delays

Link: npr.org
Ben Johnson, 2, has developmental delays due to autism. He has been wait-listed for Nevada's free early-intervention services because of state budget cuts, and his parents are now paying for private therapy.