Presenter: Elaine Meyer, Special Education Early Childhood Consultant, Oakland Schools
Description: In this session, participants will learn about a full continuum of placement options for preschool-aged
children with disabilities. This continuum is also represented using a visual diagram of placement options
from least restrictive to most restrictive options. Participants can use this information to assess options
currently utilized by their ISD and/or local school district and evaluate possibilities for expanding or
improving placement options. We will also discuss the benefits of collaborative partnerships between
regular education and special education early childhood stakeholders to work collaboratively to support the
progress of ALL young children with and without disabilities.
This session was provided on May 13, 2022 as the last session in our 2022 Professional Learning Series. It can be viewed here.
Presenters: Will Jensen, Director, Office of Inclusive Education, Nevada Department of Education
Description: Will Jensen is currently the Director of Inclusive Education in the state of Nevada. He is a passionate proponent of inclusion as the path for children to be successful participants in learning and life. Over the years since becoming the state director in Nevada, preschool inclusion rates have increased by over 10%. The focus that he has placed on developing a statewide framework to promote inclusion has served as a model for other states and Will has been invited to share both his process and passion at the state and national level. Join Will Jensen for a conversation about his professional and personal journey to becoming a champion of inclusive opportunities and positive outcomes for all children.
Link to the recording.
Presenter: Jennifer Champagne, PhD, IECMH-E, Oakland Schools
Description: During this virtual session, we will identify and discuss a trauma-informed approach to working with very young children and their families during the pandemic. We will focus on strategies and practices to manage our own stress and nurture a community culture of caring for each other during these uncertain times.
Link to the recording.
Presenter: Jennifer Grisham, PhD, University of Kentucky
Description: This presentation will provide early childhood providers with ideas for how to gather assessment information about young children when face-to-face interactions are not possible. Strategies for collecting assessment data for eligibility determination, program planning, and progress monitoring will be discussed. The presentation will emphasize authentic assessment practices and family involvement in the assessment process.
Link to the recording.
