Project Description:
Objective 5a: Conduct monthly networking meetings in collaboration with CEDD partners, the Infant Development Association, and other community organizations.
The EI Workgroup met four times this year. It includes representatives of the Infant Development Association (IDA), the California Association of Professors of Early Childhood Special Education (CAPESCE), and other community groups.
In an effort to develop an interactive, support community of practitioners and families (particularly for peo- ple in rural and remote areas of California), the CEDD, IDA, and CAPESCE have been working on launch- ing an EI blog. The blog, named Home Visiting in Early Intervention, was piloted Oct 2008 ? Jan 2009. Large scale advertising and recruitment occurred in February 2009. A new case study or question is posted weekly on Monday, and users are encouraged to post their questions. Blog participation is a requirement for the CSUS infant/toddler curriculum course, in the early childhood special education credential program.
Objective 5b: Work with state agencies (CA Departments of Education and Developmental Services) to identify activities that support priority areas through targeted activities to address training on inclusion, personnel standards and other issues.
The California Training and Technical Assistance Committee (TTAC), led by the Department of Developmental Services and including staff from the Departments of Education, Mental Health, and Social Services, plans and coordinates in-service training activities for early intervention program administrators, professionals, and paraprofessionals. CEDD is represented at TTAC meetings. CEDD faculty have provided input through state sponsored workgroups to new or revised personnel standards for early intervention, early childhood special education, and infant/early childhood/family mental health.
Objective 5c: Provide support for training and dissemination by the AT Consortium for families and service providers in inclusive early intervention.
Two workshops in Assistive Technology were conducted at the 2008 M.I.N.D. Summer Institute, with a total attendance of 105 people. A workshop on AT to support children in schools is planned for the 2009 M.I.N.D. Summer Institute.
Objective 5d: Provide support for training and dissemination by our Early Intervention Consortium for lead agencies, service providers and school personnel.
CEDD faculty are working with Triumph Center for Early Childhood Education staff to develop a high quality, inclusive, early childhood program, with the goal of establishing opportunities for interdiscipli- nary training and research with CEDD partners. CEDD staff are on-site one day a week to provide support for children with disabilities and/or challenging behaviors in a quality early education program. The support includes review of child records, child observation and individualized recommendations, group and individual staff training, and supporting parents through the special education referral process.
Medical fellows in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics and Child Psychiatry complete a three month, one day a week, rotation at Triumph. The rotation includes child observations, participating in classroom activities, and weekly team meetings for sharing observations and reflections. In addition, graduate and undergraduate students from UC Davis Departments of Psychology and Human and Community Development complete a one quarter, three day a week, internship at Triumph under the supervision of CEDD faculty. The Triumph internship is linked to course work through case study and observation.
UC Davis and CEDD faculty are also partnering with Triumph on research projects. Current projects address school readiness and social-emotional development. A study examining shared and joint attention as a function of school readiness has started, and family recruitment for a study examining problem solving through play at home and school is in process. Both studies will conclude in June 2010. Additional research and training activities are in the planning stages.
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Developing & Disseminating Information
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote
