Project Description:
Provide technical assistance and leadership for development of infrastructure, interagency communication and collaboration to improve early intervention services to children age 0-5 with DD through the following projects:
Preschool Early Intervention Supports. CEDD will partner with one or two early childhood education centers per year to support staff in effective inclusion strategies. CEDD staff provide support for children with disabilities and/or challenging behaviors through individualized recommendations, staff training, and parent support.
Early childhood partnerships with state agencies. CEDD staff participate in various state agency-sponsored advisory groups and interagency collaboratives, and provide technical assistance to various state agencies, including Public Health, Education, and Developmental Services. Examples include 1) the Training and Technical Assistance Collaborative (TTAC) a state level, interagency collaborative of pre-service and in-service training programs for providers of early education, early intervention, and early childhood special education services, and 2) CA Statewide Screening Collaborative (CSSC). CEDD staff participate in CSSC, convened by the CA Department of Public Health MCAH Program, to bring together state agencies and other organizations to develop Californias capacity to promote and deliver effective and well-coordinated health, developmental, and early mental health screenings for young children. CSSC also provides input for the new Home Visitation Program, funded through the federal Affordable Health Care Act.
California Early Start Support Network (CES). CES is a collaborative project of CEDD, the USC UCEDD, the CA Department of Education, the CA Department of Developmental Services, Local Educational Agencies, Regional Centers, and community groups. Video conferencing is used to provide training and support for practitioners providing early intervention services. Part C programs from 22 counties across the state have participated, along with regional center partners.
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Legislators/Policy Makers
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances
