LEND Programs Collaborate For ECP Initiative

October 11, 2021

A new collaboration between Va-LEND, UCEDD, LEND-Pitt, and the University of Connecticut UCEED & LEND will occur over the next 5-year grant cycle. The Early Childhood Partnerships (ECP) initiative, is an expansion of a pilot program that was conducted in previous years between LEND-Pitt and VA-LEND.In years one through five of the grant, trainees from each organization who are interested in early childhood will gather virtually. This is an opportunity for them to network, to engage with one another, and to learn best practices in early childhood. A total of four virtual activities a year will be conducted for the ECP initiative.

This goal of the initiative istoadvance interdisciplinary practices for young children with disabilities through community-level practice-based evidence.LEND trainees at all threecenters will also participate inon-site interdisciplinary leadership activities (e.g. research, advocacy, and service). The interdisciplinary professionals who will be leading this effort comprise of the tri-state leadership team for Early Childhood Partnerships include: Jackie Robinson Brock, MSW, Program Specialist in Early Childhood and Health Partnership for People with Disabilities, UCEDD & Assistant Director-Administration Va-LEND Virginia Commonwealth University, Stephen J Bagnato, Ed., NCSP, Professor of Psychology & Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh Schools of Education & Medicine,Tracy Larson, MS., CAGS, NCSP, and Mary Beth Bruder, Ph.D., Executive Director UCEDD at the University of Connecticut Health Center.