Trying Together and The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh are hosting the “UnConference: Exceptional Care with a Team Approach to Inclusion” beginning January 19, 2021.
Educators play a critical role in creating an inclusive and diverse environment for all children, including those with developmental differences, to feel a sense of belonging, to feel valued as a member of the classroom, and to feel empowered to learn to their full ability.
UnConference: Exceptional Care with a Team Approach to Inclusion dives into the importance of working together—with a collaboration between teachers, intervention specialists, and parents/caregivers—to provide this environment for children to learn and grow in differentiated ways, yet feel included in the group.
Featured Sessions
Keynote: Exceptional Care with a Team Approach to Inclusion
Tuesday, 01/19/21 | 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Presented by: Trying Together and Children’s Institute | Keynote Speaker: Wendy Pardee
During the keynote session, Wendy Pardee, President, and CEO of The Children’s Institute will share how they created a collaborative environment that provides a positive view on early intervention in an effort to bring different parties together in the best interest of the child. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion featuring an educator, parent, and intervention specialist.
Transition and Educational Support in the Early Childhood Environment
Thursday, 01/21/21 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Presented by: Kristina Berg and Loreleigh Elders, DART
Early Childhood Educators are an active and critical part of a child’s early intervention team that is often lost in the process of transition and service planning. This presentation will provide an overview of the early intervention process, as children age out of the Infant/Toddler Early Intervention Program and transition into Preschool Early Intervention Support. We will provide practical examples and resources of ways to support children and families through the transition process, as well as ways to adapt the preschool classroom environment in order for all children to be successful.
Creating and Building Inclusive Support Teams for Children
Friday, 01/22/21 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Presented by: Serena Washington, Trying Together
When thinking about what a team/collaboration approach looks like when working with children and families we must be open to asking the following questions: Why is it important to build a team for a child(ren)? What does the team/collaboration approach look like? Who and what do we need on the team/collaboration? How do we work and communicate as a team? In this workshop, join us for a robust discussion and learn strategies for creating an inclusive team to support your children.
How to Assess Your Students Needs: Using the ASQ through the Lens of Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Program
Tuesday, 01/26/21 | 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Presented by: Gloria Rodriguez-Ransom, The Pennsylvania Keys
Through the expertise of the Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) program, participants will receive an overview of the Ages & Stages Questionnaires with a particular emphasis on assessing children’s social and emotional development. The developmental screening tools ASQ3 and ASQ:SE 2 are designed for children ages three months to five years and designed for use by early childhood educators and health care professionals. Attendees will learn how to administer and score the screener and share the results of the screener with families and professional colleagues. In addition, recommendations for suggested resources will be shared if additional services are needed.
Register
More information about the UnConference: Exceptional Care with a Team Approach to Inclusion can be found on the Trying Together website.
This is a free Virtual UnConference. Participants must register in order to receive links to each workshop session via email. To register, complete the online registration form by Friday, January 15, 2021.
Participants will receive PQAS and/or Act 48 hours. For questions about the UnConference, contact Yu-Ling Cheng at conference@tryingtogether.org.