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All Available Resources
Articles or Blog Posts
Assessment - Eligibility Determination During Stay-at-Home Orders
A blog post from Robin McWilliam. Assessment: Children and families need to be able to get into early intervention during the lockdown. This is a great opportunity to focus on functioning in routines as the basis for enrollment! Access the blog post here.
Format: Blog Post
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Families
Challenging Behaviors: Why we shouldn't expect kids to self regulate too soon
A blog post from Mona Delahooke, PhD. Now is the time to remember that many children (& adults) will have difficulty maintaining emotional control. Please reduce expectations—There’s a neurobiological reason. Access the blog post here.
Format: Blog Post
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, Related Services, Families
Source: Mona Delahooke, Ph.D.
Early Intervention in Natural Environments
As EI/ECSE teams and parents work remotely, everyday routines in the home become the curriculum. Routines Based Assessment can assist in identifying and prioritizing interventions. A blog by Robin McWilliam on topics related to the Routines-Based Model. Access the blog here.
Format: Blog
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, Related Services
EI Tele-Assessment Video Chats & Strategies: You've Got This!
It includes 5 strategies for conducting tele-assessment and highlights two new Early Intervention Tele-Assessment Video Chats (Chat #1, Chat #1). The chats are 35-40 min recordings of discussions with EI practitioners and leaders around Virginia about how they prepare families and other team members, what tele-assessment looks like, and advice for others who are embarking on tele-assessment. The video chats include lots of great ideas and strategies. Hope these are helpful! Access the blog here.
Format: Blog
Relevant for: Administrators, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention
Source: Dana Childress, Early Intervention Strategies for Success
Publishers Adapt Policies To Help Educators
As educators move to remote learning, many are worrying and wondering about reading books aloud online and possibly violating copyright laws. In response, many children's publishers have temporarily altered policies. Access the article here.
Format: Article
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, Related Services
Source: School Library Journal
Perspectives from a Professional Telecommuter
Tips for professionals who are working remotely for the first time during the COVID-19 outbreak. Prepared by Cori Hill for the Early Intervention Strategies for Success blog. Access the blog post here.
Format: Blog Post
Relevant for: Professionals Working From Home
Source: Cori Hill, Early Intervention Strategies for Success
Special Needs Parenting in the Age of Pandemic
This moment is hard for everyone. For parents of special needs kids, it’s harder. This blog posts details the perspective of Sean Patrick Hughes, father of a child with special needs. Access the blog post here.
Format: Blog Post
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, Related Services, Families
The Power of Mindfulness: Practical Tips to Help Children Feel Safe and Secure
Kristie Pretti-Frontczak guest wrote this blog post for The Inclusion Lab blog for Brookes Publishing Company that provides practical tips you can use to embed mindfulness into your daily routines. Access the blog post here.
Format: Blog Post
Relevant for: Childcare, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention
Families, Related Services
Source: Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, The Inclusion Lab, Brookes Publishing Co
Virtual Transdisciplinary Play-Based Assessment-2: Responding to COVID-19
This article takes a look at how assessment teams used the Transdisciplinary Play-Based Assessment (TPBA) in Colorado to implement a virtual version of this process. This article summarizes the guidance that teams provided to transition to virtual assessments. After six weeks of implementation, six teams engaged in a virtual feedback session to discuss the usefulness, strengths, and concerns about the new process. The findings from those teams will be discussed below. Access the article here.
Format: Article
Relevant for: Early Intervention
Source: Toni Linder, EdD, Jeanine Coleman, PhD University of Denver, Christopher Miller, EdD Colorado Department of Education
10 Strategies for Engaging Parents (not Children?) during Tele-Intervention
Prepared by Dana Childress for the Early Intervention Strategies for Success Blog, this post provides strategies for early interventionists to engage parents during tele-intervention, including how to prepare, taking time to check in, how to engage using your voice, and more. Access the blog post here.
Format: Blog Post
Relevant for: Administrators, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention
Source: Dana Childress, Early Intervention Strategies for Success
Individual Resources
Building Blocks for Learning - Coaching Handout
A rapid coaching method to teach foundational interaction skills.. Access the resource here.
Format: Guidance Document
Relevant for: Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention, Families
Source: Justin D. Lane & Devin Graley, University of Kentucky
Caring for Each Other - Sesame Street
Your friends on Sesame Street are here to support you during the COVID-19 health crisis, as families everywhere are creating a "for now normal." Access the resources here.
Format: Guidance Document
Relevant for: Families
Source: Sesame Street
CONNECT Modules
Available Modules (in English and Spanish)
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Embedded Interventions
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Transition
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Communication for Collaboration
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Family-Professional Partnerships
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Assistive Technology Interventions
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Dialogic Reading Practices
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Tiered Instruction
Format: Online Courses
Relevant for: EI/ECSE Professions, Higher Ed. and PD Providers
Source: DEC/ FPG / ECPC
Early Childhood Intervention Tele-Practice - Resources from the Family, Infant, and Preschool Program (FIPP)
FIPP has developed resources for programs and practitioners moving to tele-intervention. They have posted infographics about how to get started with tele-intervention, quick tips, tele-coaching, and how to use natural learning environment practices via tele-intervention. Tele-Coordinate, Tele-Move, Tele-Sense, Tele-Speech, and Tele-Teach. The entire collection of infographics can be found here. The newest infographic includes information for child care programs. Access the resources here.
Format: Guidance Document
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Related Services
Source: Family Infant and Preschool Program
Helping Your Child During the Pandemic
This resource families with a few strategies to help their child cope during the pandemic. Programs and professionals are encouraged to post this resource on their web sites or share through social media. Access the resource here.
Format: Guidance Document
Relevant for: Childcare, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention,
Families
Source: National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI)
Planning for the Use of Video Conferencing for Early Intervention Home Visits during the COVID-19 Pandemic
This document helps practitioners ask and answer the necessary questions related to early intervention telepractice. Access the resource here.
Format: Guidance Document
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Related Services
Source: Larry Edelman
Pyramid Model Considerations for Re-Opening After an Extended Closure
This resource provides recommendations for practitioners as schools and centers start to re-open following the COVID-19 pandemic closures. Access the resource here.
Format: Guidance Document
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education
Source: SPEC - Supporting Positive Environments for Children
Re-Connecting and Building Relationships with Infants
NCPMI has put together a resource to support practitioners and caregivers as programs for infants transition to in-person services. Access the resource here.
Format: Guidance Document
Relevant for: Childcare, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention,
Families
Source: National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI)
Stress, Resilience, and the Role of Science: Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic
A guide on responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic, understanding COVID-19, supporting children and yourself and related resoruces. Access the resource here.
Format: Guidance Document
Relevant for: Childcare, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention, Families
Taking Care of Yourself
This infographic from the Barton Research Lab at Vanderbilt University provides tips on how to take care of yourself. Access the resource here.
Format: Guidance Document
Relevant for: Administrators, Childcare, Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, Families, Professionals Working From Home
Tips for Playing with Your Child
This infographic from the Barton Research Lab at Vanderbilt University provides tips on play for parents. Access the resource here.
Format: Guidance Document
Relevant for: Families
Curated Resource Lists
Early Childhood Personnel Center
The Early Childhood Personnel Center (ECPC) has curated COVID-19 resources to share with early childhood programs and professionals. Access the resources here.
Format: Curated List of Resources
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Related Services
Source: Early Childhood Personnel Center
Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center
Read the latest guidance, and collected resources on remote service delivery and distance learning. Access the resources here.
Format: Curated List of Resources
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Related Services
Source: Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center
NCPMI Partner Resources - Helping young children cope in these difficult times
These resources from the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations focus on providing support for children and families. Included among them is NCPMI's Community Contributions Page where individuals can share what resources they have found most helpful. The list also includes the webinar "Providing Distance Family Support: What do I say? How can I help? A Conversation with NCPMI Faculty". Access the resources here. Access the resources here.
Format: Curated List of Resources
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, Families
Online Teaching Resources - Wide Open School
From the National Head Start Association, an open collection of the best quality learning experiences and activities vetted by experts to keep kids engaged and entertained. Access the resources here.
Format: Curated List of Resources
Relevant for: Early Childhood Special Education, Families
Source: National Head Start Association and Others - WideOpenSchool.org
Resources within Reason - Using Telepractice to Support Children and Families
With the suspension of direct contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, colleagues and families are working to figure out what assessments, interventions, and home visits should look like. These resources may be useful to those making the transition to technology as a medium to support children and families. Compiled by Camille Catlett & Kari Holmberg. Access the resource here.
Format: Curated Resource List
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education
Source: Division for Early Childhood
Resources from NCPMI
The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovation has released resources on helping children and families cope during emergencies and national disasters. Access the resources here.
NCPMI's full resource library is available here.
Format: Curated Resource List
Relevant for: Child Care, Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, Families
Source: National Center for Pyramid Model Innovation
Teleflections
Teleflections provide reflection from VA early intervention service providers on tele-intervention. The following videos are available in the Teleflections Video Playlist on the VEIPD Videos YouTube Channel: My First Online Visit; Tele-What?!; Bandwidths, Platforms, and Pings?? Help!; & I'm a PT and Rely on my Hands. Access the resources here.
Format: Curated Resource List, Videos
Relevant for: Administrators, Early Intervention
Source: Virginia Early Intervention Professional Development Center
ECE Resource Pages for Families and Professionals
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High Scope - Active Learning at Home. Access the page here.
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Zero to Three - Early Learning. Access the page here.
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NAEYC - For Families. Access the page here.
Format: Curated Resource Lists
Relevant for: Childcare, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention, Families
Source: National Center for Pyramid Model Innovation
Membership & Networking
Teaching Remotely
CEC has gathered resources into one place for special education professionals to apply good teaching practices remotely due to precautions surrounding the COVID-19. Access the resources here.
CEC & DEC members have access to even more resources. Join CEC and DEC here.
Format: Curated Resource List, Membership & Networking
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, Related Services, Families, Professionals Working From Home
Source: Council for Exceptional Children
Resources from DEC Collaborate - DEC Community
DEC members are posting resources around topics of interest, and supporting one another using the communication tool, DEC Collaborate - DEC Community. To join, you must be a DEC member. You will use your CEC login information to access DEC Collaborate. If you forgot your username or password, click here or contact member services via phone (888-232-7733) or email service@cec.sped.org
Format: Membership & Networking
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, Related Services, Families, Professionals Working From Home
Source: Division for Early Childhood
Recordings (Interviews/Podcasts)
Ways We Can Guide Children of Different Ages through the COVID-19 Pandemic
In this short interview, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson talks about ways we can guide children of different ages through the Covid-19 pandemic. Access the recording here.
Format: Recordings (Interviews and Podcasts)
Relevant for: Childcare, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention, Families
Source: Interview with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, The Innovation Show
Stories for Children
My Hero is You
This book was a project developed by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings (IASC MHPSS RG). The project was supported by global, regional and country based experts from Member Agencies of the IASC MHPSS RG, in addition to parents, caregivers, teachers and children in 104 countries. A global survey was distributed in Arabic, English, Italian, French and Spanish to assess children’s mental health and psychosocial needs during the COVID-19 outbreak. A framework of topics to be addressed through the story was developed using the survey results. The book was shared through storytelling to children in several countries affected by COVID-19. Feedback from children, parents and caregivers was then used to review and update the story. Read the story here.
Format: Stories for Children
Relevant for: Childcare, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention, Families
Source: Interagency Standing Committee
Tucker Turtle Takes Time to Tuck and Think at Home - Social Emotional Regulation
New #PyramidModel Resource for Emotional Regulation at home.
"Tucker Turtle Takes Time to Tuck and Think at Home." Read the story here.
Format: Stories for Children
Relevant for: Childcare, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention, Families
Source: National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI)
Why Is My School Closed?
Talk with Children About COVID-19 Using Social Stories. Read the story here.
Format: Stories for Children
Relevant for: Childcare, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention, Families
Source: Program-Wide Positive Behavior Support Project at University of South Florida
Why Can't I go to School?/¿Por que no puedo ir a la escuela?
A self-guided story for parents to use to discuss staying home with their children.
Read the story in English here.
Read the story in Spanish here.
Format: Stories for Children
Relevant for: Childcare, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention, Families
Source Credit: NCPMI, Kerrie Fanning, They Playing Field, Reach Dane
Webinars
Family Panel Webinar with the DEC Family Committee
The DEC Family Committee held two listening sessions for families in April 2020 to discuss how life has changed in parenting young children with disabilities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The families' thoughts, feelings, and issues were reviewed and shared with DEC collaborating partners. In addition, a summary one-page handout was created. Download the handout here:
Family Panel Discussion - Click to view the video.Family Panel Discussion - Click to view the video.
The listening sessions were a springboard to the DEC Family Committee creating a panel discussion of three parents. It is the wish of the DEC Family Committee and all families of children with disabilities that family voice, experience, and priorities are considered when shaping policy and practice to support families effectively and responsively during this time. View the full Family Panel Discussion here.
Format: Webinars
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Families
Source: Division for Early Childhood
Assessing and Addressing the Needs of Young Children with Disabilities through Telecommunication
The essential practices in early intervention for children birth to five years can happen through actual conversation, even conversations that are held virtually. In this webinar, Robin McWilliam, Ph.D. and Cami Stevenson discuss how we can find out who’s in the family’s ecology, what the child and family needs are, develop participation-based child goals and family goals, construct a routines-by-goals matrix, and provide support-based visits—all done remotely. Learn more here.
Format: Webinars
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Families
Source: Division for Early Childhood in Collaboration with the Council for Exceptional Children
Calm in the Chaos of COVID-19: Helping the Helpers
Most of us have heard the Mr. Rogers' quote about looking for the helpers when things are scary. Right now, with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic causing social distancing and self-quarantining, the world can feel scary and take a toll on all of us. How do we, as 'helpers' so used to caring for others, help ourselves?
This webinar discusses the importance of self-care, especially during stressful times. Simple self-care strategies to manage our own stress levels are shared, along with a tool for honest self-reflection, so that we can be present for those who rely on us at home and at work. The discussion also includes practical strategies for staying connected during social distancing, as well as useful tips for working with families who may be struggling with the unpredictability of the present time and the changes in how a young child's school instruction, ancillary support services and early intervention services are delivered. Download the webinar and handout here.
Format: Webinar
Relevant for: Childcare, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention, Families
Mindfulness for Children of All Abilities to Keep Connections Strong in Early Childhood Programs
Now more than ever, it is critical to keep connections strong. During this webinar, Kristie Pretti-Frontczak explores how all caregivers (parents, teachers, therapists) can embed mindfulness into their daily routines and activities to meet the needs of children, including those who are on IEPs and/or who may struggle with self-regulation skills (e.g., attention, interaction, recall). Access the webinar here.
Format: Webinar
Relevant for: Childcare, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention, Families
Source: Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, Pre-K Teach & Play
Parents: Supporting Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
This module from the IRIS Center offers parents information on how to support their children's learning at home. Access the module here here.
Format: Webinar
Relevant for: Families
Source: The IRIS Center Peabody College Vanderbilt University
Routines-Based Intervention and Telepractice
"Yes you can! Routines-Based Early Childhood Intervention and Telepractice with Robin McWilliam and Cami Stevenson" presented by Early Childhood Intervention Australia. Access the webinar here.
Format: Webinar
Relevant for: Early Intervention, Families
Stress Detectives and Safe Harbors: Helping Children Feel Secure
This webinar provides faculty and instructors with ideas and supports for online teaching. Includes content resources, options for ways to use technology (e.g., to hold large and small group discussions), alternatives to classroom observations, and possibilities for alternatives to assignments. The handout, PowerPoints, and webinar recording were developed by SCRIPT-NC and are freely accessed. Access the webinar here.
Question and Answer Session
The question and answer session is an extension of the conversation around a previous webinar, Stress Detectives and Safe Harbors: Helping Children Feel Secure. Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak and Barb Avila answer questions and more deeply explore how to take action to ensure all children feel safe, seen, soothed, and secure. Access the webinar here. Request the related resources here.
Format: Webinar
Relevant for: Childcare, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Intervention, Families
Source: Division for Early Childhood in Collaboration with the Council for Exceptional Children
Shifting Blackboards: Supports for Emergency Online Teaching, Adjusting Assignments, and Rethinking Field Experiences
Recent emergency measures have forced many early childhood instructors to shift to online instruction. The purpose of this webinar is to provide ideas and supports to help in making those shifts. We’ll offer ideas for content resources, share options for ways to use technology (e.g., to hold large and small group discussions), and suggest possibilities for alternatives to assignments (e.g., observation using videos instead of classrooms). Access the webinar here.