Recruiting NEW aRPy Ambassadors!

Applications due January 31st, 2022

In partnership with the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children and Parent to Parent of Georgia/the Region B PTAC, the ECTA Center is recruiting a new cohort of Ambassadors.

If you would like to nominate someone to take advantage of this opportunity, please send them the link to the application request.

What is an aRPy Ambassador?

The ECTA Center established the aRPy Ambassador initiative to disseminate information about and promote the use of the DEC Recommended Practices (RPs). aRPy Ambassadors are DEC Members who help build state capacity to use the ECTA Center’s Practice Improvement Tools to support implementation of RPs by local practitioners and families.

The ECTA Center’s Practice Improvement Tools are aimed at bringing awareness and support to the dissemination and use of the DEC RPs, and include Performance Checklists, Practice Guides for Practitioners, Practice Guides for Families, online modules, and training materials.

Recruitment

We are recruiting a 2022 cohort of professional-level Ambassadors (state agency representatives, IHE, technical assistance and professional development organizations) and family-level Ambassadors representing the Parent Centers (PTIs, CPRCs, and PTACs) to become part of the aRPy Ambassador Initiative. Ambassadors will receive TA resources and support from the ECTA Center and DEC. Individuals should apply with the support of their Parent Center, DEC Subdivision leaders, state Early Intervention coordinator (Part C), state Preschool Special Education Coordinator (Section 619), and applicable employer/supervisor.

Requirements

We are looking for Individuals who:

• Share a commitment to improving systems, services, and outcomes for young children, including those with, or at risk for disabilities and their families

• Are highly motivated and willing to work collaboratively to further the use of the DEC Recommended Practices, including the development of cohort-determined products or tools

• Can be involved for a minimum of 4 hours per month over a 24-month period, including a monthly web-based meeting

• Can participate in a virtual orientation (5-6 sessions throughout April and May 2022)

• Can participate in the annual DEC conferences (Sept. 27-30, 2022, in Chicago, Nov.28-Dec.1st, 2023 in Minneapolis) and certify that the employer will cover the associated costs.

• Obtain a letter of support from their state agency, or parent center, and work supervisor, to be considered for an aRPy Ambassador and take on this role as part of their work duties and responsibilities

• Are able and willing to collaborate with other groups and entities, including early intervention, early childhood special education, early childhood/agencies/organizations

• Have excellent presentation and written and verbal communication skills

Opportunities for aRPy Ambassadors

Individuals selected as an aRPy Ambassador will have the opportunity to:

• Have exclusive access and orientation to the Ambassador Toolkit and Online Portal

• Become well-informed about the DEC Recommended Practices and the ECTA Center RP Products

• Collaborate with fellow Ambassadors to develop and share strategies and resources

• Advise the ECTA Center on new RP-related products

• Identify existing opportunities to disseminate and/or provide training on the products within their states

• Develop and implement a work plan with at least two goals for their role as an aRPy Ambassador that would be aligned with a state improvement effort

• Participate in documentation and evaluation of aRPy Ambassador activities to help refine and expand the aRPy Ambassadors program

• Have fun!

Applications are due January 31st, 2022. Applicants will be notified of their status by February 28th, 2022.

Request an application using the following link: https://ectacenter.org/decrp/arpy-application-request.asp#request

Questions? Email Allison Jones: allison.jones@unc.edu