The DEC Workforce Spotlight Webinar Series showcases programs and partnerships that are advancing the early intervention (EI) and early childhood special education (ECSE) workforce. Each session highlights promising models and practical strategies that support the preparation, recruitment, and retention of professionals committed to inclusive, high-quality services for young children with disabilities and their families.
Early EdCorp: A Registered Apprenticeship Program for Inclusive Early Childhood Classrooms in Maryland
Monday, January 13th, 2024, 2:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern Time - Download the recording. View the handout.
Evidence suggests all children prosper in high-quality, inclusive environments, but especially children with disabilities. However, many early educators haven’t been afforded the opportunity to learn evidence-based strategies that put children with disabilities on a path to reaching their full potential. This knowledge enhances children’s future academic and social outcomes, while simultaneously reducing the risk of teacher burnout. Learn about the University of Maryland’s (UMD) Early EdCorp, a Registered Apprenticeship program focused on preparing assistant teachers/paraeducators to leverage inclusive practices while earning their Child Development Associated (CDA) credential. Explore ways to partner with UMD’s Early EdCorp to promote inclusion in your community.
Presented by: Christy Tirrell-Corbin, Executive Director of the Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention at the University of Maryland, College Park and Principal Investigator for the Breaking Down Silos project; Beth Boyle, Inclusion Specialist for the Breaking Down Silos project; and Amanda Schwartz, Project Director for the Breaking Down Silos project. To contact the presenters, please email earlyedcorp@umd.edu.
The EI Workforce Continuum: Preparation, Recruitment, and Retention
Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, 3:00 to 4:15 PM Eastern Time - Download the recording.
The Virginia Early Intervention Professional Development (VEIPD) team provides coordination and oversight of Virginia's Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) for early interventionists who provide supports and services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities and their families under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Join us to understand VEIPD’s approach to support the continuum of preparation, recruitment, and retention.
Presenters:
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Lisa Terry, MS, M.Ed., Infant Mental Health Mentor-Research/Faculty, IMH-E®
VEIPD Center Professional Development Consultant Partnership for People with Disabilities/VCU -
Cori Hill, M.Ed.
VEIPD Center DirectorProfessional Development SpecialistPartnership for People with Disabilities/VCU -
Lorelei E. Pisha, Ed.D.
VEIPD Center Professional Development ConsultantPartnership for People with Disabilities/VCU
Cori provides coordination/oversight for the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development. As VEIPD Center Professional Development Specialist, she provides personnel training and develops curriculum. Cori works at the Partnership for People with Disabilities at VCU. She has worked in EI +30 years as an infant program director, special instructor and service coordinator. Cori is the co-PI for the OSEP Workforce Ready grant. She is the author of multiple articles and co-author of a textbook chapter. Cori supervises James Madison University early childhood special education and inclusive early childhood education students.
Lisa provides support for the design and implementation of professional development activities for early interventionists. She has worked in EI for over 15 years as an educator, service coordinator, clinical supervisor. Lisa hosts the podcast, Meaningful Moments. Lisa is a certified trainer in the Growing Brain, a ZERO TO THREE curriculum. She maintains endorsement as an IMH Mentor-Research/Faculty. Lisa is the co-facilitator for DEC's Infant Mental Health Community of Practice and aRPy Ambassador.
Lorelei facilitates the development and delivery of professional development activities for Virginia EI practitioners. Lorelei is the co-facilitator for the DEC’s Early Intervention Community of Practice. She began working in the field of infant and early childhood intervention in 2001 as an inclusion specialist. Since 2008, Lorelei has prepared early intervention and early childhood interdisciplinary personnel providing evidence-based professional development.