Resources
- Evidence-Based Practices - The resources provided here are supported by research and evidence. Topics include assessment, child development, curriculum & instruction, family involvement, inclusion, and transition.
- Superintendent's memo - This page provides superintendent memos specific to Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Administrators and individuals responsible for administrative oversight of local ECSE programs.
- State/Federal Organizations - This page provides national and state level initiatives and organizations relevant to early childhood special education.
Showing Results 201 - 250 of 268
Description: Families are the enduring presence in the lives of young children with disabilities. This volume contains activities to support early care and education staff and families in developing positive relationships that support collaboration and family leadership. Session 1: Creating Bright Futures (Building Relationships with Families) Session 2: Listening to Families Session 3: When Concerns Arise: Learning from Families' Experiences Session 4: Getting...
Description: The attached document provides step-by-step directions on how to analyze Early Childood data related to Child Count and Educational Placement. (Originally shared at 11/14/2016 LEADS breakout session "Getting to Know Your Division-Level Data.")
Description: VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 8,500 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizens have access to the best services and benefits available to them.
Description: Three webinars on Indicator 6 provide information on reporting requirements for Early Childhood Special Education Settings for Special Education Administrators, Preschool Special Education Coordinators, and others responsible for oversight of Early Childhood Special Education programs. Understanding Indicator 6: Early Childhood Special Education Settings for Children Ages Birth-Five provides an overview of the reporting requirements. Understanding the Indicator 6 Terminology: Early Childhood...
Description: On January 25, 2018, the Board of Education approved the proposed Guidelines for the Prevention of Suspension and Expulsion of Young Children: Supporting Children with Challenging Behaviors in Early Childhood Settings. The Department of Education has posted links to the Guidelines for the Prevention of Suspension and Expulsion of Young Children: Supporting Children with Challenging Behaviors in Early Childhood Settings on the Early Childhhood Curriculum & Instruction webpage. These...
Description: The Communities of Learning (CoL) will deliver targeted technical assistance and professional development to leaders in early childhood education programs. The online CoL will focus on building and maintaining high-quality early childhood inclusive programs. Specifically, participants will: Describe factors that lead to high-quality inclusive preschool programs; Discuss key challenges to implementing inclusive programs; Describe successful division and program strategies, including service...
Description: Supporting transitions can have positive effects on children and families, and collaboration is key to effective transition. Each brief in this series focuses on a different partnership level: the child and family, early educators, early care and education (ECE) programs, and ECE partners. The Head Start Program Performance Standards outline transition requirements in 1302 Subpart G—Transition Services.
Description: Helping Young Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: Policies and Strategies for Early Care and Education - In almost every early care and education (ECE) program across the country, there are children who have experienced trauma or who will, during their early childhood, experience traumatic events. Trauma in early childhood takes many forms, including abuse or neglect, witnessing violence, and having prolonged separation from or loss of a parent. An extensive body of research has documented the...
Description: Virginia Family Special Education Connection provides a one-stop-shop for parents, families and caregivers of children with special needs to: Access local school system contacts and disability services in your community Explore an abundance of resources, including assistive technology and behavioral supports to help your child succeed. Learn about and plan your child's educational program Understand your legal rights and responsibilities POWER (Parent Organizer with Educational...
Description: What you do and say matters! Explore and practice everyday strategies to develop Positive Goal-Oriented Relationships with a family. These relationships are key to our work with children and families, including the journey toward school readiness. Simulation 1 allows you to practice building bonds with families, beginning with an intake visit. Simulation 2 explores the process of developing and implementing goals with families. Simulation 3 explores using strengths-based attitudes to partner...
Description: This webpage hosted by ECTA, provides a variety of webinars on inclusion: Webinar: Preparing a High-Quality Workforce to Support Inclusion in Early Childhood Programs - 2015-2016 Inclusion of Young Children with Disabilities Webinar Series Kickoff: Inclusion in Early Childhood Programs Preschool Inclusion: What's the Evidence, What Gets in the Way, and What do High-Quality Programs Look Like? Early Childhood Inclusion: Implementation of the State Recommendations 2014-2015...
Description: Many collaborative strategies, sample interagency agreements, planning tools, and funding sources exist to assist states and communities in providing inclusive preschool special education services. Included within the Preschool Inclusion Finance Toolkit 2018 are the following: Early Childhood Programs Comparison Worksheet Determining Costs Inclusive Worksheet Braiding Funds: How Districts Can Create Inclusive Placement Opportunities for Young Children with Disabilities
Description: A new technical assistance report, Braiding, Blending, and Layering Funding Sources to Increase Access to Quality Preschool (2017), discusses a number of strategies for braiding, blending or layering various funding sources to provide comprehensive, inclusive early learning programs for young children and their families. It includes interviews with local school district, Head Start, and child care administrators discussing how they are making it work in their programs.
Description: The Topics covered in this Webinar (presented on May 25, 2017): What is Web Accessibility? What are Some Common Accessibility Errors? What is WCAG 2.0? How does it differ from 1.0? How can I Evaluate and Correct Accessibility Errors on my Website? How can I Create Accessible Content for new Webpages?
Description: Age-expected Child Development from Birth to Five Years Resource list- This document provides a list of resources providing different kinds of information about age-expected skills and behaviors observed in children from birth to five years. Additional resources may be found on the Outcomes section of the ECTA Center website (http://ectacenter.org/eco/index.asp) under Training Resources.
Description: The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Autism Center for Education (ACE) is funded by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). Our mission is to build state-wide capacity to improve outcomes of individuals with ASD by improving the knowledge, skills and understanding of families, educators, and professionals who support someone with a spectrum disorder. (VCU ACE)
Description: This position statement jointly created by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Division for Early Childood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) was published in 2009. It defines early childhood inclusion and clarifies what is meant by access, participation, and supports. Look for "Inclusion (April 2009) to find the position statement in English and Spanish as well as an executive summary.
Description: The ZERO TO THREE Policy Center is also delighted to announce the release of a new planning tool, Expanding Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Supports and Services: A Planning Tool for States and Communities. This new resource provides a set of questions that can help to: inform and organize cross-system, multi-sector planning efforts; inventory existing resources, policies, and programs; identify gaps and missing linkages; and align policy with best practice. This action-oriented...
Description: In October, 2016, ten states convened around the topic of infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH), with a specific focus on strategies to improve assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Teams from Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Virginia participated, as well as a team of expert contributors from Minnesota. The summary of proceedings from that work, Aligning Policy and Practice: Mental Health Assessment and Treatment of...
Description: How to Identify and Support Children Experiencing Stress - Recent social and political changes have brought up feelings of fear and anxiety in many communities. In some communities, protests or even violent conflicts may be happening near children. It is not surprising, then, that these communities’ children may be exhibiting signs of anxiety. Child care providers can take steps to help children cope with worry and the uncertainty that change brings. First and foremost,...
Description: The new ZERO TO THREE publication, “Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation: Policies and Practices to Foster the Social-Emotional Development of Young Children” provides an overview of early childhood mental health consultation (ECMHC), current issues in the field, and possible future directions. The paper also provides a snapshot of current programs across the nation and highlights some of the challenges and innovations that are shaping the field. Thirteen states are profiled,...
Description: The POWER (Parent Organizer With Educational Resources) web app provides parents and families with online resources to answer questions about child development, disabilities, community services, Special Education, diploma options in Virginia and transition to life after high school. The questions and potential resources are separated into age levels: Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School and High School. This project is a collaborative effort between the Parent Resource...
Description: The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has released a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) related to Preschool Least Restrictive Environment. The letter reaffirms the position of the U.S. Department of Education (ED or Department) that all young children with disabilities should have access to inclusive high-quality early childhood programs where they are provided with individualized and appropriate supports to enable them to meet high expectations. The guidance provided in the DCL covers:...
Description: This resource landing pad highlights research, policies, and position statements (What Does the Evidence Say?), print materials (Read All About It), videos and DVDs (See for Yourself), and web resources (Find It Online) to provide supports and services that facilitate smooth, seamless transitions into, within, and out of early intervention services. Featured resources are high-quality, readily available, and no-cost or low-cost. A special section (Virginia Guidance) features competencies,...
Description: Included in this video clip directory are a series of video clips that have been carefully vetted and selected by staff from the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL). Video clips on specific topics can be narrowed down using the categories on the left. Please note: The links below direct you to a website not associated with the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). The VDOE does not necessarily endorse the views expressed or the data and facts presented...
Description: Hyperactive, non-compliant, and disruptive behaviors in the classroom are often challenges for early childhood educators, regardless of whether a young child is diagnosed with ADHD or not. Understanding the rationale for and principles of behavior management and self-regulation approaches can help you support positive development for young children with challenging behaviors using evidence-based strategies. This "Ask the Expert" video is full of information and strategies that you may find...
Description: The U.S. Department of Education released guidance for fiscal changes and equitable services requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The guidance highlights changes to: Title I, Part A within-state allocations; Title I within-district allocations; Title II, Part A allocations; maintenance of effort requirements; and transferability requirements. The ESSA also makes a number of changes to the equitable services requirements for private school students...
Description: TTAC ONLINE IS: A web-based community linking people and resources to help children and youth with disabilities (birth to 22). Available 24/7 to teachers, other professionals and families. A place to search a wide range of resources by age level, category, disability area, or topic. Categorized into VA Projects, VA Assessments, Disability Info, Resources, Events and Online Training. Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.
Description: A variety of one hour professional development archived webinars focused on early intervention and early childhood topics. These are hosted by the Division for Early Childhood and can be purchased $35.00 for non-DEC members; $25.00 for DEC members.
Description: A DaSy resource features short videos (2-3 minutes) describing some of the ways that key stakeholders are using data in their work to support children with disabilities and their families. Hear how important data are to program staff, data managers, coordinators, families, and more. The Perspectives on Data Use videos were part of the 2016 Improving Data, Improving Outcomes conference closing plenary session.
Description: The Virginia Federation of the Council for Exceptional Children (VA CEC) has been active since 1958. We have continued in CEC's mission of excellence by adding local resources for teachers, administrators, parents and other special education professionals. Resources include state and regional conferences and workshops, VA CEC Newsletters, and other professional development support. We also advocate for individuals with disabilities, their families, and their...
Description: The Department is issuing this guidance to provide State and local educational agencies with information to assist them in meeting their obligations under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.Significant guidance is non-binding and does not create or impose new legal requirements.
Description: The DaSy Center is a national technical assistance center funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). DaSy works with states to support IDEA early intervention and early childhood special education state programs in the development or enhancement of coordinated early childhood longitudinal data systems. DaSy provides technical assistance (TA) and resources to state agencies to assist with the development or enhancement of data systems for Part C early...
Description: The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) improves the learning and development of young children by producing and communicating knowledge that transforms policy and practice. We collaborate with a network of local, state, national, and international leaders to design, conduct, and disseminate rigorous research, evaluation, and policy analysis. NIEER also helps prepare the next generation of inspirational leaders and researchers in early education.
Description: DaSy’s Communities of Practice (CoPs) offer state Part C and Part B 619 staff an opportunity to share lessons learned and promising practices in their work related to early intervention and preschool special education data and data systems. Through these communities, DaSy hopes to engage states, provide expert facilitation, and develop resources that will benefit both the immediate participants of the CoP and other states that face similar challenges.
Description: This is the Virginia Department of Education webpage for information on State Regulations for Special Education Programs. You can find specific regulations, fast facts, and procedural safeguard information on this site.
Description: The purpose of this document published in October 2016 is to assist early childhood programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)—Part B section 611 (Grants to States), Part B section 619 (Preschool Grants), and Part C (Grants for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities)—with addressing privacy and confidentiality questions. The frequently asked questions include general IDEA and FERPA privacy and confidentiality provisions, as well as information about...
Description: This policy brief promotes developmentally appropriate use of technology in homes and early learning settings. It was created by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help those who care for 0-8 year olds make wise decisions about technology use. It provides four guiding principles for families and early educators, and includes a call to action for researchers and technology developers, highlighting topics for further research and...
Description: The reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, December 3, 2004, (IDEA ’04) and its implementing federal regulations, October 13, 2006, prompted the need to revise Virginia’s special education regulations. These regulations are effective January 25, 2010.
Description: Please scroll down on the website link to see Part 1 and Part 2 webinar. These recorded webinars are viewed through Blackboard Collaborate and a link is provided to use Blackboard Collaborate Launcher. Powerpoints and handouts are available. Transition services assist a toddler with a disability and his or her family to experience a smooth and effective transition from the early intervention program under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to early childhood...
Description: States, communities, and local providers are using data to serve the needs of children and families participating in early childhood programs (e.g., Head Start, child care, preschool). Data sharing can support efficient, effective services for children. However, the benefits of data sharing and use must be balanced with the need to support privacy. To support this, the U.S. Department of Education Privacy Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) has assembled the following resources about privacy...
Description: The DEC Recommended Practices were developed to provide guidance to practitioners and families about the most effective ways to improve the learning outcomes and promote the development of young children, birth through age 5, who have or are at-risk for developmental delays or disabilities.
Description: The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) was signed into law on December 10, 2015. ESSA amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and replaces No Child Left Behind. The Board of Education approved its plan to implement ESSA at its July 2017 business meeting. The final version was approved by the U.S. Department of Education in May, 2018.
Description: This series of webshops showcases the products created by real co-teachers of Virginia, select teams of middle and high school co-teachers participating in the Virginia Department of Education’s Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative. These co-teachers established demonstration sites and opened their doors to visitors wishing to observe quality co-teaching; they also developed co-taught lesson plans and videos to share through these webshops. In their videos, teachers model not only...
Description: The VCU-ACE How To Series demonstrates evidence-based practices for students with ASD. These short videos are approximately five minutes and are intended to provide a quick look at implementing a particular strategy. The How To videos provide a short description of the topic with real life video examples of how to implement the evidence-based practice in the classroom with students with ASD. More How To videos will continue to be added so please check back often! (Videos on Prompting,...
Description: Early Childhood Mental Health Virginia (ECMHVA) is a statewide initiative focused on the development, implementation and sustainability of a comprehensive early childhood system of care for infant and early childhood mental health. The Early Childhood Mental initiative collaborates with early childhood agencies and representation across the Commonwealth to identify opportunities to increase access to resources and services by researching and securing funding for a continuum of quality in...
Description: From birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves. Track your child’s development and act early if you have a concern. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) updated developmental milestone checklists for infants & young children. These new milestones show skills 75% of children that age typically meet; previously, benchmarks were what 50% of children were doing. Check out the updated PEATC developmental milestone snapshot...
Description: VCPD members collaborate to provide diverse leadership to prepare early childhood personnel to support all children (prenatal to age five) and their families in home, school, and community settings. Our vision is for Virginia to have a high-quality, coordinated, cross-sector early childhood professional development system.
Description: The first three years of life are a period of incredible growth in all areas of a baby’s development. Learn how the earliest relationships with caregivers can promote healthy brain development, how young children build social and emotional skills, and ways you can support language and literacy development starting from birth.
Description: In response to the need for comprehensive training for individuals working with students with ASD in Virginia as well as House Bill 325 and the Virginia Department of Education's (VDOE) Training Standards for Paraprofessionals Assigned to Work with a Teacher Who Has Primary Oversight of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (PDF) , VCU-ACE has developed online training opportunities for paraprofessionals. The training is provided through the use of online technology. Our online training...