We have just finished teaching the Positive Behavior Supports class to area preschool teachers and associates. Two of our department staff attended the training as well - Cheryl Peterson and Becky Buckridge!
There are several data collection sheets that you might be able to revise to use with teachers as you work with children with behavior concerns. I will attach them to the email.
Please don't forget about all the great behavior strategies and handouts that were given to you at the August department meeting as well. (Thanks to Marlene, Pat, and Denise)
Monday, November 30, 2009
EC/ECSE Preschool/ Zone Meetings
The Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education Preschool Meetings have now occurred in all zones. 50% of the districts attended the meetings and good discussions resulted.
A document entitled, "Preschool Responsibilities - AEA and LEA" will be distributed in the near future to all districts and our department. Gale and I meet with Jerry on Thursday of this week to get final approval.
The most profound statement made at these meetings, "Beginning in the fall of 2010, the AEA will discontinue case management of IEPs for preschool children due to capacity, equity and labor distribution."
A document entitled, "Preschool Responsibilities - AEA and LEA" will be distributed in the near future to all districts and our department. Gale and I meet with Jerry on Thursday of this week to get final approval.
The most profound statement made at these meetings, "Beginning in the fall of 2010, the AEA will discontinue case management of IEPs for preschool children due to capacity, equity and labor distribution."
Toy Chest
At this time of year I want to remind you of the TOY CHEST brochure that is designed to help families make good choices on appropriate toys for children. The toys are listed by age category and there are also tips on "how to encourage your child's development! If you do not have any brochures in your office, contact Gale at the Storm Lake office and she can van mail you the copies you request!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Cleaning Toys
What are you using to disinfect toys that you use with children - or have you done away with the toy bags ??? (Ha -Just checking!)
At a recent secretary meeting, a discussion occurred about ordering hand sanitizer and cleansing products for our home teachers. Right now each office is requesting their own product and running to Dollar General, etc. to pick it up. There is a possibility of ordering in bulk if we could agree on a "recommended best product" to use. Think about that and get back to me if you have a preference!
At a recent secretary meeting, a discussion occurred about ordering hand sanitizer and cleansing products for our home teachers. Right now each office is requesting their own product and running to Dollar General, etc. to pick it up. There is a possibility of ordering in bulk if we could agree on a "recommended best product" to use. Think about that and get back to me if you have a preference!
Online calendars and caseloads
Thank you to those that have submitted their updated caseloads! Please make sure that you also have your online calendar up to date and have allowed access for Gale and I to view your calendar. Here are the directions:
Go to AEA manager
Click 'edit my profile'
Click 'calendar permission'
Drop down box for 'permit staff member'
Click assign
Go to AEA manager
Click 'edit my profile'
Click 'calendar permission'
Drop down box for 'permit staff member'
Click assign
Teacher Quality Documentation
The following information is from Sandy Spangler:
"The only time logs Teacher Quality wants submitted is through Basecamp. We do not want any paper copies of any time logs. Let's try to keep this simple and use minimal explanations when reporting time. Teacher Quality pay is for work outside the work day. In the time log in the Department's Basecamp, have each staff member put in the hours they worked outside the work day and in the Explanation column record such things as:
Read chapter 5 of IIIIIIIIII-TQ
Completed assignment-TQ
Worked on Grid of Services-TQ
Individual Coaching via Phone-TQ
All documented time must be in the logs and is due April 30th!
"The only time logs Teacher Quality wants submitted is through Basecamp. We do not want any paper copies of any time logs. Let's try to keep this simple and use minimal explanations when reporting time. Teacher Quality pay is for work outside the work day. In the time log in the Department's Basecamp, have each staff member put in the hours they worked outside the work day and in the Explanation column record such things as:
Read chapter 5 of IIIIIIIIII-TQ
Completed assignment-TQ
Worked on Grid of Services-TQ
Individual Coaching via Phone-TQ
All documented time must be in the logs and is due April 30th!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Central File Records
A question has been raised about the uniformity in the EA records going into the AEA central file for a child entering Part B services...
Please review Section 7: Early ACCESS Procedural Manual: Procedural Safeguards
Since Early ACCESS is legislated through IDEA, the records are considered educational records. Any information admitted to the record, including health information becomes part of the educational record and is protected under FERPA. Personal notes are not considered part of the educational record if they are not shared in any way. Once someone else has knowledge of the personal notes, they cease to be private and are part of the educational record.
The child's official educational record is maintained by the AEA due to the Regional Grantee responsibilites for Part C. AEAs maintain active and inactive files for Part B (3-21) and C (birth to 3). Once inactive, the official educational file, including all IFSP documents is maintained by the AEA. A child that leaves EA and is eligible for Part B, then .... EA record continues as the child's official ongoing educational record, and is maintained as an active Part B record. Child leaves EA and is not eligible for Part B, then ... AEA treats it as inactive file for 5 years after the child's 3rd birthday.
Please review Section 7: Early ACCESS Procedural Manual: Procedural Safeguards
Since Early ACCESS is legislated through IDEA, the records are considered educational records. Any information admitted to the record, including health information becomes part of the educational record and is protected under FERPA. Personal notes are not considered part of the educational record if they are not shared in any way. Once someone else has knowledge of the personal notes, they cease to be private and are part of the educational record.
The child's official educational record is maintained by the AEA due to the Regional Grantee responsibilites for Part C. AEAs maintain active and inactive files for Part B (3-21) and C (birth to 3). Once inactive, the official educational file, including all IFSP documents is maintained by the AEA. A child that leaves EA and is eligible for Part B, then .... EA record continues as the child's official ongoing educational record, and is maintained as an active Part B record. Child leaves EA and is not eligible for Part B, then ... AEA treats it as inactive file for 5 years after the child's 3rd birthday.
ECO MAPS and More
I'm interested in feedback from the Friday zone meeting structure. What went well? What would make it better?
I have had some eco-maps faxed or scanned to me from Ft. Dodge and Webster City office and will be looking forward to other zones responses as well.
Basecamp also worked as a way for me to view the SMART goals for BABES (Zone 2)and IFSP QUEENS (Zone 5 & 6)! Once basecamp training is completed in all zones, hopefully all groups will be able to upload their zone work into basecamp.
I'm still checking on "teacher quality" money and how it can be used. I have submitted my questions to the team and they meet this week. There are some additional TQ dollars for purchasing books or materials that may assist or promote our learning on our dept. topic. (See Fri. news from Oct 16) . That money is on and beyond the original TQ dollars, so stay tuned.
I have had some eco-maps faxed or scanned to me from Ft. Dodge and Webster City office and will be looking forward to other zones responses as well.
Basecamp also worked as a way for me to view the SMART goals for BABES (Zone 2)and IFSP QUEENS (Zone 5 & 6)! Once basecamp training is completed in all zones, hopefully all groups will be able to upload their zone work into basecamp.
I'm still checking on "teacher quality" money and how it can be used. I have submitted my questions to the team and they meet this week. There are some additional TQ dollars for purchasing books or materials that may assist or promote our learning on our dept. topic. (See Fri. news from Oct 16) . That money is on and beyond the original TQ dollars, so stay tuned.
Early Learning Webinars
Visit the ISU Extension Early Learning Webinar Web site: www.extension.iastate.edu/childcare/earlylearning
The following webinar topics will be presented over the next months:
Science and Nature with Young Children
Children's Friendship Skills
Dramatic Play
Blocks
Math More than Numbers
Learning through Cooking
Sand and Water Play
2 hours credit for each webinar for DHS licensed or registered child care programs or for those working on CDA credential. Please share the information with sites that you visit!
The following webinar topics will be presented over the next months:
Science and Nature with Young Children
Children's Friendship Skills
Dramatic Play
Blocks
Math More than Numbers
Learning through Cooking
Sand and Water Play
2 hours credit for each webinar for DHS licensed or registered child care programs or for those working on CDA credential. Please share the information with sites that you visit!
Process over Product
I'm still learning about this BLOG stuff and quite frankly don't know how to attach a document to the post, so if anyone has some words of wisdom, please advise.
So I've attached a handout designed by an Iowa Lakes Community College Early Childhood student that really describes the product oriented "turkey" project vs. the process oriented "turkey" project.
I don't know about you, but as I go around to preschool classrooms, I am puzzled at some of the projects that are "all alike". This may be a brochure to share with early childhood providers as you wish them a Happy Thanksgiving. It may give them something to "gobble about!"
So I've attached a handout designed by an Iowa Lakes Community College Early Childhood student that really describes the product oriented "turkey" project vs. the process oriented "turkey" project.
I don't know about you, but as I go around to preschool classrooms, I am puzzled at some of the projects that are "all alike". This may be a brochure to share with early childhood providers as you wish them a Happy Thanksgiving. It may give them something to "gobble about!"
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Technology
Several of the Basecamp trainings were rescheduled because Tonia VerHelst had sick children. Do try and attend a basecamp training as basecamp is where you will log your hours for teacher quality money. More to come on that topic!
Skype is another way for us to communicate with one another. Perhaps at the zone meeting you can teach each other how to use Skype and could try and Skype someone from another zone. Give it a try!
And did you know that you can check out video flip cameras from Ed Zimmerle in the Pocahontas office? The cameras are really handy for video taping a home visit, a classroom lesson, an interesting center or activity that may be happening. It records voice and picture. What next?
Skype is another way for us to communicate with one another. Perhaps at the zone meeting you can teach each other how to use Skype and could try and Skype someone from another zone. Give it a try!
And did you know that you can check out video flip cameras from Ed Zimmerle in the Pocahontas office? The cameras are really handy for video taping a home visit, a classroom lesson, an interesting center or activity that may be happening. It records voice and picture. What next?
Zone Meeting
On Friday, Nov. 13 zone meetings will occur. It is my understanding that there will be time at each zone meeting for us to get together and extend our learning from our department meeting topics/priorities. Therefore, I've attached several documents for you to print prior to the meeting.
Each zone will need to determine a faciitator and proceed through the materials provided. Please contact me prior to the meeeting if you are unclear about what is expected during your time together.
It would be appropriate for a speech pathologist or OT or PT to join the zone meeting discussions, especially if they attended Dr. Robin McWilliam's presentation.
Each zone will need to determine a faciitator and proceed through the materials provided. Please contact me prior to the meeeting if you are unclear about what is expected during your time together.
It would be appropriate for a speech pathologist or OT or PT to join the zone meeting discussions, especially if they attended Dr. Robin McWilliam's presentation.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Tuesday
It is unfortunate that the department will NOT be able to meet in Storm Lake on Tuesday to support one another, make and take, and provide energy and laughter for all!
Guess this gives you an office day to reschedule missed appointments, complete mileage and medicaid for October, update caseloads and submit to Denise, finish IFSP/IEPs, etc. etc. We all need one of those unplanned dates to catch up!
Looks like the meeting has been rescheduled for November 30!
Guess this gives you an office day to reschedule missed appointments, complete mileage and medicaid for October, update caseloads and submit to Denise, finish IFSP/IEPs, etc. etc. We all need one of those unplanned dates to catch up!
Looks like the meeting has been rescheduled for November 30!
FINESSE
The Families in Natural Environments Scale of Service Evaluation (FINESSE) scale was completed by all home visitors prior to our Oct 2 department meeting with Dr. Robin Mc William.
Remember the 17 questions you addressed on the scale, focusing on your program's typical and ideal practices in providing quality, family-centered services to children with special needs birth to 5 years old? Each item was scored from 1 to 7. The top row number described a "typical" response. The bottom row number described where you would like your program to be (ideal) on this dimension.
The scores are important to look for "group consensus." Our target is to reach a score of 5 or greater for typical practice implementation in all areas. As a group, the areas we need to increase are: 1) Assessment for Intervention Planning - The ideal states: Routine-based interviews that focus on family functining, child engagemet, social relationships, and independence are used for intervention planning. 2) Family Outcomes/Goals - Family goals unrelated to the child are included in the IFSP along with child goals.
Remember the 17 questions you addressed on the scale, focusing on your program's typical and ideal practices in providing quality, family-centered services to children with special needs birth to 5 years old? Each item was scored from 1 to 7. The top row number described a "typical" response. The bottom row number described where you would like your program to be (ideal) on this dimension.
The scores are important to look for "group consensus." Our target is to reach a score of 5 or greater for typical practice implementation in all areas. As a group, the areas we need to increase are: 1) Assessment for Intervention Planning - The ideal states: Routine-based interviews that focus on family functining, child engagemet, social relationships, and independence are used for intervention planning. 2) Family Outcomes/Goals - Family goals unrelated to the child are included in the IFSP along with child goals.
Vision camera
I've been told that the vision camera in Ft. Dodge is not working properly so I have been seeking information from our audiologist and vision specialist regarding the use of the camera. Here are the results:
MTI Photoscreener Condition:
Spencer– Good Condition
Storm Lake – Camera is working, battery is dead, must keep it plugged in all the time
Ft. Dodge – camera is not working properly
Film:
Spencer - 2 boxes on hand (40 pictures) Expiration date: 1/2009
Storm Lake – 1.5 boxes on hand (30 pictures)
Ft. Dodge – 2 boxes on hand (40 pictures) Expiration date: 1/2009
Do the home intervention teachers regularly request vision pictures?
Spencer – No, they only refer if they have vision concerns, if they have vision concerns it might be better to just refer them to an eye dr. for exam
Storm Lake – I screen all 0-3 referrals
Ft. Dodge – For new referrals, maybe, not consistent with all teachers
Is the process effective for making referrals for a vision exam with the local eye doctor or an ophthalmologist?
Spencer – Several referrals have been made for children to get their eyes examined
Storm Lake – Have had a handful of kids identified by screening, I tell them to call the eye dr. of their choice
Ft. Dodge – Jean Lemberg reads the results, no process in place for us to know the results
So now it's time to hear from you! Do you feel the vision screening checklist tool is sufficient? We can no longer purchase the current MTI photoscreener as it is outdated. The recommended replacement camera cost $4500, is that a good use of funding? I will be taking recommendations to Jerry Stremel and would appreciate your input.
MTI Photoscreener Condition:
Spencer– Good Condition
Storm Lake – Camera is working, battery is dead, must keep it plugged in all the time
Ft. Dodge – camera is not working properly
Film:
Spencer - 2 boxes on hand (40 pictures) Expiration date: 1/2009
Storm Lake – 1.5 boxes on hand (30 pictures)
Ft. Dodge – 2 boxes on hand (40 pictures) Expiration date: 1/2009
Do the home intervention teachers regularly request vision pictures?
Spencer – No, they only refer if they have vision concerns, if they have vision concerns it might be better to just refer them to an eye dr. for exam
Storm Lake – I screen all 0-3 referrals
Ft. Dodge – For new referrals, maybe, not consistent with all teachers
Is the process effective for making referrals for a vision exam with the local eye doctor or an ophthalmologist?
Spencer – Several referrals have been made for children to get their eyes examined
Storm Lake – Have had a handful of kids identified by screening, I tell them to call the eye dr. of their choice
Ft. Dodge – Jean Lemberg reads the results, no process in place for us to know the results
So now it's time to hear from you! Do you feel the vision screening checklist tool is sufficient? We can no longer purchase the current MTI photoscreener as it is outdated. The recommended replacement camera cost $4500, is that a good use of funding? I will be taking recommendations to Jerry Stremel and would appreciate your input.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)