Big changes to the Dec. Dept. meeting...

Monday, Dec. 19th department meeting will be changed from an all day meeting in Pocahontas to a small group office meeting beginning at 1:00p.m. (see schedule)

AEA Zone Coordinators, Jerry and Jeff invited me to present an overview of the online GOLD assessment system being used in our statewide preschool programs and an overview of AEPSi online. They were impressed and made the decision that each ECSE teacher should attempt to use the AEPSi with a couple of children. Plans have been finalized and license have been purchased and the system is waiting for you! More information and support will be provided at the 12.19 meeting.

Please use the following criteria to make good decisions about which children to place in the system. Is the child 25% delayed? Will the child be in the system for at least a year ?(the license for a child is for one year).

And remember, the DAYC may still be used for initial eligibility as it can be done quickly in the 45 day time line. The AEPSi would be good to use for ongoing assessment and decision making.
It's a good tool to use with those complicated kiddos that qualify in lots of areas, as the support staff can have access and use it too!

Credit option

Please remember : If you've paid for PD credit

Jan. 6 dept. meeting - technology quarterly review/reflection of video library, early childhood content is due. Plan to send it electronically.

Jan. 20 - first EER is due to Gary Petersen for coaching and feedback

TQ Money

The TQ committee did grant approval for the ECSE department for a 2 day per diem payment for technology work. If you do not want to be part of this work, please let me know asap.

The committee wanted to make sure everyone understands that this per diem payment must be for activities outside of the normal work day. It is additional work, not within the 193 day contract.

You are eligible for payment once the work is done and documented. Please turn all documentation into Steve Beegly and cc it to Denise Wasko.

Let me know if you have any questions. I will attach the necessary forms.

AEPS- why should I be using it?

Did you know? AEPS is:

• reliable and valid



• accurately measures progress in children with disabilities



• ensures more effective programming and better child outcomes



• curriculum based



• supports best practice



• a favorite of families

AEPS

• helps programs meet OSEP reporting mandates



• can determine and/or corroborate eligibility for services



• generates powerful aggregate reporting functions

Are you ready to give it a try? Coming soon, additional license!

Celebrations!

After finishing the Thanksgiving holiday break, you have likely reflected on all of the things you are thankful for. Here is a few updates on other celebrations:

Email from Becky Buckridge : Quinn and the rest of our family are heading to Florida Dec. 29 as he was chosen to Make-A-Wissh. We will be there for 7 days and 6 nights. How awesome is that! The kids don't know we are going. We are going to wait until just about that day to tell them. I have been having them try on their summer clothese and telling them we are sorting out what fits and what doesn't and seeing what I need to put on a list to buy for next year. You'd think they would really think something was up with me doing that! Too busy to wonder anymore what their mother is doing! Missing my Prairie Lakes family, but sure love being with my own everyday!

More good news... Our very own Nicole Hinrichs will be honeymooning Dec. 7 -12!

And finally... Our very own Kelly Olson turns the big 40 on Wednesday, Nov. 30!

Technology updates

I have submitted the Teacher Quality form for the department staff, requesting 2 days of additional pay to spend on technology related topics, webinars, websites, online assessments, etc. I am waiting for approval of our plan; I believe the committee is meeting soon and we should be getting an update. I will keep you informed. In the meantime, continue keeping track of your time.

A few additional technology/ideas/resources will be attached to this email for your viewing pleasure! You decide what information is helpful.

AEPS Administration Guide

Sometimes it's very helpful to take the time to go back and re-visit materials from training opportunities. Please take the time to find the spiral bound AEPS Administration Guide, Vol. 1, Diane Bricker. Once you find the book, check out :
Appendix B. IFSP/IEP Goal and Objective Examples.

As I review IEP goals that are being written for children as they transition from Part C to Part B, I'm often surprised/ confused/ concerned???

Take a look at the IEP goals that you've written this year. Take a look at the sample goals starting on page 141 of the Administration Guide? Are we moving in the right direction?

Autism Resources

How many of you were out in Polycom- land last Wed for the AEA Autism Assessment Training with Jackie Loos and Coletta Jaeger?

If not, I'd like to quickly summarize a few highlights. First of all, did you know each office has a 3 ring binder with autism team procedures,roles of the autism resource team and samples of several screening tools and tools for educational diagnosis of autism? Ask about the Underlying Characteristics Checklist (ages 3 months - 72 months) or check out the Sensory History Checklist or the Autism Social Skills Profile for starters.

Did you know that each summer the autism team offers 2 summer classes - this year there will be a class in Pocahontas June 11-13 and in Estherville on August 6-8?

And finally, did you know that within our ECSE department, Tammy Berger, Marlene Armbrecht, and Becky Coffelt serve on the Autism Resource Team? Thank you ladies!

AEPSi

Each year we add new resources to our toolbox. Just about everyone attended the 2 day May training sponsored by the DE on AEPS. We all received the spiral bound assessment and curriculum books for 0-3 and 3-5. Do you know where your books are? In September we had a one day follow-up training to refresh our skills and gain more information on AEPS. We invited our support staff to learn with us. Have you used any of the information?

I'd like to commend the "pioneers" who have agreed to pilot the AEPSI - online version of the AEPS. Lynn Eby, Tammy Berger, Lorri Lovelace Johnson, Deb Bennett, Chrys Velky, and Nicole Hinrichs from our department. Support staff include: Dawn Higgins, Susan Burnside, Trese Arends, Rosemary Anderson, Amanda Sigler, Amy Thompson, Lisa Richter, and Margo Kitzrow.

Many of the AEAs are using the AEPSi for Birth to 3, Early ACCESS children who qualify with a 25% delay. Many AEAs are also using the new GOLD online assessment for high probability children. I will be presenting information to the Zone Coordinators and Jerry on Tues. Nov. 15 to see if they think we should move in this direction as well. Interesting in coming on board??? Let me know real soon!

Creating Classrooms that Work for Every Child

Creating Classrooms that Work for Every Child: Implementing the Pyramid Model in Inclusive Settings is a 2 day workshop that helps teachers identify and apply strategies for improving children's social emotional and behavioral outcomes in inclusive settings. Our own Becky Coffelt helped develop and pilot the module training and may be presenting the information at the National Challenging Behavior Conference in Florida this spring. Yeah Becky!

I am assisting her in presenting the information in Spencer on Wednesday, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 from 9:00 - 3:00 each day. We have 27 teachers and associates signed up and I'm inviting you to consider attending as well. (I believe Tammy Berger is already signed up). Let me know if you'd like to attend - it's a big room. (Algona and Ft. Dodge teachers attended the training in September)

I've attached several data sheets that are introduced in the workshop; these forms may be really helpful for you to use with a teacher that is collecting data for the child find process. Are you interested now?

GOLD online

Many of you had an introduction to the GOLD online assessment system at one of our department meetings last year. The GOLD online can be used for children birth to age 6. Many of the AEAs are using GOLD online for "high probability" birth to 3 children and are using AEPSi online assessment to track progress for "25% delayed" children.

Since technolgy is one of our department priorities this year, please consider using GOLD, AEPSI or both systems as part of your technology plans. Think about it and let me know at Friday's department meeting if you are interested in moving that direction.

Home Visits

Jeff Herzberg has requested the opportunity to join department staff on a typical daily schedule. If you are interested in allowing him to "job shadow" you on this eye opening experience, please let me know ASAP and we'll get some details confirmed.

I had the chance to follow Kelly Olson for a 1/2 day and learn more about the joys and challenges her job presents. I also went with Chyrs Velky to 2 home visits last week and used the flip video camera to capture a young 2 year old using the PECs system as well as collected data for another child on the words/word approximations heard. Thank you for the experience. Please let me know if you'd like me to go with you!

Gold objectives

Donna, my secretary, was asked to complete a word document with all of the GOLD assessment objectives and levels. You will be able to copy and paste the information into the EER report, as appropriate.

Most of our preschool programs are using the GOLD assessment and should have that information available for you to use in decision-making during the eligibility process.

Each office should have the spiral bound GOLD assessment booklet with the color band levels and the objectives. I have an extra entire GOLD kit in my office, with individual student books in case anyone needs a copy - just ask.

EER workshop

I think we all appreciated the EER workshop held on Friday with Gary Peterson. The discussions were good and the examples given by those that have attempted "the beast" were well done. Gary is willing to meet with us again at our Nov. 2 department meeting; please share any suggestions as to what would be most helpful in that next discussion. We will need to limit our time that day so that we can cover other important topics as well.

The notes are attached for your viewing.

Technology

Looks like our technology needs and interest are more similar than different! Flip video cameras have been checked out to Andrea and Deb and Chrys. It is likely that flip video cameras are also available in your office, check with the secretary or one can be loaned from Ed Zimmerle in the Pocahontas office. Let me know if you need one and can't get your hands on one.

Most everyone is interested in the I-Pod or the I-Pad, and in particular at the Dragon Dictation application. I'm waiting patiently for the order to come in. You may want to ask your ZC if an I pod or I pad can be ordered through the zone budget to assist you in saving time with documentation. (This was Jerry's suggestion and I will send a "heads up to ZC's that you may be asking.)

EER update

Most of you have had a chance to indicate if you can come to Pocahontas on Friday, Oct. 14 for a morning workshop session on the new EER. Many are planning to attend; I'd encourage you to bring along your laptop, a current EER, your questions, and your good thinking!

For those that can't join us that day, information will be shared with the department at our Nov. 2 department meeting.

Office visits

A staff member suggested that I set up some office visits to meet with individuals or small groups as a way to allow time for teachers to "be heard" and "to feel like they are listened to" rather than at department meetings. Office visits are a good way to address individual questions, to do some brainstorming on specific problems, attend IFSP or IEP meetings, and join you for home visits, if requested. Or perhaps you just want to meet over lunch - you can determine how to best use our time together.

So, I'm reserving some possible October dates that might work for us.
Mon. Oct 17 (pm), Tues. Oct 18 (pm), Oct 21,(am) Oct. 27 (am/pm). Please let me know asap if you want me to come! I can also check with Gale's schedule, if you'd like or need her involvement as well.

Technology updates

I'd like to review our technology plans as you didn't get to spend much time asking questions due to our limited time at the dept. meeting.

1. I've attached the summary of the "technology topics" and have listed dept. peers that are a "3" or "4." Consider these gals as "coaches" in your new learning.
2. I've attached the websites so that you have the electronic link. Those taking the technology for CREDIT, please note that the rubric criterion 1 states: Quarterly review/reflection of video library EC site. The first reflection is due 11.4.11 (dept. mtg).
3. As you decide on a project/plan for learning 2 new forms of technology, those taking the work for CREDIT, please submit one of the planning forms given at the 9.26.11 dept meeting or submit the "individual professional development plan that is shared with ZC." The plan is due 11.4.11 also. rubric criterion 2

EER updates

I have asked Gary Peterson to come to our Nov. 4 department meeting and we will spend some time learning more about the EER.

We did have a good discussion about the EER at our Early Childhood State Network meeting on Thursday. Becky Coffelt and I were both in attendance. A few take away messages: 1) Use the Eligibility Documentation Rubric, (1-3 quality rating) to self critique the information you are writing to answer each question. 2) Child Find is the AEAs responsibility - after consent is signed, we will need to assist in providing the interventions and collecting the data. 3) It's tough to get progress data, if we don't have sufficient data at the end of the 60 days, we must say, "not eligible, gather additional data, and get a new consent, if needed. I have a few samples that I will share from our presentation!

Be A Problem Solver

If you haven't read Friday news -9.30.11 PLEASE make sure and at least take time to read 2 items, "First 5 Basic Mistakes: Stress of Organizational Change" and "Finding Balance in your Life." After reading, I hope you take time to reflect on what you can personally do to make work manageable.

I've attached my reflections on the 9.26 department meeting. I want to apologize for my part in "opening the flood gates" with "are you listening" on the agenda. We can not and will not allow our conversations to go in a negative direction again during department meeting time. Our time together is to valuable and our role is to support one another in a positive manner.

New brochures

The OT department shared a wonderful resource entitled, "Tummy Time Tool." It has great colored pictures for parents with activities to use to help position, carry, hold and play with their babes! Check it out! (I did try and contact the publisher to ask permission to print and didn't get a response.)

We are also developing resource packets for licensed childcare centers. More on that as the printing progresses.

AEPS update

I was not able to add the AEPS documents to basecamp for everyone to access. I guess it violates copyright to do so. Can you check and see if you have a binder in your office with all the printed forms? If not, and you would like a binder, let me know and I can provide one.

Some were interested in checking into the AEPSI (online version). There is a 30 day free trial and I encourage you to check it out! I've had one team approach me with interest in the online license. I'm quite sure that we can use dept. funds to purchase some license ($10 per child). It would make sense to start with children who have a 25% delay and are under or near 2 years of age, so that we could gather a minimum of a year's data before they'd leave the system. Many of the other AEAs have already purchased online licenses and speak highly of the ease of the system.

AEPS training

Please remember to bring your spiral AEPS books (Monday) that you received at the May training in Des Moines. It will be helpful if you could consider yourself as a table leader since you are familiar with the book and have had 2 days of training. Some of the information will be repetitive, however, don't we need to hear something 7 times to fully embrace it? I'm suspecting that some of us attended the May training and haven't looked at the materials since, thus a good review is needed.

We have the entire OT/PT department coming, most of the SLPs that have a 0-3 assignment, most of the hearing/vision folks, and even some triad/dyad folks who want to learn more about preschool age children. The training will be NEW information for them and I'm hopeful that better teaming and better decisions will be made for children by this opportunity to learn together. Bring your positive attitude!

Technology Dept plan

So what is the focus of our professional development work within the dept? Attached you will find the plan that describes the data, teaching/learning opportunities, and the collaboration/implementation for increasing our use of technology in our work. It's exciting to note that an I- Pad and 2 flip video cameras have been ordered for our dept.

There is also an opportunity to register through AVATAR for credit,
lic. renewal ($30) or Drake grad credit ($70)for this work. You can view the syllabus and grading rubric by searching for 6857 Technology: Sharing Knowledge and Supporting Relationships. Registration closes on Monday, Sept. 26, the day of our department meeting, so please register ASAP.

Professional development and department meetings

Here are the dates for department meetings for 2011-12.
Sept. 26, Nov. 4, Dec. 2, Jan. 6, Feb. 17, Mar. 2, Apr. 20, and May 21
At this time there is no meeting scheduled for October.

There are several professional development workshops that are being offered to preschool teachers and associates. The schedule (this will require you to log into AEA manager) is here and attached. You are most welcome to register and attend any sessions that would assist you in skills needed for your work. Pay particular attention to the GOLD workshop dates and the 2 day workshop entitled, "Creating Classrooms That Work for Every Child - Implementing the Pyramid Model in Inclusive Settings."

As for our department professional development, more information coming next time - we will continue working with our OTs and PTs with progress and mastery monitoring
(joint meetings in Nov., Jan. & March).

We will also spend time integrating technology into all of our work! And save time to learn more about the Child Find process and the new EER.

One other new feature that you will recieve is "Three Thoughts for the Week."
Gale will be sharing "need to know" information about Early ACCESS. (The average person needs to hear something 7 times before it really is stored in our brain.) We think this will help you in review of procedural requirements and won't be new information!

Where did Monday go?

Here it is Wednesday and I'm just getting around to Monday Matters, sorry about that.

The department contact list has been updated - click here (this will require you to login to AEA manager).( I will also attach the information to the email and you will have to let me know if that is simplier than this new, sophisticated way that Tonia showed me.) If there are corrections or additions to the information, please let me know. Please remember that we have a list serve: ECSE-Department@aea8.k12.ia.us that can be used to send messages, questions, etc. to the entire group. It is a nice way to get feedback from several folks.

Important Dates to Remember

Please make sure you have registered for the Child Find training being held on Aug. 22 & 23 in Pocahontas. The training is also being offered on Aug. 17 & 18 in Ft. Dodge, but our dept. is encouraged to attend the training in Pocahontas, as those days will focus/prioritize the needs of our group.

Looking on to Sept., please save the date of Sept. 12 for AEPS follow-up training. Also add Sept. 26 to your calendar as our first ECSE department meeting date. Other dept. meeting dates include: Nov. 4, Dec. 2, Jan. 6, Feb. 17, Mar. 2, Apr. 20, and May 21. (No meeting scheduled in Oct. and Sept. 26 is a new date to add) Please try to keep these dates OPEN and plan to attend!

Lesson Plans/Activity Forms

Gale and I attended several professional development work days hosted by the Department of Ed over the past 3-4 months. We were fortunate to hear from well known speakers on topics ranging from technology to family centered support practices. As a result, one of the changes you will see is a "new look" to the activity forms used for home visiting. The forms will be delivered to your offices as soon as van mail is up and running! The suspense is killing you, right???

The expectation is for you to use the new forms with "new families" and "current families that are open to change" and provide feedback on "what you like, don't like, recommended changes, etc." We have produced a limited amount of copies and will be open to discussion at the November department meeting. We truely feel that the added information will keep family centered practices and principles as a priority in our work!

Meet Carrie Calhoon

Welcome to Carrie Calhoon, who will be joining our department as an Early ACCESS service coordinator, beginning duties on Aug. 15. She will be housed out of the Storm Lake AEA office and will serve families located in Zone 3. Carrie lives in Spencer, attended school K-12 in Sioux Rapids and has taught preschool for 2 years at Ruthven Ayrshire.
Most recently, she has worked for UDMO as a Child Care Specialist for the past 8 years providing home visits to child care providers.

Carrie is trained in PBIS, Child Net, ECCERS-R, FCCERS-R, Power of Mental Health, Creative Curriculum (Family Child Care, Infant/Toddler Care), GOLD Assessment, Baby Signs, ASQ, Reality Works (Shaken Baby, Drug Affected Baby and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Baby), IPTV 1st Books and A Place of Our Own, IELS, IQPPS, Every Child Reads, Strengthening Families, Adult Learning Styles and Mediation! What an asset she will be to all of us!

AEPS Journey

Thank you for taking time out of your busy May schedules to attend the 2 day AEPS training in D.M. Isn't Kristi a delight to listen to - she really "gets it"!

So for next steps:
1) The AEPS should be considered as another "tool" for you to use in making good decisions about where children are at, what they can do, and what they will do next. It will not be mandatory for you to use, but you are encouraged to "give it a try."
2) If you liked AEPS and want to "dig deeper", I'd suggest you try the 30 day free trial of the AEPSI online between now and September 1 and see what you think.
3) If there are some of you that would like to "pilot" the use of the AEPSI the cost is $20 per child. AFTER you have used it for the 30 day trial period, contact me and I will find a way to fund the cost!
4) Spend some time on the AEPS blog to learn more!

My next task:
1) Look for the AEPS CD rom with all of the FORMS and send them to each of you.
2) Discuss at the chairperson meeting the possibility of providing a 1 day overview training to (0-5)support staff in September, so that teams are aware of the tool and can "sharpen their skills" with EC assignments. We have some ARRA funds to bring in a facilitator - Melanie will be contacted to develop a plan.
3) All additional AEPS materials that are in your office can be shared with support staff.

What do you need?

What resources would assist you in your work with children and families in the home? For example, do you need some new board books to share/loan with families? Or would a magnet to hang on the refrigerator to hold your important "data sheet be helpful"? Would you like a notebook of handy dandy parent articles on such topics as "diapering", "bedtime, naptime," or "running errands"? Please let me know your thoughts by way of the list serve or email. (Yes, I have found a little pot of money to spend.)

May 16 Department meeting

An agenda for our May meeting will be out by the end of the week or at the latest on Monday, May 9.

We'd really like this meeting to be a review - renew - refresh - retire! If you have items for the agenda that would fit into one of these categories, please let me know ASAP and we'll try to add it. For example, I've had a request to REVIEW page F examples as a follow-up to our earlier 3-5IEP work. What else? We're also hoping to FINALIZE the contents of central files, (review). And of course, we'll spend time celebrating the RETIRE part for Pat and Paula, while the rest of us are still just "tired".

"The most wasted of all days, is the day that we have not laughed." French proverb

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

May 3, 2011 has been declared as National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day as a day to raise awareness that positive mental health is essential to a child's healthy development from birth. This year's national focus is on: Building Resilience in Young Children Dealing with Trauma. Find out more at www.samhsa.gov/children

What's happening in April?

April is Autism Awareness month. Last week's edition of the Pocahontas Record Democrat newspaper featured the Risenberg family from Palmer, "family travels long road to acceptance, advocacy after son's autism diagnosis..." The article tells the success story of early intervention, beginning preschool at age 2 years, 9 months, and the continued journey for Elijah and his family and team. It's an inspiring article - and confirms again, "YES, we make a difference in children and families lives!" Stop at a Casey's store, anywhere in Iowa, during the month of April - they are planning to have their cookies decorated with a blue icing ribbon - to increase an awareness of autism. This effort all started with one family, one child, and one caring program! Next week in the "Week of the Young Child" More on that next time!

Be Positive

"Stop thinking in terms of limitations; think in terms of possibilities." Our AEA is in a time of challenge as tough decisions are being made over the next weeks with staff reduction plans, office closings, etc. As a leader, I'm trying to keep a positive attitude and the first thought that comes to my mind is WOW - look at the expertise within our department. According to our Friday news, Melissa and Paula will celebrate 30 years with the AEA, Chrys will reach the milestone of 25 years, I've been here 15 years and Randi - 10 years. Celebrate! As you may have heard by now, Paula will be retiring along with Pat at the end of June. It is most likely that these positions will NOT be filled. (Two years ago ARRA funding allowed 2 additional positions in our AEA and that funding ends in June) Yes, this will mean changes for our department - I will plan to share information with you as I receive information.

AEPS updates

By now you should have received a contract for 2 extra days of pay to attend the AEPS training sponsored by the DE. Please sign those contracts and return to Ginger Hoffman asap. Remember to contact your secretary/ZC and move the contract dates of May 19 & 20 to your summer calendar. You will need to apply for agency directed leave through the AEA manager. We are making arrangements for motels and will inform you as soon as possible. More information will be coming - regarding car pools, etc!

Scholastic News

You have probably been receiving information from Scholastic News to renew your Parent/Child magazine subscription. The past 2 years the Parent Educator Connection have purchased several copies for each home teacher to share with parents. If you want to renew the magazine, please submit it through your zone budget. Some people have indicated that they are not interested in getting the magazine, so we will not be ordering it through the PEC for next year.

TQ Money

I am sending you 3 Young Exceptional Children articles recommended by Gloria Frolek Clark to help us in our understanding and implementation of the use of progress monitoring and mastery monitoring. The articles are entitled, Improving Child Outcomes with Data-Based Decision Making: Collecting Data, Using Individual Growth and Development Indicators to Assess Child and Program Outcomes, and Improving Outcomes for Young Children by Assessing Intervention Integrity and Monitoring Progress: Am I Doing it Right and Is it Working? I'd suggest you read the articles outside of work time and submit the 7.5 hours to TQ time sheet for an extra day of pay! Refer to March 18 Friday News for instructions on how to access the TQ forms/timesheets. These articles will also be a great resource as you complete the Child Find Training this week or next - important information for you to know!

CSEFL PBIS Preschool Modules train the trainers

The Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) Preschool Modules are being offered in 2 locations: (registration attached)
Council Bluffs: May 5 & 6 and June 22 & 23
Cedar Falls: May 9 & 10 and June 27 & 28

If you have not attended the PBIS preschool modules, the training is valuable. Many of our district preschool teachers have attended training and will likely expect your support in the use of it. PBIS is one of the few approved general education initiatives that special education dollars can be used to support. So you may attend the training with blessings!!!

Vision camera

Someone recently asked me if the vision cameras were still being operated by our audiologist for screening purposes. After doing some checking, I found out that the Ft. Dodge camera is broken, the Storm Lake camera works, but he isn't able to find the film to re-order, and the Spencer camera hasn't been used since 2009 and thus the film has expired as well.

It's probable that the cameras are outdated and at this time they will not be replaced. Please use the vision checklist and make referrals to the I -See program, local optometrist, or opthamologist as appropriate.

Accomodations

A question? and response from Theresa Golden.

1) If an IEP student is at head start and in addition, goes to a preschool for 4 afternoons a week is that considered full time?
2) Should there be a box on page F for behavior issues if the student gets above and beyond behavior support while at head start? and if so, would it be listed as support for school personnel or supplementary aids and services, or is it SDI? The extra time is done one-on-one with the head start staff; its above and beyond what all head start kids get.

The student would be considered full time as it appears the programs are shared (HeadStart and ECSE). Since the behavior support is supplied by Head Start staff this would NOT be listed as SDI or supplementary aides and services nor support for school personnel. It should be listed under Accommodations as the head start personnel have to provide additional behavior support to this student while in that classroom.

Page F questions and clarifications

From the desk of Theresa Golden, following questions from our department meeting:
In response to your questions...typically social would go under behavior. We are NOT required to do a FBA/BIP although it's oftentimes best practice especially when there are significant behaviors which are causing safety/classroom disruption concerns. Adaptive behavior may also provide some links to social development, and as you mention especially with non-verbal students. Typically however when behavior is checked that also implies exploration of social-emotional development that may impact learning.

There is a lot of confusion about supplementary aides and services and support to school personnel. I have a question about this currently into our procedure committee when we meet again. The differences that are outlined in the current documentation guide are this: 'Supplementary Aides and Services' refers to the need of the student of an aide in order to ACCESS their education in the learning environment. Typically this then is for a 1:1 for a student with physical/visual/motor/behavioral concerns who without the aide would not be able to literally be in school due to safety concerns, physical needs etc... The 'Support to School Personnel' is just that aide assistance to the special education/general education teacher to assist with instructional/behavioral needs the student would have in the LRE environment. Examples of this are: pre-teaching concepts, re-teaching, verbal prompting, small group work to provide additional modifications, accommodations. These are things that assist the teacher as they can't be everywhere and need support to insure that work is differentiated for the IEP student.

Finally, students can/will qualify for an IEP only needing IH or IVision support and like speech only or OT only they would have a support only IEP with no weighting. If there are additional instructional supports required through a district special education teacher or additional assistive technology devices the student will garner a weighting.

Extended School Year Services

March is here - it is time to have those discussions about extended school year services, if they haven't already occurred. Decisions need to be made in time for teams to be able to make plans and commit resources.

I have attached some resources that Sue Baker, state autism consultant recently shared with me. She states, "I would only add that my lending library has Velcro books for young kids, toy units, and sensory materials that can be borrowed to facilitate skill use (generalization) across different materials. They require someone, such as EYS provider or parent, to structure interactions with the materials. The inventory lists are attached."

Our speech communication paras can assist with children on the autism spectrum to provide additional hours/consistency in the home. Of course, if the child is 3 and on an IEP, the district would need to make arrangements to pay the para during the EYS.

Statewide Voluntary Preschool Legislation Proposal

Here is what the govenor is proposing:
A $3,000 annual Iowa Preschool Scholarship will be available to eligible 4-year-olds to attend preschool for a minimum 10 hours of preschool a week. All families of eligible 4-year-olds contribute to tuition with sliding scale fees based on federal poverty guidelines up to 300 percent of poverty.

Parents will choose which private or public preschool they want their child to attend, provided there is space available. For convenience, an Iowa Department of Education website will allow parents to enter their Zip code to find a participating program near their home or work.

Parents may use pre-tax dollars to pay for their child's preschool. The state appropriation is $43.6 million, plus parent contributions. Part of the funding will pay for three oversight positions, the statewide assessment and, the state website that promotes Iowa Preschool Scholarships and the promotion of preschool in general.

More to come... as final decisions are being made

Dates to Remember

Here are some important dates (some may be changes) for you to add to your calendar/planner.

Friday, Feb. 25 - Department Meeting, Pocahontas (3-5)
Friday, Mar. 18 - cancel (1/2 day dept mtg)
Monday, Mar. 21 - Department Meeting, Pocahontas (0-3)
Thursday, March 31 - Child Find Training, Ft. Dodge (choose one)
or
Friday, Apr. 8 - Child Find Training - Pocahontas (choose one)
Friday, Apr. 15 - cancel (1/2 day dept. mtg)
Monday, Apr. 18 - Joint Dept. Mtg with OT,PT and Gloria
instead of
Friday, Apr. 29 - cancel Joint dept. mtg with OT,PT, and Gloria
Monday, May 16 - Department Meeting, Pocahontas (Pat's retirement)
Aug. 18 & 19 - Child Find Training - Fort Dodge (choose one)
or
Aug. 22 & 23 - Child Find Training - Storm Lake (choose one)

Mastery Monitoring Example

Gloria Frolek Clark has sent a mastery monitoring example that reviews the 6 step process for developing a mastery monitoring outcome/goal. She has included visual documentation of the subskills, quarter stars, and mastery criteria. Please print the information and use it to help you develop your example of mastery monitoring.

So, you might wonder...really, is this progress and mastery monitoring idea here to stay? Guess what is on the Early ACCESS state meeting agenda for this Thursday? Dr. Gayle Luze, Associate Professor for Iowa State University will be providing professional development, "Data-Informed decision-making for child and program outcomes." Topics include: overview of progress and mastery monitoring, resources, implications for providers, Regions/Signatory Agencies and State.

Hmm... seems like we may be ahead of the 8 ball!

PD Committee

Deb Bennett, Tammy Berger, Randi Black, Gale and I met last week to discuss 2011-12 professional development plans for our department and how those plans relate to the agency goals. A summary of our priority recommendation follows:

AEA direct service providers that serve 0-3, 3-5, or 0-5 as part of their caseload, along with LEA ECSE teachers responsible for IEPs, and triad/dyad members responsible for assisting ECSE preschool teachers with IEP decision making attend 2 days of training on the Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Children (AEPS). AEPS is more than an assessment/evaluation measure and more than a curriculum. It is a comprehensive system that ties together assessment, goal development, intervention and ongoing monitoring and evaluation to formulate appropriate IFSP/IEP outcomes/goals. The group recommended that the training be set up for licensure renewal credit and be offered in the fall of 2011.

Using a team approach to training will eliminate the redundancy and inconsistency that often occur when professionals complete separate assessments as well as reduce confusion for families. Cross disciplinary discussions result in mutual learning by team members and encourages ongoing team collaboration - getting all team members on the "same page."

We value INPUT into this draft plan. Please feel free to contact one or any of the above members to make our plan even better!

Happy Valentine's Day

Today is Valentine's Day in the U.S., the day when men are expected to demonstrate their love by sharing heart-shaped boxes of candy or jewelry with their significant other. Now research is showing us that all this lovey-dovey stuff may have health benefits. Ode Magazine (June 2005) reported on research on the role of the heart being performed at the Institute of HeartMath in Boulder Creek, California. [Researcher Rollin] McCraty explains, “With every heartbeat, information is supplied that affects our emotions, our physical health, and the quality of our lives.” This means that feelings of compassion, love, care, and appreciation produce a smoothly rolling... heart rhythm...

Please know that your work within this agency and within the department is appreciated. You are important! Welcome back to Lynn Eby!

Meetings

On Friday, Feb. 25 our ECSE department meeting will spend the entire day focused on 3-5 topics. The March 21 department meeting will spend the entire day focused on 0-3 topics. And a reminder that the OT, PT and ECSE department will meet next Monday, Feb. 7 in Ft. Dodge with Gloria Frolek Clark to continue our work with Progress and Mastery Monitoring.

In order to prepare for the 3-5 meeting on Feb. 25, informal conversations will be taking place with teams that serve in EC/ECSE settings. Where is teaming working or not working well? Why or why not? Are triad/dyads effective in EC/ECSE settings? What is the role of the AEA ECSE teacher in the evaluation process, EER, IEP? Are GEI's occurring or are we moving to 'suspect disability' without GEIs? What type of IEP goals are being written? I've had this type of conversation with the Laurens AEA team and will be involved in a similar conversation with Sioux Central AEA team. Can I have a few more teams "volunteer" to have these conversations prior to our meeting? Please contact me if you are interested and we'll arrange a time and location!

Letters to Districts

Each February all districts are to receive a letter from us regarding the potential number of children that may qualify for Part B services and be on an IEP. This information is to help districts make plans for the next school year and have placement spots available especially for those children that turn 3 during the school year.

Please send the attached letter to all of the districts that you serve; even if they may not have any children at this time. Secretaries can help with this task - let's look at a deadline of February 14. Thank you!

3 year olds

This time of year classrooms tend to be filled to capacity and it can become problematic to find quality placements for children turning 3.

I want to remind you of the expectations that the Department of Education has given:
As described in the information provided to districts in the District Developed Service Delivery (DDSD) Plan, children receiving instructional services on an IEP must be placed in early childhood/preschool settings that meet the following 2 criteria:
1. General education teacher is appropriately licensed to teach preschool children; and
2. Preschool program is implementing one of the three program standards (NAEYC, Head Start, or IQPPS).
Dee Gethmann, ECSE Consultant, Iowa Dept. of Education

Next week I'll provide you a copy of the letter that you will send to all districts to help them prepare and plan for upcoming children that will need placements during the 2011-12 school year.

Flip Video Camera

Recently I applied for a Flip Video Camera through Teacher Quality money. I was granted a camera! The flip video camera is a valuable tool for practitioners and can be used to document child progress, evaluation, assessment, coaching, consultation, reflective practice, reflective supervision, family education and professional development.

So how could you use the camera? Recording a small sampling of a home visit can help a family discover how their baby is growing and learning and how they can best meet their baby's needs. Activities to video tape include: basic childcare tasks, new accomplishments of infant, favorite activities, and staff- initiated experimentation with appropriate toys. At the next visit, view the tape with the parent, focusing on strengths, observing the baby's development, baby's cues, parent's response to cues, and parent's use of language.

Keep it short and sweet! I learned through my first recording of a preschool teacher that it only takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes to capture the magic moments! And now I learned how to transfer the recording to you tube! Let me know if you'd like to borrow the flip video camera; there are also cameras available for check out from Ed Zimmerle, Poky office.

Dept. PD committee

We had planned to have a working lunch at our meeting (postponed) to discuss our 3 agency goals and relevant activities for our dept. and necessary PD to accomplish the goals. Since this didn't occur, I'd like to schedule a volunteer meeting on Friday, Feb. 4 from 9:00 -10:30 for a small group of us (teacher/leaders) to draft some professional development plans for our dept. for next year. Yes, I am looking for volunteers!!! A meeting place will be determined based on "who steps up" - we can meet by polycom as well, if that is more convenient. Please email me by Friday, Jan 21 if you are interested! Thank you!

Our agency goals are: Goal 1: Improve the academic outcomes (reading, math, and science) of all learners. Goal 2: Increase the effectiveness of LEA systems in the use of collaborative leadership, community involvement, data-based decision making, and evidence-based practices in curriculum, assessment and instruction. Goal 3: Improve LEA implementation of coordinated systems of learning supports within schools, families, and communities to remove barriers and to promote success for all learners within the Iowa Core.

Friday Meeting

A reminder that we will be meeting on Friday, Jan. 21.
Office facilitators are: Spencer - Kelly and Randi, Algona - Melissa and Becky B., Pocahontas - Paula and Gale, Webster City - Lorri and Tammy and Jefferson - Carla and Denise. You are welcome to attend at any of these locations; the SLP dept. will be in Pocahontas as they have a dept. meeting following our meeting.

The agenda is as follows: 9:00-10:15 - complete the IFSP/ISU module on graphing - BRING YOUR COMPUTER
10:30 -12 - Early ACCESS procedures, Section 3) Service coordination, Section 8) Financial resources, and Section 9) Inter-agency collaboration. (highlights attached)
*** Please note, SLP, OT,PT, Teachers of Hearing/Vision do not need to attend the EA procedure training as the information is not pertinent to their work!*** They are welcome to join us for the ISU module training; thus the reason why the order has been flipped.

The remainder of the time can be used to read and review the Q & A document that addresses several of the questions that have been asked during the trainings.(attached)

On Jan. 25 from 3:15-4:30 a make- up session for EA procedures will take place by polycom. The polycom has been reserved in each of our AEA offices and anyone can join that missed the Oct. 15 or Nov 19 training.

Rescheduled Meeting

The ECSE department meeting scheduled with the OT & PT department has been rescheduled. We will meet with Gloria Frolek Clark on Monday, February 7 at the Fort Dodge AEA office (board meeting room is in the basement). Please mark your calendars and plan to be there from 9-3! The Twin Lakes Conference rooms at Pocahontas were NOT available anytime in February; thus the reason for moving the location.

Lunch & Learn Topic for 1.17.11

Are you familiar with our agency's Comprehensive Improvement Plan (CIP)? We have 3 broad agency goals:
Goal 1: Improve the academic outcomes (reading, math, and science) of all learners.
Goal 2: Increase the effectiveness of LEA systems in the use of collaborative leadership, community involvement, data-based decision making, and evidence-based practices in curriculum, assessment and instruction
Goal 3: Improve LEA implementation of coordinated systems of learning supports within schools, families, and communities to remove barriers

Our department task:

1. How does the department PD fit into the agency's CIP?
2. In thinking about developing new department PD plans for the upcoming years, what components would have to be in our department plan to ensure it's a good plan? Each department comes up with the criteria you think is important for a quality Department PD plan by the end of January.
To accomplish the task:

1. Discuss the department's activities that would contribute to accomplishing that goal/action
2. Determine any PD our department would need to be able to accomplish this activity for the goal/action.

Please remember to think forward as you are brainstorming activities rather than think of what you are currently doing and/or what you have been doing in the past. Focus on the goal/actions to which your department can meaningfully contribute with future activities and omit those that don't make sense for your department.

GOLD assessment training

Most of our preschool programs have been implementing Creative Curriculum and are moving from the Developmental Continuum Assessment tool to the new GOLD assessment tool. The GOLD assessment tool can be used with children Birth through Kindergarten.

It is important that our department is familiar with the tool, the developmental expectations and the new objectives in the literacy, math,science and technology, social studies and the art area. The information may assist teams in the writing of IEP goals and/or IFSP outcomes.

The GOLD assessment data is likely the data that a teacher will present to you as you review the records as part of the 'suspect disability' process.

Therefore, I'd encourage you to attend the upcoming training that Becky Coffelt and I will present on Monday, March 7 from 1:00 -3:30 in Pocahontas. The training is open to preschool teachers and administrators as well.

To register, copy and paste the link into your browser or call Donna Hodgell at 712-335-3588 x2006 or email her at dhodgell@aea8.k12.ia.us
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGwwOEt6QkZjRXZreE1RN3Q4bHAtMVE6MQ

Welcome Back!

Boy wasn't it nice to have a vacation! I hope you all are coming back refreshed and renewed. Everyday is a celebration - January 1 was Randi's birthday and today we receive word of Lorri being a first time grandma! Congratulations!

I actually read 3 books over the holidays, and went to 2 movies! Wow! Enjoyed spending time with family and friends and even painted a room and laid new flooring in the office! Also booked a flight to Tucson for January 13-16; guess I need another vacation, enjoyed the last one so much.

AEA Online Media Catalog

Another good place to look for resources for families and teachers is the AEA online media catalog. There is a set of Learning Games that can be checked out. Some of the titles include: Body Parts, Count on Me, Dress Up, Letters Aa to Zz, Patterns, Shape Land, What Color is it? and more.

There are also tag readers - which include a story and a 'tag' pen that reads the story for you. Some of the titles include Animal Stories, Bilingual Collection, and Favorite Stories.

I've attached a media checkout letter for your review!

Hawk -I insurance - new dental and vision insurance

This information is from Ann Stewart, Building Families Empowerment Coordinator;she recently met with a representative from Hawk-I.

"You can order Hawk-I (insurance)application packets by calling 800-257-8563.

The new item this year is dental insurance and vision, a real need. The dental is through Delta Dental. It is good insurance. If the family is eligible for Title, they will not be able to access the dental or vision through Hawk-I. Parents can sign up for insurance on line and it takes a month to be approved and get your insurance coverage. www.hawk-i.org

They have all kinds of money left and encourages persons to apply, even if families have insurance they can apply for just the dental or vision insurance for their children . Please share this information with others as appropriate. "