Monday, January 30, 2012

ESYS

You might be thinking - REALLY, why are you thinking about Extended School Year Services NOW? Actually, the IEP meeting forces you to talk about it "now" or to have another meeting"later" to talk about it, so I just wanted to remind you of a few things.

First of all, I have copied the procedures for ESYS from our Special Education procedural manual and have attached. Do you ever find yourself randomly asking others about "how we should do things" and failing to check the AEA procedures? If so, this will be a good time to review the procedures and know the "ins and outs" of ESYS.

The next question might be, so where do we find the ESYS "form" to complete after we address the question on the IEP? I've also copied the form for you to view and be prepared ahead of time to address with the team. This information is found in the Special Education Documentation Guide.

And finally I will be sending an email from Lisa Lohman that tells you how to find the ESY template and a reminder to upload it under associated files of the IEP.

Monday, January 23, 2012

EER

It's that time of year when you are likely emerged into an EER report. You've given children time to adjust to their new environment, you've suggested interventions for the classroom teacher to try, you've been able to collect some data and you've tried to make sense of it. And in some cases, children are still not making good progress. Yikes! Time to sign FIE and complete the EER.

Please ask the classroom teachers in the 4 year old statewide preschool programs and Head Start partners to see their GOLD assessment data. Many of them have data that will indicate children's growth over time as well as how they compare to peers. At our Feb. dept. meeting, we'll review the GOLD objectives and reports that are available to help teams determine "next steps."

Don't forget to "help each other out." If you have an EER report that you are willing to share, send it to me - some have been asking for examples. If you have questions, don't forget about the list serve - another great resource to get answers from the experts in the field - YOU!

AEPSI

I am wondering how the AEPSI system is working for you? I had some time today to go into the system and take a look. Currently we have 27 children entered and we have purchased 40 license. So PLEASE let me know if you'd like to add additional children into the online system.
If you have NOT been entering data on the children, please do so, as appropriate. I'm thinking some of you have not gotten started and need to do so. Some time will be dedicated at our February department meeting to support you in your learning. Between now and then, send me questions that you want addressed. We'll also want to look at how the AEPSI can assist us in decision making when reporting the Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO).

Monday, January 16, 2012

IEP procedural manual

Please make sure you pay attention to the email (1.12.12) from Theresa Golden on the 2012 updates to the Part B Special Education Procedural manual. The major changes in the release notes are highlighted so that you can easily review the information.

There is information about transitioning from early childhood to kindergarten. Some of the same concepts occur with the initial IEP being written at the end of the school year and amending the plan at the start of the new school year.

Remember our conversation at the department meeting about surrogate parent, foster parent, and defining "parent"? The procedures are spelled out in the release notes; take the time to read them and refer to them when in doubt.

Looking for some examples of how to word the prior written notice description of the action proposed or refused - they are within the document. Make it your responsibility to keep abreast of new information.

Technology

15 hours of free computer training? 180 easy to follow, 5 minute lessons! Learn new skills and tricks on the computer? SIGN ME UP! Check out Friday news 1.13.12 to find out how to sign up for the training tips.

Language and Early Literacy Ideas: free and reproducible, home and community activities (English, Spanish, Vitnamese,Mandarin, Somali, Burmese, and Russian) check it out at
http://www.walearning.com

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Activity Plans

I've attached 4 different activity plans that are available to order from our media dept. I've also attached the printing order form. These 2 forms should be completed together and sent to the media department. Typically this expense comes from the zone budget, so please try to order with office mates, when possible.

Techology Ideas

Zero to Three has a series of 12 podcast featuring interviews with national experts on early childhood development. "Little kids: Big Questions, Using Technology to Inform and Support Parents and Professionals" and "The Influence of Media on Young Children's Development" might be of particular interest to some of you and could be used for your next reflection paper for technology credit.

Another article of interest, shared by Deb Bennett, "Zero to Eight, Children's Media Use in America, A Common Sense Media Research Study" Fall 2011. Ask either Deb or I for a copy of the article!

Did you remember to submit your 2nd Quarter Reflection Paper to me - it is due? Those taking technology work for credit, you will be asked to share new knowledge and skills with peers (see grading rubric). The March, April, and May dept. meetings will give you an opportunity to share with others in the department.

PBIS Home Visitation Modules

"Train the trainers" training on the CSEFEL Home Visitation Modules is ready to be launched.
For more information, please refer to the attachment. Since the training is being offered in Storm Lake, it would be wonderful to have a representative or 2 to attend the training. Please let me know of your interest.

There is also an opportunity to attend the PBIS 3-5 Preschool Modules. Carrie Calhoon, our dedicated service coordinator is also a PBIS trainer. If you haven't attended the PBIS training, I'd encourage you to do so; she will be offering the class at Sioux Central School. A great way to support classroom teachers in the use of behavior strategies!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Department Meeting

Our January Department meeting is this Friday, Jan 6 , starting at 9:00. I've attached the agenda to the Monday Matters blog post.

Please remember to bring the following:
POTLUCK - bring a dish or share plans among the office
EER report that you've completed (helpful for discussion and can turn in for assignment, if you registered for credit option with Gary Petersen.
Send electronic copy of 2nd quarter reflection paper on technology learning , if you registered for credit, DO NOT bring hard copy, please.

STAT training

Do you recall getting the email, prior to break, asking for interest in being trained with the STAT tool (autism tool for 24-36 mos.)?
I believe there was interest from Lynn Eby, Carla Haupert, and Randi Black. If you are interested please contact me ASAP.

What: 4 hours of online training through Vanderbilt University
When: must complete training by Jan 30, 2012
What else: use instrument with 3 children and participate in a website discussion
Ending date: by March 30, 2012

The online training could be documented hours of Teacher Quality money, done outside of work time.

Domestic Violence Training

I sent an email prior to Christmas break about the upcoming Domestic Violence Training. If you are like me, you need a "refresher" about happenings that you might not have addressed prior to vacation. At this point, Denise Lundell, Randi Black, and Marlene Armbrecht have registered. Am I missing others?

What: Domestic Violence Training
When: Wed. Jan. 25, from 9:30-3:30, Spencer AEA office
Cost: No charge, free lunch
Register: By Jan. 16 email lcarlso@mchsi.com

Agenda
AM - Overview of Domestic Violence, Assessment & Safety Plan, Impact on Perinatal Health Outcomes
PM - Effects of Domestic Violence on Children, Impact on Mothers & Parenting