NC ELSSP-VI Newsletter
September 2016
Each child will be honored, respected, and empowered to achieve success in school and life.
Ashlyn enjoys the tangle toy!
Daquarius in his bouncer!
Link is such a happy boy!
North Carolina Early Learning Sensory Support Program for Children with Visual Impairments
Office of Early Learning
Email: bethany.mayo@dpi.nc.gov
Website: earlylearning.nc.gov
Location: 6371 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699
Phone: (919) 733-0533
September's Quote
-Edith Wharton
Contents
Student Pictures Submitted by NC ELSSP-VI Staff
Professional Development Submitted by Lin CauseySave the Date
ELSSP Opening Convocation 2016
Inspirations to Start the Year Submitted by Kim Sawyer
O & M Information Submitted by Nancy Kirby-Sauls
Pumpkins & Prizes Submitted by Lin Causey
Helpful Website Submitted by Paul Roten
Director's Spotlight Submitted by Bethany Mayo
Professional Development Opportunities
2016 NCaeyc 63rd Annual Conference
Where
Raleigh Convention Center
500 Salisbury St.
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 USA
Registration Deadline
Friday, September 9, 2016
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Children with Sensory Processing Differences: Approaches to Supporting Engagement & Participation
September 27, 2016
Eastern Area Health Education Center 2600 W. Arlington Blvd. Greenville, NC
http://easternahec.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/FINAL-Sensory-Integration-v3-1.pdf
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The 12th Annual Eastern Region Intellectual
and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Services Conference
October 20 & 21, 2016 October 20 & 21, 2016
Holiday Inn 203 SW Greenville Blvd, Greenville, NC
http://easternahec.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2016-IDD-Conference-v5-primo.pdf
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5th Annual NCIMHA Conference and Annual Meeting - Science of Resilience:
Building Adult Capabilities to Promote Early Childhood Mental Health
11/7/2016
Friday Center, Chapel Hill, NC
https://www.wakeahec.org/datafiles/49330brochure.pdf
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CONNECT Courses http://connect.fpg.unc.edu/connect-courses
Welcome to CONNECT Courses! This series of eight self-paced and self-guided courses uses an approach that focuses on and responds to the challenges faced each day by those working with young children and their families in a variety of learning environments and inclusive settings.
“All young children with disabilities should have access to inclusive high-quality early childhood programs, where they are provided with appropriate support in meeting high expectations.”
- Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services & U.S. Department of Education, September 14, 2015
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SAVE THE DATE
ELSSP Opening Convocation 2016
ELSSP Opening Convocation was held on August 10th and 11th in Raleigh, NC. On Day 1, both sections of Early Learning (Hearing Impaired and Visually Impaired) were welcomed back by Dr. Vivian James and John Pruette. The two sections spent a large part of the day learning about Natural Learning Environment Practices and coaching with M’Lisa Shelden and Dathan Rush. In the afternoon the Human Resources Department (DPI) introduced their team and discussed the Manager Toolkit. Day 1 ended with Mandy Hice (Social Worker II) presenting to both HI and VI on “Stress Reduction”. On Day 2, the two sections attended different trainings specific to their areas. Please see the pictures and Flipagram below highlighting the Convocation.
Early Learning Sensory Support Program Staff
ELSSP/VI Make It...Take It Day 2
Debra & Bonnie
Make it Take it
Karen working on her apron...
Meg working on her Tucker the Turtle book.
Shonda, Marcia, Becky and Karen
Pam working on her apron.
ELSSP/VI Dinner
Joy, Karen & Annette
Marigail, Debra & Bonnie
Shanda, Marcia & Kim
Angel, Elizabeth, Becky, Sandy & Nancy
Juliette & Heather B.
Paula & Pam
Opening Convocation via Flipagram
Passions We Need For Starting The Year
1. We need to keep our passion for the process of teaching and learning- a process which includes everything that research and experience tell us is necessary.
2. We need a sincere passion for the uniqueness of each student, the potential that lies within each student, and the conviction that all students can learn.
3. We need to nurture our passion for each day- because this is the only certain opportunity we have to affect student learning.
4. We must really believe that what we are teaching students is important and will empower them to be successful in their own environment.
5. We must always hold the passionate belief that we make a difference.
“Where there is great love, there are always miracles.”
- Willa Cather
O & M Information
Many of the early concepts associated with O&M can be supported by transdisciplinary team members. The inclusion of COMS (Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist) who have early childhood training and experience is important. COMSs have specialized knowledge about orientation and mobility and will support children in becoming competent and confident early travelers. Only COMSs are qualified to prescribe adaptive mobility devices for the purpose of independent travel and to introduce pre-canes and the long cane. (Early Intervention Training Center for Infants and Toddlers with Visual Impairments)
COMS will provide appropriate child specific training for the family, TVI, and other team members as designated by the COMS to provide O&M concepts, skills, strategies, or techniques. COMS will determine team members to train and supervise with child specific O&M concepts, skills, strategies, or techniques. Please consult with ELSSP/VI COMS for assessment or any questions you may have concerning orientation & mobility. (ELSSP/VI-O&M)
Pumpkins and Prizes Raleigh, NC
WHERE: Governor Morehead School for the Blind, Raleigh, NC
Helpful Website
Photo/Video Credits
NC ELSSP-VI Staff