Opening Convocation 2020
Early Learning Sensory Support Program
Convocation 2020 is almost here....
August 3rd, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM: Day 1 of Opening Convocation for all ELSSP (Mandatory) via WebEx.
August 4th, 8:00 AM-12:30 PM Day 2 of Opening Convocation for all ELSSP (Mandatory) via WebEx.
August 5th, 8:00 AM-12:10 PM Day 3 of Opening Convocation for all ELSSP (Mandatory) via WebEx.
August 6th, 8:00 AM-12:05 PM Day 4 of Opening Convocation for all ELSSP (Mandatory) via WebEx.
ELSSP Staff 2019 Convocation
Introducing...THEME WEEK!!!
Opening Convocation Day 1
WHEN
Monday, August 3rd 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
WHERE
Virtually via WebEx
Registration: https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/k2/j.php?MTID=t627e62a769a9740333c0682b97945909
MORE INFORMATION
This event is mandatory for all Early Learning Sensory Support Program (ELSSP) staff. Please see agenda below.
NC ELSSP Opening Convocation Day 1 Agenda
8:00 am – 8:30 am: Arrival and Sign in through Mentimeter (Energy Check) “If you were on a playground what would you choose to do first?”
8:30 am - 8:35 am: Welcome, Agenda Overview and Share Energy Check
(Materials available in OneDrive) Ruth Anne Everett and Bethany Mayo
8:35 am - 9:05 am: Greetings from Upper Leadership
Beverly Emory, Director, District Regional Support Division
Sherry Thomas, Director Exceptional Children Division
Sherri Vernelson, Section Chief Sensory Support and Assistive Technology
9:05 am - 10:35 am: Module 1-NC Foundations: Early Literacy, Language Development and Communication
Presenters: Chris Czajkowski, Roxanne Falls, Heather Lister, Becky Lowrey, Bethany Mayo
10:35 am - 10:50 am: Break
10:50 am – 11:05 am: ELSSP Milestone Years of Experience and Staff Celebrations
Bethany Mayo, Lead Administrator ELSSP-VI/Ruth Anne Everett, Lead Administrator, ELSSP-HI
11:05 am – 11:50 am: “Reporting Suspected Abuse and Neglect”-Mandy Hice, Social Worker II & Intake Coordinator
11:50 am - 12:00 pm: Wrap Up, Feedback and Plus Delta (Padlet)
Infant Toddler Credits and CEUs Available
Pre-Learning Assignment Day 1
Read the article Early Literacy: Policy and Practice in the Preschool Years
After reading the article, reflect on what you remember about your earliest literacy experiences. Were they in the classroom? At home? In your community? Think about what age you were and which strands from the article were a part of your experience.
Be prepared to share these thoughts during the Module 1: Overview.
Please bring your favorite childhood book or your favorite children’s book as an adult. (If you can’t find the book, bring a picture)
Early Literacy: Policy and Practice in the Preschool Years
Tuesday, August 4th...Favorite Disney Character
Opening Convocation Day 2
Tuesday, August 4th 8:00 AM-12:30 PM
WHERE
Virtually via WebEx
Registration: https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/k2/j.php?MTID=t7123ab066f664bc12ef856bc64c85ecf
MORE INFORMATION
This event is mandatory for all Early Learning Sensory Support Program (ELSSP) staff. Please see agenda below.
NC ELSSP Opening Convocation Day 2 Agenda
8:00 am – 8:30 am: Arrival and Sign in through Mentimeter (Energy Check)
Materials available in OneDrive
8:30 am - 8:35 am: Welcome, Agenda Overview and Share Energy Check
(Materials available in OneDrive) Ruth Anne Everett and Bethany Mayo
8:35 am - 10:35 am: Module 2-NC Foundations: Early Literacy, Language Development and Communication
Presenters: Chris Czajkowski, Roxanne Falls, Heather Lister, Becky Lowrey, Bethany Mayo
10:35 am - 10:50 am: Break
10:50 am - 12:15 pm: Module 3 -NC Foundations: Early Literacy, Language Development and Communication
Presenters: Chris Czajkowski, Roxanne Falls, Heather Lister, Becky Lowrey, Bethany Mayo
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm Wrap Up, Feedback and Plus Delta (Padlet)
Infant Toddler Credits and CEUs Available
Pre-Learning Assignments Day 2
Pre-Learning Assignments Day 2/Module 2
These resources may be helpful in supporting parents’ understanding of their child’s development. Review each resource below and be prepared to share with the group how you might share each resource with families you work with.
1.‘Making Room for Literacy’ is a video that describes how to create a literacy-rich home environment - Watch on Youtube (Length - 5:38)
2.‘Getting Kids Involved: Creating Opportunities for Learning’ - This video introduces and illustrates many ways that adaptations can be used to promote the active participation of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in everyday literacy activities. You will see examples of adaptations in home and classroom environments, activities, materials, and/or instructions. Watch on Youtube (Length - 12:13)
3. Talk, Read, and Sing Together Every Day! Tips for Using Language at Home and in the Community provides strategies for parents of dual language learners and reviews the benefits of being bilingual. Available at https://www2.ed.gov/documents/early-learning/talk-read-sing/language-en.pdf.
Pre-Learning Assignment Day 2/Module 3
Listen to the NPR podcast Simple Number, Complex Impact: How Many Words Has A Child Heard? (6:17 minutes) and respond to the following questions.
A. The moderator followed an early interventionist doing a home visit with a mother of five. What was the purpose of her home visit?
B. According to the Thirty Million Word Curriculum, written by Dr. Dana Suskind out of the University of Chicago, what is the purpose of this parent focused program?
C. What does it mean to “build a child’s brain?”
Wednesday, August 5th...Sports Team
Opening Convocation Day 3
Wednesday, August 5th 8:00 AM-12:10 PM
WHERE
Virtually via WebEx
Registration: https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/k2/j.php?MTID=t55450382925e3fb620a7d09d03469dd6
MORE INFORMATION
This event is mandatory for all Early Learning Sensory Support Program (ELSSP) staff. Please see agenda below.
NC ELSSP Opening Convocation Day 3 Agenda
8:00 am – 8:30 am: Arrival and Sign in through Mentimeter (Energy Check)
Materials available in OneDrive
8:30 am - 8:35 am: Welcome, Agenda Overview and Share Energy Check
(Materials available in OneDrive) Ruth Anne Everett and Bethany Mayo
8:35 am – 9:40 am: Module 3 -NC Foundations: Early Literacy, Language Development and Communication (CONTINUED)
Presenters: Chris Czajkowski, Roxanne Falls, Heather Lister, Becky Lowrey, Bethany Mayo
9:40 am – 10:40 am: Module 4 -NC Foundations: Early Literacy, Language Development and Communication
Presenters: Chris Czajkowski, Roxanne Falls, Heather Lister, Becky Lowrey, Bethany Mayo
10:40 am – 10:55 am: Break
10:55 am – 11:55 am: Module 4 -NC Foundations: Early Literacy, Language Development and Communication (CONTINUED)
Presenters: Chris Czajkowski, Roxanne Falls, Heather Lister, Becky Lowrey, Bethany Mayo
11:55 am – 12:10 pm: Wrap Up, Feedback and Plus Delta (Padlet)
Infant Toddler Credits and CEUs Available
Pre-Learning Assignment Day 3
PreLearning Assignment
Read Dialogic Reading: An Effective Way to Read to Preschoolers at this link: http://www.readingrockets.org/article/dialogic-reading-effective-way-read-preschoolers.
Be prepared to discuss the following:
What evidence was given in support the effectiveness of Dialogic Reading?
Describe in your own words the meaning of each of the letters PEER.
Describe in your own words the meaning of each of the letters CROWD.
Think about the children in your classroom. What developmental skills could be supported by using the PEER strategy and CROWD prompts? How could you use this strategy to increase engagement of all children?
Thursday, August 6th...Wacky Hair Day
Opening Convocation Day 4
Thursday, August 6th 8:00 AM-12:05 PM
WHERE
Virtually via WebEx
Registration: https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/k2/j.php?MTID=t668706fa49da677a86dc3f9ba3708b92
MORE INFORMATION
This event is mandatory for all Early Learning Sensory Support Program (ELSSP) staff. Please see agenda below.
NC ELSSP Opening Convocation Day 4 Agenda
8:00 am – 8:30 am: Arrival and Sign in through Mentimeter (Energy Check)
Materials available in OneDrive
8:30 am - 8:35 am: Welcome, Agenda Overview and Share Energy Check
(Materials available in OneDrive) Ruth Anne Everett and Bethany Mayo
8:35 am – 9:35 am: Module 5 – NC Foundations: Early Literacy, Language Development and Communication
Presenters: Chris Czajkowski, Roxanne Falls, Heather Lister, Becky Lowrey, Bethany Mayo
9:35 am – 10:35 am: Tech Tools, Apps and Tips to Use with Families of Infants, Toddlers and Beyond
Presenters: Lori Bartram, Neena Malosky, Anna Ownbey, Lori Persinger
10:35 am – 10:50 am: Break
10:50 am – 11:50 am: “Tech Tools, Apps and Tips to Use with Families of Infants, Toddlers and Beyond”
Presenters: Lori Bartram, Neena Malosky, Anna Ownbey, Lori Persinger
11:50 am – 11:55 am: DPI Human Resources Staff Directory
11:55 am – 12:05 pm: Wrap Up, Feedback and Plus Delta (Padlet)
Infant Toddler Credits and CEUs Available
Meet Our Presenters....
Tech Tools, Apps and Tips to Use with Families of Infants, Toddlers and Beyond...Lori Bartram
Lori Bartram is a licensed Teacher of the Visually Impaired as well as an Infant Toddler Family Specialist. She has worked for the Early Learning Sensory Support Program for 5 years now. Prior to joining the ELSSP/VI program Lori worked as a Community Based Rehabilitation Specialist (CBRS) provider for 2 years. This enabled Lori to build a foundation in learning about Early Childhood from birth to two years old and learn critical skills necessary to thrive in these important early years. Lori was also an elementary school teacher in the state of Georgia for 11 years teaching in grades one-five as either a homeroom teacher or Early Intervention teacher. Lori received her undergraduate degree from Shorter College in Early Childhood Education, her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of Georgia and earned her Visually Impaired Certification from North Carolina Central University.
NC early foundations...Chris Czajkowski
nc early foundations...Roxanne Falls
Roxanne Falls earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education, with a Pre-K add on, from the State University of New York at Geneseo (SUNY Geneseo) in 1988 and her Master’s of Science degree in Deaf Education, also from SUNY Geneseo, in 1993. She has been teaching since 1988. She started in New York State where she taught first and fourth grades. She then moved to North Carolina and taught students with autism for three years. In 1996 she began teaching children with hearing loss and continues to this day. She loves traveling from home to home and working with the birth to age three population and their families. She knows that this was the job meant for her and that she is doing what she is supposed to in this life. (There was a one year time span in there that she lived and worked in Hawaii as well. Can you imagine a field trip taking students on a plane from the Big Island to Oahu to see a Deaf Santa and to mingle with other children with hearing loss? Or a field trip to an active volcano? It was a great year of Aloha and learning!) She has also worked over 15 years as a freelance writer of teaching ideas for The Education Center for their Preschool Mailbox Magazine.
In her free time Roxanne enjoys baking (especially cupcakes), photographing nature’s beauty and exploring new places with her husband whom she just married in August of 2017 at Niagara Falls. Some of their new found explorations have led them to see the Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies growing at Lansford Canal State Park in SC, glamping in Marshall, NC, the Chinese Lantern Festival at Stowe Botanical Gardens and hiking to Grimes Glen waterfalls in Naples, NY. They look forward to doing more exploration as they travel to visit Roxanne’s daughter and husband that live in Los Angeles, CA and son and daughter in law that live in Wilmington, NC. They just had a wonderful Christmas where all three of their children that live locally (Roxanne’s daughter in Mount Holly and her husband’s son and daughter in Charlotte) were able to gather together with those from far away, for the first time.
She looks forward to many more years of interaction with families of children with hearing loss in NC!
Reporting Suspected Abuse and Neglect...Mandy Hice
Mandy Hice attended Western Piedmont Community College and Gardner Webb University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services. Mandy has worked with deaf children for 24 years. She has been with Early Intervention for 20 years as the Social Worker for the NC Early Learning Sensory Support Program for Children with Visual and Hearing Impairments serving children ages Birth-5 across the state of North Carolina. Mandy serves as the intake coordinator for the hearing impaired program as well as well as numerous other duties across the program. Mandy enjoys baking and working with the children at her church as a teacher, nursery director, and Vacation Bible School director. Mandy lives in Morganton with her husband, Steve and daughter, Zabrina. She has a step-son, Richard. She is grandmother to Ashlyn & Richard's daughter, Charleigh, the sweetest granddaughter in the world. Mandy is also a grandmother to, Amelia, Zabrina's cat.
NC Early Foundations...Heather Lister
Heather Lister is a licensed teacher of the Visually Impaired and has her Infant Toddler Family Specialist certification. She has worked for the ELSSP/VI program for 6 years. Prior to joining ELSSP/VI, Heather taught Special Education in the public schools for 18 years. She also served as an adjunct professor at Elizabeth City State University. Heather received her undergraduate degree in Special Education from Elizabeth City State University, her Masters in Special Education from East Carolina University, PreK add-on from East Carolina University and her Visually Impaired certification from North Carolina Central University.
NC Early Foundations...Becky Lowrey
Becky Lowrey has a B.A. in music from Agnes Scott College and a M.Ed. in Music Therapy from the University of Georgia. She practiced as a music therapist for 7 years, but returned to school for an M.A. in Special Education. She found the field of VI purely by accident upon being hired by the Governor Morehead Preschool in 1998. She received certification in visual impairment in 2000, and in 2004, received National Board Certification in VI from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, which was renewed in 2013. Becky became a Perkins-Roman CVI Range Endorsee in 2018. She is also a certified Infant Toddler Family Specialist, and has experience working not only as an early childhood TVI, but also as a K-12 TVI. Becky is currently a lead teacher, for the Early Learning Sensory Support Program for Children with Visual Impairments in the Office of Early Learning, NC Department of Public Instruction.
Tech Tools, Apps and Tips to Use with Families of Infants, Toddlers and Beyond...Neena Malosky
Neena Malosky is a licensed Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She received her undergraduate degree in Auditory-Oral Deaf Education from UNCG and then went on to receive her master’s degree from the University of San Diego/John Tracey Clinic. She was also an adjunct professor in Language Facilitation in Deaf Children at UNCG. Neena spent 10 years of her career working as a teacher for children with hearing loss in Guilford County Schools. She has been employed with the Early Learning Sensory Support Program for Children with Hearing Impairments for the last 4 years serving families with children birth to 3 years old. Neena has enjoyed presenting on various topics during her career such as Parent Involvement, Language Facilitation Trainings, Executive Functioning Skills and Maternal Mental Health. Neena lives in Summerfield, NC with her husband, 8 year old son and 3 dogs.
NC Early Foundations...Bethany Mayo
Bethany is an Eastern NC native who grew up in Edgecombe County. She graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelors degree of Psychology and Birth – Kindergarten Education as well as a minor in Child Development and Family Relations. Bethany went on to obtain her Masters of Education in Executive Leadership from Gardner Webb University. She also holds a Birth – Kindergarten Teaching License as well as a School Administrator Principal’s License.
Bethany started her career with young children as a Family Resource Specialist with Smart Start at Down East Partnership for Children. There, she conducted parent education classes such as Infant Massage, SibShops, Personal Finance, Child Development and facilitated playgroups for children birth through 5 years old. Bethany’s passion started to focus on children with special needs and she began working for the Children’s Developmental Services Agency as an Early Intervention Service Coordinator. After that she worked as a Community Based Rehabilitation Services provider. Bethany went on to work for Nash Rocky Mount Schools as a special needs preschool teacher, Preschool Coordinator, Program Specialist and Pre K Coordinator for NC PK.
Bethany currently serves as the Lead Program Administrator for the North Carolina Early Learning Sensory Support Program for the Visually Impaired through the Exceptional Children Division with the Department of Public Instruction.
Bethany believes that the ability to build great teams with trusting relationships is the most important part of being a leader. Relationships are the foundation for every great team and organization. Stephen Covey said, "Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principal that holds all relationships. "
Tech Tools, Apps and Tips to Use with Families of Infants, Toddlers and Beyond...Anna Ownbey
Anna graduated from UNC-Greensboro in 2008 with a degree in Deaf Education K-12 with an add-on licensure of Regular Education K-6. She worked in the public-school system as a self-contained teacher for three years in Concord, NC and then as an itinerant teacher for four years in Hendersonville, NC. She is married to her husband of nine years, Krew, and together, they have a son, Knox, who is 6, and a daughter, Elliana, who is 1. They just recently moved back to their hometown of Brevard and are in the process of building a home on farmland Anna grew up on. Anna loves spending time with her family and enjoys gardening in her spare time. Anna has been a teacher with the Early Learning Sensory Support program for six years now and is grateful for the opportunity to work with such wonderful colleagues.