Region 1&2 ECSE Snippets
October 2023
The Region 1&2 ECSE Snippets purpose is to provide monthly communication with practitioners regarding regional happenings, upcoming trainings and resources. It is each practitioner's responsibility to check with their district/supervisor regarding use of the resources and participation in professional development opportunities.
If you have any suggestions for resources, trainings, or regional happenings to spotlight please send them to Wendy Carter at wcarter@bric.k12.mn.us.
Region 1&2 Spotlight
Upcoming Professional Development
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI)
Resource Highlights
Equity
Autism Resources
Family Engagement
Housekeeping
Spotlights Needed!
Dear Teacher
Dear Teacher: Heartfelt Advice for Teachers from Students
Kids with a formal diagnosis, such as autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Central Auditory Processing Disorder -- along those who just need to move while learning--often find it challenging to shine in a traditional classroom. The kids who collaborated to write and star in this "Dear Teacher" video represent such students. So, they wanted to share with educators how their brain works and offer simple ways teachers can help. (1:52)
Click the photo to watch the video or find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTMLzXzgB_s
MDE Training Opportunities
Early Childhood Screening Open Office Hours
Join your peers to discuss new screening program guidance and best practices the third Tuesday of each month, 12-1 p.m., through April 16, 2024.
KEP Assessment Trainings
The Early Learning Services Division provides a variety of learning assessment trainings and support sessions, including but not limited to Kindergarten Entry Profile (KEP) assessments. These FREE synchronous trainings are available to all early learning professionals (i.e. child care, school-based, and Head Start providers, teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and administrators). Please visit the KEP Assessment Trainings website to (1) see training and support options and (2) register. This website and the trainings will be updated on a regular basis.
Best Practice in Early Learning Assessment Trainings: These trainings, which are 2 hours long, are focused on topics that can help early learning professionals improve their practice. CEUs or Develop Hours are provided.
Intermediate/Advanced Trainings for KEP Assessments: These trainings, typically 3 or 6 hours, are typically run by the Publisher of the KEP assessment. These trainings help educators and administrators deepen their knowledge about their assessment and learn about additional resources/reports that are available. CEUs or Develop Hours are provided.
On Demand Coaching and Technical Assistance for KEP Assessments: MDE also maintains a list of in-state trainers on each of the KEP assessments: KEP Certified Trainers. These certified trainers (who run the Introductory KEP Assessment Trainings) are an excellent resource for practitioners. These trainers have years of practical experience using and implementing KEP assessments and can provide valuable insights and practice advice and guidance.
Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health (MACMH)
Save the date for the 6th annual Infant & Early Childhood Conference at Minneapolis Marriott Southwest in Minnetonka, Minnesota, along with a virtual option. The event is designed for professionals who work with very young children, prenatal to age 6, and their families and caregivers.
November 5 - 7, 2023
Minnetonka, MN
Cost: varies and is the responsibility of individual districts.
DEC Annual International Conference on Young Children with Disabilities
Connect with 1000+ Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Professionals and Families at #DEC2023! In-person and online opportunities are available!
November 28-December 1, 2023
The Hilton Minneapolis
Minneapolis, MN
Check out the link above for conference details, rates, and registration information.
Cost: varies and is the responsibility of individual districts.
Early Childhood Developmental Health Systems
Children from the prenatal period to age 3 and their families in communities with high levels of poverty
Children and families who experience inequities and structural barriers
Providers supporting young children and their families across early childhood areas, such as health care, early care and education, and social services
You can explore all of the research-based resources addressing various topics related to early childhood education at this link: www.earlychildhoodimpact.org
Minnesota Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program
A Department of Health website that includes an introduction to EHDI, best practice guidelines, national and state resources, tools for improvement and improvement in action.
https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/childrenyouth/improveehdi/state.html
50 Tips and Tricks to Facilitating a More Inclusive Classroom
Most of us know that creating a more inclusive learning environment is a good thing. But figuring out what steps to take to benefit our marginalized students without singling them out as being different is a challenge. This link includes a few ideas to help you facilitate a more inclusive classroom. 50 Tips and Tricks to Facilitating a More Inclusive Classroom
Minnesota Statewide ASD Newsletter
This newsletter is designed to provide all MN educators the necessary resources to increase their skills in teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Special education teachers, related service providers, administrators and paraprofessionals alike are encouraged to subscribe to this quarterly newsletter.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGsh_E2i9qbHfQwJ7BxZRYJr65cKpsUFcMH_0Q5oxa_sk6Aw/viewform
The Center for Inclusive Child Care: Parents, Grandparents, and Caregivers
This website includes a wealth of information, resources, and strategies to help parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors caring for young children.
Some topics include Biting, Challenging Behavior, Daily Routines, Early Intervention, Development, and many others.
Parents, Grandparents, and Caregivers