The Connecticut Interagency Birth-to-Three Coordination Council (ICC or SICC) advises and assists the lead agency (CT Office Of Early Childhood) in the implementation of the Birth to Three System.
The ICC was established under Part C of the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Connecticut’s Birth to Three legislation.
The council consists of representative members appointed by the Governor, as well as leaders of the State House of Representatives and State Senate.
The Connecticut Birth to Three Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) would love to have and welcome more parent representatives on its advisory council. Parent representatives currently receive a stipend for travel (mileage) and childcare reimbursement for attended ICC and ICC-related meetings. Additionally, if you cannot commit to an appointment to the ICC, we always welcome any comments, questions, or suggestions you may have.
One of the greatest strengths the ICC can have is truly knowing how Birth to Three early intervention services are helping families, and even more importantly, where things can be improved. For more information or questions, the current parent representatives can be contacted via email through familyconnections@cpacinc.org. If you are interested in joining the ICC, please email CTBirth23@ct.gov with ICC Member Request in the subject.
ICC Members
ICC Chairs
Cynthia Jackson, Chair
Children’s Therapy Services
Leona Adamczyk, Vice Chair
Parent Representative
Parent Representatives
Robb Dunn
Shanda Easley
Lisa Opert
Caitlin McNamara
Tiffanie Allain
Shakirah Wade
Joshua Vaughn
Legislators and Agency Representatives
State Representative Liz Linehan, House of Representatives
State Senator Ceci Maher, Connecticut Senate
John Lamb, Department of Public Health
Donna Maitland-Ward, Department of Children and Families
Nicole Cossette, CT Part C Director, Office of Early Childhood
Jennifer Dowty, Department of Insurance
Ginny Mahoney, Department of Social Services
Sharon Marie, Department of Aging & Disabilities Services
Renee Kleinman (pending appointment), Department of Education
Tammy Venenga, Department of Developmental Services
Louis Tallarita, Department of Education,
Office of Education for Children Who are Homeless
Enrique Pabon, Early Head Start
Birth to Three Program Representatives
Elaine Balsley, Reachout, Inc.
Anne Giordano, Ed Advance
Maris Pelkey, Creative Interventions
Julie Hall, Lumibility – Kidsteps
Kristina Gilbertie, Rehabilitation Associates of Connecticut
Other Representatives
Dr. Mary Beth Bruder, University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Dr. Ann Milanese, Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
More About the ICC
The function of the Council is defined in Connecticut Law 17a-248b.
- Assist the lead agency in the effective performance of the lead agency’s responsibilities, including:
- Identifying the sources of fiscal support for early intervention services and programs
- Advising on priority areas and measures for quality assurance of programs
- Assignment of financial responsibility to the appropriate agency
- Promotion of interagency agreements
- Advise and assist the Commissioner of the Office of Early Childhood on issues concerning:
- The development of standards and procedures
- The transition of children from Birth to Three into Dept. of Ed services
- Identifying barriers that impede timely and effective services delivery
- The adoption of rules and regulations
- Prepare and submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly on the status of the Birth to Three System