Author: uwcadmin
Can Facetime video chat with Grandma or Grandpa support development?
August 16, 2016
New research sheds light on the value of Facetime as meaningful interaction versus just more “screen” time.
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Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) resources from U.S.HHS
August 15, 2016
Opioid abuse is increasing nationally with a correlated increase in prenatal opioid exposures and more infants born with the resulting developmental impact. Families of infants diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) are automatically eligible for CT early intervention if referred within the first three months of life. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides resources that you may find helpful as you work with families affected by Opioid Use Disorder (OUD): https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/resources/opioid-use-disorders-and-medication-assisted-treatment/neonatal-abstinence-syndrome.aspx One such resource is a video posted by the Texas Dept. of State Health Services that offers several approaches you may want to share with parents … Continue reading
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Update on Re-Referrals
August 15, 2016
Families’ involvement with Birth to Three may start and stop, then restart for a variety of reasons. When the child is Exited from SPIDER, then the family contacts you or their service coordinator to reconnect, a set of factors are considered before either the Exit is removed or a new record is created. As of August 1st, CDI administrators Kareena DuPlessis and Shirley Caro are processing all of these requests. They follow the same decision rules that were in effect previously; no changes in protocol. This streamlined process reduces the number of steps and amount of time needed before a family reconnects with Birth to Three supports. Please … Continue reading
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New System of Payments Policy for Families online
August 5, 2016
The new System of Payments for Families Policy brochure is now available online. Thanks to the generous support of our Governor and General Assembly, most costs of providing services and supports to families is paid by state funds. Here is the breakout: 70% State of CT 12% Medicaid reimbursements 9% federal funds 7% private insurance reimbursements 2% parent payments Families that make $45,000 or more pay a monthly fee based on a sliding scale. These family payments help the state to continue to provide supports and services to all families of eligible children.
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Best Practice Resources for you!
July 27, 2016
Have you checked out the resources, tools and research at your fingertips regarding best practices in Birth To Three? Find everything you need on the CT. Birth to Three Website. And don’t forget to sign up for the weekly email updates for our BLOG – and easy way to keep up to date!
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Back by Popular Demand!
July 20, 2016
Two additional trainings on “Going Deeper Into Natural Learning Environment Practices” have been added to the Birth to Three Calendar. Dates are September 14th in Trumbull and November 16th in Hartford. This is a critical training for all interventionists in the Birth to Three system. Focus will be on developing increased competence in using a family’s everyday activities, and all the learning opportunities present within those activities, to help families promote their child’s development. Sign up soon as trainings fill up fast!
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Mind the Baby training at Yale Child Study Center
July 11, 2016
The annual Minding the Baby® (MTB) training institute is right around the corner, to be held July 19-21, 2016 at the Yale Child Study Center, and there is still time to register! For more information, please see below and visit: http://www.mtb.yale.edu/training To register, please visit: http://mtb.yale.edu/training/registrationform.aspx MTB is an evidence-based home visiting model run in collaboration with the Yale School of Nursing, Yale Child Study Center, and Fair Haven Community Health Clinic. Developed in a home visitation setting, MTB is an interdisciplinary, primary intervention model that can also be adapted for use in non-home settings. The annual 3-day MTB training institute is focused on the clinical … Continue reading
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“Every Parent Has What It Takes To Be A Brain Builder”
June 10, 2016
This is a new and exciting resource, JoinVroom.org, for parents developed by a group of dedicated scientists and leaders in brain development. Parents can sign up (website or app) to receive simple, developmentally appropriate ideas that support their child’s learning. Vroom turns shared moments into brain building moments. Whether it’s mealtime, bathtime, or anytime in between, there are always ways to nurture our children’s growing minds.
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Zero To Three National Parent Survey
June 10, 2016
ZERO TO THREE, in partnership with the Bezos Family Foundation, conducted a comprehensive research effort, including in-home discussions and a large national parent survey with a diverse range of parents of children from birth to 5. The findings provide new insights about the challenges parents face, what they do and do not understand about early childhood development, and what they want and need to be the best parents possible.
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Better Hearing and Speech Month webinars
May 9, 2016
“Communication Takes Care” Join us for the Coffee Break Webinar series, May 16-20, 2016 from 2:00 – 2:15 pm ET to learn more about hearing screening and the use of assistive technology to support young children with disabilities and their families. No registration is required to join the webinars. May 16, 2:00 – 2:15 pm ET Debunking Common Myths about Using Assistive Technology with Young Children https://ncham.adobeconnect.com/ncham/ Captioning Services: http://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NCHAM May 17, 2:00 – 2:15 pm ET Don’t Wait to Communicate! Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) https://ncham.adobeconnect.com/ncham/ Captioning Services: http://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NCHAM May 18, 2:00 – 2:15 pm ET Quality … Continue reading
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Infant Mental Health Collaborative meetings
May 9, 2016
Join your colleagues at various locations around the state on May 18, June 9, 20, 27 or 28 to: Promote awareness of infant mental health Promote use of relationship-based practices throughout infant/early childhood communities Expand skills, knowledge & best practice in field of infant mental health Identify gaps/needs in programs & communities related to infant mental health Advance knowledge of the competencies & endorsement in infant mental health Identify & explore opportunities for collaborative training & reflective supervision This is for EVERYONE serving infants, toddlers/very young children and their families!!! For times, locations and to RSVP: contact Anne Giordano Giordano@educationconnection.org 860-567-0863 X236
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Your Voice Needed – ECCS Community Discussions
May 4, 2016
The OEC and United Way Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (ECCS) group is hosting four community discussions on how to increase Connecticut’s ability to detect and address developmental challenges and delays in children aged 0-5 through developmental promotion, monitoring and screening, and supporting linkage to follow up services when there are developmental concerns. We want YOUR input on the ECCS work and Action Plan. Audience: ECE and family child care providers, Early Childhood community members and stakeholders, families, Birth to Three providers Format: Open forum setting with a guided presentation, Q & A, and brief opinion survey When and Where: Monday, May 9, 3:00-4:30 PM: Energize … Continue reading
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Comedy Night to celebrate Mental Health Awareness
April 22, 2016
What: Don’t miss the Poster Sisters of Imperfection! Side-splitting sisters Patty Konjoian & Gina Gallagher, authors of Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid, present “A Humorous Look at Parenting Children with Special Needs” Where: Groton Inn & Suites, 99 Gold Star Highway, Groton, CT 06340 When: Wednesday, May, 11, 2016, 6:30-9:30pm Why: To create awareness and acceptance of children with behavioral health care needs, both in the foster care system and throughout our community. Costs: $10.00 per person, includes dessert buffet, coffee & tea. Take a Break from the Kids, Come to Comedy Night! Ticket Purchase Options: Register online with … Continue reading
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Supporting Military Families
April 18, 2016
Military families experience many unique challenges that may be misunderstood by civilian providers. What happens to families after separation from the military? If the service member has changed due to physical injury, traumatic loss, PTSD, depression and anxiety, or traumatic brain injury—costs of war borne also by spouses, children, and parents—the challenges of transition are intensified. To prepare mental health providers to assist veteran families in their transition to the community, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has posted the factsheet After Service: Veteran Families in Transition. Providers will find information about veteran families’ experiences, challenges, and opportunities that accompany their transition … Continue reading
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Ending Family Homelessness
April 11, 2016
Join the CT Office of Early Childhood and the Partnership for Strong Communities on Tuesday April 26 from 8:30 – 11:30 AM to hear: Sharon McDonald, Director for Families and Youth at the National Alliance to End Homelessness highlight national best practices and promising strategies Kathryn Parr, University of CT presenting cost impact findings Commissioner Myra Jones-Taylor and other panelists discussing state-level strategies to support families with unstable housing and prevent or reduce homelessness Free and open to the public The Lyceum, 227 Lawrence Street, Hartford, CT (directions: www.lyceumcenter.org) Register now: https://2016apriliforum.eventbrite.com More information: www.pschousing.org/2016-iforums
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Training for All Program Directors – May 2nd
April 1, 2016
As part of our intensive trainings regarding Birth to Three practices, we have a day with Dathan Rush and M’Lisa Shelden specifically for Program Directors or high level supervisors. The morning (9-12) will provide an overview of the research, rationale, and process for using evidence-based practices in early childhood intervention. The focus will be on the three practice areas of natural learning environment practices; coaching as an evidence-based strategy for interacting with parents and team members; and characteristic and use of a primary service provider approach to teaming. The afternoon ( 1-4 ) will focus on Implementation: Leadership Tools for Supporting Fidelity … Continue reading
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Endangered Play, Endangered Development event
March 31, 2016
Educators, students, parents and community members are invited to hear Diane Levin, Professor and author of Beyond Remote-Controlled Childhood: Teaching Young Children in the Media Age on May 4, 6:30 – 8:30 PM at the Yale University School of Management Zhang Auditorium Free, no registration required Questions/Comments: carla.horwitz@yale.edu
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Family Story Videos planned
March 31, 2016
The Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) is looking for parents to share their family stories through video! CPAC will assist parents to create a short (3 minute) video that describes their family journey through Birth to Three. The Family Story Videos will be used to spread awareness, offer support and advice with new parents in Birth to Three, and training for professionals in the field. For more information contact Kristen Williams at:Kwilliams@cpacinc.org What is needed from families: About 30 minutes for filming 20 pictures (to be scanned) video clips of child (if available) What will happen/questions that will be asked: … Continue reading
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Inclusion Benefits Everyone!
March 8, 2016
An inspiring story in the Washington Post, Going on Offense vs. Down Syndrome, highlights that while most people saw limits for Frankie Antonelli his parents saw potential. They decided to see what an actively competitive home and community environment could do for their son: “How might he develop if they thought in terms of maximizing his abilities instead of disabilities?”
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Sign-up for Natural Learning Environments Training!
March 2, 2016
Due to high demand, the Provider Support team has added two more natural learning environments trainings: March 16th in Hartford and April 13th in Hamden. We have room in both trainings – sign up soon – March 16th is right around the corner. Feedback from your colleagues has been very positive indicating that the training changed their thinking about Early Intervention and their role with families and children – for the better. Hope to see you there!
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