Birth to Three Blog
Connecticut Launches Safe Sleep Campaign Promoting Safe Sleep Environments for Infants
February 5, 2016
In April 2014, the Office of the Child Advocate issued data from 2001-2013 reporting that the number of Connecticut infants who died where unsafe sleep conditions were present was almost three times the number of infants who died of child abuse. The public health alert also stated that infants in Connecticut are more likely to die from unsafe sleeping conditions than from child abuse, car accidents, choking, drowning, falls, or any other form of accidental injury. The statewide campaign will distribute information to parents of newborns discharged from the hospital through a variety of means including door hangers, posters, booklets … Continue reading
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Autism webinar Jan 27 – Dr. Fred Volkmar
January 11, 2016
The Center for Children’s Advocacy is hosting a webinar entitled, Autism: Research, Diagnosis and Intervention Panelists include: Dr. Fred Volkmar, Yale Child Study Center; Dr. Ada Fenick, Yale-New Haven Hospital; Attorney Jay Sicklick, Center for Children’s Advocacy; Sarah Reid, Parent; Connecticut Dept. of Developmental Services / Behavioral Health Partnership Dr. Volkmar is primary author of the American Psychiatric Association DSM-IV autism and pervasive developmental disorders section. He has authored hundreds of papers and books including: A Practical Guide to Autism (Wiley Press) Asperger’s Syndrome (Guilford Press) Health Care for Children on Autism Spectrum (Woodbine) Handbook of Autism (Wiley Publishing) For more information,visit: … Continue reading
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FY15 Birth to Three System data report available online
December 28, 2015
The Connecticut Birth to Three System and State Interagency Coordinating Council report to the Governor each year on activities that support families of infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. We are pleased to share the latest report, posted here Birth23.org/aboutb23/annualdata/. Meet the Daly Family and hear from their service coordinator and Finn’s pediatrician, compare town-by-town referral data, and learn how our almost 1,200 service providers partner with families in a dynamic and individualized process that enhances learning and development during everyday activities. Prior years’ reports are also available on the same web page. To get to the Annual Data Reports page on Birth23.org click the … Continue reading
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Natural Learning Environments Training: January 12th
December 11, 2015
As many of you know the Natural Learning Environments trainings have been filling up as soon as we put them on the calendar. That’s great! We do still have some room in the NLE training on January 12th ( snow date January 26th) at Education Connections in Litchfield. Don’t worry about the snow….it’s a beautiful drive any time of the year!! See you there. www.birth23.org/calendar
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Translation & Interpretation Services
December 10, 2015
Looking for translation of a family’s IFSP into Farsi? The State of Connecticut Contract # 14PSX0152 lists twenty vendors who can provide document translation and/or face-to-face interpretation. Anyone may contact these agencies to purchase their services. If your agency receives 60% or more of your funding from a combination of state and federal sources, you may purchase their services at the contracted rates (which are often lower than those offered to the public). Agencies differ in their rates per language, and in the languages they can provide. Go to http://www.biznet.ct.gov/SCP_Search/ContractDetail.aspx?ID=15293 to see how these vendors may support your effective communications … Continue reading
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Five New Videos from Iowa via Florida
December 7, 2015
When other states develop and share resources, we like to pass them along in case you aren’t part of one of the many email lists out there. We all know that coaching isn’t a “model” which means there isn’t yet a strong theoretical foundation and a body of empirical research that supports the practices. Many states refer to it as coaching methods or coaching strategies or coaching practices so when you watch the first video and the interventionist uses “model” just know that she knows it’s not a model yet. (“It’s a model in development!” – Juliann Woods) Larry Edelman developed these videos … Continue reading
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Kids Mental Health info now available in Spanish
November 30, 2015
Looking for answers to questions and concerns about a young child’s behavior or mental health? Now you can find them in English and Spanish. Topics include: Information for Parents and Caregivers Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Child Trauma Early Care and Education Providers School-Based Mental Health To request English/Spanish postcards about this website for your staff and/or parents, please contact Abby Alter, at Aalter@uchc.edu
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Resources for Sensory Friendly Clothing
November 19, 2015
Finding clothing for someone with a sensory processing disorder can be a challenge. There are a lot of factors that can cause discomfort: itchy tags, harsh materials, and exposed elastic bands are just a few. Here are 18 stores dedicated to providing a comfortable and stylish wardrobe for children and adults with special needs.
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DEC 2016 Conference: Call for Proposals
November 19, 2015
Proposal submissions are now being accepted for the Division for Early Childhood’s 32nd Annual International Conference on Young Children with Special Needs and their Families taking place October 18 – 20, 2016 in Louisville, KY. The deadline for submissions is January 19, 2016. More Information.
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2016 Partners in Policymaking – call for applications
November 18, 2015
The CT Council on Developmental Disabilities is offering enrollment in the 2016 Partners in Policymaking – a self-advocacy leadership training program for parents and individuals with disabilities The goal of Partners in Policymaking is to foster a collaboration among people with disabilities, parents who have children with disabilities, and policy makers at national, state and local levels, and consists of seven weekend training sessions with nationally recognized speakers and state experts on disability issues. For more information, contact: Molly.cole@ct.gov ph. 860-418-6157 or Donna Devin ph. 860-418-8737
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Motor Training December 4th
November 17, 2015
“Babies Have Lots to Learn: Emphasis On Motor Skill in the First Year” is only a few weeks away! Sign up soon. The objectives of training include identification of key points of typical motor development in the first year of life; emphasis on recognizing the “quality” of motor skill performance; appreciation of the effect of repetition and functional activities on the development of motor skills; and identification of “red flags” that would warrant further consultation for motor skills. Will be presented by Linda Bamonte PT, DPT (Birth to Three Provider Support) and Cindy Jackson, MSPT, C.NDT (Children’s Therapy Services).
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Deadline for UCONN Early Intervention Course & Stipend November 19th!
November 17, 2015
The University of Connecticut, Mary Beth Bruder, is offering a course including a series of 3 modules on early intervention. Many of our providers have taken a similar course with her in the past and stated that they learned so much and were astounded by their change in practice. The course will allow for graduate for credit and a stipend, as well as attainment of the CT. Birth to Three Early Intervention Specialist Credential after successful completion of the 3 modules. Please contact Gabriela Freyre-Calish, MSW at 860-679-1563 or freyre@nso2.uchc.edu. The deadline for application is Thursday, November 19, 2015.
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Honoring Military Families – access to resources
November 5, 2015
November is the Month of the Military Family. Military families embody strength, resilience, and courage. They make tremendous sacrifices as they contend with separation from their families and adjustments to new living situations and communities. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has a number of excellent resources, webinars, and links to partner organizations to support the well-being of our nation’s military families. Please share this link with your active and retired military families, with our thanks! Visit>>
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Webinar – Neurodevelopmental and Psychosocial Issues in Children with Congenital Heart Defects: Expected Not Accepted
November 4, 2015
In collaboration with the CDC National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, the AAP Program to Enhance the Health and Development of Infants and Children (PEHDIC) is developing several webinars with the aim of educating pediatricians and child health providers about birth defects and modifiable risk factors. The first webinar, entitled “Neurodevelopmental and Psychosocial Issues in Children with Congenital Heart Defects: Expected Not Accepted,” will take place Thursday, November 12th at 2pm CT. There is no charge to attend; however prior registration is required. <https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7661475456886910978>.
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Last Call for Early Start Denver Model Training November 20th!
November 4, 2015
There is still some room in the Early Start Denver Model training which is sponsored by Birth to Three and will be held November 20th. We will be opening the training up to additional agencies in the next few days. Don’t get closed out of this important training on the ESDM curriculum which uses developmental-relationship based approaches combined with empirically supported, teaching practices from applied behavior analysis. Birth to Three Calendar – Register.
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#ActEarly Twitter Chat
October 30, 2015
Join #ActEarly for a Live Twitter chat on Monday, November 9 at 2pm ET. Those on social media may follow AUCD @AUCDNews and the chat host, March of Dimes @modhealthtalk, for more details. To help you prepare and participate, here are the #ActEarly chat topics: T1 What does #ActEarly stand for? T2 What are developmental milestones? Why do they matter? Are they different for a preemie? #ActEarly T3 How can families #ActEarly? What should you do if you are worried your child’s development isn’t on track? #ActEarly T4 What is included in EI services? #ActEarly T5 Do all preemies need … Continue reading
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Message for Families about Hearing Tests
October 23, 2015
Birth to Three has produced an important information sheet for ALL families whose children are enrolled and show delays in speech, language, or social development. Please talk with your families about the importance of having an audiological evaluation for their children using the information found here to guide your discussion. This was developed, in part, to comply with Public Act 15-81.
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Meet Sesame Street’s First Character with Autism!
October 23, 2015
“Fuzzy favorites Grover, Abby and Elmo are joined by their newest muppet pal, Julia, a character with autism, in Sesame Street Workshop‘s new nationwide initiative. Launched Wednesday morning, Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children aims to reduce “the stigma of autism” with the introduction of the first muppet with autism. The initiative, created for communities and families with children ages 2 to 5, includes a free downloadable app that incorporates video, digital story cards designed to make daily life tasks easier for families of children with autism and storybook materials for providers, organizations and caregivers. ” (article found … Continue reading
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Recommendations for Practice: Children with Autism <3 years old
October 21, 2015
A recent study was published in Pediatrics – Early Intervention for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Under 3 Years of Age: Recommendations for Practice and Research. This study outlines several recommendations for best practice for interventions which include: a combination of developmental and behavioral approaches that begin as early as possible, and active involvement of the families and/or caregivers as part of the intervention. CT. Birth to Three is providing an introductory training on the Early Start Denver Model on 11-20-2016 which is a curriculum for young children with autism that addresses these critical aspects of intervention.
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Register for Early Start Denver Model soon!
October 21, 2015
Last year we had a waiting list – don’t get closed out this year! The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) training is scheduled for November 20, 2015. The presenter is Jamie M. Winter, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, NY-Presbyterian Hospital. This one-day Introductory Workshop addresses the main aspects of the ESDM, a curriculum for young children with Autism which uses strategies to help children form warm, positive and engaging relationships with adults and peers. It combines behavioral and relationship-based approaches into a developmental, play- based framework of intervention that is individualized for each child. Register on Birth to … Continue reading
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