Birth to Three Blog
Automatic Eligibility Updates effective October 1, 2021
October 1, 2021
The CT Birth to Three System has updated the diagnosed conditions list for automatic eligibility in an effort to better align with the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Position Statement on Low Birth Weight, Prematurity and Early Intervention for best practice. Effective October 1, 2021, children born under 32 weeks gestation and/or weighing less than 1500 grams are automatically eligible for early intervention supports in CT. Here is the link for the full list of diagnosed conditions and ICD 10 codes for automatic eligibility in CT. Refer to the Evaluation and Assessment Procedure and Guidance document for more information.
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Exploration
September 29, 2021
AAC Exploration: A Guide to Evaluation Success TWO part remote training will be presented by Elena Fader, MA, CCC/SLP, AAC Specialist with New England Assistive Technology (NEAT). Training will be held on November 4th and 9th from 1:30-3:30. Participants must attend both days of training. The range of AAC apps and devices available on the market today can be confusing and overwhelming. How do you know which systems to compare and trial? What considerations need to be made specific to young children to support their language development? Team collaboration, a needs assessment, and a comprehensive feature matching process can help … Continue reading
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CPAC Presents: Learning Series with Early Childhood Professionals ABA Foundations
September 22, 2021
Do you have questions about Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and whether is right for your child? In this workshop we will explore what ABA means, how to know if ABA is right for your child, when to seek help and how does ABA improve communication and language skills in young children with Autism. Workshop presented by Rachel Scott-Rosenbluth, MS, BCBA, LBA Applied Behavioral Interventions’ Clinical Director at Autism Care Partners. When: Wednesday October 6th 6-7 PM Register in advance: https://bit.ly/3nMXVKo For more information, contact CPAC at (860) 739-3089 or email Adriana Fontaine at: afontaine@cpacinc.org
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Eye Health Information Tool Kit for Parents and Caregivers
September 7, 2021
Small Steps for Big Vision: An Eye Health Information Tool Kit for Parents and Caregivers The National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness partnered with the National Head Start Association to create this online resource to provide families and caregivers with the information, suggested actions, and assistance they need to be empowered partners in their children’s vision and eye health, and to care for their own vision and eye health. Resources available in English and Spanish. Learn more here.
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EI Staff – Alternate Route to Certification!
September 7, 2021
Charter Oak is holding an open house October 27th at 6 PM for the Alternate Route to Certification for Early Intervention staff desiring #112 certification through the CT. State Department of Education. It is a year long program. For more information: https://acorn.charteroak.edu/ICS/ARC/
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Deaf or Hard of Hearing Playgroup Opportunity with CTFSN
August 17, 2021
The CT Family Support Network is excited to launch a new playgroup for our statewide families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing children and siblings! This playgroup will be at Sears Park in East Hampton at the sheltered picnic tables on Lake Pocotopaug every other Wednesday from 10-12pm, beginning August 18, 2021. Check out this flyer for more information and how to register!
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Early Childhood & Family Homelessness Monthly, Virtual Drop-in-ZOOM sessions
August 9, 2021
An estimated 1.2 million children under the age of six experience homelessness each year in the United States; and young children ages birth to six are more likely to experience homelessness than any other age group. (HHS, 2016). The condition of homelessness exposes young children to extreme levels of stress and trauma, which can negatively impact their overall health and development well into the future. Providers with knowledge and a deepened understanding of the significant impact of homelessness in the lives of very young children and their families can play a critical role in mitigating these devastating, lasting effects. Join … Continue reading
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Automatic Eligibility Update Regarding Lead Exposure
August 6, 2021
In consultation with and recommendation from our Birth to Three medical advisor, Dr. Ann Milanese, the level of lead exposure for automatic eligibility has been LOWERED from 25ug/dL to 10ug/dL to better align with new guidance from the CDC in supporting children and families impacted by this toxicity. Children referred with levels of lead more than 10ug/dL within six months of a blood draw are automatically eligible for early intervention supports in CT. This update is effective immediately. The Lead Agency is also sharing this update with our partners at CT Department of Public Health (DPH), our other referral sources, … Continue reading
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Supporting the Social-Emotional Development of Young Children: Ideas, Strategies, and Resources
August 5, 2021
Webinar opportunity on supporting social-emotional development and partnering with families as they support their children’s development sponsored by the Military Families Learning Network! This webinar is scheduled for September 23, 2021 from 11 AM – 12:30 PM. For more information, check out this event flyer.
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From Feelings to Friendships: Nurturing Healthy Social-Emotional Development in the Early Years
August 5, 2021
A resource from Zero to Three! Through supportive relationships, young children can explore the world, develop empathy, and understand the difference between right and wrong. This video provides strategies for developing a strong bond and nurturing relationship with your child. View the video in English or Spanish at here.
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Yale Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) 2021 Autism Summer Institute July 13th, 14th, and 16th
July 12, 2021
2021 ACE Autism Summer Institute Agenda Registration link For the first time, the NIH-funded Yale Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) and the Autism Program at the Child Study Center will present their annual Autism Summer Institute in a fully virtual format. Presentations will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 13 and 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and on Friday, July 16 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Highlighting our NIH-funded Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) research program Understanding Neurodevelopment in Autism, presentations will include updates on their studies of prenatal and neonatal brain development, cellular mechanisms underlying the development of … Continue reading
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Equity in Early Intervention
July 6, 2021
In Pursuit of Equity in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Registration is open for the fourth and fifth sessions in this five-part series featuring equity experts in early childhood special education and early intervention. Hosted by the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) and Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA), the series explores strategies to disrupt the pervasive inequities of our systems. Session 4: The ABCs of Anti-Racist Early Intervention, presented by Jen Newton, PhD and Mira Williams, PhD, is Friday, July 23, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Eastern Time. Session 5: Uncovering and Resisting Racism and Ableism in Early Childhood will … Continue reading
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Exciting updates for Birth to Three and CT families!
July 6, 2021
Did you hear? Birth to Three has TWO new updates to share! Birth to Three has no out-of-pocket costs for all families! For the first time since 2004, there are no family cost participation fees. Here is a flyer with the GREAT news. AND Birth to Three supports are expanding beyond age 3 over the summer months for families with children who meet qualifications. To learn more, here is a flyer about this Extension of Part C beyond age 3. Help us spread the news!
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NEAT’s Third Annual AAC Summer Event: AACtion Camp in July 2021
June 15, 2021
NEAT will be holding its third annual AAC summer event on July 19, 20, and 21! This year it is called “AACtion Camp” and will be virtual with camp themed activities for individuals who use AAC and their families to enjoy. Professionals are encouraged to attend, too, both to learn about AAC and to contribute their own tips and tricks in a collaborative way. On the third day, there will be short trainings on various AAC apps (Proloquo2Go, LAMP WFL, TouchChat, etc.) as well as on AAC implementation tips/communication partner strategies. It is FREE for anyone to attend, so save the … Continue reading
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“Joint Part C/Part B Early Intervention convening with CT Leaders in the field of ASD”
June 1, 2021
Due to an enthusiastic response, we have increased the capacity of slots to attend on June 8th. If you have previous tried to register and were told the convening was closed, you are in luck! Please take a moment to register now! The meeting link will be forwarded upon registration. *Advanced registration required! Register here! Joint Part C/Part B Early Intervention convening with CT Leaders in the field of ASD Please join Alice Ridgway, Part C Coordinator, Nicole Cossette, Assistant Part C Coordinator and Dr. Andrea Brinnel, SDE IDEA 619 Part B Manager in welcoming Dr. Ann Milanese, Dr. Marianne … Continue reading
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June 8, 2021 12:00-1:30 PM Joint Part C/Part B Early Intervention convening with CT Leaders in the field of ASD
May 25, 2021
UPDATE <<Sorry for the registration issues – thanks to the folks at Zoom Support the registration link is working now.>> https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0ocumgrD0sH9M9oRzyQFYRQwZE7u6v4ZWj Please join Alice E. Ridgway, Part C Coordinator, Nicole Cossette, Assistant Part C Coordinator and Dr. Andrea Brinnel, SDE IDEA 619 Part B Manager in welcoming Dr. Ann Milanese, Dr. Marianne Barton, and Dr. Christine Peck to discuss challenges and advances around providing supports to children and families, especially as they transition from Birth to Three to preK special education. · How are early diagnosis and intensive supports changing children’s developmental trajectories? What are the implications? · Is an … Continue reading
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Panel Recommends Early Intervention and Parent Coaching for Infants with Cerebral Palsy
May 19, 2021
The recommendations apply primarily to children ages 0 to 2 years who are at high risk or have a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Recommendations include comprehensive multi-disciplinary care, addressing sleep and feeding issues that may interfere with motor and cognitive gains, supports in the context of child-parent interactions, and coaching of parents and caregivers! AMAZING! The rest of the world is catching on to what we have known and been doing in Birth to Three for ages. https://www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/generalneurology/92621
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B-3 Learning Community: Addressing Parent to Parent Conflicts
May 18, 2021
Join us virtually Friday, May 21, 2021 at 12pm for a facilitated discussion on “Addressing Parent to Parent Conflicts” with an expert: Aileen McKenna, Ph.D., I.M.H., Manager, OEC Home Visiting Programs, Family Liaison, CT Birth to Three. Agenda for the meeting can be found here.
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Equity in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Webinar
May 11, 2021
The Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation has a free webinar series to promote equity for children and families from marginalized communities. The webinar on May 26, “Culture, Identity, and History as Sources of Strength and Resilience for Asian American & Pacific Islander Children & Families,” will discuss racial bias and inequities in the early care and education experiences of Asian American & Pacific Islander children and families, and explore ways to support and strengthen culturally responsive relationships and responses in infant and early childhood mental health consultation. Register at the link above.
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Free Webinar – Making Meaning of Scores: A Refresher in Understanding Standardized Assessment Scores
April 29, 2021
Riverside Publishing is offering a refresher webinar on understanding and explaining standardized scores. May 6th. Register here.
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