2015 Early On Conference Brochure

Everyday Heroes & Quality Practices | The Power of Early Intervention
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EVERYDAY HEROES &
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EARLY INTERVENTION
Photo by Renee Bergeron

2015 Early On Conference | November 10-12, 2015 | www.eotta.ccresa.org
Table of Contents
Registration Information ..................................... 3
Hotel Information ................................................ 3
Agenda at a Glance .............................................. 4
Wednesday Keynote ............................................ 4
Greeting from the Office of Great Start.............. 5
Continuing Education ......................................... 5
OAE Hearing Screener (formerly AuDX) ......... 5
Pre-Conference Sessions ..................................... 6
Session 1:
Wednesday - 10:30am - 12:30pm ..................7-8
Session 2:
Wednesday - 1:45pm - 3:00pm ....................9-10
Session 3:
Wednesday - 3:30pm - 4:45pm ..................10-11
Breakfast Table Discussion Groups ................. 12
Celena Barnes Award ........................................ 12
Session 4:
Thursday - 10:30am - 12:30pm ..................13-14
Session 5:
Thursday - 1:30pm - 3:30pm ........................... 15
Early On Michigan Foundation
Silent Auction ...................................................... 15
Driving Directions .............................................. 15
Things to Do in Traverse City .......................... 15
State Board of Education
John C. Austin - President
Casandra E. Ulbrich - Vice President
Michelle Fecteau - Secretary
Lupe Ramos-Montigny - NASBE Delegate
Pamela Pugh - Treasurer
Kathleen N. Straus
Eileen Lappin Weiser
Richard Zeile
Ex-Officio Members
Rick Snyder - Governor
Brian J. Whiston - State Superintendent
The Michigan Department of Education does not discriminate on
the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its
programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts
and other designated youth groups.
The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries
regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Title II and Section 504 Coordinator
Sherri Booker
Michigan Department of Education
608 West Allegan Street
P.O. Box 30008
Lansing, Michigan 48909
517-373-1757
bookers1@michigan.gov
This document was produced and distributed through an IDEA
Mandated Activities Project for CCRESA EOT&TA, awarded by the
Michigan Department of Education, for electronic distribution. The
opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or
policy of the Michigan Department of Education, Michigan State
Board of Education, or the U.S. Department of Education, and no
endorsement is inferred. This document is in the public domain and
may be copied for further distribution when proper credit is given.
For further information or inquiries about this project, contact the
Michigan Department of Education, Office of Great Start, P.O. Box
30008, Lansing, MI 48909.
1
Title IX Coordinator
Elizabeth Collins
Michigan Department of Education
608 West Allegan
P.O. Box 30008
Lansing, Michigan 48909
517-241-2091
CollinsE2@michigan.gov

Michigan Department of
Education
Dear Early Intervention Personnel:
Greetings! The Michigan Department of
Education, along with our collaborative
partners, is pleased to offer the 2015 Early
On Conference, Everyday Heroes and Quality
Practices: The Power of Early Intervention.
This conference will offer participants exciting
learning opportunities that will renew and
expand upon current practices, as well as
opportunities to build new strategies for
supporting families with infants and toddlers in
Early On.
Thank you for your work with families at such
an important time in the lives of their young
children – we know that intervening in the
earliest years really makes a difference.
Enjoy your 2015 conference!
Sincerely,
Brian J. Whiston, State Superintendent
Clinton County RESA Office of
Innovative Projects
Early On Training and Technical Assistance
(EOT&TA) is an Innovative Project of Clinton
County RESA, funded by the Michigan
Department of Education through Part C of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, to
support and prepare personnel to work with
infants and toddlers who are eligible for services
through Early On Michigan and their families.
EOT&TA provides information and training
related to Early On processes, family-centered
practices, child development, early intervention
strategies, state policy, and federal regulations.
This year’s conference, Everyday Heroes and
Quality Practices: The Power of Early Intervention
offers opportunities for early intervention
personnel to consider the foundation of quality
practices in many areas of early intervention,
including: building the capacity of parents to
support positive social-emotional outcomes,
using a Primary Service Provider approach,
support for roles as providers, feeding, autism,
infant brains and language acquisition, trauma,
hearing loss, routines-based intervention, and
much more. A variety of sessions are offered
that meet the needs of providers, administrators,
faculty, and parents. This year we’re pleased to
feature M’Lisa Shelden and Dathan Rush who
will offer a full-day Pre-Conference session, our
opening keynote, and workshops throughout
the conference.
Our Conference Coordinators are Stefanie
Rathburn and Carol Spaman. Congratulations
and thank you for your heroic support in
organizing this Early On Conference!
Christy Callahan, Director
CCRESA Office of Innovative Projects
2

Conference Registration
By October 16, 2015 After October 16, 2015
Pre-Conference (Tue., Nov. 10, 2015) $80.00 $110.00
Conference (Wed. - Thurs., Nov. 11-12, 2015) $140.00 $170.00
Wednesday Only (Nov. 11, 2015) $90.00 $120.00
Thursday Only (Nov.12, 2015) $90.00 $120.00
Student/LICC Parent (Wed. - Thurs., Nov. 11-12, 2015) $65.00 $80.00
Applying for Discounted Rates
Students who wish to attend and receive the discounted rate must provide documentation on
university letterhead indicating their enrollment at the college or university. Local interagency
coordinating council (LICC) parents who wish to attend and receive the discounted rate must provide
documentation on Intermediate School District (ISD)/agency letterhead indicating their current
involvement as an LICC parent.
Attendees traveling more than 300 miles, one-way, to attend the pre-conference and/or conference are
eligible for the discounted rate of half off the pre-conference and/or conference rates.
Please send requests for discounted rates and documentation to Lee Kleinjans at
Kleinjans_L@ccresa.org or fax it to him at (517) 668-0446.
Registration Procedures
Online registration is the preferred way to register and is available at www.eotta.ccresa.org. Please
remit payment online by credit card or by mailing a check or purchase order within seven days to
CCRESA EOT&TA, 240 S Bridge St, Suite 250, DeWitt, MI 48820. Please direct registration questions to
eotweb@edzone.net or call (866) 334-5437.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation requests must be submitted via e-mail to Kleinjans_L@ccresa.org on or before
November 1, 2015. A $15.00 processing fee is charged for each cancellation. The full conference fee
is due for cancellations after November 2, 2015. Substitutions may be made up to the start of the
conference.
Accommodations
Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the conference should
contact EOT&TA at (866) 334-5437 at least ten (10) days in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing,
and other assistance. Individuals may also indicate these needs in their online registration form.
3
Hotel Information
Grand Traverse Resort
100 Grand Traverse Resort Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610
For conference participants, a block of rooms is reserved at the Grand Traverse Resort
at the rate of $75.00, applicable Sunday, November 8, through Thursday, November
12. An assessment tax of 5% for local lodging applies. A daily resort fee of $14.95 will
be added to the guest room charge, which includes high-speed internet access in hotel
and tower guest rooms, daily newspaper upon request, use of safe deposit box, free
parking, unlimited use of resort fitness center including cardiovascular and strength
training equipment, whirlpools, saunas and indoor pools, and on-property shuttle
service to Cherry Capital Airport and Turtle Creek Casino. Rooms are equipped with
coffee makers, hair dryers, and irons.
The Grand Traverse Resort is happy to honor the Early On discounted group rate for our block of rooms
until October 19, 2015, subject to availability. Please remember to bring your tax exempt ID information
with you to supply to hotel staff upon check-in. Registration can be made by either:
• Calling the hotel directly at 1-800-968-7352 and mention the Early On Conference
• Using the online system at �http://goo.gl/JcIoC9

Agenda at a Glance
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
8:00am - 9:00am Registration &
Continental Breakfast
9:00am - 12:00pm Pre-Conference Sessions
12:00pm - 1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm - 3:30pm Pre-Conference Sessions
continued
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
7:00am - 8:30am Registration &
Continental Breakfast
8:00am - 5:00pm Exhibits & Vendors available
8:30am - 8:45am Welcome
8:45am - 10:00am Keynote
10:00am - 10:30am Break
10:30am - 12:30pm Session 1
1:45pm - 3:00pm Session 2
3:00pm - 3:30pm Break
Thursday, November 12, 2015
7:00am - 8:00am Continental Breakfast
7:00am - 8:15am Breakfast Discussion Groups
8:30am - 10:00am Greeting
10:00am - 10:30am Break
10:30am - 12:30pm Session 4
Wednesday Keynote
Building Parent Capacity to be
Available, Mindful, and Responsive
This exciting keynote presentation will
focus on the use of promotional strategies to
build the capacity of ALL parents to support
attainment of positive social-emotional
outcomes for young children. The presenters
will provide an overview of the research
to support parent-mediated intervention
strategies as well as the importance of
parent responsiveness throughout daily life.
Coaching as an adult interaction style will
be highlighted as an evidence-based strategy
that can be used by early intervention
practitioners to build the capacity of parents.
M’Lisa Shelden, Ph.D., PT,
is the Director of the Family,
Infant and Preschool Program
(FIPP) in Morganton, North
Carolina. Dr. Shelden has
consulted with over 30 states
and numerous programs
across the country and
presents nationally on topics
related to evidence-based practices, coaching,
use of a primary service provider approach to
teaming, and provision of services in natural
environments.
Dathan Rush, EdD, CCC-
SLP, is the Associate Director
of the Family, Infant and
Preschool Program (FIPP) in
Morganton, North Carolina.
Dr. Rush and Dr. Shelden
coauthored: Coaching
Families and Colleagues in
Early Childhood Intervention,
The Early Childhood Coaching Handbook and
The Early Intervention Teaming Handbook: A
Primary Service Provider Approach.
4

Greeting from the Office of
Great Start
Susan Broman, Deputy
Superintendent, Office of Great
Start, Michigan Department of
Education
Deputy Superintendent
Broman will kick off the day,
welcoming participants with
an overview of the Office of
Great Start, current initiatives
for early childhood in Michigan, and discussion
about how Early On Michigan fits into the
broader early childhood system.
Vanessa Winborne, State
Part C Coordinator, Michigan
Department of Education
Ms. Winborne will provide
an update on state and
federal activities, including
the increased emphasis on
supporting social-emotional
development due to the
State Systemic Improvement Plan as well as
the development of new guidance for use of
eligibility criteria for Michigan Mandatory
Special Education.
OAE Hearing Screener
(formerly called AuDX)
Calibration/updates of the OAE Hearing
screening equipment will be available onsite.
The OAE Hearing Screener must be calibrated
every 18 months to remain accurate. If you
have not had a chance to have your equipment
calibrated since the last conference in 2013, this
is an easy way to be up to date. Those interested
are asked to register in advance. Watch the
Early On listserv for registration information
from Tiffany Kostelec, Early On Coordinator for
Public Health, Michigan Department of Health
and Human Services.
Continuing Education
State Continuing Education Clock
Hours (SCECHs)
An application has been submitted for SCECHs.
Credit will be offered for all workshops,
pending approval.
American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association (ASHA)
An application has been submitted for ASHA
Continuing Education Units, through a
cooperative agreement with Calvin College.
Credit will be offered for all workshops,
pending approval.
Social Work Continuing
Education (CE)
An application has been submitted for Social
Work CE. Credit will be offered for all
workshops, pending approval.
Course approval information for all continuing
education will be available at the conference.
Calvin College, Speech Patholgy
and Audiology Program is
apporoved by the Continuing
Education Board of the
American Speech-Language-
Hearing Association (ASHA) to
provide continuing education
activities in speech-language pathology and audiology. See course
information for number of ASHA CEUs, instructional level and content area.
ASHA CE Provider approval does not imply endorsement of
course content, specific products or clinical procedures.
5

Pre-Conference Sessions
Tuesday, 9:00am - 3:30pm
Using a Primary Service Provider Approach to Teaming
M’Lisa Shelden, PT, Ph.D., Family, Infant and Preschool Program, Morganton, North Carolina
Dathan Rush, EdD, CCC-SLP, Family, Infant and Preschool Program, Morganton, North Carolina
This session is designed for practitioners that work on teams interested in implementing a
primary service provider approach. Through the use of discussion, video, new tools and checklists,
the presenters will walk participants through the nuts and bolts of how to implement this approach.
The presenters will help participants define core teams, coordinate joint visits and conduct team
meetings using the Checklists for Implementing a Primary Service Provider Approach to Teaming. The
presenters will share effective strategies (tried and true) that have worked for a variety of programs in
overcoming common challenges when implementing a PSP approach to teaming for urban, rural and
remote program sites.
A
I’m Not a Social Worker! Why am I Expected to be one?
Barbara Corbin, LMSW, Kent Intermediate School District
Janice Fialka, LMSW, Office of Innovative Projects, Clinton County RESA
Supporting families is both rewarding and complicated, especially as more families
experience challenges in daily living. Topics will include: practical approaches for handling strong
emotions, strengthening active listening skills, understanding the impact of emotional labor on
providers, use of reframing as a tool to handle challenging interactions, the role of coaching, and
promotion of partnerships with diverse families. Self-care strategies will be emphasized. Learning will
take place through a series of guided exercises using real life situations, reflection time, small group
discussions, video clips, and mini-presentation on evidence-based practices for working with families.
This workshop will be interactive, engaging, and lively and will require a desire to be reflective.
B
The Stacking Model: How Feeding Disorders Develop
Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP, CIAO Seminars
This session will help to broaden early interventionists’ understanding of the challenges
faced by children with feeding disorders. What physiological concerns may have driven the feeding
behaviors? What new and rising health care concerns or sensory challenges influence a child’s ability to
tolerate certain foods? Understanding the broader picture of a child’s physiology, sensory system, and
motor development, along with the behaviors that they adopt to protect those systems, allows the early
intervention team to see the bigger picture - the whole child.
C
A Reflective Approach to Supporting Infant and Toddler Social
and Emotional Health
Kristin Tenney-Blackwell, MA, LLP, IMH-E®
, Early Childhood Consultant
Working with and caring for infants, toddlers and their families is relationship-based and
requires us to engage our emotions as well as our intellect. This interactive session will provide early
interventionists an opportunity to apply a self-reflective process through which they will learn to
recognize the personal factors that influence their caregiving practices and decisions. User-friendly
tips and tools will be provided through the use of case scenarios and videos and offer opportunity
for reflection and dialogue as participants determine what infant, toddler and family information to
consider when promoting social and emotional development and taking a relationship-based approach
to challenging behavior.
D
6

Session 1
Wednesday, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Roadmaps for Child Learning: Guides for Supporting Parents and
other Caregivers
This interactive session will enhance the abilities of early childhood practitioners to have conversations
that assist parents and caregivers in supporting the learning of the children in their care. Practitioners
will receive and practice using Roadmaps that support practitioners in engaging parents and caregivers
in reflection, action, practice, observation, feedback, and joint planning to assist them in using everyday
routines and activities as the venue for child learning.
1-A
“A Gut Feeling” - Natural and Dietary Strategies for Improving
Health in Infants and Toddlers
Paula Johnson, OTR, Ingham ISD
This workshop will give participants an in-depth understanding of the digestive system and how the
function of the “gut” sets the stage for health issues. Attendees will learn about what factors break
down the “gut” wall, what health issues are related to poor “gut” function, and specific strategies for
infants and toddlers on how to navigate removing problem foods, and how to use supplements to
repair “gut” function.
1-B
Using Principles and Strategies from Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA) to Teach Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Amy Matthews, Ph.D., Grand Valley State University
Jamie Owen-DeSchryver, Ph.D., Grand Valley State University
Maximizing learning opportunities through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles can be highly
effective to accelerate skill development in the areas of communication, imitation, attention, play,
social engagement, and adaptive skills. Learn how to use ABA principles, such as prompting, shaping,
reinforcement, and capitalizing on motivation to increase learning opportunities in daily activities and
routines.
1-C
Maximizing Parent Involvement
in Your LICC
Sandee Koski, MA, Michigan Alliance for Families
Clare Brick, Michigan Interagency Coordinating
Council (MICC) Parent Representative, Wayne RESA
Kristen Carmany, MICC Parent Representative
Alternate, C.O.O.R. ISD
Research has shown that parent involvement helps
improve outcomes for children and families. By
participating in this workshop, you will gain an
understanding of the needs of parents to be effective
members of your LICC including tools for assessing
your LICC practices for building capacity in parents and
resources available to support and educate parents.

1-D
7

Supporting Parents through the Grief Process: A Workshop for
Service Providers Working with Parents Who are Grieving Their
Child’s Death
Julie Kaylor, LMSW, Ingham ISD
Karen Hoene, MS, Ingham ISD
Supporting parents during their grief process can be emotionally challenging and stretch service
providers beyond their current capacities. Strategies and resources that will enable service providers
to meet their own needs while providing support to families during their grief and loss process will be
highlighted in this workshop.
1-E
Infants and Toddlers with Hearing Loss: How are We Supporting
Their Language Development and How Does this Align with Best
Practices and Parent Perceptions?
Tricia Foster, OTR/L, Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University
Kalli Decker, Ph.D., Montana State University
The target audience for this session is service providers who have worked with or currently work with
infants or toddlers who have permanent hearing loss. Michigan research conducted from the 2014 Early
On Faculty Grant Award will be shared. Participants will take part in group conversations and provide
feedback about how to best serve parents of children with hearing loss in ways that align with best
practices.
1-F
Reflections on Our Journey to Implement the Routines Based
Interview (RBI)
Jessica Savoie, Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD
Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD Service Providers
This session will highlight the challenges and rewards of one service area’s journey towards
implementing the RBI in hopes to help create more functional, family-driven Individualized Family
Service Plan outcomes. Come hear why we took on the challenge, what our first steps entailed, and
how families have responded to the RBI.
1-G
8

A Recipe for Play Across a Day
Ann Gendron, MA CCC-SLP, Marquette-Alger RESA
Michelle DenBeste, MA CCC-SLP, Marquette-Alger RESA
Hear what the experts are saying about the importance of play, how play has changed, and the role
of the early interventionist in promoting play with families. Participants will become well-informed
in how to use play to impact language development. Audience members will explore recipes for play
activities and leave with ideas for devising play opportunities throughout a day.
Session 2
Wednesday, 1:45pm - 3:00pm
Resource-Based Roadmaps: Coaching Families in Complex
Situations
Research suggests that there is a better way to address complex family issues while supporting parents’
confidence and competence. Roadmaps for Reflection are conversation guides that demonstrate
an appropriate flow for resource-based coaching conversations. During this practical session,
the facilitators will use specific scenarios and video to support early interventionists and service
coordinators to practice using Roadmaps for Reflection.
2-A
‘Oh, Baby!’ Infant Brain Development and Language Acquisition
Cynthia Sommerfeld, MA, SLP, Speech Sound Stories LLC
Come listen to an overview of the findings from recent research regarding infant brain
development as it relates to language development. Find out what makes today’s research more
defensible than the information that we have gotten from research in the past. Explore what happens
in the earliest months of language development and what parents can do to encourage language
development.
2-B
What You Need To Know to Influence Public Policy on Behalf of
Children and Families
Mina Hong, MSW, MPP, Michigan’s Children
Learn how families, providers, and administrators can bolster the skills they already have to become
effective advocates on behalf of children and families in Early On. Participants will learn the “who,
what, when, and how” of influencing policymakers and learn about key opportunities to strengthen the
Early On system in Michigan.
2-C
9
Sharing Parent Expertise: Top 10 Ideas Parent Leaders Want
Practitioners to Know About Parent Engagement
Lauren Heilman, MICC Parent Representative, Wexford-Missaukee ISD
Melissa Epstein, MICC Parent Representative Alternate, Washtenaw ISD
The focus of this session is on increasing parent engagement in the provision of quality early
intervention services to support a child’s participation in family life. Michigan Interagency
Coordinating Council parents will share personal stories and specific tips that could help enhance and
improve the relationship between service providers and parents.
2-D
2-E

How is Early On Helping Families?: Many Voices from the Family
Survey
Charo Hulleza, MPA, Wayne State University Center for Urban Studies
Kristina Donaldson, MICC Parent Representative, Kent ISD
From the perspective of family-centeredness, the best interests of a child are viewed as being served
not only through child-specific services but also by strengthening the family’s ability to support their
child’s positive development. This presentation will provide an overview of the annual Family Survey,
a federal accountability requirement under Part C of IDEA. Survey results will be available for all 56
service areas, providing information that could be considered for local improvement efforts.
2-F
10
Session 3
Home Visiting and Early On: Building Strong Systems for Young
Children
Reneé DeMars-Johnson, MS, Michigan Department of Education
Tiffany Kostelec, MA, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
This session is intended to provide a clear understanding of the difference between evidence-based
prevention-focused home visiting and intervention-based home visiting. The presentation will provide
participants with an understanding of how each program works, how to build collaboration, and how
to work together to support the needs of the child and family.
3-A
“I Want That!”: Teaching Manding to Young Children with
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Jamie Owen-DeSchryver, Ph.D., Grand Valley State University
Amy Matthews, Ph.D., Grand Valley State University
Manding, or making requests, is a critical skill, yet this can be very challenging for young children with
ASD and other developmental disabilities. Increasing manding skills can decrease challenging behavior
and improve social engagement. Participants will leave the session with ideas and strategies to support
them in teaching requesting to young children in home or community environments.
3-B
Nurturing Relationships: Supporting the Bond and Social
Connections with Music, Movement, Literature and More
Gari Stein, BA, Early Childhood Music and Movement Specialists
Research supports the influence of music and movement on all developmental domains including social
and emotional well-being and self-regulation. Learn songs and rhymes for everyday infant routines
and lots of movement strategies for toddlers. Experience how music and movement can be your best
friend, whether a home visitor, parent or administrator.
3-C
The Impact of Trauma on Young Children
Mary Mueller, LMSW, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
This session is designed to provide information about trauma and toxic stress and their
impact on child development. Concepts about trauma and early brain development will be explored.
Strategies for fostering resilience and mitigating the impact of trauma will be discussed in the context of
home-based early intervention services.
2-G

Session 3 Continued
Everyday Heroics to Strengthen Collaboration for CAPTA
Referrals
Rachel Harmon, MSW, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Victoria Meeder, BA, Office of Innovative Projects, CCRESA
This session will share insight on the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) operational
systems relating to collaboration with Early On. The new Michigan Statewide Automated Child Welfare
Information System, MiSACWIS, will be highlighted and updates will be shared on work to provide
better communication and quality referrals to local Early On programs.
3-D
Documentation Made Easy
Lynn Legg, BS, PT, Royal Oak Schools
Susan L. Wit, M.Ed., OT, Early On Oakland Schools
How can we streamline the necessary paperwork requirements for Early On and still make it
meaningful? Learn and use methods that were created to be easily accessed and shared with others
and walk away with templates to document daily work, monitor progress, create notes that meet
Medicaid requirements as well as share information with families.
3-E
Maintaining Your Professional Identity as an Early Interventionist
Working within a Transdisciplinary Approach: Occupational
Therapist, Physical Therapist and Speech Language Pathologist
Perspectives
Kathryn A. Edick, MS, OTRL, Grand Valley State University and Ionia County ISD
How can early interventionists maintain their professional identities while working within a
transdisciplinary approach? This presentation will educate participants on the transdisciplinary
approach as best practice and then present findings from a current Grand Valley State University
research project. In addition, a personal perspective of working within this model will be discussed.

3-F
11
For Early On Coordinators
Only: Support for Your Daily
Acts of Heroism
Facilitated by Christy Callahan, MA,
Office of Innovative Projects, CCRESA
This session is designed specifically to support
ISD level Early On Coordinators in their unique
everyday hero administrative responsibilities for
the implementation of Early On throughout an
ISD/RESA service area. It will provide a blend
of state-level updates as well as an opportunity
to network on hot topics in the field of early
intervention.
3-G

Everyday Heroes & Quality Practices | The Power of Early Intervention 12
Breakfast Discussion Groups
Thursday, 7:00am - 8:15am
The Early Intervention Workbook Study Follow-Up
Facilitated by Nancy Surbrook, MA, Office of Innovative Projects, CCRESA
This discussion group is for those service areas who participated in The Early Intervention Workbook
book study webinar series hosted by EOT&TA and facilitated by Lynda Cook Pletcher and Naomi
Younggren. Participants will have an opportunity to network while sharing the successes and
challenges they experienced along the path of improving their early intervention practices. To ensure
your spot, please complete the online form at: https://goo.gl/a9dM23.
DEC Recommended Practices
Facilitated by Tricia Foster, OTR/L, Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University and
Kalli Decker, Ph.D., Montana State University
Take part in research by joining a focus group format and facilitated discussion about DEC’s
Recommended Practices as they relate to family-centered practice. A review of the DEC’s
recommended practices and research about families’ perceptions of early intervention services will
be followed by group discussion centered on service provider’s perceived strengths, barriers, and
suggestions for growth. Participant input is intended to inform future policy and practice around early
intervention. Participation in the focus group is limited and a small stipend will be available to those
who join. To reserve your spot in this group discussion, email Tricia Foster at tfoster@emich.edu.
Celena L. Barnes
Family Leadership Inspiration Award
Presentation on Thursday at 9:15am
Celena L. Barnes was a devoted wife and mother, a tireless advocate, a committed
leader, teacher, mentor, inspiration to other families, and overall phenomenal woman.
Celena was a voice for families throughout the state of Michigan and the country. She
served as a passionate member of the Wayne County Local Interagency Coordinating
Council (LICC), the Wayne County Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), a parent
alternate for the Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council (MICC), a representative on the Michigan
Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC), the Michigan Special Education Advisory Committee
(SEAC), Michigan Family Voices and many other councils, committees, and workgroups.
Celena was a lifelong learner, attending and presenting at local, state, and national conferences. She
was a graduate of the Parent Leadership in State Government training, and Leaders in Policy Advocacy
Training. The knowledge she gained was always a resource for others that she shared with a smile.
She was active in her community through her special needs ministry at Power, Hope and Grace Church,
and her work for the Michigan Alliance for Families in Detroit. She will forever be remembered as being
the voice for families who didn’t have a voice, mentoring and inspiring families to become partners in
decision making, and cultivating parent and professional collaboration/partnerships at every level.
For her many contributions within her community, the state of Michigan, and the country, we celebrate
her legacy with an award that will be given during the 2015 Early On Conference to a parent family
leader who embodies the characteristics that Celena possessed.

Session 4
Thursday, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Family-Friendly Behavior Supports for Everyday Routines
Katrina Wandrie, MA, Lapeer Community Schools
Heather Giguere, MA, SLP, Lapeer County ISD
This session will provide a variety of strategies that can be implemented within the family’s everyday
routines. Information shared will include the basics of behavior, emotions and adult interactions
and how early interventionists can help build parental confidence and empowerment in addressing
challenging behaviors utilizing evidence-based practices.
4-A
Motor Skill Development: Seeing Beyond a Test Item
Lynn Legg, BS, PT, Royal Oak Schools
Susan L. Wit, M.Ed., OT, Early On Oakland Schools
What should we be looking for when we determine if a child can stack three 1-inch cubes? Participants
will look at motor development and recognize that test items are just a small portion of that whole
picture. Participants will review and analyze videos and photographs to strengthen task analysis
skills for movement. Activities, handling techniques, environmental modifications and ways to build
supports into daily routines to promote motor development will be shared.
4-B
To Bill, or Not to Bill Medicaid, That is the Question
Michelle Nicholson, MA, Ingham ISD
Nicole LaRue, BS, Ingham ISD
Michael Grasseschi, MA, Public Consulting Group
Jane Reagan, MPA, Michigan Department of Education
Many Early On providers want to understand how, and if, they can bill for Medicaid services. This
presentation will provide benefits and challenges to billing Medicaid for Early On services. Participants
will also become familiar with how providers are identified as eligible to bill Medicaid and for which
services they can bill.
4-C
Parents and Young Children in
Nature: Benefits, Strategies, and
Organizing
Sam Cornelius, MAE, Cheboygan Otsego Presque
Isle ESD, Kids Outdoors Otsego
Carolyn Belknap, MA, NW Michigan Community
Action Agency
Nancie Kersey, BA, Crawford County Early Head Start
Direct activity in nature helps build creativity, curiosity,
and confidence in young children. Made a regular part
of a child and parent’s routine, the benefits just multiply!
Participants will learn ideas for adventures, activities,
and motivating parents to do more outdoors with their
children. If setting and conditions permit, we will go
outdoors!
4-D
13

Improving Outcomes for Young Children who are Deaf or Hard of
Hearing: The Impact of Early Identification, Parent Support and
Early Intervention
Amy Miller, MNS, SLP, Ingham ISD
Michelle Garcia, Au.D., MDHHS - Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program
Kristen Carmany, MICC, Parent Representative Alternate, C.O.O.R. ISD
What can Early On do to help parents support their children who are deaf or hard of hearing? In this
session, discussions will include Early On service coordination and service provision for children who
are deaf or hard of hearing. Working with medical teams and transition to preschool to provide the
most appropriate services will be highlighted.
4-E
Trauma-Informed Caregiving: A Trauma-Informed Perspective for
Working with and Caring for Infants, Toddlers and Their Families
Pamela Green, MSW, Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham
This session will help participants develop a trauma-informed perspective for working with infants,
toddlers, and their families who have been traumatized. Information regarding the neurobiology of
attachment and examples specific to infants and toddlers will be shared. Learn about strategies to
create safety for infants and toddlers leading to better developmental, social-emotional, learning, and
behavioral outcomes.
4-F
Autism: Early Identification, the Medical Home and Working with
Families
Jane Turner, MD, Michigan State University
Bambi VanWoert, Children’s Special Health Care Services
What might early interventionists expect from primary care doctors (especially pediatricians) in their
work with young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and developmental delays? This session
will highlight the “how” and “why” of early identification and what families can expect from a family-
centered medical home. Discussion will include how to help foster effective relationships between early
interventionists, behavioral health providers, medical providers and families.
4-G
14

Early On Michigan Foundation
Silent Auction
Back by popular demand,
Early On Training and
Technical Assistance is
hosting a silent auction
to benefit the Early On
Michigan Foundation!
There will be amazing items, gift baskets, and
much more for your bidding pleasure! Bidding
will be open from Wednesday morning through
Thursday morning break. All funds raised will
go to support the Early On Michigan Foundation
and will be awarded as mini grants to the field.
Bring your checkbook, cash or credit cards, and
your colleagues and friends - see you there!
Relationships Count: Supporting the Social-Emotional
Competence of Infants, Toddlers and their Families
Marion Orihel, MA, IMH-E®
(III), Early On Oakland Schools
Jennifer Champagne, Ph.D., IMH-E®
(II), Early Childhood Oakland Schools
Come explore how early interventionists can promote secure attachments and strong relationships
between caregivers and children during each early intervention home visit and what early intervention
home visitors can do to promote positive interactions when challenges are evident. Participants will
learn about providing support and gathering information through attentive listening and gentle inquiry
and be able to recognize the importance of reflecting on thoughts and feelings before, during and after
home visits.
Session 5
Thursday, 1:30PM - 3:30PM
5-A
15
FOUNDATION
...to the Grand Traverse Resort!
While in Traverse City...
Front Street is the main
shopping thoroughfare. It is
a bustling place with more
than 150 boutiques, galleries,
restaurants, and coffee shops.
It has a small town flavor.
Just around the corner, on
Union Street, is the small but
captivating Old Town district,
and a few blocks to the west is
the Grand Traverse Commons,
where the rambling Victorian-
Italianate buildings are being redeveloped into
an elegant new retail district. For a complete
listing of Traverse City experiences visit
www.traversecity.com.
Directions
From Grand Rapids: Go north on US-131
until you reach M-72 in Kalkaska. Go west on
M-72 approximately 15 miles to Acme. Go right
on US- 31 about 1/2 mile. Resort will be on the
east (right) side of the road.
From Detroit: Take I-75 north through
Saginaw until you reach exit 254 (M-72/
Grayling). Go west on M-72 approximately 35-
40 miles through Kalkaska into Acme. Go north
(right) on US-31 about ½ mile. Resort will be on
the east (right) side of the road.
From Lansing: Take Route 27 north to the
merge with I-75. After the merge, continue to
exit 254 (M-72/Grayling). Go west on M-72
approximately 35-40 miles through Kalkaska
into Acme. Go north (right) on US-31 about ½
mile. Resort will be on the east (right) side of
the road.
From Mackinaw: Take I-75 south until you
reach exit 254 (M-72/Grayling). Go west on
M-72 approximately 35-40 miles through
Kalkaska into Acme. Go north (right) on US-31
about ½ mile. Resort will be on the east (right)
side of the road.

2015 Early On Conference Brochure

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2015 Early On Conference Brochure