IFSP/Planning

THE NATURE OF HOME VISITING AND PROVIDING E.I. SERVICES
This training examines the nature and role of the E.I. Specialist as a home visitor with attention to understanding and respect for family culture and functioning.

Competencies:
3.1 Demonstrate understanding of the roles, responsibilities and relationships of families in caring for and educating young children with disabilities, including recognition of strengths and resources that families contribute to the child's development.
3.4 Demonstrate understanding and respect of the diversity and individuality of family functioning, including influences of culture and ethnicity.

IFSP TRAINING: WRITING FAMILY GOALS AND STRATEGIES
This training will explore the IFSP process with an emphasis on collaborating with the family to determine their strengths and needs. Participants will practice writing functional child/family outcomes.

Competencies:
2.9 Collaborate with the family to identify current level of functioning, strengths and needs of the infant/toddler.
4.3 Demonstrate skills and knowledge to generate functional outcomes and strategies with the team, including the parents.

Assessment/Evaluation

THE EVALUATION PROCESS
This training discusses the role of team members and various disciplines during the evaluation process. Participants will view a video demonstrating use of the Michigan and how the E.I. Specialists can create a comfortable environment for the adult(s) and child during the assessment.

Competencies:
2.6 Individualize and adapt assessment procedures to meet the special needs of the child, the culture of the family and the variety of contexts of the child's daily life (home, community settings, child care).
7.6 Demonstrates understanding of the different roles and competence of different disciplines.

ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF ATYPICAL ALIGNMENT IN INFANTS & TODDLERS
This training will address assessment and treatment of atypical postural alignment in infants and toddlers. The first hour will focus on Torticollis. The presentation will include strategies for achieving optimal positioning using commercially available equipment, adapting infant equipment, and how and when to pursue custom positioning and mobility equipment. Helping caretakers understand optimal alignment and positioning will also be included. A variety of adaptive equipment that support optimal postural alignment and allow children greater participation in routines and activities will be demonstrated.

Competencies:
6.7 Demonstrates the ability to lift, carry, position and facilitate mobility and function for a child with disabilities.
6.11 Design and implement individual activities using adaptive and assistive technology to facilitate a child's participation and autonomy.

INFANT AND TODDLER FEEDING: ASSESMENT AND TREATMENT
This training will help participants understand infant and toddler feeding. Topics to be covered are anatomy of swallowing, assessment of feeding ability and strategies for skill development while maximizing safety.

Competencies:
2.8 Demonstrate skills in alternative methods of assessment including: informant interview, behavior rating scales, parent-child interaction and observation of daily routines and play environments.
6.8 Plan for health, nutrition and feeding needs of specific infants and toddlers.

Interventions

POSITIONING, SEATING, AND EQUIPMENT TO ENHANCE COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR THE CHILD WITH COMPLEX NEEDS
One of the most challenging tasks facing early intervention providers is providing the child with multiple needs the opportunity to be an active participant in his or her daily life. This presentation will address the aspects of determining appropriate positioning, seating, and equipment use to enable this child to be successful. Using specific examples and demonstrating techniques, Susanne Russell will discuss ways to actively engage the child and capitalize on the child's natural desire to communicate. Issues surrounding the use of high tech versus low tech strategies and the pros and cons of both positioning equipment and communication devices will be explored.

Competencies:
6.11 Design and implement individual activities using adaptive and assistive technology to facilitate a child's participation and autonomy.

THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT STRATEGIES FOR INFANT/TODDLER FEEDING PROBLEMS
Feeding problems are one of the most stressful issues that new parents face, especially when compounded by other medical or developmental concerns. This presentation will focus on identifying problem feeding behaviors in infants and young children, exploring various techniques to facilitate appropriate feeding skills, and utilizing adaptive equipment when necessary. Integrating feeding objectives for the child with the family's priorities for their child will be discussed. Filomena and Jody will share their expertise with a question and answer period at the end of the presentation, with a chance for clinicians to view some of their favorite pieces of feeding equipment.

6.8 Plan for health, nutrition and feeding needs of specific infants and toddlers.

Service Coordination

SUPPORTING FAMILIES' PRIORITIES AND NEEDS
Service coordination in early intervention is a discrete service distinct from the role of service provider, home visitor or therapist working with a child and family. EI specialists are challenged to understand this role and to find comprehensive and appropriate resources to support families' priorities and needs. This workshop explores the various roles of a service coordinator and how to integrate them as a member of a team. The workshop also offers a template for discovering and identifying resources that are available for families statewide and those that are unique to local communities.

Competencies:
5.3 Demonstrate skills to create natural learning opportunities for young children & a sense of belonging for families.
5.9 Demonstrate knowledge of local, regional, state and federal agencies that focus on the social, financial, health, developmental and other needs of infants/toddlers and their families.
7.1 Demonstate knowledge of the roles, functions and composition of different team models.
7.3 Serve as a resource and consultant to the family and team members regarding information and methods specific to her/his own discipline to promote the optimal development of the infant/toddler.
7.5 Demonstrate ability to utilize negotiation and conflict management techniques.