Early Childhood E-News

New Tots 'n Tech Resource Brief Focuses on Assistive Technology Reuse

Tots ‘n Tech (TnT), a research institute that provides up-to-date information and resources about adaptations for infants and toddlers, recently released “Assistive Technology Reuse,” a resource brief for parents and professionals. It includes information on assistive technology reuse, tips for starting a reuse program and helpful reuse resources. Access this and other TnT briefs here. All briefs include practical information focused on a variety of assistive technology topics. The TnT website also provides great ideas for families regarding the use of low-tech assistive technology. More

New! PACER's Early Childhood Transition Guidebook Now Available

Your child’s third birthday is an important day. Aside from being a time to celebrate, it also marks the transition from Help Me Grow: Infant and Toddler Intervention services to a preschool option. This transition changes the services available and how they are provided, as the focus moves from your child with a disability or developmental delay and your family to just your child.

This guidebook includes information on what transition is, how and when to plan for it, how to determine if your child is eligible for Help Me Grow: Preschool Special Education services, how to implement the transition plan, and what to do if your child is not eligible for special education services. You’ll find tips and facts that can help you plan for this important change in services before you light those three candles.

The guidebook is available at no cost to families in Minnesota. E-mail or call PACER at (952) 838-9000 to request your copy, or download it here.

Center for Inclusive Childcare Offers Support to Families

A quality childcare setting is essential to the healthy development and well-being of a child, as well as an important step to school success. Parents of young children with developmental delays or disabilities often have difficulty finding an appropriate childcare setting for their child. The Center for Inclusive Childcare (CICC), a statewide program that provides a centralized, comprehensive resource network supporting inclusive care for children in community settings, can help. For families of children with special needs, the CICC can provide on-site consultations, trainings, resources and support to help their child’s early childhood program staff. For more information, contact CICC Director Cindy Croft at cicccroft@inclusivechildcare.org or (651) 603-6265.

Register Now for Early Childhood Inclusion Institute May 16-18

Teachers, administrators, health professionals and parents in leadership positions are invited to the Eleventh National Early Childhood Inclusion Institute on May 16-18 in Chapel Hill, N.C. The institute will give participants an opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the latest inclusive practices and further their professional growth. This year’s keynote speaker will be Beth Harry, a parent of a child with a disability and author of “Melanie, Bird with a Broken Wing: A Mother’s Story.” Topics of the institute will include family partnerships, challenging behaviors, early childhood assessment and more. Register early to reserve your place! More

“Make Life Easier” with These Parent Tip Sheets

Sometimes the common, everyday activities of family life can prove the most challenging. That’s why the Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children (TACSEI) has developed a series of helpful tip sheets for parents and caregivers. TACSEI's “Making Life Easier” series contains valuable information on how to make challenging events easier to navigate – and even enjoyable – for both caregivers and children. Tip sheets offer ideas on bedtime and naptime, running errands and diapering. Find these and other resources on PACER’s early childhood website.