PACER Center
952-838-9000
Champions for Children with Disabilities
"Thank you Project KITE staff!! The presentations and trainings were well-organized and well-presented with practical information for (the) learning needs of a diversity of students."
- Speech-Language Pathologist
"Excellent program! This had a great impact on the child's life. All the ideas were very helpful. Especially helpful were the ideas for IEPs, goals, and objectives."" - Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
- Elementary Special Education Teacher
"It (Project KITE) was excellent. I always looked forward to the sessions to learn more new ideas. Thank you!"
- Occupational Therapist
Project KITE
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Team-based Trainings Frequently Asked Questions
Who is in the Project KITE team?
How many teams are included in a Semester of Project KITE?
Who is a focus child?
When are the trainings held?
How many training sessions are there?
Are there any CEU hours granted?
Who are the professionals (paraprofessionals) besides the classroom teacher?
Where are the trainings held?
What do team members need to do?
When is the training?
How often do we meet for training?
What technology do you provide?
What technical equipment will we get to use during the semester?
Can other students use this technical equipment?
Which software programs are loaded onto the Project KITE computers?
Can I use the Project KITE computer to go on the internet?
Do we get to keep the Project KITE computers once the training is over?
Can we check items out of the STC Software Lending Library?
Does Project KITE pay for substitute teachers?
What is the philosophy of the KITE Model?
How is the goal of inclusion achieved through Project KITE?
How does Project KITE staff help with integration of technology between training sessions?
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Who is in a Project KITE team?
Teams of three comprised of at least 1 parent, 1 classroom teacher and 1 other professional or paraprofessional are build around a focus child.
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How many teams are included in a Semester of Project KITE?
Simon Technology staff work with 3 separate teams during each semester of Project KITE.
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Who is a focus child?
A child with a disability who is in an inclusive classroom setting.
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When are the trainings held?
The training sessions are generally held in the evenings, however if the teams agree they can be held earlier in the day.
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How many training sessions are there?
There are five training sessions, each three hours long for a total of 15 hours of training.
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Are there any CEU hours granted?
A certificate of completion with up to 20 participation hours will be issued to each participant upon conclusion of the training.
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Who are the professionals (paraprofessional) besides the classroom teacher?
The other professional can be a paraprofessional, PCA, Speech therapist, OT, etc. There is more flexibility with this position, but it needs to be someone either working in the classroom that the focus child is in, or someone working directly with the focus child.
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Where are the trainings held?
The trainings are held at the local community where the team members live. Once a community is selected, team members may need to assist Project KITE coordinators in determining an appropriate lab facility for the trainings.
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What do team members need to do?
Attend the training sessions, work with the technology between sessions, and eventually share what they have learned with others.
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When is the training?
Scheduling of the sessions is determined jointly by Project KITE staff and all of the team members.
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How often do we meet for training?
Training sessions are scheduled 3 - 4 weeks apart.
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What technology do you provide?
We provide computers with identical programs and other technical equipment for use both in the home and in the classroom during the 3 – 4 months of Project KITE at your location.
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What technical equipment will we get to use during the semester?
Each team gets two Project KITE technology sets: 1 IBM computer, 1 printer, 1 monitor, and 1 digital camera – one set for the classroom and one set for the home of the focus child.
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Can other students use this technical equipment?
All children in the classroom are encouraged to enjoy working with the technology.
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Which software programs are loaded onto the Project KITE computers?
Boardmaker, Speaking Dynamically Pro, BuildAbility, Clicker 5, Kid Pix 4 Deluxe, and Microsoft Office Suite.
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Can I use the Project KITE computer to go on the internet?
Yes, the computers are web-enabled. However, participants will need to provide their own internet connections.
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Do we get to keep the Project KITE computers once the training is over?
No, but each classroom will receive a Young Explorer computer (donated by IBM) upon successful completion of the program. Programs on the Young Explorer include: Millie’s Math House, Bailey’s Book House, Trudy’s Time and Place House, Sammy’s Science House, Thinkin Things and Kiddesk – all by Riverdeep. Visit Little Tikes Webpage at http://www.tig.com/little.asp for more information.
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Can we check items out of the STC Software Lending Library?
Yes, each parent receives a year-long membership to the STC Software Lending Library. Professionals including classroom teachers will receive memberships for their organizations.
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Does Project KITE pay for substitute teachers?
Our grants do not provide for compensation for substitutes. However, a certificate for up to 20 participation hours will be issued at the end of the semester.
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What is the philosophy of the KITE Model?
The Four T's philosophy of the KITE Model has four distinct components to support the vision of inclusion of young children with disabilities. The Four Ts are:- Teaming - Project KITE encourages the collaboration of parents, teachers, and professionals.
- Training - Project KITE trains participants in using technology to support inclusion of the children in school and family activities.
- Technology Access - KITE provides access to technology for participants through hands-on trainings in our computer lab, and through the Simon Technology Center Library. Computers, software, and other devices are available for loan to Project KITE participants.
- Technical Assistance - During and after training sessions, Project KITE provides technical assistance via information and referral regarding assistive technology devices, funding, selection, and use.
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How is the goal of inclusion achieved through Project KITE?
Project KITE focuses on the following:- Inclusion of young children with disabilities in their daily activities within the home and classroom environments;
- Using computers and assistive technology as tools to support children in the inclusion process;
- Providing technology access to young children with disabilities;
- Teaching new and innovative ways to use existing technologies for children with special needs.
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How does Project KITE staff help with integration of technology between training sessions?
Project KITE staff and teams will work together to integrate technology into existing routines and activities. This integration occurs throughout the course of the Project KITE program and includes:- Helpful tips for including early learners with their peers,
- Suggestions for proper setup and usage of existing technology in the home and classroom,
- Adaptation of existing curriculum activities to ensure accessibility and engagement among all learners,
- Information and support for acquiring computers, software, and assistive technology for use with young children, and
- Additional support as needed dependant on individual goals and needs.
PACER's site offers many PDF files for download, which require 
