Building Best Practice

Creating Connection in a Childcare Setting

Jessica Beaver, Program Manager, Therapy & Learning Center, Inc.
Kristine Moore, TEIS Learning and Development Specialist, TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Do you feel like childcare centers do not like to see you coming?  This workshop will outline strategies to build relationships with the caregiver and guide you in implementing family routines based intervention without disrupting the day.

DIDD Services and Supports 

Krystyne Brown, Deputy Director of Communications and External Affairs, TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

This presentation will provide an overview of available programs provided by the TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities that supports Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lifespans.

What is Accreditation and what role do I play in the process?

Allison Boyd, Director of Accreditation, TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Stephanie Underwood, TEIS CQL Accreditation Coordinator, TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

This session will explore what Accreditation is, who is CQL, what tools and processes will be utilized, impact of data, what stakeholders can expect during the Accreditation journey and why is Accreditation important.

From Breastfeeding to Birthday Cake- Oral Feeding Milestones in the First Three Years of Life 

Memorie Gosa, Speech Language Pathologist/Associate Professor/Chair for Department of Communicative Disorders, University of Alabama

Infants and children mature rapidly during the first three years of life.  Adequate nutritional intake is necessary to support their physical and cognitive development.  As the infant grows and develops, their nutritional needs also advance and their ability to consume higher texture foods improves.  This session will review typical feeding development during the first three years of life and provide professionals with the knowledge to support families during feeding development.  

Coaching Strategies and Process to Build Caregiver Capacity 

Jenni Brown, Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator, University of Georgia

This session will highlight implementation strategies, discussion, and video demonstrations of how to collaborate with parents in providing early intervention in natural environments. The process of using coaching strategies to support parents' use of development enhancing strategies and supports will be presented through practical examples from a research to practice framework.

Safety Considerations During Home Visits 

Greg Mays, Director of TN Office of Homeland Security

This workshop will examine safety considerations when meeting with clients, particularly in the home setting. 

The Importance of Specialized Early Intervention for Children with Vision Impairments 

Alison Clougherty, Executive Director of Programs and Development, Blind Early Services of Tennessee (BEST)
Stacy Cornwall, Executive Director of Finance and Administration
LeeAnn McWhorter, Certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (CTVI)

Up to 90% of what a typical child learns is incidental and through vision. What if the visual pathway isn't working well or at all? In this session, Alison Clougherty, Stacy Cornwall and LeeAnn McWhorter from Blind Early Services TN (BEST) will discuss what vision impairment means for infants and toddlers, how specialized intervention techniques are crucial for this population, and lead participants in a make-it/take-it activity.

FGRBI Home Visit from a Developmental Therapist and Parent Perspective 

Aimee Loeffler, Developmental Therapist, Signal Centers

This session will walk through a typical FGRBI home visit with Jackson's family and his Developmental Therapist, offering perspectives on how FGRBI is helpful for both.  Family and therapist will discuss highlights from their sessions that pertain to the FGRBI Key Indicators Checklist. 

Embedding FGRBI Principles Into Clinic Based Practice

Nicole Oliva, Speech-Language Pathologist, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital
Amber Talcott, Physical Therapist
Brittany Sears, Occupational Therapist

Guest speakers will present in regard to applying family guided routines based intervention principles within clinic based settings. Guest speakers will reflect on practice from career experience in early intervention as well outpatient clinic settings. The presentation will leave listeners with helpful strategies for engaging families during visits, discussing how an early intervention assessment might differ from other clinic assessments, as well as looking at clinic based services within a transdisciplinary approach.

What is Hearing Loss and How Does It Impact Speech and Language Development?

Ashley Irick, Speech-Language Pathologist/Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Autumn Sanderson, Speech-Language Pathologist/Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

What's the difference between mild, moderate, severe and profound hearing loss and how do these differences in hearing loss impact speech and language development? In the session, we'll discuss speech, language, and auditory skills that are impacted by each level of hearing loss and techniques to implement in early intervention and speech therapy sessions.

Coaching Strategies and Process to Build Caregiver Capacity

Jenni Brown, Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator, University of Georgia

This session will highlight implementation strategies, discussion, and video demonstrations of how to collaborate with parents in providing early intervention in natural environments. The process of using coaching strategies to support parents' use of development enhancing strategies and supports will be presented through practical examples from a research to practice framework.

Parent-engaged Developmental Monitoring

Toni Whitaker, Developmental Pediatrician, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, TN Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics

The CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program aims to improve early identification of children with developmental disabilities so children/families can get the services and support they need. The free milestones checklists and other tools help with developmental monitoring while encouraging family engagement and productive communication with health and education professionals.

The Dangers of Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Early Childhood

Wendy Ellmo, Brain Injury Specialist/Speech Language Pathologist, Brain Links

Great strides have been made in the diagnosis and management of concussion/mild traumatic brain injury, yet significant issues remain for young children. We will discuss an evidence-based model of concussion and treatment; long-term issues and the "latency" effect of TBI where issues are revealed as children mature, making early diagnosis, referral and monitoring crucial.

Relatives as Caregivers 

Tracy Van de Vate, Program Manager, Grandparents as Parents

Grandfamilies (relative caregivers) provide an important role for children. Research shows that children thrive in granfamilies especially when support is provided.  This workshop will explore challenges that grandfamilies face, benefits for relative care, strategies and ideas to support families, and resources for grandfamilies.

The Katie Beckett Program

Cara Kumari, Assistant Commissioner of Communications and External Affairs, TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Bo Hickman, Deputy Director of Intake and Case Management, TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

More than 1,000 children across Tennessee are enrolled in the Katie Beckett Program, and families are using the benefits in a variety of ways to improve their child's quality of life. This presentation will go through an overview of the program, discuss the details of the application and intake process, explain how the benefits can be used hand-in-hand with early intervention services for qualifying children, and answer any questions about the program.

An Early Journey with Hearing Loss: Steps for Speech-Language Success

Emily Noss, Clinical Associate Professor/Co-Director for Clinical Education in Speech-Language Pathology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Marilyn Owens, Speech-Language Pathologist/Clinical Instructor, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

As we know, the early years are critical for development of communication skills.  When a child is diagnosed with a hearing loss, early identification, amplification and intervention are necessary to ensure speech-language success.  What detailed steps should be taken when serving a family who has a child diagnosed with hearing loss?

Layers of AAC-From the Bottom Up

Jestina Bunch, Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Allison Wegman, Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Participants will gain knowledge and recognize which children from their caseloads may be ready to implement AAC.  Also, they will be provided with the steps to help guide thier families in gaining access to the most appropriate communication systems. 

Promoting Self-Determination in Early Childhood Services

Alexa Dixon, Instructor in Pediatrics, TRIAD
Kate Chazin, Behavior Analyst, TRIAD

Individuals who develop and demonstrate self-determination skills can have improved quality of life, self-confidence, and happiness. Self-determination skill development begins in early childhood. TRIAD has developed a toolkit to help adults who work with children learn to promote the development of self-determination skills in young children. 

Transdisciplinary Collaboration in Early Intervention

Miriam Kennetz, Occupational Therapist, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital
Jodi Yzaguirre, Physical Therapist, LeBonheur Children's Hospital
Gwen Evans, Early Intervention Specialist, Lebonheur Healthcare
Nicole Oliva, Speech-Language Pathologist, LeBonheur Healthcare
Karen Jack, Program Coordinator, TEIS

Guest speakers will discuss teaming and the importance of role release between each other's primary disciplines to best support each individual family. Guests recognize each other's professional specialties and the wealth of shareable knowledge. Each speaker will reflect on previous teaming experiences and how effective teaming strategies benefitted the therapist, child, and their family.

Getting into Family-Guided Routines: What, Why, and How

Jenni Brown, Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator, University of Georgia

This session will focus on strategies, tools, and processes for collaborating with families to identify and build routines as intervention contexts. Practical ways to support embedded intervention in meaningful contexts will be discussed in order for intervention to be dispersed throughout the day when it is functionally relevant.

Service Coordinator Panel (CEUs not available)

Cindy Willard, TEIS Statewide Program Coordinator, TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Join a group of Service Coordinators from across the state to discuss strategies to manage a caseload, work effectively with families, and write meaningful goals.  Discussion will be facilitated by Cindy Willard, statewide program coordinator, and will include time for questions from the audience. 

EIRA Quarterly Meeting *Directors, TEIS Leadership, DAs* (CEUs not available)

Session will be held until 4 p.m.

The Katie Beckett Program

Cara Kumari, Assistant Commissioner of Communications and External Affairs, TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Bo Hickman, Deputy Director of Intake and Case Management, TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

More than 1,000 children across Tennessee are enrolled in the Katie Beckett Program, and families are using the benefits in a variety of ways to improve their child's quality of life. This presentation will go through an overview of the program, discuss the details of the application and intake process, explain how the benefits can be used hand-in-hand with early intervention services for qualifying children, and answer any questions about the program.

Mustangs, Tomatoes and Crickets-What's all this Stuff?

Susan Anderson, PTA, B.S., LeBonheur Children's Hospital
Carrie Gross, PTA, IMH-E, CEIM, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital

This workshop will discuss commonly prescribed therapeutic equipment and how providers can support parents/caregivers in its use. Purpose of equipment, safety and how to incorporate it into the family's daily routines will be covered.

Connection before Correction: Practical strategies to build trust with children from hard places

Deidra Love, Director of Home and Community Based Early Intervention, Siskin Children’s Institute

Children who have experienced trauma struggle to build secure attachment with caregivers, and their confusing behavior can pose a challenge for families and EI providers, too. Learn practical techniques that families can use to build connection with their child-- re-wiring the brain from traumatic harm and building strong social-emotional skills to replace fear-based behaviors.

Evidence Based Practices for Infants and Children 0-5 with Intensive Support Needs Including Deaf-Blindness

Danna Conn, Project Coordinator/Senior Program Manager, TN Deaf-Blind Project
Suzanne Dinwiddie, Educational Consultant, TN Deaf-Blind Project

Children with complex needs including those who are deaf-blind require unique strategies to support the development of communication, social emotional, cognitive, adaptive and motor skills. These strategies will include; active learning, respectful touch, communication and routines. Increasing knowledge of specialized strategies that address these distinct needs will give providers the tools they need.

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome & Intrauterine Substance Exposure: Pragmatic Approaches to Support Children and Families 

Tiffani Dixon, Early Interventionist, Emory Valley Center

Presentation on current information and new strategies for children diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Session will address system disturbances and related complications, infant mental health, trauma-informed care, and advocating for children with NAS. The session will also discuss how substances have affected the brain and how this correlates with various delays and symptoms. Participants will gain an understanding of intervention strategies to implement with families and caregivers of children with NAS.

Safety Considerations During Home Visits 

Greg Mays, Director of TN Office of Homeland Security

This workshop will examine safety considerations when meeting with clients, particularly in the home setting. 

The Importance of Specialized Early Intervention for Children with Vision Impairments

Alison Clougherty, Executive Director of Programs and Development, Blind Early Services of Tennessee (BEST)
Stacy Cornwall, Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Blind Early Services of Tennessee (BEST)
LeeAnn McWhorter, Certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (CTVI), Blind Early Services of Tennessee (BEST)

Up to 90% of what a typical child learns is incidental and through vision. What if the visual pathway isn't working well or at all? In this session, Alison Clougherty, Stacy Cornwall and LeeAnn McWhorter from Blind Early Services TN (BEST) will discuss what vision impairment means for infants and toddlers, how specialized intervention techniques are crucial for this population, and lead participants in a make-it/take-it activity.

Building Engagement for Non-Preferred Tasks/Activities

Ryan McKee, BCBA, Hand Over Hand Behavior Training

Learn how to build compliance in children who do not want to engage in non-preferred activities. Build engagement and get active participation from difficult clients in a way that actually teaches them to enjoy the tasks and encourages compliance.

Person-Centered Thinking Skills: Understanding the benefits of using Person-Centered Thinking Skills to assist with learning and discovery

Shalita Wells, Director of Person Centered Practice, TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Review the three most effective person-centered skills that help families with everyday learning and discovery. 

Using Visuals to Support Functional Communication

Kristin Dorris, Associate Director of Training/Speech-Language Pathologist, TRIAD
Amanda Spiess, BCBA/Educational Consultant, TRIAD

Communication from young children falls into three categories or forms. Those categories are vocalizations/using your voice, gestures, and visuals. In this workshop we will look at how to utilize visuals to support functional communication.

Brain Health & Resilience for the Whole Family

Wendy Ellmo, Brain Injury Specialist/Speech-Language Pathologist, Brain Links

Resilience is our ability to bounce back during and following stress or trauma. Resilience has been a challenge for us all, coping with a pandemic and all other life challenges. We will discuss practices to use to build resilience in yourself and others. We will show how resilience and a healthy brain are connected and how both relate to mental health, physical health and longevity.

Early Motor Development and Patterns from a Seating and Positioning Perspective

Leslie Parson, Seating and Positioning Clinician, TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Nicole Richardson, Seating and Positioning Clinician, TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
JD Barton, Seating and Positioning Clinician, TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

As presented by clinicians with experience developing specialized equipment for individuals with profound physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, this workshop will provide a general overview of prime motor developmental patterns, how retained patterns can impact a child's further development, and potential equipment interventions to facilitate motor development.

Reflective Practice in Early Intervention

Diana Morelen, Associate Professor/Clinical Psycologist/AIMHiTN Regional Lead, ETSU
Stephanie Cowan, EI Team Leader, Expanding Horizons
Kirstin Tipton, EI Team Leader, Expanding Horizons

This workshop will describe reflective supervision and consultation (RSC) as it relates to early intervention work and provide an overview of a pilot project that is testing the efficacy of RSC with an entire team of early interventionists and supervisors. Participants will be able to watch a live "fishbowl" experience of RSC to see RSC put into practice.

Promoting Resilient Families - Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Amy Blackwell, Lead Outreach Specialist, TN Voices

Promoting Resilient Families will include a brief refresher of the impact of ACEs alongside the importance of collaboration to promote healthy development for our youngest Tennesseans. Additionally, information on TN Voices programs that may support families aging out of TEIS will be provided.

Peer Supports for Families - TN Voices After TEIS

Brittany Ballard, Statewide Training Program Manager, TN Voices
Mandy McDermott, Early Childhood Specialist, TN Voices
Sabrina Moore, Outreach Specialist, TN Voices

Peer support providers offer families hope through services based on specialized training and lived experience. As families age out of TEIS services, TN Voices can offer additional supports provided through peer support, advocacy, and mental health services.  This presentation will provide an overview of various programs and trainings available to families through TN Voices.  

All Things Hearing

Holli Allen, Newborn Hearing Follow Up Program Director, TN Department of Health
Dr. Brittany Day, Pediatric Audiologist and Consultant, TN Department of Health
Dr. Yinmei Li, Epidemiologist, TN Department of Health

This workshop will provide participants an introduction to hearing loss, an overview of the Newborn Hearing Follow Up program including a description of the infants served, and specific resources and education regarding the specialized services needed for children with hearing loss.

Building Engagement for Non-Preferred Tasks/Activities

Ryan McKee, BCBA, Hand Over Hand Behavior Training

Learn how to build compliance in children who do not want to engage in non-preferred activities. Build engagement and get active participation from difficult clients in a way that actually teaches them to enjoy the tasks and encourages compliance.

Pathfinder: Your Guide on the Path to Community Services

Linda Brown, statewide Information & Referral Coordinator, TN Disability Pathfinder

Finding and accessing support services can be difficult for families of children with disabilities. Attend this session to learn how Tennessee Disability Pathfinder creates better access to disability information through its interactive website, online trainings, social media, and the ongoing one-on-one assistance that its team of professionals provides.

Perspective Shift: When the Provider Becomes the Patient

Rachel Greer, Occupational Therapist, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital
Miriam Kennetz, Occupational Therapist, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital
Angie McCoy, Early Intervention Specialist, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital

"Life can change in the blink of an eye." This panel discussion features two Occupational Therapists  and one Early Intervention Specialist who found their children on the receiving end of medical care and rehabilitation services. This discussion addresses how personal experience can encourage empathy, inform service delivery, and ultimately improve patient- and family-centered care.

Self Compassion is the New Self-Care

Diana Morelen, Associate Professor/Clinical Psychologist/AIMHiTN Regional Lead, ETSU

This workshop will provide an overview of self-compassion as a reflective practice that is foundational to wellness at work and beyond. Participants will have opportunities to practice self-compassion and to develop a sustainable wellness plan to promote sustainable physical, emotional, and relational well-being.

Using What You Have to Make Things Happen

Carrie Gross, PTA, IMH-E, CEIM, LeBonheur Early Intervention and Development
Susan Anderson, PTA, B.S., LeBonheur Early Intervention and Development

We often encounter challenges to provide needed support options, spark engagement, and motivate continued interest in both caregiver and child. This workshop will provide ideas to help improve home visit outcomes through looking at what is readily available in homes and seeing the potential for how it can be utilized.