The Kansas Division for Early Childhood
Newsletter 2005
A Message From Your President
Greetings KDEC Members! Your Board of Directors started our new year with a Board Retreat held in Topeka, KS. We took time to celebrate the past year and set goals for the upcoming year. In reflection, KDEC has participated in many successful endeavors.
Highlights include our annual conference, which provides us with time to share ideas, gain information on the best practices/research in the field, and network with professionals from across the state. We were fortunate this past year to have numerous individuals in our field share their expertise and current research with us. It was also exciting to have DEC’s Executive Director, Sarah Mulligan, participate in our conference and remind each of us of the many benefits we are offered by being members of DEC. See the Call for Proposal for the 2006 conference included in this issue. Please consider submitting a proposal and be a part of our outstanding conference!
Another success is our Mini-Grant program. This program provides $500.00 grants to programs/persons who are working in the field of early childhood special education/early intervention. All KDEC members are eligible and encouraged to apply. It is the hope of the Board that these mini-grants will encourage participation in KDEC and is our opportunity to provide rewards to our members. See a summary of our 2005 winners in this issue.
We were able to showcase our subdivision at the International DEC conference held in Portland, Oregon Oct. 13-16, 2005. We had 9 Kansas members attending the conference and over 10 presenters from Kansas listed in the program. Jennifer Tasset and I attended leadership sessions in which DEC Presidents from around the country shared ideas in order to boost participation in DEC at the local level. Once again, Kansas emerged as a leader subdivision. We were featured for our annual conference, making a presentation to the other subdivisions, and recognized in meetings & with our poster display for our awards program, mini-grants, newsletters, and bylaws. We came away with a great sense of pride for our all that our Kansas subdivision is doing & offering to you, our members.
This year promises to be full of interesting developments in the field with the reauthorization of IDEA. Keep in mind that your membership in KDEC includes access to information at the DEC website: www.dec-sped.org. The public policy section has up to date information about IDEA,, what’s happening in Washington, and more. Make sure to check it out!
In closing, I’m proud to say that KDEC is a strong professional organization. We ask that each of you make a commitment to KDEC this year by supporting the organization through participation in our annual conference and encouraging colleagues to join us! Please consider what contributions you could make to KDEC and make it your goal to be involved. Your continued involvement keeps our subdivision strong, resourceful, and innovative in our field.
We look forward to seeing you in Overland Park, KS March 2-3, 2006!
Peggy Miksch, President
KDEC 2005-2006 Board Members
President Past President President Elect Vice President Treasurer Secretary Membership Committee Kansas ICC Representative |
Children Action Network Kansas CEC Representative KAEYC Representative Student Representative Family Concerns Rep Ex-Officio Members Ex-Officio Ex-Officio |
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Mark Your Calendars for the 2006 KDEC 23rd Annual Conference!
This year’s upcoming KDEC conference, “Making a Measurable Difference for Young Child” will be held March 2-3, 2006 in Overland Park, Kansas at the Double Tree Hotel. This conference promises to provide information on best practices, current research, and ideas for working together to positively impact the lives of children and families. Dale Walker, President Elect is our Conference Chair. We are currently soliciting the field for presentations for this conference. The Call for Proposals is included in this Newsbrief. We encourage you to submit a presentation proposal to the conference committee for review. Deadline for submission is November 28, 2005.
This year, we have a new addition to our conference. There will be a special student poster section. Information on how students can submit a poster is also included in this Newsbrief in the student section.
We will continue with the online registration system again this year. Registration will be open in January 2006. The link to registration can be found on the KDEC website at www.kdec.org . You will be able to make hotel reservations directly from the website as well find directions to the Double Tree Hotel in Overland Park, KS.
We welcome membership involvement in the conference. It is a great opportunity to meet colleagues from throughout Kansas. If you would like to volunteer or have questions about the 2006 conference, please contact Dale at conferencechair@kdec.org or by calling 913-321-3143.
We hope you will consider submitting a presentation, and that you will plan on attending the exciting events planned this year. We look forward to seeing you at the conference in early March!
Making a Measurable Difference for Young Children and Families
24th Annual KDEC Conference - 2006
Call for Proposals: Due November 28, 2005
March 2 - 3, 2006
Doubletree Hotel
Overland Park, Kansas
The KDEC Program Committee invites you to submit proposals for presentations at the 2006 KDEC annual Conference. The conference typically draws an attendance of 300-400 persons in a wide variety of disciplines, including family members, early childhood special education teachers, early interventionists, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, nurses, psychologists, higher education students, faculty and researchers. Partners from other early childhood programs such as Parents As Teachers, Headstart and other Early Education personnel attend the conference.
The Conference Chair and Program Committee will select proposals for the conference from the abstracts submitted. The selection process will take into consideration the following: audience appeal, innovation, applicability to current issues in the field, and clarity and organization of the proposal application.
The conference theme is: Making a Measurable Difference for Young Children and Families
We hope that everyone will come to share ideas about how we know when we are making a difference for children and their families.
Topics of interest may include, but are not limited to:
- Use of evidence-based interventions and practices
- Research-to-practice examples
- Measuring outcomes for young children and families
- Documentation of intervention or teaching practices
- Observation of interaction and behavior
- Examples of effective practices that have been measured
- Successes and challenges in measuring outcomes for young children
- Updates on what is happening in Kansas related to measuring outcomes
The conference committee hopes that you will pass this along to your colleagues and that you will consider submitting a proposal. KDEC would like to offer our appreciation to accepted presenters. All presenters may attend the conference at no charge for the day of their presentation. The discounted fee for the second day will be $50.00. This offer is valid for a maximum of two presenters per session. We look forward to a fantastic conference to renew our commitments to the children and families we serve, our communities and ourselves.
Completed proposal forms and materials may be sent by
e-mail, fax, or mail to:
Dale Walker, KDEC Conference Chair
Juniper Gardens Children's Project
650 Minnesota Ave. 2nd Floor
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: (913) 321-3143
Email: conferencechair@kdec.org
PROPOSAL FORM
MAKING A MEASURABLE DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
24th
Annual KDEC Conference - 2006
March
2 - 3, 2006
Doubletree Hotel
Overland Park, Kansas
Proposal Deadline: November 28, 2005
1. Presentation Title:_______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
2. Description of Session: Attach a 25-50 word description of your session that can be printed in the conference program.
3. Abstract of Proposed Presentation: Please attach a 200-300 word abstract of your proposal. Provide information regarding presentation, content, intended purpose, scope, applicability to early intervention and the educational objectives of the session.
4. Intended Audience:
___Administrative ___Professional
___Parents/Family ___Other
5. Level of Presentation:
___Awareness (General applicability, non-technical)
___Professional (New skills or information to be shared)
___Leadership (Significant knowledge of topic area assumed)
6. Desired Format:
___Regular Session (1 1/4 hour) ___Double
Session (2 1/2 hours)
Would you be willing to repeat your session? ___Yes ___No
7. Audio Visual Equipment
(List only equipment needed)
___Overhead Projector ___Screen ___Slide
Projector ___VCR/Monitor Other________________________________________________
(Note: LCD projectors & CD/tape players will not be
provided.)
Check here if you will bring your own: _____LCD Projector and
computer. If so, a screen will be provided.
PRESENTER INFORMATION FORM
Please fill out information for each presenter. (Attach additional copies if needed.)
1. Name of First Author:
Highest Degree attained: High School/GED__ Associate’s__ Bachelor’s__
Master’s__ PhD.__
Work Agency & Address:
State/Zip:
Work Phone: ( ) Email: Fax: ( )
Or/
Home Address:
State/Zip:
Home Phone: (______________ ) Email: Fax:
(_____________ )
_________________________________________________________________________
2. Name of Second Author:
Highest Degree attained: High School/GED__ Associate’s__ Bachelor’s__
Master’s__ PhD.__
Work Agency & Address:
State/Zip:
Work Phone: ( ________) Email: Fax: ( __________)
Or/
Home Address:
State/Zip:
Home Phone: (___________ ) Email: Fax:
(____________ )
________________________________________________________________________
3. Name of Third Author:
Highest Degree attained: High School/GED__ Associate’s__ Bachelor’s__
Master’s__ PhD.__
Work Agency & Address:
State/Zip:
Work Phone: (__________ ) Email: Fax: ( __________)
Or/
Home Address:
State/Zip:
Home Phone: (__________) Email: Fax:
(______________)
________________________________________________________________________
Please complete for all presenters and email (in an attachment) or
fill out the forms and send by mail or fax to:
Dale Walker, KDEC Conference Chair
Juniper Gardens Children's Project
650 Minnesota Ave. 2nd Floor
Kansas City, KS 66101
Email: conferencechair@kdec.org
PROPOSALS DUE: November 28, 2005
KDEC FOCUS ON MEMBERSHIP
KDEC BOARD WANTS YOU!!
A CALL FOR KDEC BOARD NOMINATIONS
The Nominations and Election Committee of KDEC is soliciting recommendations from the membership for the offices of Vice President and Secretary beginning July 2005. Self-nomination is encouraged.
The Vice-President position requires a commitment of 4 years with a rotation of 1 year each in the positions of Vice-President, President-Elect, President, and Past-President. The Secretary position requires a two-year commitment.
All nominees must be current KDEC members and nominations must
be received by January 30th, 2006. Please send your nominations (name,
position, address, phone, e-mail, and your name) to: KDEC Nominations
Committee, c/o Jennifer Tasset, Arrowhead West Child Services,
401 Edgemore, Dodge City, KS 67801 Phone: (620) 225-5177 / Fax:
(620) 227-2072
e-mail: jennifer@arrowheadwest.org
Can you afford not to join?
The
Division for Early Childhood (DEC) is an international professional organization
dedicated to promoting policies and practices that support families and enhance
the optimal development of children. It was formed as a division of the Council
for Exceptional Children (CEC) in 1973.
The Kansas Division for Early Childhood (KDEC) is
a state subdivision of the International Division for Early Childhood (DEC)
and began in 1982. By joining, you will receive the benefits of numerous publications
(Young Exceptional Children, Teaching Exceptional Children, Exceptional Children,
and Journal of Early Intervention). KDEC also provides the opportunity to interact,
collaborate, and communicate with others in the field; be informed on innovations
in research, policy, best practices, and current issues; and be eligible for
reduced rates at the KDEC annual conference.
COST SAVINGS OF JOINING KDEC
Journal of Early Intervention ...............$55.00
Young Exceptional Children .............. $25.00
Teaching Exceptional Children.......... $135.00
CEC Exceptional Children.................$125.00
KDEC Conference Discount .............. $20.00
KS CEC Conference Discount ............$30.00
DEC Conference Discount ................. $50.00
CEC Conference Discount ................. $60.00
TOTAL = .........................................$500.00
Your membership includes these benefits plus access to state newsletters & activities, discounts on DEC/CEC publications, inexpensive liability insurance, auto insurance, & health insurance, and much more! Check out www.dec-sped.org for more benefits!
CEC/DEC/KDEC Membership........................................$132.00
Student Membership...........................................................$74.00
New members may contact Ginny Butts, KDEC Membership Chair at membership@kdec.org or call 620-326-8906, ext. 224 for an application. Or, for easier and quicker membership, visit the Council for Exceptional Children at www.cec.sped.org . Be sure to join the DEC subdivision. This assures your membership in KDEC. Please consider joining our organization and supporting the children and families around the state.
2006 KDEC Award Nominations
The KDEC Awards Committee NEEDS nominations from the field for five special awards to recognize individuals who have made important contributions to the field of early childhood special education/early intervention. Now is the time to give recognition to those who deserve it within our field. The five categories of awards include:
Outstanding Contributor Award
This award honors an individual who has made significant contributions to early intervention in Kansas. This award is open to members as well as nonmembers. Persons who might be considered could include family members, legislators, physicians, educators, and any individuals providing services to young children and their families.
Direct Service Provider Award
This award is presented to a current DEC/KDEC member who has made significant contributions to young children with exceptionalities and their families. The candidate for this award should have less than ten years of direct service in the field. This award honors those who are beginning their career and have made exemplary contributions in their local area.
Award of Excellence
This award honors an individual who has made significant contributions in the following areas of early intervention: publications, research, development of new concepts, approaches or programs, new techniques for diagnosis or rehabilitation, improved psychological or education evaluation procedures, improved administrative procedures, practical application of improved teaching devices, and dynamic leadership.
Distinguished Service Provider Award
This award is presented to a current DEC/KDEC member who has demonstrated exemplary performance over a period of at least ten years as a direct service provider and is recognized by members of the profession as someone who demonstrates innovativeness, imagination, creativity, and the ability to inspire. This person must be a member in good standing both currently and for at least the previous five years.
Outstanding Student DEC Member Award
This award is presented to a current full time student member of DEC/KDEC who has contributed a great deal of time, energy, or support to early childhood special education. This can include activities within their Student CEC Chapter and/or to children who are exceptional and their families.
Please take a few moments of your time to nominate a candidate for one or more of these awards. Nominating an individual simply involves filling out a nomination form. This form can be found on the following page of this Newsbrief. Contact Jennifer Tasset, Past President at (620) 225-5177 or email: jennifer@arrowheadwest.org with any questions.
KDEC Awards Nomination Form
All nominations must be in writing and must include the nominee’s vita/resume, a cover letter describing the individual’s worthiness for receiving the award, and a minimum of one letter of recommendation (outside of the nominator).
Category individual is being nominated for:
___Outstanding Student
___Direct Service Provider
___Distinguished Service Provider
___Award of Excellence
___Outstanding Contributor
Name of Nominee:________________________________________________________
KDEC ID Number:________________________________________________________
Home Address:__________________________________________________________
Home Phone:____________________________________________________________
Name and Address of Nominee’s school or agency (if employed)_______________________
Nominee’s Current Position:______________________________________________________
Number of years of experience: Current position______________Total years______
Nominator Completing This Form
Name:__________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
Phone:___________________________Fax:___________________________________
Email:__________________________________________________________________
NOMINATIONS DUE: January 31, 2006
Please submit by mail, fax, or an email attachment
and forward to:
Jennifer Tasset, Past President
401 Edgemore
Dodge City, KS 67801
Phone: (620) 255-5177
FAX: (620) 227-2072
Email: jennifer@arrowheadwest.org
News from the State and Beyond
An update from the state on the Kansas Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Plan (KECCS)
In September, 2005, Kansas was awarded a three-year Implementation Grant from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services. The plan is the culmination of a two-year planning process, which many of you participated in, and supports school readiness. The $140,000 per year award will enable Kansas to continue work on the Kansas Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Plan (KECCS). At a recent conference, Kansas was described as a model state because of the comprehensiveness of the plan and the support from the Governor, State agencies, and the spectrum of partners committed to the plan.
Kansas will monitor progress on the plan through a website tracking tool. The website, www.keccs.org, will allow partners to report activities and progress on plan, as well as use the site as a communication tool for early childhood. The Early Learning Coordinating Council (ELCC), the governance body for the plan, asks you to review the plan and submit your activities and success stories. For more information about the plan or questions about how to submit activities, contact Jackie Counts at 785-864-0548 or jcounts@ku.edu.
The first planning meeting was in April, 2005. A second meeting will take place on November 2, 2005 in Topeka. A summary of the meeting will be in the next newsletter!
Alexa Posny, Deputy Commissioner, Learning Services Division of the Kansas State Department of Education gave a keynote at the KAEYC (Kansas Association for the Education of Young Children) conference in Manhattan on October 15, 2005. Dr. Posny’s general focus was the importance of the early years in supporting not only growth and development, but also progress in school and in academics. For her power point presentation, please go to www.ksde.org.
KDEC Student Member News
New This Year: Student Poster Session
This is a new and exciting opportunity for all students interested in early childhood development and education to become involved in your state’s professional early childhood organization. If you would like to strengthen your resume or vitae with a professional presentation, you should take an advantage of this opportunity and submit your proposal to KDEC. Thesis and dissertation projects are welcomed! You may submit your poster proposal in any of the following areas or others of interest to the field:
- Use of evidence-based interventions and recommended practices
- Research-to-practice examples
- Measuring outcomes for young children and families
- Documentation of intervention or teaching practices
- Observation of interaction and behavior
- Examples of effective practices that have been measured
- Successes and challenges in measuring outcomes for young children
- Research synthesis or literature reviews
- Assessment and monitoring outcomes
Student Poster Proposals
When?
The deadline for the 2006 KDEC conference is December 1, 2005.
How?
Proposals must be submitted electronically to www.kdec.org Or by sending a paper copy to
Sanna Harjusola-Webb, KDEC Student Rep.
KDEC Poster Proposals
Juniper Gardens Children’s Project
650 Minnesota Av., 2nd floor
Kansas City, KC 66101
Who?
Any student interested in child development, early childhood education and special education, and preferably a KDEC member, may submit a proposal. Anyone who attends or participates must register for the conference.
File format for the proposal.
Submitters may prepare a proposal summary using a word processing application such as Microsoft Word or Word. Files in Rich Text Format (RTF) or PDF format are also acceptable. Proposal Guidelines. To submit a poster proposal, prepare the following for on-line submission as well as paper submission:
- And abstract of 100-150 words
- A summary of 1000 words or less for use in the judging and
merits of the proposed poster. The summary should deal explicitly
with as many of the following as are applicable, preferably in order:
- Proposal objective
- Relevance and timeliness of the topic
- Educational or scientific importance
- Method, sample, procedures and findings
- Implications for practice/information for early childhood professionals and families
- Names, institutional affiliations, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses or the author/s.
Become a Member of KDEC
ARE YOU...
- Committed to early intervention services for young children and their families?
- Seeking opportunities to share information and resources with other professionals from wide variety of disciplines?
- Interested in joining your voice with professionals who are making a difference for children and families?
- Interested in being informed on innovations in research, policy, best practices, and currents issues?
If you answered “yes” to the above questions, consider joining the Kansas Division for Early Childhood (KDEC). To join, visit the DEC website at www.dec-sped.org and click on the membership section for more information. Or, you can contact our Membership Chair Ginny Butts at membership@kdec.org or call 620-326-8906, ext. 224 for an application.
If you have questions about the KDEC NEWSBRIEF contact Gayle Stuber at newsletter@kdec.org