✉️ VDOE Readiness Connections Update: January 23, 2024

The call for proposals for the Creating Connections to Shining Stars (CCSS) Conference is now open. This conference will focus on promoting and supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices in inclusive settings for infants, toddlers, and young children, both with and without disabilities. The deadline for submission is February 9.  

• CCSS: Submit Your Session Proposal 

Virtual Training: See-the-Sound Visual Phonics  

The Technical Assistance Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program (TAC-DHH) at VCU's Partnership for People with Disabilities will be hosting a virtual See-the-Sound Visual Phonics event. This five-part course is for professionals who are new to STS-Visual Phonics. The training explores the multi-sensory STS-Visual Phonics system of 50+ handshapes/hand cues that represent English phonemes. Register by February 2. 

Online Course: Evidence Based Practices to Teach Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder  

Educators who support students with ASD are invited to enroll in this course provided by the VCU Autism Center for Education (ACE). The course provides an overview of the importance of good instruction, appropriate skill selection, and evidence-based practices, including antecedent-based interventions, visual supports, systematic instruction, and interventions to promote social and communication skills. Please note that this is not a self-paced course; there will be assignments and due dates that must be adhered to.  

• Online Course: Evidence Based Practices to Teach Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Dates: February 5 – March 11 

Please see the Coordinated Approaches for Head Start and Early Childhood Special Education Webinar being held on January 24 in the Head Start section.  

Coordinated Approaches for Head Start and Early Childhood Special Education – Webinar on January 24  

Join the VDOE, Division of Early Childhood Care and Education for the upcoming webinar opportunity highlighting Coordinated Approaches for Head Start and Early Childhood Special Education. Participants will receive a high-level overview of the federal inclusion guidelines for children with disabilities in early childhood programs and learn approaches on how to partner effectively to support inclusive practices.  

• Webinar: Coordinated Approaches for HS and ECSE   
• Date: January 24  

Head Start and Refugee Resettlement Collaboration – Online Toolkit

The landscape of many communities is shifting, and their needs for early childhood care and education services is growing. To support the focal population of refugee families, the National Center on Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness has partnered with Bridging Refugee Youth and Children’s Services to create a Collaboration Toolkit. This toolkit includes talking points for Head Start and Refugee Resettlement agencies that will help facilitate the access to comprehensive services and ease the transition for these families into new communities.  

Spring Local CLASS Observation Window Starts this Week! 

The spring local CLASS observation window opened on January 22 and runs through May 31. Every classroom participating in VQB5 will need to complete a local CLASS observation during the spring window. VQB5 sites will also need to participate in external CLASS observations. Information and resources related to VQB5 CLASS observations are listed below. 

• Overview of CLASS in VQB5 (Spanish) 
• VDOE Local Observation Guidebook. 
• Local Observation FAQs – January 2024 

Local Observer Spring Refresher Webinar - February 6

On February 6, VDOE will host a spring refresher webinar for all VQB5 local CLASS observers. During this webinar we will review local observation protocols and FAQs to help observers prepare for spring observations. Information about how to use fall score replacement information to strengthen observations skills will also be shared. 

• Webinar: Local Observer Spring Refresher 
• Date: February 6 at 2:00 p.m. 
• Register
  

The UVA CASTL team invites all PK3 and PK4 teachers who participated in the Fall 2023 VKRP assessments or Mid-Year Pilot to provide feedback. Unique survey links were sent to VKRP account email addresses on Tuesday, January 16. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes. All teacher respondents will be entered into a drawing in early March to win a $50 gift card. 500 gift cards will be awarded – high chance to win!  

• Email vkrp@virginia.edu with survey questions