State Support Team 3 Valley View, Ohio October 5, 2012

State Support Team 3 Valley View, Ohio October 5, 2012 Early Learning Programs: A Collaborative Consultation Model for PreK Classrooms Laurie Dinnebeil & Bill McInerney University of Toledo College of Education/ HSHS Consultants in Inclusive Early Education

CEC- DEC Position Statement on Inclusion
“Early childhood inclusion embodies the values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and young child and his or her family, regardless of ability to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts of full members of families, communities, and society.” (DEC, 2009)

Early Childhood Inclusion means that ALL children
Have full access to the general education curriculum Can participate MEANINGFULLY in ALL learning experiences Their teachers have the support they need in order to help children be successful

Access Young children with disabilities have access to a full range of activities and learning opportunities in diverse early care and education programs and other natural environments

Participation Adults find ways to help young children with disabilities participate and engage fully in a variety of activities. They promote children’s meaningful ‘belonging’ in intentional ways.

High Quality Preschool
Process Quality emphasizes the actual experiences that occur in educational settings, such as child-teacher interactions and the types of activities in which children are engaged. Structural Quality of the program, such as teacher-child ratios, class size, qualifications and compensation of teachers and staff, and square footage. Espinosa, L. (2002). High quality preschool: Why we need it and what it looks like.

Supports Adults who promote early childhood inclusion must have the support they need to help young children with disabilities. This support includes ongoing training and professional development.

What is Effective PD? Effective professional development (PD) occurs through individualized assistance and training. Coaching and Consultation provides this individualized assistance that is critical to supporting early childhood inclusion. In some states, a consultative itinerant model is recommended as “best practice”.

Basic Models of Itinerant Service Delivery
Consultation Assist educators and primary caregivers to provide specialized instruction and plan ways to address IEP goals within the course of the child’s typical day and routine activities. Direct Tutor the child focused on IEP goals within the context of ongoing activities or outside of the child’s typical day. IEP-based instruction is limited to the Itinerant ECSE professional’s visit. Notes to Trainers Ask participants to share their experiences with the itinerant ECSE service delivery model. If they are itinerant teachers, what approach do they use? Direct service or consultative? What do they see as pros and cons of each approach (ask this question before showing slide). Many itinerant teachers have strong feelings (either positive or negative) about a consultative approach. Give them opportunities to voice those concerns, however, make sure that the conversation is productive and focused on helping young children succeed in general education settings.

Consultation: Preferred Model of Itinerant Service Delivery
Project DIRECT focuses on consultation because we believe it is the BEST way to support successful early childhood inclusion. While there may be LIMITED times when a direct approach is preferred, in the overwhelming majority of cases, a consultative approach is most effective at helping children achieve positive outcomes.

Definition of Consultation
Through a series of meetings and conversations, the consultant [itinerant ECSE professional] helps the consultee [ECE teacher or primary caregiver] through: • Systematic problem solving • Appropriate use of social influence • Professional support. In turn, the consultee helps the ‘client(s)’ [child/children] with full support and assistance from the consultant. Notes to Trainers: Emphasize key components of the definition. These will be discussed later in the training. Problem-solving Social influence Professional support Make sure that participants understand who the consultant is (itinerant ECSE teacher), the consultee (ECE partner teacher) and client (child).

Definition….. continued
The purpose of consultation is to address the immediate concern or goal as well as to prevent similar problems from occurring in the future (Buysse & Wesley, 2005).

What is Role of Consultation in Supporting Early Childhood Professionals?
Effective professional development (PD) occurs through individualized assistance and training. Collaborative Consultation provides this individualized assistance that is critical to supporting early childhood inclusion.

Helping each other… Shares written information,
There are different ways that itinerant ECSE professionals help other adults. Some include: Shares written information, Explicitly models intervention strategies, observes consultee and provides feedback to improve practice Can you think of others? Notes to Trainers: Before showing this slide, ask participants to describe different ways that a consultant can “work with” or help a consultee (e.g., sharing written information, demonstrating strategies, providing feedback, problem-solving).

Elements of Effective IECSE Services
Monitoring of Child Progress Analysis of Learning Environment Feedback/Partner Progress Prioritizing Child IEP Objectives Transfer of Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes & Values Administrative Support Interpersonal Communication Skills Communication with Families Self-Advocacy & Professional Development

Consultation & TRIADIC Intervention
Consultation is defined as an INDIRECT intervention model in which the IECSE teacher and the PreK teacher work together to address an area of concern or common goal for change.

In early childhood education, consultation is defined as an INDIRECT intervention model in which a consultant (Itinerant ECSE professional) and a consultee (ECE teacher or parent) work together (in a triadic service delivery model) to address an area of concern or common goal for change.

Definition of Consultation
Through a series of meetings and conversations, the IECSE teacher helps the consultee (PreK teacher) through: Systematic problem solving Appropriate use of social influence Professional support. In turn, the consultee helps the ‘client(s)’ [child/children] with full support and assistance from the IECSE teacher. Notes to Trainers: Emphasize key components of the definition. These will be discussed later in the training. Problem-solving Social influence Professional support Make sure that participants understand who the consultant is (itinerant ECSE teacher), the consultee (ECE partner teacher) and client (child).

“[A]n indirect, triadic service delivery model” Indirect and triadic—the focus of the work is still on meeting the needs of the child. However, the person who directly addresses those needs is the PreK teacher, not the IECSE teacher. Notes to Trainers: Make sure that participants understand the difference between “direct” and “indirect” as well as the term “triadic”. Triadic refers to three people who are involved in the intervention—in this case, the consultant, the consultee, and the client. (Dyad means two; triad means three). Jeanette McCollum was one of the first individuals to use the term “triadic intervention” when referring to the role of early interventionists who help parents interact or work with their infants or toddlers (McCollum & Yates, no date).

The TRIADIC Model The triadic service delivery model is an INDIRECT intervention model in which Itinerant ECSE professionals / RSPs support children’s development by working primarily with another teacher or parent rather than directly with the child. Child Itinerant ECSE / Related Services ECE Teacher or Parent

Why use the triadic approach?
Other adults spend more time with children then the IECSE teacher does. Through a triadic approach, the IECSE teacher can help the PreK teacher do what she does best—better help the child learn and reach his or her IEP goals. Many effective early childhood programs have used this model to provide high quality services to young children. For example, Head Start and Early Head Start have a rich history of incorporating a triadic model through the use of home visitors who work with parents to help them learn ways of supporting their children’s development. The Parents as Teachers program has demonstrated considerable success in supporting children’s development by teaching parents how to work with their children. Stress to participants that the quality of the adult’s interaction is critical to children’s developmental success.

Why use the triadic approach?
A triadic model helps improve the FREQUENCY and QUALITY of IEP-based instruction that occurs between the visits of the IECSE teacher. A recent federal study indicated that very little specialized services are provided to preschoolers with disabilities by general early childhood teachers (PEELS, 2008) Notes to Trainers: Ask participants to think about a specific child with special needs with whom they work. After they’ve done that, ask them to identify specialized information or skills that teachers must have to work with that child and the degree to which the information or skills is appropriate to share with ECE partner teachers.

Distributed vs. Massed Instruction
Instruction is most effective when opportunities to acquire and practice skills occur across the day as opposed to single points during the day (Dinnebeil & McInerney, 2011; Hemmeter, 2000; Sandall & Schwartz, 2002; Wolery, 2000; Wolery, Ault, & Doyle, 1992) Notes to Trainers: The reference citations included here provide empirical evidence of the effectiveness of distributed practice.

Massed vs. Distributed Instruction
DEC Conference - Albuquerque, N.M. October 2009 Massed vs. Distributed Instruction Massed Instruction Child instructed with same materials, multiple times in single session, without a break EXAMPLE: Identifying basic shapes for 20 minutes in one day Distributed Instruction Child practices with same or different materials, multiple times, with breaks between instruction/ practice EXAMPLE: Practice identifying basic shapes for 10 mins. during sessions scheduled several times per week NEEDS TO BE PRACTICING the SAME concept/skill Even if we keep the total amount of time the same (20 min.) what’s the difference between practicing one time for 20 min. AND practicing 2 times for 10 min. each? Research on this …. + McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino 24

Basic Principles of Massed Instruction
Students are provided multiple opportunities to practice WITHIN a single learning session. These learning opportunities are provided continuously, without a break. For example, the itinerant teacher provides 20 minutes of instruction targeting children’s vocabulary development in a single session, in one day.

Basic Principles of Distributed Instruction
Students are provided with many PLANNED learning opportunities across the day and throughout the week when the targeted skill is most likely to be required. The child’s teacher or primary caregiver plans for and provides opportunities for children to learn new vocabulary or practice using vocabulary at different times across the day or week when those words are meaningful and opportunities to use these words are in CONTEXT

Research on Distributed Instruction
As early as the 1800s, researchers demonstrated that distributed practice supports learning significantly more than massed practice, particularly for language-based skills (Ebbinghaus, 1885/1964; Jost, 1897; Thorndike, 1912). Cepeda, Pashler, Vul, Wixted, & Rohrer (2006) suggests that the effects of distributed practice are consistent across the human life span. Babies as well as the elderly learn better when opportunities to learn are distributed across time rather than massed together.

Applying concepts of massed and distributed instruction to your life…
The research on distributed instruction confirms what our teachers have always told us… We learn better when we study a little bit every day rather than spending hours cramming for a test! While cramming might produce short-term results, it DOES NOT result in long-term learning.

Importance of Distributed Instruction
Since itinerant ECSE professionals have limited time with children, it is difficult to implement a distributed instruction model. However, Early childhood teachers are present all day and can provide opportunities for distributed practice across the day and during the week But they cannot be effective, if they do not have the knowledge and skills to do so…..

Consultation & Distributed Instruction
Itinerant professionals should spend their time helping their ECE ‘partner’, discussing and planning for learning opportunities that will be distributed across the day and will occur during the week between itinerant visits.

DEC Conference - Albuquerque, N.M. October 2009
Distributed Instruction Research Results Better Learning with Distributed Instruction ALL studies find that distributed practice results in better learning than massed practice. learned more words, more math facts, better phonics skills in one study up to 6 times better in distributed than massed (Seabrook, Brown, & Solity, 2005 with phonics) CRAMMING works BUT only if the test is almost immediately after the practice. Not what we want - we want long-term learning. For long-term learning – ability to master and generalize – research indicates is better to distribute practice. McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino 31

Discussion What are the benefits of communicating, before itinerant services begin, the role and responsibilities of the Itinerant teacher to Director of the ‘receiving’ preschool or child care center? Parent of the child receiving Itinerant services? ECE partner teacher/consultee? Notes to Trainers: Use these discussion questions to stimulate dialogue and help participants understand the importance of developing common expectations before itinerant services are provided.

Discussion…continued
What are the limitations of failing to communicate the role and responsibilities of the Itinerant professional before itinerant services begin? Notes to Trainers: Use these case studies to facilitate discussion in small groups.

Steps in the Process Step 1: Determine functional IEP Objective
Step 2: Evaluate "goodness of fit" between child and learning environment; modify learning environment Step 3: Agree on mode and intensity of instruction for each IEP objective Step 4: Identify appropriate learning opportunities in daily routine Step 5: Identify appropriate teaching strategy Step 6: Identify progress monitoring strategy Step 7: Engage in coaching to transfer knowledge of strategy to general ECE teacher Step 8: Monitor use of teaching strategies in child's daily routine Step 9: Evaluate success of strategy

Step 1: Determine SMART IEP Objectives (Jung, 2007)
The IEP team should make sure that all IEP objectives are: Specific Measurable Attainable Routines-based Tied to a functional priority (and linked to district or state curriculum guidelines, where appropriate or required)

Examining Implementation of Embedded Intervention through Observation (EIEIO; McWilliam & Scott, 2001) Records the frequency with which individual goals are addressed during classroom routines If goals ARE being addressed frequently, teachers are using embedded intervention. If goals CANNOT be addressed during routines, they may not be functional. If goals CAN be addressed during routines, but are NOT, teachers may need more help planning and implementing.

the IEP: IDEA Requirements
1. Present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, including: How the child's disability affects the child's involvement and progress in the general education curriculum (i.e., the same curriculum as for nondisabled children), or For preschool children, as appropriate, how the disability affects the child's participation in appropriate activities 34 CFR § We have been focused on IFSP outcomes. It is also important to know the IDEA requirements for writing Individualized Education Program (IEPs). As we move through this section, please keep in mind that IEP requirements were originally written to cover school age children and have some academic language in them. There are seven major elements in the definition of the IEP. The first element of an IEP requires a statement of the child’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, including: How the child's disability affects the child's involvement and progress in the general education curriculum (i.e., the same curriculum as for nondisabled children); or For preschool children, as appropriate, how the disability affects the child's participation in appropriate activities. NECTAC/ECO/WRRC 2012

2. Measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals: Related to the child's needs that result from the disability to enable the child to be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum, and Meet each of the child's other educational needs that result from the child's disability Where required, benchmarks or short-term objectives must be included 34 CFR § 2. The second element is a statement of measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals designed to: Meet the child's needs that result from the child's disability to enable the child to be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum; and Meet each of the child's other educational needs that result from the child's disability. Trainer notes: For children with disabilities who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate achievement standards, a description of benchmarks or short-term objectives must be included. Please note that states and local education agencies (LEAs) make these determinations. NECTAC/ECO/WRRC 2012

3. A description of how progress will be measured and when progress reports will be provided. 34 CFR § The third major element includes a description of: How the child's progress toward meeting the annual goals will be measured; and When periodic reports on the progress the child is making toward meeting the annual goals (such as through the use of quarterly or other periodic reports, concurrent with the issuance of report cards) will be provided. NECTAC/ECO/WRRC 2012

4. A statement of: special education and related services supplementary aids and services program modifications and supports for school personnel 34 CFR § Fourth is a statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services, based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable, to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child, and a statement of the program modifications or supports for school personnel that will be provided to enable the child to: Advance appropriately toward attaining the annual goals, Be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum, Participate in extracurricular and other nonacademic activities, and Be educated and participate with other children with disabilities and nondisabled children in the activities described in this section. NECTAC/ECO/WRRC 2012

5. The projected beginning service date including the anticipated frequency, location, and duration 34 CFR § The fifth element is the projected date for the beginning of the services and modifications and the anticipated frequency, location, and duration of those services and modifications. NECTAC/ECO/WRRC 2012

6. An explanation of the extent, if any, to which the child will not participate with nondisabled children in the regular class and activities 34 CFR § Sixth is an explanation of the extent, if any, to which the child will not participate with nondisabled children in the regular class and in the activities. NECTAC/ECO/WRRC 2012

7. Individually appropriate accommodations necessary to measure the academic achievement and functional performance of the child on State and district-wide assessments 34 CFR § And finally, seventh is a statement of any individual appropriate accommodations that are necessary to measure the academic achievement and functional performance of the child on State and district-wide assessments. If the IEP Team determines that the child must take an alternate assessment instead of a particular regular State or district-wide assessment of student achievement, a statement must be included that explains: Why the child cannot participate in the regular assessment, and Why the particular alternate assessment selected is appropriate for the child. NECTAC/ECO/WRRC 2012

IEP Goals What will the child need to do to be successful in learning and real life activities? Focus on: “academic” – activities of a child this age “functional” The big idea that we want to underscore for developing IEP goals is that the goals should focus on function related to real life activities that support learning. An IEP goal should answer the question “What will the child need to do to be successful in learning and real life activities?” NECTAC/ECO/WRRC 2012

High-Quality, Functional IEP Goals
Describe how the child will demonstrate what s/he knows Are written in plain language and are jargon free Describe the child’s involvement in age-appropriate activities to address ‘academic and functional’ areas Emphasize the positive Describe conditions in which the child will demonstrate progress Are measurable and observable Now let’s combine what we know about IEP requirements and what we are learning about functional assessment to focus on writing high-quality functional IEP goals. High quality, functional IEP goals meet the following criteria… The GOAL describes how the child will demonstrate what s/he knows. The GOAL is written in plain language and is jargon free. The GOAL describes the child’s involvement in age-appropriate activities to address ‘academic and functional’ areas. The wording of the GOAL emphasizes the positive. The GOAL describes the conditions in which the child will demonstrate progress without naming placement. The GOAL is measurable and observable. Clear strategies and/or accommodations are included. NECTAC/ECO/WRRC 2012

High-Quality, Functional IEP Goals
The child’s complete IEP will reveal if an IEP goal is: Achievable in one year Includes what the child is doing now and the family’s input and concerns Includes special factors related to communication, assistive technology and supports specific to the child’s disability and/or English language learning Additionally, the entire IEP document will include mandatory components: The GOAL is achievable in one year and specific timelines are noted. The IEP includes what the child is doing now and includes the family’s input and concerns. The IEP details Special Factors related to communication, assistive technology and supports specific to the child’s disability and/or English language learning. NECTAC/ECO/WRRC 2012

Authors Anne Lucas Kathi Gillaspy Mary Peters NECTAC / WRRC
NECTAC / ECO Mary Peters NECTAC This presentation was adapted from presentations originally created by staff from the National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC) and the Western Regional Resource Center (WRRC) and reviewed by staff from the South Eastern Regional Resource Center (SERRC), the Early Childhood Outcomes Center (ECO) and the Department of Defense/ Army Early Intervention Services. With contributions from Naomi Younggren, Department of Defense/Army Early Intervention; Debbie Cate, NECTAC; Megan Vinh, WRRC; Joicey Hurth, NECTAC/NERRC; Christina Kasprzak, NECTAC/ECO; and Grace Kelley, SERRC NECTAC/ECO/WRRC 2012

Step 2: Evaluate ”Goodness of Fit"
Between child characteristics, need for support, and learning environment, and modify the environment if necessary. Conduct an analysis of the child’s learning environment using the Inclusive Classroom Profile (Soukokou, 2011) Conduct an analysis of the child’s engagement opportunities using the EIEIO (McWilliam & Casey, 2008)

Inclusive Classroom Profile
Adaptations of space and materials or equipment Adult involvement in peer interactions Adults’ guidance of children’s play Conflict resolution Membership Adult-child social- communicative interactions Support for Social Communication Adaptations of group activities Transitions between activities Feedback Planning and Monitoring of Children’s Individual Needs and Goals

Step 2…. continued Use the results of the ICP to determine if there are environmental modifications or adaptations to make that will enhance the “goodness of fit” between the child’s needs and the learning environment Use CARA’s Kit to identify possible environmental adaptations or modifications (Milbourne & Campbell, 2007)

Step 3: Agree on Mode and Intensity of Instruction for IEP Objectives
The team should conduct an analysis of the child’s IEP objectives, using the MEPI model, in order to identify the spectrum of support for development and to prioritize instruction

Step 3 …continued Might also consider other factors in terms of prioritizing instruction: Are there “quick wins” that could help the child be more successful? Are there particular routines or activities in which the child needs support in to be successful? Do any of the objectives address foundational or pivotal skills that affect the child’s success in other areas, or in the ‘next environment’ ?

What is MEPI? E I P M A system to analyze and prioritize how IEP teams and primary teachers (i.e. PreK general ed.) should focus their efforts in addressing children’s IEP objectives

Step 1: Determining Priority IEP Objectives
DEC Conference - Albuquerque, N.M. October 2009 Step 1: Determining Priority IEP Objectives Mode and Intensity of Intervention Maturation - Biological influence and practice Environment - Effect of materials, routines, expectations, etc. Peer Mediation - Structured peer interactions Intensive - Direct intervention necessary McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

M = Maturation Is‘target’ behavior / skill is likely to improve as a result of development and experience without significant teacher or peer involvement ?

Example of IEP Objective Subject to MATURATION
Child will develop modified pincer grasp - may develop as a result of physical maturation and opportunities for ‘practice’ (e.g. log into centers, utensils, games, dressing tasks, etc.) • Child will improve gait – may be expected to develop with opportunities for practice (e.g. transitions between centers, outdoor activities, in-school errands, etc.)

E = Environmental Support
Is ‘target’ behavior / skill likely to improve as a result of child having access to learning materials or intentional arrangement or expectations of the learning (or home) environment ?

Example of IEP Objective Subject to Environmental Expectations
Child will identify printed name – expectations for children to place clothes, work, etc. in labeled cubby, select name tags for center occupancy, sit at specific location at table, select peers names in opening circle from array of names, etc. • Child will return items to appropriate locations – children expected to return items to cubby, containers, boxes, etc. with minimal prompting.

P = Peer Intervention / Support
Is‘target’ behavior / skill likely to improve as a result of predictable or planned interactions with competent peers ?

Example of IEP Objective Subject to PEER MEDIATION
Child will improve quality of speech – Selected peers (i.e. older and/or more developmentally mature) will be instructed by ECE teacher to withhold immediate transfer of requested item to child and ask child to ‘say it again’, etc. Peers provide opportunity for practice in delaying transfer of requested item.

I = Immediate / Intentional / Intensive Intervention
Will‘target’ behavior / skill require IMMEDIATE intervention? Would child be expected to make reasonable progress in learning this skill/behavior without DIRECT and consistent ECE general education teacher intervention ?

MEPI M Skill is likely to improve as a result of maturation and experience without significant teacher or peer involvement E Skill likely to improve when the child has access to intentional arrangement of the learning environment? P Skill is likely to improve as a result of peer interaction I Needs intentional intervention to make reasonable progress in learning this behavior.

Example of IEP Objective Subject to Immediate / Intentional / Intensive Intervention
Objectives related to developing pivotal behaviors (primary forms of movement or communication necessary to experience inclusive environment, management of disruptive or aggressive behavior, key skills related to transition to K-garten). Objectives related to key cognitive skills (i.e. comparison of items based on critical physical features that precede key early literacy skills, such as visual discrimination)

Exercise 2 - MEPI Analysis

How Will MEPI Analysis Inform Decisions re: Instruction and Intervention ?
Working with an ECE general education teacher ‘partner’ in analyzing IEP objectives with respect to mode and intensity of instruction will result in: • Improved awareness of the richness of the EC learning environment • Improved confidence and comfort of ‘partner’ teacher re: necessary supports for child attainment of IEP objectives in her classroom

How Will MEPI Analysis Inform Decisions re: Instruction and Intervention ?........ (cont.)
• Awareness of the contribution of opportunity for practice of key skills in typical EC classroom activities on attainment of IEP objectives • Awareness of the role of classroom ‘culture’ and expectations for child function on attainment of IEP objectives • Awareness of the potential contribution of peers in supporting the development of peers who have IEPs

• Awareness of the potential effect of multiple modes of instruction and opportunities for ‘learning’ on child’s attainment of IEP objectives • Awareness of how to manage addressing multiple IEP objectives of child, or multiple children with IEPs, without relegating each IEP objective to I level of intervention

• Confidence that some IEP objectives can be addressed effectively via modes of instruction/intervention that are less intensive than direct instruction provided by a teacher • IECSE teacher awareness of ‘partner’ teacher knowledge, skills and comfort in addressing the needs of young children experiencing developmental delays

Step 4: Identify Learning Opportunities in Daily Routines
Analyze the child’s daily routines and activities using the Curriculum Planning Matrix Identify specific routines and activities in which teachers can embed IEP-focused intervention Decide on specific routines and activities within which to embed interventions

Avoid Frustration! Make sure that expectations for the PreK teacher’s embedding of instruction are reasonable and realistic—provide supports as necessary

EMBEDDED INTERVENTION
Weaving Teaching and Intervention into Routine Activities 71

A “Routines-Based” or “Activity-Based” Model for Intervention: Embedded Instruction
Focuses on a child’s daily routines or activities like snack, playtime, circle time, dramatic play as a context for learning and OPPORTUNITY for EMBEDDING Teachers give children opportunities to practice targeted IEP or IFSP goals or activities during these daily routines or activities instead of creating special instructional time.

Daily Routines and Activities Provide Opportunities for Learning for Young Children
Play time! Blocks, dramatic play, outside play, manipulatives, art materials Reading! Reading alone or being read to individually or in groups Singing songs! Participating in group songs or fingerplays Eating! Breakfast, snack, lunch or dinner Resting! Napping, sleeping, spending quiet time alone Taking care of oneself! Bathroom, washing, getting dressed Transitioning! Coming to school and going home, changing activities during the day Others?? Are there other routines or daily activities that occupy the time of children you know?

How does a “routines-based” approach help young children learn?
Children learn best when they’re interested and motivated. Children learn best when opportunities to learn and practice skills occur throughout the day, instead of just during one period of time. It’s difficult for busy early childhood teachers to take time out of the classroom schedule to provide special instruction to meet children’s learning needs.

How do we use “Routines-Based” Approach?
Find good times to help children learn about and practice new skills or behaviors. Good times are times when children usually use certain skills. For example, Taking turns during a board game Using names of objects when playing in the housekeeping area Requesting things during a meal

Using a “Routines-Based” approach:
Know what children are interested in, what gets their attention or what motivates them Favorite activities…going down the slide, being read to, playing with blocks Favorite foods…apple juice, graham crackers, pizza Favorite people…Ms. Susan, friend Tommy, next door neighbor Mr. Gray.

Embedded Learning Opportunities
ELOs can be another way to easily monitor an adult’s implementation of an intervention strategy. Using ELOs (Horn et al., 2000) allows adults to embed child-focused intervention strategies in a child’s daily routine or schedule.

Exercise 3 - Embedding Opportunities for Teaching and Learning

A lot to think about…… you may need an aspirin

What IS an Appropriate Model of Curriculum Planning in Early Childhood Education?................

“Top-Down” vs. “Bottom-Up” Curriculum Planning
• Top-Down Model seeks to embed opportunities to address child’s IEP objectives within typical preschool activities • Bottom-Up Model seeks to create activities that address child’s IEP objectives

Benefits of “Top-Down” Curriculum Planning ?
• Validates quality of learning environment • Reassures partner teacher that she can address IEP objectives w/in typical learning activities and routines • Reduces need to ‘change’ the curriculum to accommodate children who have IEPs. Partner teacher ‘sees’ options for addressing IEP objectives in ‘standard’ or general education curriculum • Consistent with UDL and access mandate

Limitations of “Bottom-Up” Curriculum Planning ?
• Quality of learning environment in supporting child development may be called into question • Partner teacher may be concerned that she cannot address IEP objectives w/in typical learning activities and routines

Limitations of “Bottom-Up” Curriculum Planning (cont.) ?
• Partner teacher may presume that she must development a parallel curriculum to accommodate children who have IEPs, in a addition to a general education curriculum. This would undermine rationale for UDL and access to general education curriculum

A Unified Model of Curriculum Planning and Instruction……..

Incidental Instruction
Peer Mediation Direct Instruction IEP Analysis Incidental Instruction Matrix Planning Monitoring of Child Progress Management of Environment Top Down Activity Planning

Matching IEP Objectives, Gen Ed Learning Objectives and Teaching Strategies Matching of Priority Learning Objectives with Gen Ed Curriculum Objectives Matching of Priority Learning Objectives with Teaching Strategies Development of Planning Matrix (Objectives x Activity x Teaching Strategy) with PreK Partner Teacher McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

Intervention Planning: Benefits of Matrix Model
Identifies daily schedule & routines Identifies teaching opportunities Supports selection of appropriate teaching strategies Planning Matrices are indexed to priority IEP objectives so PreK teacher, school-based special educator, SLPs, and parents and administrators can see the link between daily schedule, daily routines and priority IEP objectives INCIDENTAL and DIRECT instruction opportunities can be identified Appropriate strategies and opportunity for instruction linked with opportunities systematic planning includes awareness of teaching opportunities and selection of appropriate teaching strategies. Analysis of daily schedules and routines in search of ‘opportunities’ for learning/teaching is a valuable planning tool for the IECSE and her ECE partner Planning Matrices index IEP objectives with typical activities in the classroom environment OR with specific activities in an ‘activity’ plan (e.g.. a special learning activity created by the teacher, such as a group art activity) The matrix model that ‘references’ IEP objectives (either M, E, P or I level objectives) with classroom routines is most appropriate (see example on next slide…)

Step 5: Identify Appropriate Teaching Strategy
Identify specific evidence-based teaching strategy to use to address IEP objective (e.g., time delay, system of least prompt, etc.) Identify ways of “setting up” learning opportunities within daily routines (e.g., placing object out of reach, use unexpected events, inadequate portions, etc.) Identify a naturally-occurring consequence(s) that will reward the desired behavior

Step 6: Identify Progress Monitoring Strategy (ies)
Identify a data collection strategy related to the expected behavior/skill Make sure that data collection strategy will yield useful information Make sure that data collection strategy is realistic for the PreK teacher, in a classroom setting Make sure that the PreK teacher has all of the materials needed (e.g., timer, clipboard, iPad, etc.)

More on Monitoring and Evaluating Child Progress

Monitoring Stages of Skill Acquisition
DEC Conference - Albuquerque, N.M. October 2009 Monitoring Stages of Skill Acquisition McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

Monitoring Level of Assistance - Coding of Prompt Levels
DEC Conference - Albuquerque, N.M. October 2009 Monitoring Level of Assistance - Coding of Prompt Levels Child’s Name: Steven L. Skill/Behavior: Steven will hold 4 “ brush(1/2” diameter) and create 6 “ stroke on paper or other art materials. PA - Hand (H) / Elbow (E) Teacher/peer support M - Peer or teacher modeling V - Verbal prompt - peer/teacher I - Independent - No assistance * MOD - Independent with modified brush / utensil McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

Time Sampling McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

Step 7: Engage in Ongoing Coaching
In order to transfer teaching strategy to PreK teacher: Design an Implementation Checklist that provides specific descriptions of the procedural components of the child-focused intervention strategy Use Implementation Checklist to help the PreK teacher learn to use the intervention strategy, with fidelity

The importance of follow through……
The success of consultation depends on the follow through of the partner. Wilkinson (2006) argues that the “consult and hope” strategy is ineffective in terms of ensuring intervention integrity.

Increase the odds for success
By providing support BETWEEN visits

Adult Self-Monitoring Tools and Strategies
IECSE teachers need tools to help the adults they work with implement child- focused interventions BETWEEN itinerant visits: Implementation checklists Goal attainment scaling ELO matrices Self monitoring strategies

Implementation Checklists
Provides a written sequence of steps or procedural components of a specific child-focused intervention strategy. Can serve as a reminder to adults of the important steps in an intervention strategy that will help adults implement interventions with fidelity.

Features of Effective Checklists
Outlines critical procedural components of an intervention strategy (e.g., gaining child’s interest/attention before prompting a response) Uses language that is easy to understand (e.g. Substitutions for “successive approximations”?; “Contingent upon”?)

Steps in Using an Implementation Checklist
Review the checklist with the user, making sure he or she understands all of the terms and language. Ask the user to observe you engaged in the intervention strategy, checking off the procedural components as he or she observes them. Repeat until the user can correctly identify the components.

Steps……. continued Allow the user to give you performance feedback based on his or her use of the checklist. Switch roles—let the user try the intervention strategy with you providing performance feedback using the checklist. Discuss the performance feedback and repeat the process until both of you feel confident in the user’s ability to implement the intervention strategy.

Sources for Implementation Checklists: ocali.org

Step 8: Monitor Use of Teaching Strategies in Classroom Routines
Identify ways to document the teacher’s use of the strategy, with fidelity Make sure monitoring method is realistic and reasonable for the teacher Make sure monitoring method will yield useful information

Evaluating the Success of Itinerant Consultation
DEC Conference - Albuquerque, N.M. October 2009 Evaluating the Success of Itinerant Consultation Just as we need to verify that children achieve IEP objectives, we need to verify that consultants and consultees (or partners) have achieved their objectives through the process of consultation. McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

General vs. Specific Outcomes for Itinerant Consultation
DEC Conference - Albuquerque, N.M. October 2009 General vs. Specific Outcomes for Itinerant Consultation General… Increase opportunities for ECE partner to practice communication skills. Specific… Provide ECE partner with at least two opportunities to initiate interactions with her peers during snack time. McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

General vs. Specific Outcomes for Itinerant Consultation General… Help Riley to remain engaged with toys and materials. Specific… During center time, help Riley play with a specific toy or material for at least 3 minutes. McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

General vs. Specific Outcomes for Itinerant Consultation General… Increase Jenni’s knowledge in regards to working with a child who has special needs. Specific… Jenni will identify four characteristics of children with Down syndrome and describe how those characteristics affect learning. McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

General vs. Specific Outcomes for Itinerant Consultation Specific… Pat will correctly use a system of backward chaining to help Jeremy put on his coat twice a day—once at recess and once when it’s time to go home. General… Enhance Pat’s ability to provide individualized instruction to the child with special needs. McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

General vs. Specific Outcomes for Itinerant Consultation General… Improve the quality of Parker’s learning environment. Specific… Tanisha and Erin (PreK teachers) will increase the number of materials (e.g., blocks of different sizes, shapes, and colors, signs, cars, and toy people) in the block area in order to expand opportunities for learning for Parker and the other children in the classroom. McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

Step 9: Evaluate Success of Teaching Strategy
Conduct ongoing monitoring of child’s progress in attaining IEP objective

Self-Monitoring (Lee, Palmer, & Wehmeyer, 2009)
Three basic steps: Goal setting: identify target or behavior that one wants to achieve Self monitoring: actively self-observes and self-records behavior Self evaluation: reflecting on data recorded and modifying plan if needed. Can help adults develop new habits and facilitate transfer of training

Example of Self-Monitoring Chart
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday # of times I used positive reinforcement with Justin during centers    Comments Gave J. 3 “High 5s” for sharing with others Gave J. 2 “thumbs up”—missed 2 other opps. No opportunity to positively reinforce  Found 3 times to reinforce Justin—getting easier Centers cut short today.

Judging the Success of Consultation
DEC Conference - Albuquerque, N.M. October 2009 Judging the Success of Consultation Did the consultation session go as planned? What does the data tell us (reflection) ? How was the learning environment changed ? What effect did it have on the child’s learning? Did the consultee acquire the knowledge and/or skills that were targeted for the session? How do you know? Was the consultee satisfied with the outcome of the session re: knowledge/skill gains? How do you know? McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

Following up … McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

Implication If IECSE teachers can find ways to support PreK teachers’ use of child-focused intervention strategies during their absence, then everyone can make informed decisions concerning the efficacy of these strategies. These strategies help to ensure the fidelity of treatment that is critically needed in the field.

Summary Consultation has been found to be effective at helping other adults help children improve academic performance and developmental progress However, the effects of consultation are enhanced when itinerant professionals provide partners with tools to use BETWEEN itinerant visits. A variety of self-monitoring strategies can be useful in helping adults implement interventions with fidelity and efficiency.

Consultation..... ahead of the curve

Progression of Consultation Partnership
DEC Conference - Albuquerque, N.M. October 2009 Progression of Consultation Partnership Partnership Comfort Rapport Building Introduction Cultivating Awareness McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino 125

Progression of Consultation Partnership
CA Phase 1 CA Intro Phase 2 CA Intro RB Cf Phase 3 CA Intro RB Cf Phase 4 CA Intro RB Cf Ptn Phase 5 126

Critical Components of Consultation
Related components of consultation A. Problem-Solving B. Professional Support C. Social Influence (Buysse & Wesley, 2005)

Problem Solving Professional Support Social Influence
IECSE & PreK teachers discuss embedding interventions into daily routines IECSE teacher encourages PreK teacher to implement strategy during center time IECSE teacher provides training/ coaching to help teacher learn the strategy Problem Solving Professional Support Social Influence LD Process of consultation viewed as 3 interrelated tasks (Buysse & Wesley, 2005). PROBLEM SOLVING – SOCIAL INFLUENCE – PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT Assuming that teacher and consultant have already agreed upon a recommended practice and that both have agreed to participate in the change process. What would the consultant do to ENCOURAGE? What exactly does that mean? Providing information to people is usually not enough to effect change.

“More is Better” A collaborative consultation model can increase the ability of PreK teachers to provide specialized services to young children with disabilities throughout the day and across the week when the IECSE teacher is not present. This expands opportunity for teaching, learning AND practice of skills

Outcomes of Consultation
Improved comfort level of other adults Early childhood teachers may feel less isolated and in greater control of classroom and instruction after working with consultant

Increased skills or knowledge of other teachers PreK teachers have a “bigger tool box” to use when dealing with challenging situations. The PreK teacher has increased knowledge about disabilities that helps them to become a better teacher IECSE teachers are able to provide IEP-based instruction BETWEEN visits.

Outcomes….. continued Children’s enhanced developmental success:
Children are better able to participate in routine activities throughout the day. Children’s interactions with others (adults and peers) are improved. Children have the consistent support they need to access the general or regular education curriculum Through the work of the consultant and consultee, children are likely to reach academic and developmental goals as identified on the IEP. With the consistent support of the child’s primary caregiver (e.g., parent or ECE teacher), children are also better able to access the general curriculum and actively participate in daily routines and activities, whether occurring at school, at home or in the community.

Changes in child’s environment The child’s classroom is rearranged to promote active exploration and interaction Materials and expectations may be modified in accord with children’s skills Notes to Trainers: Ask participants to share experiences they have had in which changes in the child’s environment resulted in improved developmental outcomes.

What About Challenges? A collaborative consultative approach isn’t easy (but many things that are worthwhile aren’t easy!) What are some of the challenges in adopting this approach that you can think of ? How can WE address them?

Key Factors in Consultation
It is essential that both Itinerant ECSE professionals, their partners, and their supervisors agree on the intended outcome of the consultation process The overall goal of consultation is to implement the child’s IEP by enhancing the skills of the ECE partner teacher or the child’s parent. Notes to Trainers: Ask participants to brainstorm possible outcomes or goals of the consultation process.

Other Factors that Influence the Effectiveness of Consultation
Time Demands (e.g. caseload, travel, planning time) Create released time (volunteers, college students, subs) Schedule consultation sessions Use consultation logs / information exchange (e.g. listserv) Administrative Support Letters of Introduction/Formal ‘Agreement for Services’ Quality of Early Learning Environment Parent expectations for services in Itinerant Model

Factors that Affect Consultation Process continued…
Administrative Support of LEA and ECE Program Administrators This can be addressed, initially, through formal ‘Letters of Introduction’ to Parent to Home-based Provider to ECE Partner Teacher/Consultee to CC Administrator from Supervisor to CC Administrator Notes to Trainers: If a consultative approach to itinerant ECSE service delivery is to be successful, there MUST be shared understanding of the roles and responsibilities of ALL professionals. Not only must ECE and itinerant ECSE as well as ECE program administrators (e.g., child care center directors) and ECSE supervisors understand and agree upon roles and responsibilities, but parents must also understand the importance of consultation as a legitimate way of supporting children’s development.

Factors that Affect Consultation Process continued…
While the same kind of formal agreement may not be appropriate with a parent, there should be some kind of written information that is jointly reviewed and discussed before Itinerant services begin. Notes to Trainers: Share copies of form letters included with the curriculum materials as resources for teachers. Encourage itinerant ECSE teachers to share other materials that help increase a systems-level understanding of the importance of consultation.

Components of a Formal Agreement
Formal Agreement should include: Description of services including emphasis on consultation model Name/contact information for immediate supervisor of Itinerant professional Name, credentials and experience of Itinerant professional

Components: Formal Agreement continued…
Relationship between Itinerant professional and ECE partner Addressing of child IEP requirements Anticipated frequency and duration of scheduled visits Interactive professional development ‘contact’ (Itinerant professional & ECE professional)

Components: Formal Agreement continued…
Need for meetings with ECE partner teacher/consultee re: child progress Plans for communication with parents re: child progress Description of related responsibilities of Itinerant professional

Letter to Parents

Letter to Home CC Provider

Letter IECSE to CC Director

Letter to ECE Partner Teacher

Letter - District Supervisor to PreK Director

Letter of Agreement

Project DIRECT Web Site
DEC Conference - Albuquerque, N.M. October 2009 Project DIRECT Web Site Web Site Includes: • Training Modules related to Itinerant ECSE Services • Articles and Links to Resources • Professional Development Tool (P.I.E.C.E.S.) • Information re: Training Sessions McInerney, Dinnebeil, Hale & Spino

Helpful Resources Dinnebeil, L.A., & McInerney, W. (2011). A guide to itinerant early childhood special education services. Baltimore: Paul Brookes. Dinnebeil, L.A., Spino, M., & McInerney, W. 2011). Using implementation checklists to encourage the use of child-focused intervention strategies between itinerant visits. Young Exceptional Children. Dinnebeil, L.A., Spino, M., & McInerney, W. (in review). Using goal attainment scaling to monitor the progress of young children with disabilities and the adults who work with them. DEC Monograph on Early Childhood Assessment. Grisham-Brown, J., Pretti-Frontczak, K., Hemmeter, M.L., & Ridgley, R. (2002). Teaching IEP goals and objectives in the context of classroom routines and activities. Young Exceptional Children, 6, Gomez, C.R., Wallis, S., & Baird, S. (2007). On the same page: Seeking fidelity of intervention. Young Exceptional Children, 10, Horn , E., Lieber, J., Sandall, S., Schwartz, I., & Li, S. (2000). Supporting young children's IEP goals in inclusive settings through embedded learning opportunities. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 20, Kalis, T. M., Vannest, K. J., & Parker, R. (2007). Praise counts: Using self-monitoring to increase effective teaching practices. Preventing School Failure, 51, King-Sears, M. (2008). Using teacher and researcher data to evaluate the effects of self-management in an inclusive classroom. Preventing School Failure, 52, Kiresuk, T. J., Smith, A., & Cardillo, J. E. (1994). Goal attainment scaling: Applications, theory and measurement. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Raver, S. (2003). Keeping track: Using routines-based instruction and monitoring. Young Exceptional Children, 6, Roach, A., T., & Elliott, S. N. (2005). Goal attainment scaling: An effective and efficient approach to monitoring student progress. Teaching Exceptional Children, 37, 8-17. Sladeczek, I. E., Elliott, S. N., Kratochwill, T. R., Robertson-Mjaanes, S., & Stoiber, K. C. (2001). Application of goal attainment scaling to a conjoint behavioral consultation case. Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation, 12, Suk-Hyang L., Palmer, S. B., & Wehmeyer, M. L. (2009). Goal-setting and self-monitoring for students with disabilities: Practical tips and ideas for teachers. Intervention in School and Clinic, 44, Wilkinson, L.A. (2006). Monitoring treatment integrity: An alternative to the “consult and hope” strategy in school-based behavioural consultation. School Psychology International, 27, 426–438. Wolery, M., Ault, M.A., & Doyle, P. (1992). Teaching students with moderate to severe disabilities: Use of response prompting strategies. New York: Longman.

Contact Information: Laurie Dinnebeil, Ph.D. – Bill McInerney, Ph.D. – Judith Herb College of Education, Health Science, and Human Service - MS 954 The University of Toledo 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, OH 43606

State Support Team 3 Valley View, Ohio October 5, 2012

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