Dr. Lindsay Meeker and Dr. Kimberly Coy discussed the inspiration and importance of Dr. Coy's new book, "Mia with Dyslexia", which aims to provide a realistic portrayal of dyslexia and promote inclusivity in classrooms. They also discussed the challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia and other disabilities, the importance of learning in different ways, and the significance of children experiencing a range of emotions. The conversation ended with the announcement of the upcoming release of Kimberly's book, "Andy with Autism".

For a copy of Dr. Kimberly Coy's Book, click the link below.
Mia with Dyslexia 

Join us as we meet with Kylie (OT), Alisha (PT), and Sidney (SLP) to discuss navigating different therapeutic solutions for helping children be successful in day-to-day life and in academic settings! This conversation dives through differences parents might see in school therapies versus outpatient therapies and gives concrete examples parents and educators can use to embed individualized supports for children in day to day routines.

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html

In this episode, we are joined by Stephanie Mader, an Early Childhood Special Education teacher in Rock Island’s School District 41 who works as an itinerant teacher with the local Head Start program.  She shares how she builds relationships and collaborates with the Head Start Teachers as well as how the Head Start teachers support her work with the children in their classrooms. 

In this episode, we are joined by Jen Mohr a PFA teacher from Rock Island School District 41.  Today we are going to talk about Jen’s experience in creating an interactive and engaging writing center in her preschool classroom.  

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kasandra Posey from FAIR Consultancy LLC, about what families should know about the IEP process.  She shares tips about what families should do, what to look out for, and how to work with the school district as they navigate the process. 

Resources:
The Parent Guide-English

The Parent Guide Spanish

Procedural Safeguards-English

Procedural Safeguards- Spanish

Forms in Other Languages

ISBE Special Education Website

In this podcast with the president of Hadley's Haven, Lenore Ashby, we walk through the journey of what it takes to build an inclusive playground in your community. From advocating for true accessibility over just meeting ADA compliance to setting up a 501c3 and navigating grants with a local township and fundraising, Lenore shares the importance of this work and the struggles she faced along the way. She harnessed the strength inside her to create a space where all children can play together to honor her late daughter's legacy. Lenore persisted when the process was overwhelming, but now children from all over the country come to play at Hadley's Haven - where play can happen without limits!

Resources
https://www.hadleyshaven.org/home
https://www.facebook.com/p/Hadleys-Haven-100067528213970
https://unlimitedplay.org/
https://www.facebook.com/UnlimitedPlayPlaygrounds

In this episode, veteran teachers Sherial McKinney and Marc Baxter share some insights into preparing for a new school year.  Our discussion covers the weeks leading up to the start of school, preparing the classroom, and getting to know the children and families.

Click here for a list of resources you might use for the start of the school year!

In this episode, we talk with Heather Nolan from the Urbana Early Childhood School about teaming and collaboration.  Heather takes a unique view on this process, including everyone in the process, making sure that all voices are heard, and having all classroom members, teachers, and paraeducators, take turns in the leader role, classroom support role, and the one-on-one support role in the classroom.  Heather also talks about how to get started with this type of teaming and collaboration.

In this podcast, we discuss the use of visuals with the whole class in addition to using them as individual supports. Jaz discusses several strategies she uses and the benefits she sees as she provides these supports for everyone.  Jaz even shared some examples of the visuals she created, click on the link below to view them.

Resource
Jasmine Norris' Classroom Visuals

In this episode, we talk with Kelly Russell from the CU Early Prevention Initiative Program in Champaign County.  We discuss the importance of Early Intervention, the transition process from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Education, extended services, and resources for families.

Resources
Children and Family Connections of Central Illinois

Illinois Early Intervention Clearing House

Champaign County home visiting Consortium   

Crisis Nursery

CU Early

Bottom Line Diaper Bank

CCRS

When I’m 3, Where Will I Be: A Family’s Transition Workbook