Fall 1999 Volume 6, Issue 4
Official Newsletter of the Illinois Subdivision of the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children.
Table of contents
A newcomer's view of sharing Illinois' vision
By Amy Santos
"Will it be a trick or a treat?" On the way to Springfield from Champaign on Halloween night, I tried to imagine the events that were to take place in the next three days. I wish I knew what to expect but I really do not have anything to help me imagine what could happen. The only thing I wish I knew at the beginning was to remember to hang on to my hat-I was in for a wild ride!
When I agreed to co-chair the 1999 Sharing A Vision conference, I had only lived in Illinois for less than 2 years. I knew more people who live in other states (and in other countries, for that matter) than I did in Illinois. After the conference, I would have to say that this is not true anymore!
With the Monday to Wednesday format, we expected a low turnout. The final count? 1,929 individuals attended the 1999 conference! A few hundred more than what we thought would turn out. Needless to say, we were pleased.
We invited 93 speakers from the state and from all over the country to speak on topics ranging from television and young children to sensory integration to writing interagency agreements. We also invited 25 state-based providers who showcased innovative practices and strategies they developed such as play group models, parenting programs and computer activities.
We also had an opportunity to hear the very thought-provoking Parker Anderson, the funny and inspiring Mary Montle Bacon and the highly energetic and entertaining Jim Gill.
We were honored by the presence of State Superintendent Max McGee, Associate Superintendent Jayne Broncato, and ISBE Early Childhood Division Director Kay Henderson at the opening session of the conference. Each one took time to share with us their thoughts and support for the work we do for Illinois' children and families.
At this conference, we surpassed the number of exhibitors we have had at previous conferences. We had a total of 49 exhibitors ranging from local programs showcasing their services to businesses selling books, tapes, puppets, and toys. My personal favorite of course was the exhibitor who gave out free chocolate throughout the conference!
He who simplifies, simply lies (Chesterton). Indeed, anyone who says that putting together a conference like this is a simple task, is a liar. It was anything but simple. There was nothing linear in planning this conference.
This conference took a year's worth of planning and organizing. More than anything else it took a lot of commitment and courage from every individual who agreed to bring the conference to fruition. Close to a hundred individuals volunteered their time to this conference, 33 of whom planned the conference beginning in June of 1998.
So, on the way back to Champaign from Springfield, three days after Halloween, I found the energy to smile although my body told me I needed sleep (and a lot of it, too). This conference was a treat and the trick was to hang on to my hat and enjoy the ride!
Return to topPresident's Message
Greg Anderson
Once again, the Sharing A Vision conference was outstanding. Many IDEC members contributed their time and other resources to make this year's conference a rousing success.
I would like to thank all the 100 volunteers by name but that would be impossible unless I wanted to fill this entire newsletter. Still, I would like to give a special thanks to the hard working 1999 Sharing A Vision Planning Committee headed by Amy Santos and Lynette Chandler. To Amy, not only for her outstanding organizational skills, but also for her ability to work with so many people. To Lynette for all she did at the conference and state that with her dedication and energy we should be in excellent shape with her as president next year.
To the planning committee for their dedication and hard work: Char Ward. Pam Reising-Rechner, Donna Nylander, Susan Ferry, Sharon Doubet, Becki White, Lisa Fisher, Jane Metzger, Micki Ostrosky, Beth Delaney, Barbara Phillips, Karen Sullivan, Chris Lehl, Ruta Naujokas, Chet Brandt, Kathy Ellinor, Marge Stillwell, Lauri Morrison-Frichtl, Marlene Christ, Joan Debelak, Bernie Laumann, Mary Trieschmann, Tess Bennett, Kirsten Recupido, Kathy Hollowich, Kara Anderson, Bea Nichols, Debbie Bruns, Nancy Hertzog, Tweety Yates and Susan Maude.
I also want to thank all who signed the petitions to include developmental delay as a category for the early elementary years. We are pleased with the number of signatures we collected during the conference.
Finally, thank you to all those who worked so hard on the early childhood special education certification and licensure standards.
Don't forget to mark your calendar for the 2000 Annual International DEC Conference on children with Special Needs and their Families. This year's conference will be held from December 7-10 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This year's conference theme is "Early Childhood in the Next Millennium: Partnerships and Practices for the Future."
We look forward to more good things coming from the IDEC membership including your continued involvement as we plan for Sharing A Vision in 2001.
Greg may be reached at
Return to top20740 Sarver Drive
Shorewood, IL 60431
630-553-9100 (voice)
815-730-2650 (fax)
docgrega@aol.com (email)
Editor's Note: An apology and a reminder...
It is our goal to produce four newsletters a year for IDEC. Some unexpected events in the last few months have made achieving this goal a challenge. Please accept our apology for the lateness of the publication of this particular issue. We expect to be back on track with our next volume.
Also, if you have concerns or questions about receiving a copy of any of the DEC and IDEC publications, please contact CEC headquarters (1-888-232-7733) to make sure that they have your current and correct name and address. We use CEC's database to access our state members' information and we want to make sure we can reach you!
OPPORTUNITIES
Return to topThinking about advanced study in Early Childhood Special Education?
Check out the new Masters Degree Program in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) at Elmhurst College. The Masters of ECSE is an innovative, interdiscisciplinary, collaborative program designed to prepare professionals to meet the increasing needs in the rapidly emerging field of early childhood special education.
Graduates of the program will possess an understanding of the developmental process, the relationship and impact of disability upon development, and practices which create effective supportive living and learning environments for young children with special needs. At the heart of this program model is the philosophy of family-centered care. This graduate program has unique features that embrace our commitment to young children and their families. These include providing opportunities for students to learn directly from families by participating in a "Family Mentor" program. A second feature is a Family Support Specialist, who is a parent of a child with special needs, on the faculty. This parent co-teaches courses, collaborates with field site placements and supervises students and families in the program. The Masters Program requires 37 semester hours and adheres to the cohort model to fulfill course requirements and strengthen cohesion and student-centered practices.
For further information contact:
Dr. Therese Wehman, Program Coordinator
(630)-617-3231
e-mail: theresew@elmhurst.edu
OR
Elizabeth Kuebler, Director of Graduate Admissions
Elmhurst College
190 Prospect Ave.
Elmhurst, IL 60126-3296
(630)-617-3069
e-mail: betsyk@elmhurst.edu
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Special Education and Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers preparation at the master's and doctoral levels for students interested in pursuing work with young children and their families.
Students interested in Special Education may specialize in the infancy or preschool period or both. The program in early Childhood Special education (ECSE) emphasizes principles reflecting family-centered, interdisciplinary, community-based, and inclusive perspectives. Within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the early Childhood Education (ECE) leads toward teacher certification with a concentration in special education. Doctoral programs in each Department encourages students to pursue individual interests related to all young children.
Applicants from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
For additional information contact:
Michaelene Ostrosky
ostrosky@uiuc.edu
or
Jeanette McCollum
jmccollu@uiuc.edu
at:
Department of Special Education
288 Education
1310 S. Sixth Street
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-0260
OR
Bernard Spodek
b-spodek@uiuc.edu
or
Daniel Walsh
danielw@uiuc.edu
at:
Return to topDepartment of Curriculum and Instruction
306 Education
1310 S. Sixth Street
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-8061
UPCOMING EVENTS
FAMILY CONFERENCE 2000
March 24 - 26, 2000
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Springfield, IL
FAMILY CONFERENCE 2000 is an event for families, friends, and individuals with disabilities who face challenges while moving through life.
FAMILY CONFERENCE 2000 is intended to:
- INFORM to increase family awareness of Illinois services and resources;
- INSPIRE families to increase networking with others and by sharing success stories of life experience; and
- INVOLVE families by encouraging them to become active participants in strategic planning and implementation of services within the family.
For more information, contact:
Susan Ferry, Conference Coordinator
217/824-4776
Email: <sdferry@aol.com>
This conference is coordinated by the Illinois Department of Human Services
CEC ANNUAL CONVENTION AND EXPO 2000
One World: Building Tomorrow Together
April 5 - 8, 2000
Vancouver, British Columbia
At the CEC Convention, you will learn about:
- Innovative programs that work;
- Research you can use;
- Current technological advances;
- Successful instructional strategies; and
- Information you need to work with your exceptional students!
For more information, contact:
The Council for Exceptional Children
CEC 2000 Convention, PO Box 79026
Baltimore, MD 21279-00261-888-CEC-SPED (Voice)
1-703-264-9494 (Fax)
1-703-264-9446 (TTY)
