Inclusion Spotlight
August, 2022
Featured Division for Early Childhood Conference Session:
National, State, and District Partnership to Implement Inclusion
Have you secured your spot for the joint international conference of DEC and ISEI? If you have, it is time to start getting excited about all of the opportunities to connect, learn and grow!

Early CHOICES's Julie Schackmann, Dr. Lise Fox (University of South Florida) and Kevi Jackson (Pre-K Programs Coordinator Springfield D 186) will present a must-see session Wednesday, September 28, 2:15-3:15.

The session will explore how a ECTA, Illinois and Early CHOICES, and Springfield 186 partnered over a two year period of time, during COVID, to provide professional learning, site TA and coaching, and onsite implementation of high quality inclusive practices.

If you aren't registered- don't wait! We are thrilled that Chicago will host this important conference.

Registration is now open.
Preschool Inclusion: Educating all Young Children Together
New year, new goals! We are here to support you, wherever you and your team are along your journey of inclusion.This webinar will provide a forum to meet with other districts, hear about various models to implement preschool inclusion, and learn from district representatives that have taken steps to implement plans to increase access to inclusive classrooms. You will have an opportunity to learn what is available to support your district inclusion efforts.

We have two dates to accommodate all those who wish to attend.

Register for one date:

Upcoming Conferences- Registration Open


Growing Futures Conference October 13-15, 2022
IN PERSON at the
Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center,
Springfield, IL

Keynote Session
Dan Gartrel:
Beyond Discipline to Guidance

Upcoming Webinars- Registration Open
Outstanding Practices in Inclusion Overview Webinar
August 23, 2022
9:00 a.m. -10 a.m.

Do you have an inclusive program that has high quality practices in place and a clear vision for sustainability? Join us to learn about the Outstanding Practices in Inclusion acknowledgement.

Preschool Curriculum: Strategies for Inclusive Small Group Times
September 7
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

In this introductory-level webinar, we will explore the goal of small group times; reflect on your teaching role during small group time experiences; and use video and photo examples to demonstrate simple adaptations that enhance access to and participation in small group experiences for young children with Individualized Education Plans.

Integrating Speech and Language Therapy in Early Childhood Classrooms: Ideas and Strategies for Successful Implementation
September 20
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Integrating speech/language therapy services in the Early Childhood classroom is considered best practice for ALL students (continuum of blended to self-contained special education placements). This workshop was created for Speech/Language Pathologists, teachers, and related staff personnel to provide a successful integrated push-in therapy model. Participants will receive ideas and strategies to manage data, meet IEP goals, and implement MTSS intervention strategies. 


Supporting Each and Every Child: High-Quality Preschool Practices
October 17
3:30 pm - 4:45 pm

In this introductory webinar, we will introduce the Building Blocks Framework for Teaching Preschoolers with Special Needs and the Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) core considerations as a guide to support each and every child in inclusive environments. This interactive session will explore high-quality preschool practices and provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on existing practices.
Looking for more Professional Development?

The Illinois State Board of Education hosts a Professional Development Calendar


Early CHOICES, Illinois STAR NET and Early Childhood Professional Learning all post their events on this calendar. The calendar allows users to sort by topic. Just chose Early Childhood to see all the wonderful opportunities for professional learning for early childhood professionals in Illinois.

Not finding what you are looking for?
Check out these sites for on demand learning opportunities
STAR NET (look for On Demand list upper right hand corner)
Early CHOICES (look for Early Childhood Outcomes, Educational Environments, Inclusion Policy Modules and Understanding Inclusion)
Contact us with questions or inquiries into targeted technical assistance for your early care and education program at