Leadership

Description: Creating Connections to Shining Stars is a collaborative effort between Virginia's Part C, Early Intervention and Part B, Early Childhood Special Education programs. The 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. Share your knowledge and expertise with colleagues. The Call for Proposals is now open! Proposals are due January 9, 2026!...

Description: Self-Paced Course: Think Like a Behaviorist: Behavior 101 is designed to address common misperceptions about behavior and children with ASD. Participants will learn about the importance of understanding behavior, the functions of behavior, the basic principles of ABA, common myths about ABA, and the ABCs (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence). Learn how to think like a behaviorist in this first part of a series on behavior 101. This course is designed for any professional who supports young...

Description: Register for Together we go far: Teaming with paraprofessionals to support learners with autism - Special education is a team endeavor, and paraprofessionals are essential to this team. Most paraprofessionals receive their training on the job, and often by the special education teacher. Unfortunately, most special education teachers were not taught how to supervise, coach, and collaborate with paraprofessionals during their training. This presentation aims to provide special education teachers...

Description: Register for Together we go far: Partnering with families to support caregiver-mediated intervention - Our goal in education is to improve autistic students’ lives, not just within the classroom but across their homes, community, and future employment settings. To that end, it is essential to partner with families to learn about their priorities, values, and needs. Through this partnership, schools can support families and assist them in implementing feasible and meaningful...

Description: Deaf 101 is a free online short course designed to provide basic knowledge and tools necessary to communicate effectively with deaf individuals, especially in educational and professional settings. The course is broken down into two modules: the first describes the spectrum of deaf identity and answers common questions about deaf people; the second provides participants with quick tips and strategies to communicate effectively with deaf people. You can take the course all at once or in...

Description: Register for the Janurary Self-Paced Training Course: Building Strong Parent Advocates - Families of children receiving special education services find themselves in a world of complicated policies, confusing acronyms and terms, and piles of paperwork. The Building Strong Parent Advocates training provides information to help families build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while empowering them to be their child’s best advocate. This...

Description: In April 2024, the VDOE provided a webinar on using VPI funding in ECSE Classrooms. For access to the recording, please contact valeads@gmu.edu. You may find the three helpful documents on the VDOE’s VPI Webpage. VPI Guidelines give a full VPI program overview. VPI Eligibility Guide gives specific guidance on determining and documenting eligibility. And finally, FAQ-VPI Funding for ECSE Classrooms answers many common questions related to using VPI funds to support students in...

Description: New this Year! The VDOE will host ECSE Office Hours for ECSE administrators, special education directors or those who would like to increase knowledge and ask questions on content related to ECSE. Office Hours will be held the third Thursday of the month from 11:00-12:00. Each month, a specific topic will be discussed. There will be a short introduction of the topic followed by the opportunity for you to ask questions. Registration is not required. Simply use the Join the meeting link to...

Description: Calling ALL Paraprofessionals in Virginia Public Schools! Looking for a space to connect, learn, and grow professionally? Now you have one! You’re the essential “boots on the ground” who help schools run smoothly and support students and staff every day—and we see you! VCU-RRTC’s Autism Center for Education (ACE) is launching a NEW online community just for YOU! There are 4 sessions designed to empower paraprofessionals who support teachers working...

Description: House Bill 2219 (HB 2219, now Code of Virginia §22.1-217.4) amends the Code of Virginia by defining AAC and building on requirements for IEP documentation and staff training for students who need or use AAC. HB2219 re-emphasizes current Virginia regulations for students who need or use AAC and adds an explicit timeline for when individualized training must be provided. This AAC Planning Tree from the AT Network is designed to guide teams in identifying the supports and services needed...

Description: Register for the January IEP University - The IEP process can be difficult and stressful. Conflict may occur as a result of managing emotions while simultaneously following policy and procedures. IEP University was developed to help provide families and professionals with accurate and useful information around IEP development and meetings. This self-paced training takes about 6 hours to complete and can be accessed online anytime during the 3-week timeframe.

Description: Determining the eligibility of children aged two to five is a consequential responsibility of school divisions.  It requires assessing if a child has one of the 13 recognized disabilities and determining if that disability adversely affects their educational performance, requiring special education services. For young children, evaluation requires a child-centered process, using various sources of data that provides the most representative sample of the child’s behavior to...

Description: Are you looking to refresh the learning environment after the winter holiday break? Join us for an interactive virtual learning community designed to empower early childhood educators in creating classrooms that foster independence and engagement among young learners. This VLCA for Early Childhood: Environment is a four-session series that provides practical and proactive strategies, resources, and collaborative opportunities to enhance the planning, implementation, and progress...

Description: Register for Addressing Behaviors Confidently - Learn How to Help Your Child Be Successful at Home & School!This presentation will teach the basics of social and emotional skills like coping with feelings and making decisions. We’ll share tips and examples on:• Responding to Interfering Behaviors & Big Emotions• Support and Tools to Help at Home and School• School Behavior Support Options (FBAs & BIPs)*IN-PERSON WORKSHOP*Location:The OAK Family Resource...

Description: VDOE is excited to announce a new webinar series starting in January. This regularly occurring monthly virtual meeting will be open to all school-based preschool programs. The purpose of this series is to share data and best practices across early childhood programs, encouraging dialogue among peers. The 90-minute sessions will include a brief VDOE introduction rooting the session in the statewide data and available research, in-depth presentation by a school division on practical methods...

Description: Register for Addressing Behaviors Confidently - Every child has big feelings and sometimes these escalate into challenging behaviors. In this webinar, we will share different ways to look at behavior and how to support your child’s growth and development at home and school.Learn how to calm tough moments, make daily routines smoother, and school support options including FBAs (Functional Behavioral Assessments) and BIPs (Behavior Intervention Plans). You’ll walk away with...