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Date(s):
5/6/2026 11:30 AM ET - 5/6/2026 1:00 PM ET, 5/6/2026 3:30 PM ET - 5/6/2026 5:00 PM ET
Description: Registration-Sensory AccessABILITIES: The Virtual Mini-Unconference This interactive virtual event is designed to create space for collaboration, idea-sharing, and practical strategies centered on sensory accessibility. Whether you're looking to learn, contribute, or connect with others in the field, this unconference format allows participants to help shape the conversation. Feel free to join the session that best fits your schedule or join both! Session Options: May 6, 2026 Lunch Session:...
Description: Virginia Child Count Dec 2025* Children with IEPs, Ages 2-5 In 2017, 13,035 children In 2018, 13,497 children In 2019, 13,799 children In 2020 (Covid-19), 11,021 children (2020 total decreased of 2,778, 20%) In 2021, 11,535 children (2021 total decrease of 2,264 from 2019, 16%)* *Prior years were increasing by 3% In 2022, 13,389 children (16% increase from 2021) In 2023, 14,494 children (8% increase from 2022) In 2024, 14,163 children (2% decrease from 2023) In 2025, 13,526 children (4%...
Date(s):
5/5/2026 12:00 PM ET - 5/5/2026 12:30 PM ET
Description: Helping families & professionals support children with dual sensory loss! Young children learn by seeing, hearing, and exploring. When a child has both vision and hearing loss, they learn in unique ways and may need extra support. We’re connecting the dots to give families the confidence, tools, and resources available to help their children thrive! What You’ll Learn: How vision and hearing work together in early development Why identifying dual sensory loss early matters Ways to...
Date(s):
4/15/2026 2:00 PM ET - 4/15/2026 3:30 PM ET, 5/20/2026 2:00 PM ET - 5/20/2026 3:30 PM ET
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: On March 23, VDOE hosted a webinar for early childhood stakeholders covering fall 2025 VQB5 successes, Quality Profile results, and proposed updates to rating levels to better reflect children’s experiences. The webinar also highlighted enhancements to VQB5 planned for next year, including improvements to VAConnects, more strategic use of VQB5 data, clarified participation requirements, and support for the curriculum change. As VDOE works to strengthen...
Description: The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) just released five one-pagers to accompany the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. These new one-pagers cover:• Determination of Eligibility• Procedural Safeguards• Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)• School Discipline and Students with Disabilities• Manifestation Determination ReviewCheck out the Family's Guide to Special Education and the one-pagers on the VDOE website.
Date(s):
6/22/2026 - 6/25/2026
Description: ECSE BEST is a four-day academy designed for early-career (0-3 years) Early Childhood Special Education Teachers and/or ECSE teachers with a CLASS average score of 4.99 or below. Participants will learn about components of the special education process as well as essentials of teaching preschool aged children with disabilities. Academy sessions will outline evidence-based practices focused on delivering high-quality teacher child interactions, assessment, instruction, and implementation of the...
Description: Visual supports are real objects, pictures, or icons that help young children follow directions, stay engaged, and try new ideas with confidence. They can include daily schedules, choice boards, and step-by-step picture directions. When adults use clear and consistent visuals during STEM activities, children are better able to focus on exploring, problem-solving, and learning from their discoveries.
Date(s):
4/6/2026 - 4/27/2026
Description: Register for the April Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Training (PEATC and VDOE) -Attention, SEAC Members and Advisors (and parents or professionals who may be interested)! We are pleased to offer this online SEAC training aimed at helping SEAC members understand the role of the local Special Education Advisory Committee in Virginia and to build a more efficient and effective advisory committee. This self-paced training takes about 6 hours to complete and can...
Date(s):
4/6/2026 - 4/27/2026
Description: Register for the April 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...
Date(s):
4/6/2026 - 4/27/2026
Description: Register for the April 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: Federal and state regulations require that students with disabilities are educated with children without disabilities in the least restrictive environment (LRE) to the maximum extent appropriate. According to Virginia's 2020-2021 Special Education Annual Performance Report to the Public, approximately 72 percent of students with disabilities spend 80 percent or more of the day in the general education classroom. Co-teaching is reported to be the most frequently used service delivery model in...
Description: The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has released a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) related to Preschool Least Restrictive Environment. The letter reaffirms the position of the U.S. Department of Education (ED or Department) that all young children with disabilities should have access to inclusive high-quality early childhood programs where they are provided with individualized and appropriate supports to enable them to meet high expectations. The guidance provided in the DCL covers:...
Description: The POWER (Parent Organizer With Educational Resources) web app provides parents and families with online resources to answer questions about child development, disabilities, community services, Special Education, diploma options in Virginia and transition to life after high school. The questions and potential resources are separated into age levels: Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School and High School. This project is a collaborative effort between the Parent Resource...
Date(s):
3/25/2026, 4/8/2026, 5/6/2026, 5/20/2026
Description: Register for the Special Education Workshop Series - New Growth, Stronger Support When families understand the process, better support can grow.Our quarterly SPED Series is designed to help families understand special education processes, rights, and tools that help students in preparing them for further education, employment, and independent living. Join us as we dive into this quarter’s topics and build stronger partnerships for student success.SESSIONS:March 25 – From...
Description: The "Keys to Academic Success: Critical Decision Points in Early Childhood Companion" was created by the Family Engagement Network (FEN), through a grant provided by the Virginia Department of Education and managed by the Center for Family Involvement at the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University. This early childhood Critical Decision Points companion document will assist families in helping their young child with a disability or developmental delay...
Description: New Informational Overview of Publicly-Funded ECCE Programs in Virginia Available! The VDOE has posted a new webinar titled Virginia's Publicly-Funded Early Childhood Care and Education Programs. The webinar provides the purpose, characteristics, and requirements of all of Virginia’s publicly-funded ECCE programs, including funding considerations, inclusion requirements for children with disabilities, and available wrap-around...
Description: The VDOE has posted a new overview webinar titled Virginia's Publicly Funded Early Childhood Care and Education Programs. The webinar provides the purpose, characteristics, and requirements of all of Virginia’s publicly funded ECCE programs, including funding considerations, inclusion requirements for children with disabilities, and available wrap-around services. (Closed Captioning and Transcript Available on YouTube link)
Description: The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is pleased to release the Virginia Itinerant Early Childhood Special Education Technical Assistance Document. The purpose of this document is to provide a description of the Virginia Itinerant Early Childhood Special Education Model (IECSE) developed by the VDOE and to support Virginia’s school divisions and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programs in its implementation. This document provides the critical practices that support...
Description: Reinforcement is a powerful tool that can support learning for individuals with autism. The Preference Assessment Factsheets from ACE help families and educators identify items and activities that truly motivate young students—boosting engagement and skill development. Explore an evidence-based factsheets tailored for Early childhood learners! Use this tool to make learning more effective and personalized!
Description: This document, updated in July 2025, comprises all the resources necessary for itinerant early childhood special educatoin (IECSE) teachers and administrators to start the year off on the right foot!
Description: A successful itinerant model relies on a shared understanding of each member's specific roles and responsibilities and is essential for effective collaboration among the itinerant, classroom teacher, and family. These letters and interagency agreement are shared as suggested introductions and other types of written communication that help all parties involved understand and support the IECSE delivery model. Additionally, there are two sample introduction letters that can be used...
Description: Delivery of the Virginia IECSE Model requires the itinerant teacher to complete classroom visits. The IEP will specify the service obligations of the itinerant teacher and dictate the frequency of visits. The objectives of the visit will vary depending on the needs of the child as well as specific goals identified by the teachers. The Consultation Session Planning Form is attached.
Description: This fall VDOE is launching a Quality Improvement Listserv to improve communications and strengthen connections with those who provide and/or lead professional development to early childhood programs in the state of Virginia, such as: Coaches Trainers Technical Assistance (TA) Providers Consultants As a part of this Listserv, you will receive quarterly improvement updates, invitations to VQB5 Improvement Partner webinars, and have the opportunity to provide feedback on VQB5 improvement...
Description: Did you know? IEP Teams must consider the need for Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services with the development of each IEP. AT services include any support provided to help a child with a disability to choose, obtain, or use an assistive technology device effectively. These services incorporate training or technical assistance for professionals (e.g., educators, related service providers, rehabilitation providers), employers, or anyone else who supports the child’s education,...
Description: Small bites of learning on hot topics focused around foundational knowledge and easy-to-implement skills and strategies. Microlearning is always available and take just 10-15 minutes to review. Topics include: Social-Emotional Learning Early Childhood Toolkit Classroom Essentials: Schedules Strategies to Support Autistic Learners Strategies to Support Everyday Learning Foundational Five for Families Setting Up for Success Visual Supports
Description: Want to feel confident teaching and including students with autism in your classroom? The Autism Center for Education offers FREE short-term coaching, equipping educational teams with practical strategies and techniques to better support autistic learners in any classroom environment. Schedule now to get ready for the 2025-2026 school year at: vcuautismcenter.org/requests Testimonials: “The real time hands on coaching and skills I could immediately implement were the most useful and the...
Description: As part of Virginia’s Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative, demonstration sites across the Commonwealth provide opportunities for co-teaching teams and school/district administrators to observe high-quality co-taught instruction in inclusive settings. Visitors have the opportunity to observe model lessons, followed by scheduled time to engage in discussion with the site’s co-teaching team and school administrator regarding implementation practices, instructional planning, and...
Description: Check out PEATC's new resource to learn more: PEATC’s Special Factors in the IEP Guide - When your child’s IEP is being created or updated, the IEP team must think about certain important areas that could affect your child’s learning and school experience. These are called Special Factors, and they help make sure your child gets the right support to succeed in school. The team must consider behavior that makes it hard for your child or others to learn, your...
Description: The Indicator 7 Technical Assistance Document was updated in 2025 to assist school divisions to implement the COS process with fidelity. Indicator 7: Child Outcomes Summary Process Technical Assistance Document - The purpose is to assist school divisions to implement the COS process with fidelity. Indicator 7: Child Outcomes Summary Process Technical Assistance Document (Updated 2/2025)
Description: The Virginia Assistive Technology, Tools, and Strategies (VATTS) Resources will guide the IEP team through the consideration and documentation process. These resources replace the previous versions of the AT Consideration and Resource Guide. VATTS: Consideration and Assessment Guidance Document (PDF) - Guidance for school divisions in the consideration and assessment of AT, including planning and implementing those services for students with disabilities. VATTS: Consideration...
Description: Virginia Child Count Dec 2024* Children with IEPs, Ages 2-5 In 2017, 13,035 children In 2018, 13,497 children In 2019, 13,799 children In 2020 (Covid-19), 11,021 children (2020 total decreased of 2,778, 20%) In 2021, 11,535 children (2021 total decrease of 2,264 from 2019, 16%)* *Prior years were increasing by 3% In 2022, 13,389 children (16% increase from 2021) In 2023, 14,494 children (8% increase from 2022) In 2024, 14,163 children (2% decrease from 2023) Children with IEPs, by...
Description: The VDOE Department of Special Populations and Board Operations has released its updated Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans: Guidelines for Effective Development and Implementation. This document has been updated based on guidance from the U. S. Department of Education. These guidelines also replace the 2015 version and aim to assist Virginia school divisions in implementing effective functional behavior assessment (FBA) and behavior intervention plan (BIP) processes...
Description: Looking for information about inclusion of children with disabilities in our schools and communities? CPIR is very pleased to offer you the School Inclusion resource page, which will connect you with the great work and materials of the disability network nationwide and internationally.
Description: Participate in the Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities: Supports in the General Education Classroom online module. This module, developed in collaboration with the TIES Center, describes the benefits of including students with significant cognitive disabilities in general education classrooms. It also offers information on how teachers can plan for and teach these students (est. completion time: 2 hours). Earn the Professional Development Certificate for this...
Description: Every child grows and learns at their own pace, but developmental milestones provide a helpful guide to what most children (75%) can do by a certain age. As a parent or caregiver, you know your child best! If you have concerns about their development, talking to your child’s doctor about a developmental screening is a great first step.PEATC has created two valuable resource documents to help families understand and track early childhood development: Your Child's Development Milestones:...
Description: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (DEA) provides for a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for eligible students with disabilities. Special education and related services are provided under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that is based on each student’s unique needs. Some students with disabilities may require services beyond the normal school year, during the summer or other school breaks in order to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). These...
Description: Help families discover learning in everyday moments and share the The VCU-ACE From Breakfast to Bedtime video series. These videos reveal how children learn through daily routines. From waking up to bedtime, families will learn how to unlock hidden teaching opportunities during diapering, meals, dressing, and more. These short, 6-10 minute videos help transform ordinary moments into extraordinary learning experiences!
Description: Using Functional Behavioral Assessments to Create Supportive Learning Environments - What is a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)? What are the Common Characteristics of an FBA and Behavioral Support or Intervention Plans (BSP/BIPs)? How Can an FBA Be Used to Inform Instructional Strategies? What Guiding Principles Support the Effective Development and Implementation of FBAs and BSP/BIPs? How Can FBA's Support Students with Disabilities? And more...
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: The Early Childhood toolkit includes learning boosts on communication and social skills topics in less than ten minutes. The Toolkit: Requesting Help The Toolkit: Negation The Toolkit: Making a Choice
Description: Conducting Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team Meetings When Members Disagree - Parent participation and teamwork are fundamental to special education. Parent feedback is a necessity in ensuring that a student is receiving a free appropriate public education. However, team participants do not always agree and conflict is a natural occurrence in team dynamics. Recognizing that conflict will happen, but that a healthy relationship between all members is in the best interest of the student,...
Description: Back to Basics: Special Education Law Series was developed from a partnership between the Virginia Department of Education and the Center for Implementation and Evaluation of Education Systems (CIEES) at Old Dominion University (ODU). The Back to Basics: Special Education Law series is designed to support Virginia school divisions in the professional development of teachers and division personnel on basic special education laws and regulations. The following modules and associated documents...
Description: Submit a Request for Support - VCU-RRTC-ACE provides targeted short-term coaching to educators who support students on the autism spectrum! Classroom coaching aims to equip educators with the tools and evidence-based practices necessary to effectively address the unique needs of autistic students. By implementing strategies in the coaching focus areas, educators can enhance student participation, engagement, and independence, creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. ACE...
Description: Project HOPE-Virginia, Virginia's McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program, has developed new resources for young children experiencing homelessness. HOPE invites you to visit their new website: https://projecthopevirginia.org/ Here are several links that will take you directly to early childhood resources: McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program: Training for Early Childhood Educators in Virginia - This video provides an overview of the homeless...
Description: CEC's Learning Library has always been a one-stop shop for live and on-demand webinars, collections and virtual events, but now, it’s even easier to find the content you are looking for. Explore the Learning Library to access content on hot topics, practical strategies for your work, or just quick refreshers that can enrich your practice and contribute to better outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities. On-Demand Webinars Virtual Events Live Webinars PD Collections...
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: Factsheet for Virginia’s Parents Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in Early Childhood Programs - Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), refers to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirement that “children with disabilities not be placed in special classes or separate schools unless the nature and severity of their disability is such that education in regular classes with supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.”...
Description: Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) - A Resource Document - The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that students with disabilities are provided a free appropriate public education, referred to as FAPE. FAPE is also required under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In Virginia, FAPE is an important legal right for students with disabilities, ages 2 through 21, receiving services under these two laws. This document defines FAPE, explains what FAPE requires...