Chat Transcripts

Topic

Chat Session 1

Date

2025-12-04

Group ID

0

Course ID

308157

User List

Bender, GenaveveHigh, NicoleKrueger, AndreaKrumm, CourtneyLacina, KristynTyler, Stevie{Norsten, Michelle}
User Timestamp Message
{Norsten, Michelle}07:55:10 pmWelcome to our first chat!
{Norsten, Michelle}08:00:21 pmI hope everyone is having a good Thursday and staying warm. I will give everyone a couple more minutes to login before we get started.
Krueger, Andrea08:00:31 pmThank you!
{Norsten, Michelle}08:03:42 pmGood Evening again, we are expecting a few more that are having some login issues. But we can go ahead and get started. Welcom to our first chat. I hope you all were able to familiarize yourself with the platform and find everything okay.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:04:26 pmBefore we dive into questions, please take a minute to introduce yourself and share what area of early childhood you work in.
Krueger, Andrea08:05:09 pmI am Andrea, I am an in-home childcare provider.
Krumm, Courtney08:05:28 pmCourtney Krumm, family child care provider!
Lacina, Kristyn08:05:38 pmI am Kristi and I am a lead preschool teacher at a school.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:06:08 pmThank you! And thank you for sharing. I am sure all your experience will add a lot of value to this class.
Bender, Genaveve08:06:16 pmmy name is Gen , I am an in home childcare provider
High, Nicole08:06:42 pmI have a home child care
{Norsten, Michelle}08:06:55 pmI will be posting questions, please take time to respond and engage. We all have lots to share. Before we move on I will post a * symbol, please follow along. These chats go quickly!
{Norsten, Michelle}08:07:27 pmWhat is your experience with working in an inclusive classroom?
Krueger, Andrea08:08:03 pmI have none
High, Nicole08:08:27 pmi've been at home for 15 yrs, but before that I taught in preschool classes
Krumm, Courtney08:09:12 pmI have worked at an elementary school as a paraprofessional, and childcare for a year
{Norsten, Michelle}08:09:22 pmDid those classes include inclusive practices Nicole?
Bender, Genaveve08:09:22 pmalmost a year in an in home child care
{Norsten, Michelle}08:09:40 pmPerfect Courtney, thank you for sharing.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:10:10 pmIn home childcare is a perfect place to make inclusive, there are often times many ages, learning styles, etc.
High, Nicole08:10:28 pmI had a few kids over a 7 yr span there
{Norsten, Michelle}08:10:55 pmThat's a big age gap, do you offered planned activities for each age group?
Lacina, Kristyn08:10:57 pmI have worked at private schools and the help from the public school takes a lot of work to get help in the classroom.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:11:38 pmI think sometimes staffing can play a huge role Kristyn.
High, Nicole08:12:08 pmstaffing in my district is horrible
{Norsten, Michelle}08:12:24 pmI have heard there are a lot of issues all over, even with bus drivers.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:12:37 pm*
Bender, Genaveve08:12:41 pm*
Lacina, Kristyn08:12:47 pm*
Krumm, Courtney08:12:49 pm*
High, Nicole08:12:53 pm*
{Norsten, Michelle}08:13:07 pmDescribe the significance of equitable accessibility in early learning spaces for children with special needs?
High, Nicole08:14:16 pmthey spend more time with their peers. Which can be beneficial to both
Krueger, Andrea08:14:53 pmIt allows them to be involved with the kids their age
{Norsten, Michelle}08:14:56 pmSpending time in a social setting is huge. They learn to engage, proper interactions, observation, problem solving.
High, Nicole08:15:34 pmand their peers can learn acceptance, how to help
{Norsten, Michelle}08:15:55 pmLike stated before staffing can play a role, but if a classroom is properly staffed and there are areas available for all, it helps make everyone on the same wave length.
High, Nicole08:15:58 pmthey also don't feel ostricized
Lacina, Kristyn08:16:12 pmHaving the right tools helps them to be able to thrive in the classroom with the other students
Krumm, Courtney08:16:18 pmBeing able to engage in all activities with their peers can help improve many lifelong skills
{Norsten, Michelle}08:17:01 pmThank you Nicole, I agree that acceptance is a good thing. We want young children to work together, accept each other and when they are around each other at a young age those differences aren't as noticeable and everyone is included.
Krueger, Andrea08:17:57 pmAbsolutely.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:18:05 pmExactly Kristyn and Courtney. Having the right tools and utiliizing resources helps everyone thrive, families too. And all these skills carry over for a lifetime!
{Norsten, Michelle}08:18:14 pm*
High, Nicole08:18:19 pm*
Krumm, Courtney08:18:20 pm*
Lacina, Kristyn08:18:23 pm*
Bender, Genaveve08:18:32 pm*
{Norsten, Michelle}08:18:44 pmDo you think there are challenges or barriers for families who have children with special needs looking for early childhood education? Can you give examples of these challenges?
Krueger, Andrea08:19:38 pmI think there can be challenges. As a parent you may not know where to look for help or who to ask
Bender, Genaveve08:20:13 pmNot all providers have the right tools to provide the correct care, families may be turned away
{Norsten, Michelle}08:20:37 pmYes Andrea, and sometime it is an emotional times for families. They may feel burnt out and not supported.
High, Nicole08:21:05 pmI know in my district, they can be bussed to the school during preschool hours. but they are not allowed to stay in the school daycare program. so they need to find care that works around that. parents with a first child may not notice anything with their child. they may not know where to go for help
{Norsten, Michelle}08:21:06 pmVery true Genaveve.
Lacina, Kristyn08:21:29 pmNot being able to afford some of the options that are available, or a language barrier which is harder to explain the challenge their child faces.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:21:46 pmHas anyone had personal experience working with a familiy experiencing challenges?
Krueger, Andrea08:22:00 pmyes
Lacina, Kristyn08:22:08 pmyes
Krumm, Courtney08:22:12 pmYes, I think families could have challenges such as choosing the right “fit”, finding a space that can provide the tools and support both child and parents need during challenging times
High, Nicole08:22:15 pmyes
{Norsten, Michelle}08:22:41 pmI am glad you pointed out a language barrier, there may be a barrier between families, school, provides or differing cultural beliefs. Finding ways to strongly communicate so everyone is on the same page is needed.
Bender, Genaveve08:23:05 pmvery slightly, the family did not agree that help may need to be seeked.
Tyler, Stevie08:23:08 pmI am so sorry I am late. My name is Stevie Tyler I am an in home childcare provider
{Norsten, Michelle}08:23:07 pmHave you used outside sources or found ways to help them?
{Norsten, Michelle}08:23:21 pmWelcome Stevie.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:24:13 pmAnd yes, sometimes families don't notice a behavior pattern that you may notice in the classroom or at daycare.
Krueger, Andrea08:24:19 pmI referred the family I had to Help me Grow
High, Nicole08:24:51 pmI have sent mine to the school for evaluations. Currently I have one just getting started with a speech delay. But I think there are other issues going on that they will get help with
{Norsten, Michelle}08:24:51 pmHelp Me Grow is an amazing resource, even just to browse their website. They offer so many resources.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:25:15 pmAnd an evaluation will help hopefully!
{Norsten, Michelle}08:25:19 pm*
Krueger, Andrea08:25:21 pmI was impressed with the process and the family I referred was so grateful for the referral
Krumm, Courtney08:25:23 pm*
Bender, Genaveve08:25:27 pm*
Tyler, Stevie08:25:29 pmWe had a family that I needed to dismiss because they were not willing to work with us in helping their child whom needed further assessment.
Lacina, Kristyn08:25:30 pm*
High, Nicole08:25:31 pmIts hard if you try talking to the parents and they dont see a need
High, Nicole08:25:34 pm*
{Norsten, Michelle}08:25:38 pmThat is great to hear Andrea, sometimes it can be difficult.
Krueger, Andrea08:25:55 pmI agree. I have a family now that will not take the referral
{Norsten, Michelle}08:26:05 pmWhat types of services or resources do you utilize in your program when you suspect developmental delays in a child?
High, Nicole08:26:53 pmthats always hard Andrea 🙁
{Norsten, Michelle}08:26:54 pmIf you communicated a need for the child Andrea, hopefully the seed is planted and the family will see that at some point. Parents can put up barriers sometimes and not want to accept it.
Tyler, Stevie08:27:34 pmIt would depend on the need of the child. We have utilized group mental health help, following recommendations of family investment plan
High, Nicole08:27:51 pmI would suggest they talk to their pediatrician next time their child goes in. Ask them what they see at home/do they see the same thing?
{Norsten, Michelle}08:28:06 pmThat is good Stevie, to keep the family involved right from the start.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:28:30 pmYes Nicole, and keeping an open line of communication with the family.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:29:36 pmHas anyone had experience with the referral process from start to finish and been able to reap the benefits of success in helping?
{Norsten, Michelle}08:30:10 pmIn a perfect world? 🙂
Krueger, Andrea08:30:11 pmI don't have anything specific. I have spent a lot of time on pintrest and talking with a family member that works with developmentally delayed kids. I have a cozy cove setup for the kids. it includes fidgets, a feelings board and soft cushions
Tyler, Stevie08:30:20 pmNot Yet
Krumm, Courtney08:30:20 pmI have not
Bender, Genaveve08:30:31 pmi have not
{Norsten, Michelle}08:30:44 pmI was just curious since we all have different things to bring to the discussion, maybe you will at some point.
Lacina, Kristyn08:30:58 pmSuccess for them in the following year because i set up the process
Krueger, Andrea08:31:10 pmThe child I had that took the referral ended up qualifying for a preschool program in the district he lived in.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:31:16 pmThe cozy cove is a great way to help kids get in touch with their emotions and learn how to express themselves.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:31:27 pmThat is good Andrea!
{Norsten, Michelle}08:31:32 pm*
Krueger, Andrea08:31:40 pmYes. From my understanding he is thriving now
Krumm, Courtney08:31:41 pm*
Lacina, Kristyn08:31:47 pm*
Bender, Genaveve08:31:57 pm*
Tyler, Stevie08:32:06 pmWe have a cozy cove as well that is called a safe space following conscious discipline
{Norsten, Michelle}08:32:07 pmReflect on your early childhood program’s policy for inclusion and referral process for developmental concerns. Share what you know about the policy and explain your rationale when conducting the referral process.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:32:40 pmFor those in an inhome, do you offer a policy for referral? This may not be in your contracts.
Krueger, Andrea08:32:59 pmI do not have a policy for referral
Krumm, Courtney08:33:25 pmI do not have a policy for referral
{Norsten, Michelle}08:33:29 pmDoes anyone make observations or offer assessments for the children in care?
Tyler, Stevie08:33:58 pmwe do have a policy on referral that simply states that we communicate with families and when challenges arise we will work together as a team to help their child in the best way possible.
Krueger, Andrea08:34:03 pmI do on an informal basis nothing heavily documented
{Norsten, Michelle}08:34:23 pmMaking observations and communicating with families is a great place to start. Showing milestones, areas where they need to work a little harder or repeated behaviors that may you leave you questioning things.
High, Nicole08:34:33 pmI dont have a policy per se. But I definitely have open communication with parents. and i have a form they can sign so that I can have access to their childs file if they get referred and I need to be doing things to help
Tyler, Stevie08:34:37 pmI do twice yearly assessments and do make observations and note them.
Krumm, Courtney08:34:48 pmIf I observe something that I think needs attention, I will talk with the child’s parents but I do not document
{Norsten, Michelle}08:34:54 pmYes Stevie, and that's where inclusive classrooms can play a signicant role.
Lacina, Kristyn08:35:10 pmI am always making observations so that when the district comes in to observe they know what they are coming in for. As for assessments they are made twice a year.
High, Nicole08:35:30 pmi do a fall and spring assessment
Krueger, Andrea08:35:51 pmWhat type of forms are you using for assessments in an inhome? I am very interested
{Norsten, Michelle}08:35:55 pmIt sounds like you all have experience in communication and observation. Those are both very important. Working as a team as well. Everyone wants what is best for the child.
Tyler, Stevie08:36:23 pmI use teaching strategies gold assessment program
Krueger, Andrea08:36:30 pmthank you!
{Norsten, Michelle}08:36:44 pmThe gold assessment program is great. There are lots out there.
High, Nicole08:37:05 pmi use the ounce scale for babies and teaching strategies gold for age2+
Krueger, Andrea08:37:35 pmThank you
{Norsten, Michelle}08:37:47 pmGood! Eager to Learn offers some courses on assessments as well.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:38:19 pmAll of these things, assessments, documentation, communication, inclusiveness all are significant to helping all children.
Krueger, Andrea08:38:19 pmWonderful. I am writing all of these down to look into for my program. Thank you all
{Norsten, Michelle}08:38:39 pmGreat!
{Norsten, Michelle}08:38:44 pm*
Lacina, Kristyn08:38:48 pm*
Bender, Genaveve08:38:49 pm*
Krumm, Courtney08:38:51 pm*
Tyler, Stevie08:38:52 pm*
High, Nicole08:38:52 pm*
{Norsten, Michelle}08:39:45 pmBefore wrapping up tonight, I will put the directions for class expectations for the upcoming week. It is posted in the syllabus as well.
{Norsten, Michelle}08:39:52 pmDiscussion Board: Initial Post is due Tuesday, December 9th with at least 3 additional posts to other participants by Thursday, December 11th. ● Discussion Question: The Zero to Three article in this week’s reading states: “Many months may elapse between the time a problem or concern first emerges and when a child is enrolled in appropriate services, which can make a difference in the child’s developmental outcome”. What can you do in the time between recognition of a concern and enrollment in services to ensure a child has learning needs met in your program?
{Norsten, Michelle}08:40:44 pmThere is a discussion board question to respond to, please also take the time to engage with others and respond to at least 3 other posts as well. It really helps us all learn!
Tyler, Stevie08:41:04 pmcan do
Krueger, Andrea08:41:11 pmWill Do
{Norsten, Michelle}08:41:21 pmOur second chat will be Thursday, December 11 at 8:00
Krueger, Andrea08:41:44 pmSounds good!
{Norsten, Michelle}08:41:49 pmAlso, does anyone have any questions? There are readings in each lesson posted in Eager to Learn as well.
Tyler, Stevie08:41:53 pmi will make sure to be on time next time
Lacina, Kristyn08:42:00 pmSounds good!
Krumm, Courtney08:42:06 pmThank you!
High, Nicole08:42:18 pmsounds good
{Norsten, Michelle}08:42:21 pmThank you for your active participation tonight, Have a great night and I will stick around for a few minutes.
High, Nicole08:42:33 pmthank you!
Krueger, Andrea08:42:33 pmThank you! Chat with you next week
{Norsten, Michelle}08:42:45 pmSounds good Stevie, you're welcome to read through the transcript as well.
Bender, Genaveve08:42:51 pmThank you, Have a good night
{Norsten, Michelle}08:42:57 pmHave a great night and week everyone! Stay warm!
Lacina, Kristyn08:43:12 pmThank you! Have a good night!
Tyler, Stevie08:43:15 pmThank you I have been. you as well