Chat Transcripts

Topic

Chat Session 1

Date

2024-12-02

Group ID

0

Course ID

289788

User List

BarBee, DianeBuysse, JoyEdmond, KristinMinke, NikkiiTackmann, RachelYanez, Catalina{Norsten, Michelle}
User Timestamp Message
{Norsten, Michelle}06:57:52 pmGood Evening and Welcome to our first chat. I look forward to "meeting all of you," during our time together in class. We will get started in a few more minutes. Hope everyone is staying warm!
Buysse, Joy06:58:45 pmHello
Tackmann, Rachel06:59:10 pmGood Evening.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:00:19 pmWe will wait a couple more minutes please, a couple were trying to login.
BarBee, Diane07:01:27 pmHello
Minke, Nikkii07:01:56 pmHello
{Norsten, Michelle}07:02:05 pmHi Everyone!
Edmond, Kristin07:02:18 pmHi there
{Norsten, Michelle}07:04:25 pmI hope everyone is enjoying the day. Thank you for joining on a Monday evening. I thought we would start my introducing ourselves a bit. Where you're from and what you do. I am excited to facilitate this class. I love it! I am an elementary school teacher turned in home childcare provider and offer quite a few trainings when I can.
Yanez, Catalina07:04:58 pmI’m here Catalina Yanez
Edmond, Kristin07:05:37 pmI'm from Henning MN, Mother of four, first year family daycare provider.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:05:44 pmAlso, please don't hesitate to ask questions. This class will go quickly. If this is your first chat, I will post a question, everyone will please respond and I will post an * when it is time to move on.
Buysse, Joy07:05:44 pmJoy Buysse from SW Minnesota. I have been a family child care provider for 36 years
{Norsten, Michelle}07:06:10 pmWelcome Catalina and Kristin and Joy. Glad you're here.
Tackmann, Rachel07:06:25 pmformer teacher turned in-home daycare provider. loving it
{Norsten, Michelle}07:06:31 pmWow Joy, that's amazing. I am year 17.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:06:42 pmGreat to hear Rachel.
Minke, Nikkii07:07:00 pmNikkii, I’ve been in childcare for over 30 years. 5 children. In-home provider. Homeschooling mom. Soccer coach. Lots of children in my life.
Yanez, Catalina07:07:12 pmCatalina Yanez Preschool teacher since 2015
BarBee, Diane07:07:18 pmI am a preschool teacher and director at Lakeview Christian Academy. In Duluth for 17 years.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:07:25 pmSounds like you have a busy schedule Nikkii.
Tackmann, Rachel07:07:35 pmjoy I don't think I'll last that long
{Norsten, Michelle}07:07:46 pmWe love Duluth Diane.
Buysse, Joy07:07:48 pmTime flies!
{Norsten, Michelle}07:08:16 pmYou'd be surprised Rachel. I thought I would be done in 3 years....:-)
BarBee, Diane07:08:31 pmI love Duluth. 28 years so many things to see.
Tackmann, Rachel07:08:46 pmso far so good so who knows!!??!!
{Norsten, Michelle}07:08:54 pmThank you everyone for posting your intros! Duluth is one of the best places on earth!
{Norsten, Michelle}07:09:01 pmGood!
{Norsten, Michelle}07:09:05 pm*
Buysse, Joy07:09:08 pm*
BarBee, Diane07:09:11 pm*
Tackmann, Rachel07:09:21 pm8
Tackmann, Rachel07:09:25 pm*
{Norsten, Michelle}07:09:32 pm● What is your experience with working in an inclusive classroom?
Buysse, Joy07:10:48 pmI have worked with kids of many disabilities and delays. I never thought of it as inclusive. It is what it is.
BarBee, Diane07:11:23 pmI have not experienced it. I am here to learn what steps need to be taken. I have a child with slow development in speech. and want to learn how I can help him and HIs family.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:11:46 pmWhen you're working with children of all backgrounds, various delays and you're making adaptations or modifications you're being inclusive.
Tackmann, Rachel07:11:45 pmmy teaching days were filled with inclusive classrooms many disabilities within the classroom setting.
Yanez, Catalina07:12:00 pmI love them, they’re amazing and think they are not inclusive they are part of my class
{Norsten, Michelle}07:12:15 pmYes, Rachel and making modifications as needed.
Minke, Nikkii07:12:14 pmI believe whether a child has a developmental delay or not, all children are different and have different needs, abilities, and behaviors. We meet children where they are at.
Buysse, Joy07:12:27 pmI have coached quite a few parents through IEP and 504 meetings. Parents only know what they know.
Edmond, Kristin07:12:47 pmNone I'm here to learn
Yanez, Catalina07:12:50 pmI don’t make any changes everyone is the same in my classroom
{Norsten, Michelle}07:13:02 pmThat is the goal Catalina. So many things can be done and those children don't even realize what is happening, but they are part of the classroom and gaining similar experiences to everyone else.
Tackmann, Rachel07:13:08 pmI was always looking for new modifications to assist my students
{Norsten, Michelle}07:13:30 pmGlad to hear Kristin.
Minke, Nikkii07:13:48 pmYes, Joy. We have to advocate for our children, and sadly, I’ve found that public schools especially are not always looking out for the child or doing what’s best for them.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:14:12 pmExactly Joy, and if we create strong communication and work together we can all learn and help the children in care and build stronger relationships.
Tackmann, Rachel07:14:35 pmI had to advocate for the kids because sometimes they get lost in the whole process of referral, assessments to IEP
Buysse, Joy07:14:44 pmI think that can be true Michelle. The morehouse k ow the better for thec child.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:15:01 pmParents all want what is best but sometimes don't know where to look and being and advocate to help any child in a plus.
Buysse, Joy07:15:06 pmThe more you know!
{Norsten, Michelle}07:15:37 pmEveryone is here to learn and help each other just as in a classroom.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:16:00 pm*
BarBee, Diane07:15:58 pmParents have no Idea and we need to educate parents as well.
Tackmann, Rachel07:16:01 pm*
BarBee, Diane07:16:08 pm*
Buysse, Joy07:16:12 pm*
{Norsten, Michelle}07:16:28 pm Describe the significance of equitable accessibility in early learning spaces for children with special needs?
Edmond, Kristin07:16:24 pm*
Yanez, Catalina07:16:27 pmThat is sad when you find parents that are lost and don’t find ways to improve their development
{Norsten, Michelle}07:17:15 pmI think sometimes parents have an emotional response at first and need time to take in the information regarding the delay or behavior that has been observed in the classroom.
BarBee, Diane07:18:28 pmThe child I have with delays, I want to give him the time to tell me what he needs or want to say and not have the other children make fun of him.
Buysse, Joy07:18:37 pmIt benefits all children. I think they learn compassion and empathy.
Yanez, Catalina07:19:33 pmIntroducing the child in the classroom like everyone else
{Norsten, Michelle}07:19:49 pmI think learning compassion and empathy is a lifelong skill that needs to be learned at a young age. Love that Joy.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:19:57 pmYes. Catalina.
Buysse, Joy07:20:09 pmCan't you turn that around Diane? Ask the others if they like to be tested or laughed at. You should do that when it is occurring. Usually avoid discussion develops.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:20:17 pmDo you find the other kids giving your child a hard time Diane?
Tackmann, Rachel07:20:33 pmsince ive had some experience with the referral process, I use that knowledge to help parents in the referral process in my daycare setting Not all parents know whats available Once they are in a program I try to have all my other children learn from this child a well as they learn from the typical developing children
{Norsten, Michelle}07:20:48 pmDo you have any books that show children in different backgrounds they could benefit from?
Buysse, Joy07:21:06 pmUsually a good discussion develops. Auto correct!
Tackmann, Rachel07:21:17 pmchildren lern best from eachother
{Norsten, Michelle}07:21:40 pmOften times parents are just unfamiliar with what the referral process is and need to be educated. Early intervention is key! I am glad you have some experience Rachel.
Tackmann, Rachel07:21:38 pmlearn
Minke, Nikkii07:21:39 pmI’m sorry Diane, that must be really tough.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:22:31 pmYou could use some role play situations too Diane.
Yanez, Catalina07:22:42 pmYes the book that I read to my kids is “ Our Classroom Is a Family”
BarBee, Diane07:22:50 pmYes, Joy they even try to tell me what he is trying to say. It has been a group conversation. I have such a loving class.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:23:00 pmThanks for sharing Catalina.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:23:24 pm*
BarBee, Diane07:23:28 pm*
Tackmann, Rachel07:23:34 pmi've had a b-3 teacher service a child in my home and the other children love it when she comes
Edmond, Kristin07:23:34 pm*
Tackmann, Rachel07:23:45 pm*
{Norsten, Michelle}07:24:07 pm Do 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?
Buysse, Joy07:24:06 pm*
{Norsten, Michelle}07:24:21 pmChildren love when there are visitors.
Tackmann, Rachel07:24:39 pmsome daycares prefer not to enroll a sped child. that might be a challenge
Yanez, Catalina07:24:54 pmFind a spot in the early childhood program
{Norsten, Michelle}07:25:22 pmThat's a good point Rachel. It becomes a type of domino affect or a cycle for the child.
Buysse, Joy07:25:45 pmThere is such a shortage of child care that it is easy to enroll other kids.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:26:33 pmVery true. And if parents do not understand the developmental needs of the child, it can pose a child. We need to educate families on what sources are out there to help.
Buysse, Joy07:26:31 pmIn our school district the special ed preschool classes fill up so fast. There are not a lot of spaces open
Tackmann, Rachel07:26:32 pmhow about those children in the GREY area not sped children but definitely needs
Buysse, Joy07:27:21 pmLike ADHD
BarBee, Diane07:27:23 pmI have been told that it is hard to be in a different school district to receive help for speech in preschool. is that true? From Superior Wi to attending in Duluth mn.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:27:43 pmThere are so many children that just slide through. You could have a class with half gifted students, a few with delays and those that get lost in the middle. It can be very challenging to plan and meet everyone's needs.
Tackmann, Rachel07:27:44 pmisnt it law that the school has to take the special educ child and provide services no matter the numbers??
Minke, Nikkii07:28:38 pmCost and the wait period to be seen is a huge barrier.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:28:55 pmI don't think it's necessarily hard Diane, just a process. I have had several children receive speech services at a young age and it carries over into kindergarten and some switch schools for kindergarten.
BarBee, Diane07:29:24 pmgood to know.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:29:55 pmI don't know if there is a law for that Rachel, I have heard of waiting lists and staff members being moved around to meet the needs of children in different areas of the district.
Minke, Nikkii07:30:11 pmThe amount of children with special needs in school far outweighs the amount of special education teachers. In addition, we have “no children left behind” and our public schools push children through without actually meeting their needs.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:31:06 pmYes, Nikkii sadly that is true. It is good that early childhood educators can do their best to help at such a young age.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:31:19 pm*
Tackmann, Rachel07:31:24 pm*
Buysse, Joy07:31:29 pm*
BarBee, Diane07:31:31 pm*
Yanez, Catalina07:31:35 pm*
{Norsten, Michelle}07:31:47 pmWhat types of services or resources do you utilize in your program when you suspect developmental delays in a child?
Minke, Nikkii07:32:08 pmHelp Me Grow
Buysse, Joy07:32:29 pmHelp me Grow, the special ed teachers at school
{Norsten, Michelle}07:32:54 pmHelp Me Grow is such a good resource, even just simply looking at their website can be helpful. But not a lot of parents know it exists or what it is.
Yanez, Catalina07:32:54 pmHelp me Grow
BarBee, Diane07:33:03 pmHelp me Grow and our resource department at our school.
Tackmann, Rachel07:33:17 pmhelp me grow andI feel reading books is key. asking questions bout the book, naming things to increase language
{Norsten, Michelle}07:33:43 pmCenter for Inclusive Childcare also has a lot of information and resources to share with families.
Tackmann, Rachel07:34:09 pmim going to check into that Michelle
{Norsten, Michelle}07:34:20 pmEngaging the children on a daily basis is huge Rachel, good point.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:34:50 pmThe school districts can be amazing as well and can offer services to all ages.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:34:59 pmGlad to hear Rachel.
Yanez, Catalina07:35:44 pmUnfortunately the waiting list is long and sometimes the kids don’t get the chance to go until they are in kindergarten
Minke, Nikkii07:35:47 pmMy school district not so much, but I’m sure that’s not true for all. Just my personal experience sadly.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:36:01 pmAlso, documentation is helpful when a delay is present. To share that information with families or if it is needed down the line in an evaluation.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:36:41 pmYes, those are good points too Catalina and Nikkii-it sometimes boils down to staffing like previously mentioned.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:36:52 pm*
Tackmann, Rachel07:36:53 pm*
Buysse, Joy07:36:53 pm*
BarBee, Diane07:36:54 pm*
Edmond, Kristin07:36:55 pm*
Minke, Nikkii07:37:12 pm*
Yanez, Catalina07:37:13 pm*
{Norsten, Michelle}07:37:24 pm Reflect 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.
Tackmann, Rachel07:39:09 pmI clearly state in my handout that all children are welcomed in my program. I usually have a conversation with parents and hopefully they will refer their child. I might do a referral along with the parent but i never do it alone
{Norsten, Michelle}07:39:39 pmGood thoughts Rachel, you're never alone in the process.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:40:24 pmCreating conversations with the families right from the start is very beneficial.
Buysse, Joy07:40:54 pmI do not have a policy. If I or the family notice some thing, we both document. We share our finding to see if they are similar. Then I give them resources to check into. I ask them if they are OK with the school sending someone out to observe and see if the see anything. They we go from that point on.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:41:47 pmThat sounds like the process I use as well Joy. Documentation is key, but so is strong communication.
BarBee, Diane07:41:44 pmI communicate with parents as soon
Minke, Nikkii07:42:10 pmWhen I believe a child needs a referral I show documentation that I have collected at a meeting/conference with the child’s guardians and I offer resources and my willingness to allow an assessment in my childcare since sometimes parents can’t miss work, they don’t see the issue that I see because of the setting, or they are more likely to follow through. I also push for their pre-K screening for ALL children as soon as possible.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:42:19 pmGood Diane.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:43:04 pmVery good points Nikkii and you're right, sometimes parents don't see what we see. That is why documentation is so important.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:43:24 pmI appreciate everyone's thoughtful responses tonight and participation. Our time is winding down.
Tackmann, Rachel07:43:29 pmI do too Nikkii. Get that PreK screening done and a lot of times they will note the areas of need
BarBee, Diane07:43:38 pmDocumentation is very important.
Yanez, Catalina07:43:50 pmWe just recommend taking the screening and they will help them with what is needed for the child
{Norsten, Michelle}07:44:00 pmWe meet again for a chat on Monday, December 9 @7:00pm.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:44:24 pmMost districts encourage screening at 3.5 to look for delays as well.
BarBee, Diane07:44:40 pmHave a good week. Keep warm and have fun!!
Buysse, Joy07:44:42 pmMy district screens at 3
Yanez, Catalina07:44:48 pmThank you for all the information, have a great rest of the week. See you next Monday
Tackmann, Rachel07:44:51 pmthanks Michelle
Minke, Nikkii07:44:53 pmThank you.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:45:00 pmI will stay online for a few minutes in case you have any questions. And Also: Discussion Board: Initial Post is due Tuesday, December 2 by 11:59pm with at least 3 additional posts to other participants by Saturday, December 7 by 11:59pm. ● 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?
Buysse, Joy07:45:01 pmThank you
Edmond, Kristin07:45:27 pmThank you
{Norsten, Michelle}07:45:53 pmPlease respond to the discussion board question by tomorrow evening. I think I wrote the wrong date. December 3 please. Sorry about that.
BarBee, Diane07:46:23 pmThanks and good night.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:47:10 pmAnd thank you everyone! I look forward to reading everyone's responses and "see" you next week. Please also reply to three additional questions by Saturday.
{Norsten, Michelle}07:47:21 pmGood night!