Overview
The Step Up AT Tele-Training toolkit is a technology-based resource to support early childhood educators in their implementation of assistive technology practices. We will demonstrate how we are using technology-based tools to train site-based or district-based teacher support personnel to coach early childhood teachers and assistants in the use of evidence-based AT to support learning. Additionally, we will describe the Step Up AT practice-based coaching framework to create a collaborative partnership with teachers that builds on their AT knowledge and skills. Lastly, we will discuss key findings and lessons learned from our pilot study in three Head Start classrooms.
Session Content Disclosure: This course focused on the Step Up AT Tele-Training module developed by the University of Miami's Mailman Center for Child Development as part of an OSEP grant research project and its implementation in three Head Start classrooms. There will be little or no information given about other similar resources or materials.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate three evidence-based technological tools used to enhance the professional development of teachers' use of AT practices to support early learning outcomes.
- Describe three key features of practice-based coaching that school-based coaches can use to foster collaborative partnerships with teachers and build upon teachers' prior knowledge of and experience with AT.
- Discuss three key findings of the Step Up AT Tele-Training pilot study that was implemented in three Head Start classrooms.
Strand(s)
Education & Learning: Early Intervention - 12/Higher Education; Leadership
Target Audience
- AT Specialists
- Communication Specialist
- Consultants/Trainers
- Educators
- Paraprofessionals
- Special Education Educators
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Teachers of the Visually Impaired
- Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing
- Visual Impairment Specialists
Experience Level
Intermediate
Primary Life Cycle Addressed
Birth - PreK
Session Delivery Format
In-person presentation with live-stream
Course Schedule
This course was given at the ATIA 2022 Conference on Thursday, Jan 27: 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM (EST)
Continuing Education Credits
For Satisfactory Completion and Continuing Education information, please visit: ATIA Learning Center CEUs
This course is offered for the following CE Provider Credits:
ACVREP; AOTA; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours.
This course was approved by CRCC for CRC CEUs and was included in the ATIA CRC AT in Education & Higher Education Series (2023-2024). This series offering was available from March 7, 2023, through March 6, 2024.
ASHA CE Information: Recorded Session
Start date of ASHA CEUs offering: January 13, 2023
End date of ASHA CEUs offering: October 31, 2023
Speaker/s:
Michelle Schladant
University of Miami Mailman Center, Assistant Director and Professor
Biography
Dr. Schladant is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Miami's Mailman Center for Child Development. Dr. Schladant is also RESNA certified assistive technology professional specializing in the implementation of assistive technology interventions for individuals with disabilities and their families and is the project director for the center's assistive technology program. Presently, she is the principal/co-investigator for several grants focused on assistive technology and is principal investigator for a leadership-training program for young adults with disabilities. Dr. Schladant completed her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Miami and has 23 years of experience in special education and assistive technology service delivery. Dr. Schladant teaches graduate courses and extensively presents on topics related to the provision of assistive technology service delivery for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan. Her research interests include the use of augmentative and alternative communication systems for children with autism and fragile X syndrome, as well as assistive technology interventions to support learning for individuals with neurodevelopmental and related disorders.
Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from employment. I am employed by the University of Miami.
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No
Austin Garilli
University of Miami's Mailman Center for Child Development, Project Manager
Biography
Dr. Austin Garilli is a program manager of curriculum and training for the Step Up AT Tele-Training Toolkit grant (OSEP) under the direction of Michelle Schladant at the University of Miami's Mailman Center for Child Development. She is a state-certified teacher of the gifted with credentials for school administration. Dr. Garilli has almost 20 years of experience in the classroom working with gifted students, some of whom also had special needs. Additionally, she served as her school site's professional development liaison with the district for 10 years, streamlining the delivery of continuing education for her faculty. At the University of Miami, she helped lead a program evaluation team in the School of Education and Human Development specializing in school-based educational initiatives. She received her Ph.D. in educational leadership.
Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from employment
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No