Best Practice
Application for Recognition in Best Practice
Best Practice applications are sent and made available to all early intervention programs serving children with disabilities and their families in the state of Kansas. A panel of professionals in the field of early intervention then reviews the completed applications. The programs identified are awarded a certificate of recognition and $1,250 to use as an added resource.
The Part C Best Practice Application Packet includes six documents:
- Application Memorandum
- Application Cover Page
- Application Guidance
- Application Outline
- ICC Position Statement on Provision of Early Intervention and Early Chidhood Special Education Services
- Application Review Criteria
In order to be considered, a complete application must:
- Inlcude 1 original and 4 copies
- Applications are considered in January of each year
For a Part C Best Practice Application Packet email kskits@ku.edu.
Programs Recognized for Best Practice in Early Childhood Services
Application of Best Practice in Early Childhood Intervention
Each year the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Inservice Training System, based on applications from across the state, recognize early intervention/tiny-k programs for the application of best practices related to their services. These applications reflect interventions or services that are conducted in a manner consistent with the DEC Recommended Practices in the field of early intervention. As in the past, early intervention programs had the opportunity to submit an application that focused on one area from a number of program components. These applications were reviewed by professionals from across the state and considered for recognition.
2019-2020 Award
Hays Area Children’s Center
Hays Area Children’s Center is recognized for the utilization of technology to meet service challenges and needs of children in their program with identified speech or language delays. Following a review of the literature on utilization of telehealth distance technology, the Children’s Center instituted a program focusing on the delivery of speech language services through interactive video technology software. Following the review and training of staff, distance technology was used to deliver speech services within the primary service provider (PSP) model. The PSP was in the home with family while a video link through zoom was used to connect with a speech pathologist. This model was used in response to needs of children and addressing staffing needs of the program.
Contact: Jennifer Oborny, Hays Area Children’s Center, 94 Lewis Dr., Hays, KS 67601, phone: 785-625-3257, email: jennifero@hacc.info
Reno County Infant/Toddler Program
Reno County Infant/Toddler Program is recognized for their systematic review and redesign of their public awareness and child find activities. This program identified as a part of their program’s systemic improvement plan the desire to identify children earlier creating the opportunity to begin services earlier. They conducted a thoughtful, specific, and analytical analysis of their screening data by geographic area and referral source. Through this inquiry specific gaps in their public awareness and child find program were identified. In response a multi-approach initiative was implemented to increase referrals and lower the age of children identified. This included strategies to address screening activities in underserved areas of their service area, specific identification of new community partners, targeting physicians for referrals, and updating of program public awareness materials. This effort of identifying children earlier, which results in additional time in intervention, is intended to improve their early childhood outcome scores.
Contact: Val Shober, Reno County Infant/Toddler Program, 303 E. Bigger, Hutchinson, KS 67501, phone: 620-615-5850, email: shoberv@usd308.com
2018-2019 Award
Salina Regional Health Center Infant-Child Development Program
Salina Regional Health Center Infant-Child Development Program is recognized for the application of best practice in utilization of a focus book study as a strategy for staff professional development. This activity supported the development of both knowledge and skills of staff which were then transferred to practice in the implementation of the primary service provider approach. The local leadership team conducted joint visit to ensure application of new practices. This program thoughtfully implemented the book study, referenced their study to the DEC Recommended Practices, set ground rules for the implementation of the study, and developed specific plans for implementation in their practice with children and families.
Contact: Joyce Trower, Salina Regional Health Center Infant-Child Development, 155 N. Oakdale Ave., Suite 300, Salina, KS 67401. phone: 785-452-6044, email: jtrower@srhc.com
TARC tiny-k Program
TARC tiny-k Program is recognized for the application of best practice in the design, fabrication, and assembly of seating systems for children. The utilization of the Adaptive Designs approach to cardboard seating systems provides an efficient and cost effect approach to seating challenges. The thought of cardboard seating systems may seem strange, however when done appropriately is safe, strong, stable, and can be made kid friendly and attractive. This approach allows the tiny-k program to be flexible in using easily accessible materials to design and adapt seating. This also allows the adaptation of existing seating in the child’s home.
Contact: Kelly Frantz-Langford, TARC tiny-k, 2701 Randolph Ave., Topeka, KS 66611.
phone: 785-232-0597, email: kfrantz@tarcinc.org
2018-2019 Award
Salina Regional Health Center Infant-Child Development Program
Salina Regional Health Center Infant-Child Development Program is recognized for the application of best practice in utilization of a focus book study as a strategy for staff professional development. This activity supported the development of both knowledge and skills of staff which were then transferred to practice in the implementation of the primary service provider approach. The local leadership team conducted joint visit to ensure application of new practices. This program thoughtfully implemented the book study, referenced their study to the DEC Recommended Practices, set ground rules for the implementation of the study, and developed specific plans for implementation in their practice with children and families.
Contact: Joyce Trower, Salina Regional Health Center Infant-Child Development, 155 N. Oakdale Ave., Suite 300, Salina, KS 67401. phone: 785-452-6044, email: jtrower@srhc.com
TARC tiny-k Program
TARC tiny-k Program is recognized for the application of best practice in the design, fabrication, and assembly of seating systems for children. The utilization of the Adaptive Designs approach to cardboard seating systems provides an efficient and cost effect approach to seating challenges. The thought of cardboard seating systems may seem strange, however when done appropriately is safe, strong, stable, and can be made kid friendly and attractive. This approach allows the tiny-k program to be flexible in using easily accessible materials to design and adapt seating. This also allows the adaptation of existing seating in the child’s home.
Contact: Kelly Frantz-Langford, TARC tiny-k, 2701 Randolph Ave., Topeka, KS 66611.
phone: 785-232-0597, email: kfrantz@tarcinc.org
2017-2018 Award
Salina Regional Health Center Infant-Child Development Program
Salina Regional Health Center Infant-Child Development Program is recognized for the application of best practice in utilization of a focus book study as a strategy for staff professional development. This activity supported the development of both knowledge and skills of staff which were then transferred to practice in the implementation of the primary service provider approach. The local leadership team conducted joint visit to ensure application of new practices. This program thoughtfully implemented the book study, referenced their study to the DEC Recommended Practices, set ground rules for the implementation of the study, and developed specific plans for implementation in their practice with children and families.
Contact: Joyce Trower, Salina Regional Health Center Infant-Child Development, 155 N. Oakdale Ave., Suite 300, Salina, KS 67401. phone: 785-452-6044, email: jtrower@srhc.com
TARC tiny-k Program
TARC tiny-k Program is recognized for the application of best practice in the design, fabrication, and assembly of seating systems for children. The utilization of the Adaptive Designs approach to cardboard seating systems provides an efficient and cost effect approach to seating challenges. The thought of cardboard seating systems may seem strange, however when done appropriately is safe, strong, stable, and can be made kid friendly and attractive. This approach allows the tiny-k program to be flexible in using easily accessible materials to design and adapt seating. This also allows the adaptation of existing seating in the child’s home.
Contact: Kelly Frantz-Langford, TARC tiny-k, 2701 Randolph Ave., Topeka, KS 66611. phone: 785-232-0597, email: kfrantz@tarcinc.org
2016-2017 Award
Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County
Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County (ITS of JC) is recognized for the application of best practice in utilization of the teaming within the Primary Service Provider Approach. Through active collaboration and shared responsibility each team member supports others in the application of the primary service provider model. The framework for team meetings consists of logistics, facilitations, and participation interactions style. These components are identified as critical factors in successful team planning and meetings. This program has set aside specific time and resource that allows each of their identified intervention teams to meet and consult with each other as they build capacity of each member to support families and provide intervention in everyday routines and activities.
Contact: Monica Ross, Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County, 6400 Glenwood, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66202, phone: 913-432-2900 ext. 123, email: monica.ross@itsjc.org
2015-2016 Award
Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County
Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County (ITS of JC) is recognized for the application of best practice in utilization of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) through the primary service provider approach. ITS of JC carefully selected the ESDM for intervention with children with autism. This selection was followed by establishment of a set of specific criteria for selection of staff who would receive intensive training on the model, which was then followed by focused training for additional staff. The program embeds intervention in the child's and family's daily routines and activities through active engagement of the families and the primary service provider model. Print materials also support the intervention. The entire program staff is committed to the fidelity of application and adherence to the ESDM.
Contact: Monica Helfer, Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County, 6400 Glenwood, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66202, phone: 913-432-2900 email: monica.helfer@itsjc.org
2014-2015 Award
Part C – Early Intervention tiny-k Program
Wyandotte County Infant Toddler Services
The Wyandotte County Infant Toddler Services was recognized for the application of best practice in partnering with other community programs in collaboration and coordination of early intervention services. This program has developed and fostered extensive outreach efforts to other community service providers to enhance and expand their services. These efforts have resulted in increased communication, removed barriers, and increased the number of children and families served. Further, staff engaged in shared activities across agencies to increase the awareness of the work of each of the partner organizations.
Contact: Scott Kedrowski, Wyandotte County Infant Toddler Services, USD 500, 2220 N. 59th St., Suite 114, Kansas City, KS 66104, phone: 913-627-5510
Part B – Early Childhood Preschool Programs
Ottawa School District
The Ottawa School District was recognized for the provision of services for young children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Grounded in a strong philosophical base and referenced to the early childhood outcomes, the district progressed through a number of identified steps to create a continuum of services focusing on LRE. Services have been transformed from self-contained classrooms to services within typical preschool classrooms. The program is referenced to the Kansas Early Learning Guidelines and supported by an evidenced-based curriculum that is supplemented by a specific curriculum for social skills development. Additionally, a mentor supports new staff and specific time is designed for staff to meet and plan. This transformation is in "recognition that without appropriate peer models in a typical preschool classroom, effective outcomes for students with disabilities are improbable at best".
Contact: Daniel Wray, Ottawa School District 290, Early Childhood Education, 1404 Ash St., Ottawa, KS 66067, phone: 785-229-8110
Shawnee Mission School District
The Shawnee Mission School District was recognized for the application of technology in the education of preschool age students with disabilities. This program has implemented the use of video modeling to support the learning and skill acquisition of children with autism. Through the application of this identified evidence–based practice, the staff of the Shawnee Mission Instructional Support Center have supported student skill development in a variety of developmental areas. The video modeling strategy has resulted in positive progress by individual students on their Individualized Education Plans.
Contact: Lea Ann Combs, Shawnee Mission School District, Shawnee Mission Instructional Support Center, 9700 W 96th St. Shawnee Mission, KS 66212-5199, phone: 913-993-6200
2013-2014 Award
Part C – Early Intervention tiny-k Program
Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County
The Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County (ITSJC) is recognized for the application of best practice in partnering with community child care programs for child find and screening services. ITSJC has developed and fostered an extensive program of reaching out to the child care community to enhance and expand their screening services. One of the ITSJC staff has focused job responsibilities to guide these services, interact with child care providers, and conduct screening in community settings. This program also utilizes online support for management of the screening information.
Contact: Amy Owens, Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County, 6400 Glenwood, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS, 66202, phone: 913-432-2900 ext.104.
Shawnee County tiny-k Program at TARC
The Shawnee County tiny-k Program at TARC is recognized for the application of best practice in partnering with community services to support parents. TARC's infant toddler program has developed a collaborative partnership with their CDDO to engage community services in support of individual and specific family needs. These community services are designed to support parents with intellectual disabilities and families that can benefit from respite services. In addition, in the effort to support and strengthen family engagement, a training event focused on parent and professional partnerships was conducted.
Contact: Kathy Johnson, Shawnee Co. tiny-k at TARC, 2701 SW Randolph, Topeka, KS, 66611, phone: 785-232-0597.
Part B – Early Childhood Preschool Programs
Early Childhood Program of the Wamego Special Services Cooperative
The Early Childhood Program of the Wamego Special Services Cooperative is recognized for development of a focused program evaluation plan that has led to significant changes and resulted in program improvement. The program first reviewed their core beliefs related to services for children and families. Based on this review, staff identified specific goals they wanted to achieve regarding improvements in their services and then monitored progress toward those goals. Paired with this work was the implementation of a comprehensive staff development program to support skill development and application of those skills in the everyday work environment.
Contact: Rebekah Helget, Special Services Cooperative Early Childhood Programs, 510 East Hwy 24, Wamego, KS 66547, phone: 785-456-9195.
2012-2013 Award
Part C – Early Intervention tiny-k Program
Rainbows United, Inc., Sedgwick County Infant/Toddler Program
The Rainbows United, Inc., Sedgwick County Infant/Toddler Program is recognized for the application of best practice in the area of professional development for new employees. Rainbows United designed a training program for all new staff that has an identified orientation, sequence of training events/activities, and identified outcomes for the new employee to complete. Through a series of scheduled readings, observations, joint home visits with experienced professionals, and feedback by seasoned staff, new staff are mentored over a sixty-day orientation. Following successful completion of this training period, the new staff member is then assigned his or her own children and families with whom to work.
Contact: Debbie Mai, Rainbows United, Inc., 2258 Lakeway Circle, Wichita, KS, 67205, phone: 316-945-7117 ext. 134.
Part B – Early Childhood Preschool Programs
Blue Valley Early Childhood Apple Tree Program of the Blue Valley School District
The Blue Valley Early Childhood Apple Tree Program of the Blue Valley School District is recognized for the application of web-based technology in supporting parents to engage their child in play and support their child's development. This program is designed as a bridge between home and school with the overall outcome of providing an on-demand, flexible, and supportive system for delivering activities and materials parents can use to engage their child. The website, which is the backbone of this project, is open to all parents of Blue Valley early childhood programs. The activities on the website have been linked to the Kansas Early Childhood Standards and are designed to promote engagement and social interaction.
Contact: Nancy Miller, Blue Valley Public Schools, 14950 Newton Drive, Overland, Park, KS, 66283, phone: 913-239-4328.
2011-2012 Award
Part C – Early Intervention tiny-k Program
Pottawatomie/Wabaunsee Infant-Toddler Services
The Pottawatomie/Wabaunsee Infant-Toddler Services are recognized for application of best practice in the area of professional development. This program is using the medium of video recording in the development of colleague-to-colleague coaching and performance feedback. Through the use of video, professionals partner with peers to reflect on their early intervention practices while focusing on strengths of each other and building trusting working relationships. This program uses the primary coaching model while focusing on skills of staff in working with families.
Contact: Anna Nippert, Pottawatomie/Wabaunsee Infant-Toddler Services, 510 E Hwy 24, Wamego, KS 66547, phone: 785-456-7366.
Part B – Early Childhood Preschool Programs
Teaching Intensive Programming and Play Skills - Early Childhood Special Education Program of the Olathe Public School District
The Teaching Intensive Programming and Play Skills - Early Childhood Special Education Program of the Olathe Public School District is recognized for the application of the principles of a continuum of services and least restrictive environments for young children with autism. This program is designed with the overall goal of preparing children with autism to be prepared to enter their neighborhood school when they reach kindergarten. Based on the individual strengths and needs of each child the early childhood program provided the necessary level of support for the child to be successful. Each component of this program is designed to support each child in the service program that is least restrictive and meeting their learning goals while progressively moving to an inclusionary service setting.
Contact: Carol Affholder, Early Childhood Special Education Services, Olathe Public Schools, 1700 W Sheridan, Olathe, KS 66061, phone: 913-780-7403.
Jackson Heights Early Childhood Special Education Class
The Jackson Heights Early Childhood Special Education Class is recognized for application of best practice in the Developmentally Appropriate Activities in Pre-Science. The Kids Investigating and Discovering Science program was developed through a strong partnership with the school's administration as well as the high school science class. This innovative program for fostering pre-science skills with preschool age children has specifically identified outcomes for the preschool age children as well as their high school learning partners. The program's outcomes reflect the Kansas Early Learning Guidelines and are designed to foster social/emotional skill development as well as foundational concepts for science pre-academic skills.
Contact: Kay Smith, Jackson Heights Early Childhood Special Education Services, 12763 266th Rd, Holton, KS 66436, phone: 785-364-8162.
2010-2011 Award
Cottonwood Elementary Early Childhood Special Education Program
The Cottonwood Elementary Early Childhood Special Education Program in Paola, a program of the East Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative, was recognized for application of best practices in the area of transition from Part C to Part B. This program, based on a review of the literature on transition and based on their state transition data, made the decision to focus resources on improving their transition practices. Program staff invested time in applying information from the literature review in clearly defined activities related to transition. Their emphasis concentrated on improving communication and information sharing with families to improve transition and to address concerns of families early in the transition process. Activities focused on improved family-friendly documents for parents to read, a brochure with identified timeline and activities but individualized for each child and family, and an evaluation of the process through a family satisfaction survey.
Contact: Suzy Wilcox, Cottonwood Elementary Early Childhood Special Education Program, 302 N. Oak, Paola, KS 66071, phone: 913-294-2303.
Clearwater Elementary Preschool Clearwater USD #264
The Clearwater Elementary Preschool in Clearwater USD #264 was recognized for application of best practice in the area of integrated service delivery. This preschool, through a strong partnership of the school district and special education cooperative, implemented a program designed to meet the needs of all children, including children with and without disabilities, at an individual level and based on individual need. Through focused long-term planning and staff development, they transformed their services. Children's needs are met at an individual level with intentional instruction connected to their curriculum with integrated related services supporting all children. The program has also set in place a data system designed to allow ongoing review of services and programs. And finally, parents of the children have also been engaged to ensure effective communication between the school and home.
Contact: Dr. Diane Nickelson, Clearwater Elementary Preschool, P.O. Box 248, Clearwater, KS 67026, phone: 620-584-2091.
2010-2011 Award
Cottonwood Elementary Early Childhood Special Education Program
The Cottonwood Elementary Early Childhood Special Education Program in Paola, a program of the East Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative, was recognized for application of best practices in the area of transition from Part C to Part B. This program, based on a review of the literature on transition and based on their state transition data, made the decision to focus resources on improving their transition practices. Program staff invested time in applying information from the literature review in clearly defined activities related to transition. Their emphasis concentrated on improving communication and information sharing with families to improve transition and to address concerns of families early in the transition process. Activities focused on improved family-friendly documents for parents to read, a brochure with identified timeline and activities but individualized for each child and family, and an evaluation of the process through a family satisfaction survey.
Contact: Suzy Wilcox, Cottonwood Elementary Early Childhood Special Education Program, 302 N. Oak, Paola, KS 66071, phone: 913-294-2303.
Clearwater Elementary Preschool Clearwater USD #264
The Clearwater Elementary Preschool in Clearwater USD #264 was recognized for application of best practice in the area of integrated service delivery. This preschool, through a strong partnership of the school district and special education cooperative, implemented a program designed to meet the needs of all children, including children with and without disabilities, at an individual level and based on individual need. Through focused long-term planning and staff development, they transformed their services. Children's needs are met at an individual level with intentional instruction connected to their curriculum with integrated related services supporting all children. The program has also set in place a data system designed to allow ongoing review of services and programs. And finally, parents of the children have also been engaged to ensure effective communication between the school and home.
Contact: Dr. Diane Nickelson, Clearwater Elementary Preschool, P.O. Box 248, Clearwater, KS 67026, phone: 620-584-2091.
2009-2010 Award
Community-Based Preschool Program - Arma, Kansas
The community-based preschool program in Arma, Kansas, a multi-agency collaborative program of SEKInterlocal # 637, Arma School District, SEK-CAP Head Start, Southeast Kansas Education Service Center, Family Resource Center, Community Mental Health Center of Crawford County, and Expanded Foods and Nutrition Extension Program is recognized in the area of School/Community Collaboration. Over the past few years this program has undertaken and accomplished a change in the planning and delivery of preschool services. The program is based on a seamless service model and continuity of educational services for all preschool children in the community. The program was built on the unique strengths of each partner, which established this unique program that interfaces staff allocations, materials, and resources while serving children in an individually and developmentally appropriate preschool environment.
Contact Person: Debbie Potter, SEK Interlocal #637, 1600 N Walnut, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762, phone: 620-235-3152.
2008-2009 Award
Part B - Early Childhood Special Education Preschool Programs
SEK Interlocal #637 – Crawford County Preschool ProgramPittsburg, Kansas
The preschool program in Crawford County, a program of SEK Interlocal # 637, is recognized in the area of Transition from Preschool to Kindergarten for Children with Autism. This program has undertaken and accomplished a change in the planning and execution of supporting children with autism as they move from one educational program to their next program. They have instituted specifically focused planning for children with autism that incorporates individually tailored planning including a graduated transition. Specific strengths of the program are the sharing of staff across the preschool and kindergarten, collaboration across programs, shared training for personnel, and parent involvement.
Contact Person: Debbie Potter, SEK Interlocal #637, 1700 N. Locust, Pittsburg, KS 66762, phone: 620-235-3152.
High Plains Special Education Cooperative, Ulysses, Kansas
The preschool services of High Plains Special Education Cooperative are recognized in the area of Integrated Service Delivery Model. This program has significantly changed its model of service delivery for young children with disabilities to one that strives to keep children in the learning setting they would normally be if they did not have a disability. In addition, this program is implementing the evidence-based practice of primary coaching in their program for children ages three to five years of age. This effort has focused on one member of the educational team supporting the family or other teacher while receiving supports for other team members.
Contact Person: Shelly Harris, High Plains Education Cooperative, 621 E. Oklahoma Ulysses, KS 67880, phone: 620-356-5577.
Part C - Early Intervention Networks
Bright Beginnings of Butler County, El Dorado, Kansas
Bright Beginnings of Butler County is recognized in the area of Service Coordination that Supports Natural Environments. This program has altered its model of service delivery for Infants/Toddlers with disabilities and their families to implement the primary coaching model. The transitions to the model has greatly impacted the style and methods utilized by program staff for Service Coordination. Significant effort has yielded a system that is responsive to the needs of families and is built on the priorities of families. Systematic feedback from families has indicated the success of the service model.
Contact Person: Susan Harsh, Bright Beginnings of Butler County, 409 North Main, El Dorado, KS 67042-2039, phone: 316-320-1342.
Harvey County Infant/Toddler Program, Newton, Kansas
Harvey County Infant/Toddler Program received recognition for collaboration with community partners in the transition of children from the local hospital to services by the Infant/Toddler Program. This program has increased referrals and the identification of children in need of early intervention service through collaboration with community partners, and in some instances, the sharing of staff to meet the needs of families. This community has demonstrated that multiple agencies can work together to ensure positive outcomes for children. Additionally, jointly developed materials support the community in their communication and individualized planning for children and families. Contact Person: Marcia Friesen, Harvey County Infant/Toddler Program, 816 Oak Street, Newton, Kansas 67114, phone: 316-284-6510 ext. 1005.
tiny-k Early Intervention Program of Douglas County, Lawrence, Kansas
For over a year, the Douglas County tiny-k Early Intervention Program has conducted a unique staff development program that relies on their internal staff to conduct focused training on identified staff needs. The program has not required additional funds to support, as many of the identified needs can be address by team members. This program has set aside staff meeting time to consistently conduct training that supports consistent application of evidence based practices and has become a part of the routine work experience. When training is accessed outside of the program, each staff member has the responsibility to bring back information and share it with the team.
Contact Person: Dena Bracciano, tiny-k early intervention of Douglas County, 2619 W. 6th, #B, Lawrence, Kansas 66049, phone: 785-843-3059.
2006-2007 Award
Bryant Core Knowledge Magnet Pre-Kindergarten of the Wichita Unified School District #259
The Bryant Core Knowledge Magnet Pre-Kindergarten of the Wichita Unified School District #259 is recognized in the area of Inclusionary Practices. This program through an identified need, staff development, and planning process has modified their program to meet individual student needs through the inclusion of children with disabilities into the regular education setting. The educational staff have individualized teaching practices to meet IEP goals, based instruction on an identified curriculum, and accomplished this in classrooms with a predominance of typically developing children. This program also uses a team teaching approach to meet the educational needs of all children.
Contact Person: Alicia Whitbeck, Bryant Core Knowledge Magnet Pre-K, 4702 W 9th, Wichita, KS 67212, phone: 316-973-9700.
Preschool Program of the Kansas City, Kansas school system
The Preschool Program of the Kansas City, Kansas school system is recognized in the area of Systems Change. This school district has undertaken and accomplished a change in the delivery of early childhood special education on a system wide basis. They have incorporated a number of critical attributes in making this change including input by stakeholders in the process, modification of learning settings and teaching strategies and support by administration including significant financial resources and time of those administrators in adoption of specific classrooms.
Contact Person: Claudia Shannon, Kansas City Kansas Preschool Program, 4601 State Ave., Suite 38, Kansas City, KS 66102, phone: 913-627-4811.
Part C - Early Intervention Network Recognized for Application of Best Practice
Shawnee County Infant Toddler Services or tiny-k network associated with TARC, Inc
The Shawnee County Infant Toddler Services or tiny-k network associated with TARC, Inc has been awarded this recognition based upon their utilization of a coaching model for delivery of early intervention services to children and families they service. The model is based on extensive evidence of its effectiveness in promoting positive outcomes for very young children with disabilities and their families. A primary interventionist/coach works with a family to support development and attainment in reaching outcomes on the Family’s Individual Service Plan. Further, this program has worked with collaborating community programs to implement the model.
Contact person: Cathie Hutchins, Shawnee County Infant Toddler, TARC, Inc., 2701 SW Randolph Avenue., Topeka, KS 66611, phone: 785-232-0597.
2005-2006 Award
Haysville Early Childhood Program of the Haysville Unified School District #261
The Haysville Early Childhood Program of the Haysville Unified School District #261 is recognized in the area of family centered services. This program, through the use of a needs assessment, staff development, and planning, has modified their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process to be family centered and family guided. Through communication with families in identification of family routines, strengths and concerns regarding their child, an IEP is developed that focuses on the priorities of families. The result of this process has led to a stronger relationship between the program and families they serve.
Contact Person: Carla Heintz, Early Childhood Coordinator, 1745 W. Grand, Haysville, KS 67060, phone: 316-554-2233.
Manhattan-Ogden Public Schools, Unified School District #383
The Manhattan-Ogden Public Schools, Unified School District #383 is recognized in the area of transition practices from preschool to kindergarten. This process has been in development for a number of years and has resulted in a seamless system for transition of children to kindergarten. Through involvement of families, cross observation of programs by staff from the preschool and kindergarten, and systematic follow-up children are successfully transitioned across educational experiences and settings.
Contact Person: Pam Russell, Director of Special Services, 2031 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS, 66502, phone: 785-587-2000.
Northeast Kansas Education Service Center Early Childhood Program
The Northeast Kansas Education Service Center Early Childhood Program is recognized for application of an evidence-based practice. This award focuses on the utilization of the LEAP Model as a basis for the development of social interaction and communication skills by preschool children. Through a needs assessment, planning and strong administrative support this peer mediated intervention strategy has lead to significant changes in programming for all of the children served by this program.
Contact Person: Sheila Smith, 1220 Walnut Street, Oskaloosa, KS, 66066, phone: 785-863-3410.
Part C - Early Intervention Network Recognized for Application of Best Practice
Flint Hills Special Education Cooperative
The tiny-k network associated with the Flint Hills Special Education Cooperative has been awarded this recognition based upon their two year transition to utilization of a coaching model for delivery of early intervention services to children and families they service. The model is based on extensive evidence of its effectiveness in promoting positive outcomes for very young children with disabilities and their families. A primary interventionist/coach works with a family to support development and attainment in reaching outcomes on the Family’s Individual Service Plan. Further, this program has worked with collaborating community programs to implement the model.
Contact person: Elizabeth McCoy, tiny-k Network, Flint Hills Special Education Cooperative, 1700 W 7th Avenue, Emporia, KS 66801, phone: 620-341-2325.
2004-2005 Award
Haysville Early Childhood Program of the Haysville Unified School District #261
The Haysville Early Childhood Program of the Haysville Unified School District #261 is recognized in the area of integrated service delivery. This program through planning and integration of therapies into ongoing activities of the classroom and working within the curriculum meets the educational goals of their children. This program also has a parent resource room that is staffed two afternoons a week. Focus and careful preparation is clearly an important part of the program and is evidenced by the fact that paraprofessionals are paid to participate in planning time, specific time is set aside for weekly team meetings and monthly the planning for the program includes teachers, therapists, administrators and finance personnel. The transdisciplinary nature of the team approach used with therapy integration and the emphasis on staff training/planning make these program components exemplary.
Contact Person: Carla Heintz, Early Childhood Coordinator, 1745 W. Grand, Haysville, KS 67060, phone: 316-554-2233.
2003-2004 Award
McPherson Early Childhood Special Education Program, a part of McPherson County Special Education Cooperative
The McPherson Early Childhood Special Education Program, a part of McPherson County Special Education Cooperative, is recognized for its efforts in providing preschool services for children with disabilities in inclusionary environments. Over the past few years, the staff have planned in collaboration with community partners, conducted needs assessments, and systematically moved and dispersed their program into the community settings with typically developing children. This has been accomplished through creative use of staff, funds, and materials and has lead to a community capacity building effort to support young children and their families.
Contact: Marguerite Hornback, Early Childhood Center, 128 N Park, McPherson, KS 67460, phone: 620-241-9590.
Part C Early Intervention Network Recognized for Exemplary Practice
Infant/Toddler Program of the Douglas County ICC
The Infant/Toddler Program of the Douglas County ICC is recognized in the area of service delivery/intervention that supports services in natural environments. This program working with multiple community partners has gone through a transformation in attitudes and practices over the last few years. They identified barriers that prevented quality services resulting in a plan to effectively provide intervention services in a true transdisciplinary model. Through this model they are effective in working with families in their normal environments and daily routines.
Contact Person: Dena Bracciano, Douglas County Infant-Toddler Coordinating Council, 2619 W. 6th Street, Suite B, Lawrence, KS 66049, phone: 785-843-3059.
Infant/Toddler Program of the Hays Area Children’s Center
The Infant/Toddler Program of the Hays Area Children’s Center is recognized in the area of service delivery/intervention that supports services in natural environments. This program, in collaboration with community partners, has developed a well planned and executed service model that has made a significant investment in training of diverse partners to support children with disabilities in environments with typically developing children. This effort has relied on multiple avenues to strengthen partners to better serve all children and develop a community system.
Contact Person: Doug Greer, Hays Area Children’s Center - Infant/Toddler Program, 94 Lewis Drive, Hays, KS 67601, phone: 785-625-3257.
2002-2003 Award
Early Childhood Center in McPherson
The Early Childhood Center in McPherson is recognized for their effort in the development of a curriculum that is both appropriate to young children’s development and sensitive to the needs of individual children. In addition to being developmentally and individually appropriate, the curriculum is also aligned with the standards and outcomes of different governing bodies.
Contact Person: Marguerite Hornback, Early Childhood Center, 128 N Park, McPherson, KS, 67460, phone: 620-241-9590.
Early Education Center, a program of the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative
The Early Education Center, a program of the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative, receives recognition for its efforts in school/community collaboration. Specifically,this program is recognized for the administrative structure set in place to assure the review and ongoing development of the preschool program. This program, developed in association with the Community Playschool –Board of Directors, represents four local churches that collaborate for the delivery of preschool services. The administrators of the school district program and the Board of Directors have developed a written interagency agreement and meet quarterly to assure the ongoing development and review of preschool services.
Contact: Mary Beasley, Early Childhood Center, 218 E. 7th , Newton, KS 67114, phone: 316-284-6510.
Early Childhood Special Education Program of SEK Interlocal 637
The Early Childhood Special Education Program of SEK Interlocal 637 receives recognition for parent participation in screening activities. Initially, following the collection of survey information from parents, the screening process utilized by preschool staff was modified to make the process more friendly for families. Currently, parents are involved in the screening process through active participation in providing information to program staff during a play-based screening and providing feedback for improvement to the screening process.
Contact: Deborah Potter, SEK Interlocal 637, 1700 N Locust, Pittsburg, KS 66762, phone: 620-235-3152.