Early Childhood Learning Kits
In an effort to assist teachers with fostering emerging literacy and math skills in young children, the T/TAC at VCU has purchased and augmented new early childhood learning kits. The kits are theme-based and contain material
Children and adults with developmental delays have benefited from the use of augmentative and alternative
communication (AAC) systems to develop language skills necessary for more generative and functional communication.
Beginning communicators however, have historically been considered too young or too pre-linguistic
and therefore have not been introduced to AAC systems until behaviors, thought to be prerequisites,
have been noted. Recent research and theories about early communication development have challenged this
traditional practice and broadened the scope of what is considered to be AAC. Practitioners and parents unfamiliar
with early AAC options may not recognize possible applications of communication strategies used with
typically developing children and older persons with developmental disabilities. AAC is applicable at all ages
for learning communication roles and behaviors as well as for functional communication for persons who do
not yet demonstrate clear referential symbol use. This article addresses nine questions that are frequently asked
about early introduction of AAC systems to children under 3 years of age. Rationales and strategies are provided
that can assist early interventionists and parents in considering AAC options for children at risk for being
unintelligible or non-speaking.
This website provides guidelines for early intervention to maximize the language and communication development of young children with special needs including infants, toddlers, preschoolers. The website provides:
Step-by-step guidelines for early interv
This website provides guidelines for early intervention to maximize the language and communication development of young children with special needs including infants, toddlers, preschoolers. The website provides: Step-by-step guidelines for early interven
This site presents training, resources, and information related to early communication assessment and instruction for students with significant disabilities. It is part of a larger effort to address the needs of students with significant disabilities who participate in the alternate assessment across the state of North Carolina. The goal of the larger project is to provide educators with the training, resources, and support they need to meet the needs of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities across three critical domains: Academics, Communication, and Transition.
"PACER's Early Childhood Project is dedicated to providing parents of children with disabilities, ages birth through 5 years, the confidence, knowledge, and skills needed to help their children obtain the education, health care, and other services that are mandated by law."
"In an effort to assist teachers with fostering emerging literacy and math skills in young children, the T/TAC at VCU has purchased and augmented new early childhood learning kits. The kits are theme-based and contain materials that can be integrated within classroom centers to promote literacy and math skills. Assistive technology devices and adaptive materials have been added to the kits to assist teachers in helping all students access the materials."
"The Tots 'n Tech Research Institute (TnT) is an inter-university collaboration between Thomas Jefferson University (TJU), Philadelphia and Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe. TnT's mission is to provide up-to-date information and resources about adaptations, including assistive technology, to use with infants and toddlers for states, Early Intervention providers of all disciplines, and families across the country. In order to achieve this mission, TnT provides technical assistance to states to help them enhance the use of adaptations with infants and toddlers and conducts a national research program about use of adaptations and assistive technology (AT)"
"Since 1993, the Screen Actors Guild Foundation has been committed to championing children's literacy. 'Storyline Online' features professional actors reading notable children's books and extending supplemental activities for each book co-developed by an early literacy specialist. Content is available online 24/7 free of charge -- and ultimately is intended to ensure that every child with Internet access can be read (and enjoy the benefits of) a bedtime story."
The titles in the Piano and Laylee Learning Adventures Series are valuable resources for educators and parents wanting to introduce digital citizenship concepts to children aged 5-9. Designed to be read to and shared with early readers, the books follow the adventures of two adorable puppies who learn how to be safe and responsible while using technology. These petite books (4x6 inches) are perfect for classroom lessons on digital citizenship or for starting conversations at home. Charming, full-color illustrations help children grasp even difficult concepts.
Augmentative Communication
and Early Intervention
Myths and Realities
MaryAnn Romski, PhD, CCC-SLP; Rose A. Sevcik, PhD
The use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services and supports with infants
and young children has been limited, owing to a number of myths about the appropriateness of
AAC use with this population. This article will provide an overview of some of the myths that
have hampered the inclusion of AAC into early intervention service delivery and refutes them. It
will then examine some of the realities that must be considered when delivering AAC services
and supports to young children
The Bridge is an early literacy and language assessment framework based on observation and portfolio development/analysis. Several documents including an experimental version of the Bridge Assessment Tool can be downloaded by clicking on the files below.
"This website is dedicated to promoting early tactile literacy among blind and severely visually impaired children in their preschool years, and for emerging Braille readers. "