What:
Families in Partnership Inc. is gearing up for the 6th annual Families in Partnership Early Childhood Fair (formerly The Prenatal to Five Fair). We are looking for community resources who might want to participate by entering to have a table with information and children's activities. The theme for the fair is "Plant a seed and watch it grow." The idea of the early childhood fair is to provide community resources, in one location, at one time, at no cost. The fair is met to be fun, but informational and connect young families to needed community resources. A few of the many opportunities available at the fair are a kids zumba class (MAC), Libby Fire Department puppet show, Frontier Communications kids fingerprint kits, Quasadillas by Rosita's, face painting and more. There are no fees for having a table at the fair, but we require that you do not sell anything at your table; rather, offer free information and children's activities. When:
Saturday, April 28, 2012 Contact:
Call Karen at 293-6242 or email at karenm1993@yahoo.com for more information and to sign up to have a table.

Click here to register for this webinar What:
This webinar will explore the unique nature of dropout prevention and recovery in rural communities and feature two community mobilization strategies that that have resulted in increased support for this critical work. When:
Thursday, May 3, 2012 
11:30am - 1:00pm Mountain Contact:
Monica Melville at mmelville@mahernet.com if you need registration assistance.

Click here to download the full brochure and conference schedule What:
Stepping into the tension between what it takes to support people in community jobs and delivering typical day services can be daunting. Working together to explore why employment is a priority in supporting adults with developmental disabilities to have meaningful lives, and how the current day support system can move forward in increasing employment outcomes for people with developmental disabilities in Montana. We will revisit fundamental aspects of the disability system related to employment to illustrate how we've arrived at the system challenges we have in 2012. Session Goals: Provide an overview of employment outcomes and issues at the national level Provide an overview of current best practice Provide a context for resource allocation and engaging providers, individuals and families in discussion about employment options Audience: Central Office staff, Case managers/Support Coordinators, Quality Management Staff When:
Thursday, April 26, 2012
8:30am - 4:00pm Mountain Where:
Holiday Inn Downtown Helena
22 N Last Chance Gulch
Helena, MT

Click here to download the full brochure for this event (PDF) What is Parents Advocating for Kids (PAK): The purpose of Montana PAK is to develop a monthly forum for parents to collaborate and receive information about special education advocacy and the federal/state laws that protect their children. In addition, PAK aims to provide a public medium to discuss educational concerns and to raise awareness about the scope of services, as well as local resources, which are available for children. The meeting is open and free to the public. The two hours will be divided into portions dedicated to open discussion and a presentation on legal rights in special education. RSVPs are not required to attend the meeting, but mandatory if child care is needed. Who are PAK Meetings for: Parents, guardians or family members of a child who is receiving special education services; Parents of a child who is struggling in school due to behavioral or emotional issues or who just seems to have a hard time learning; Parents, guardians or family members who suspect their child might have a learning disability or other condition that is causing him or her to have difficulty in school; Parents, guardians or family members who wish to improve their understanding of special education so they may better advocate at IEP meetings. When: Saturday, May 5, 2012 10:00am - 12:00pm Where: 305 West Mercury Street Butte, MT For more information or to RSVP: Contact PLUK at 406-255-0540 or email info@pluk.org.

What:
This annual event will feature interesting speakers on early childhood topics and will celebrate all we do in Missoula to support families with young children. When:
Thursday, April 26th, 2012
11:30am - 1:30pm Mountain Where:
City Life Teen Center
1515 Fairview
Missoula, MT Contact:
Susan Barmeyer
Healthy Start Council
406-721-3000, ext. 1022
sbarmeyer@co.missoula.mt.us

Click here to download the brochure for this event What:
In this session, we will learn the connection between behavior and communication. The participants will understand the methods of communication and the function of behaviors. Participants will also be given an overview of strategies for positive behavioral supports. In break-out sessions participants will integrate strategies for home, school, and community that will allow students with ASD to thrive. Who this training is for: General and Special Educators, Paraprofessionals, Agency Personnel, Parents and others who work with children with Autism. When:
Saturday, April 21, 2012

Where:
Hampton Inn
2301 14th Street Southwest
Great Falls, MT

Click here to register for this webinar

What:
This broadcast will incorporate the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Learn the Signs. Act Early. (LTSAE) messages as well as NYS specific resources to increase awareness about LTSAE and importance of understanding developmental milestones and making appropriate and timely referrals when there is a concern. The broadcast will also highlight resources in New York State. Parents and professionals tend to frame healthy development of children in terms of height, weight, and language acquisition. Despite the fact that the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended universal screening for development and for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) since 2006, the majority of children are not being screened by standardized screening tools. In addition to screening, when a concern is raised, parents and professionals are not aware of the importance of early intervention or the availability of resources. The broadcast will highlight information about ASD and general developmental screening, including many free resources available for parents to better understand their child's development through the age of five years old, as well as materials to help parents talk with their child's health care provider about any concerns. For professionals, the broadcast will highlight the importance of routine developmental screening and resources for them and parents with whom they work. Learning Objectives
After viewing this program viewers will be able to: List important developmental milestones in early childhood (before the age of three). Explain the importance of using standardized developmental screening tests at routine well-child visits at 9, 18, and 24 months of age.</l

Click here to register for this webinar

What:
Each day, children with hearing loss attend Early Head Start (EHS) programs. How will we identify who they are? Join us for a webinar on Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) screening methods and learn about appropriate hearing screening practices for children ages birth to three. Programs that are currently using OAE screening methods are encouraged to participate, ask questions, and share their experiences with other programs.

Topics for this Webinar Include: OAE hearing screening technology Establishing effective hearing screening protocols within your program Follow-up strategies for children who don't pass hearing assessments How to share ideas with other programs who have been working with OAE screening methods Who Should Attend?
This webinar will be valuable for all programs (EHS, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, and American Indian/Alaska Native Head Start) working with children ages birth to three, as well as individuals who support hearing screening activities at the state or community level for birth-to-three populations. When:
Friday, April 13, 2012
1 :00 pm - 2:00 pm

Before the Webinar: Watch the 60-second preview of our topic at http://tinyurl.com/echomercial2011 Then, view the following 25-minute presentation at http://www.mmsend2.com/link.cfm?r=870930592&amp;sid=18210563&amp;m=18

You can register online here or download the full flyer here!

What:
Join us for March's Technology Tuesday as we explore the world of iPad apps for educators. Presenter Trina Halama will share apps for the iPad that are educational tools that can be used in the classroom. There are a variety of useful apps to make the classroom livelier and more engaging for both the students and teacher. Among the apps being shared are apps for time management, social networking, discussion forums and boards, books, art and graphics, and much more. Some of the particular apps to be shared are: Kindle, How Stuff Works, Flashcardlet, free books, Red Stamp, Toontastic, Math Quizzer, Quick Graph, and more. This will be an opportunity to receive and share resources.

Bring your iPad or use one of ours!


When:
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Where:
MSUB College of Ed. Bldg
Room 122
Billings, MT

Contact:
John Keener
Phone: (406) 657-1743
Email: john.keener@msubillings.edu

Debra Miller
Phone: (406) 657-2072
Email: dmiller@msubillings.edu

If you have a particular question or suggestion you can contact Trina at thalama@fromberg.k12.mt.us.

Click here to download the flyer with full information (PDF) What:
Alaina Buffalo Spirit began her journey as a self-taught artist in 2004. It was through the tragic loss of her only son that Alaina found solace in art. She was chosen as the 2010 Featured Artist of the Great Falls Indian Art Show in Great Falls, as well as a One-Woman Art Show at the Uprising Gallery in Bozeman in 2011. Most recently, Alaina was chosen to represent Montana by designing ornaments for the national Christmas tree in Washington, D.C. She chose the Chief Dull Knife College, representing the Northern Cheyenne nation, to work with the project. Ledger art derives from Plains Indian Biographic art, which recorded actual events important in the lives of individuals and groups, usually as naturalistic action scenes composed primarily of horses, humans, weapons, and tipis. When:
Tuesday, April 17, 2012 | 5:00 - 7:00pm Mountain
Ledger/Map Art from the 1870's
Based on a historical consciousness of awareness and the roles of Plains Indian warriors who were held as prisoners in Florida. Alaina, as a female artist, depicts images of women's roles in their daily lives during this same period. Thursday, May 3, 2012 | 5:00 - 7:00pm Mountain
Ledger/Map Art Enhanced with Storytelling
Many stories are handed down through storytelling, as told by elders in Alaina's family. Many of the stories her grandparents shared have never been recorded nor written. Oral history is the natural process of teaching the young about the culture and traditions of the Cheyenne. Where:
MSUB, College of Education Building, Room 122
Billings, MT Contact:
John Keener
406- 657-1743
mailto:john.keener@msub

Click here to download the brochure with registration information (PDF) What:
The conference will consist of getting a minimum of 6 hours of training and enjoying a deliciously wonderful buffet lunch all in just one day! Due to space, registration will be limited to 150 people. When:
Saturday, April, 28, 2012 Where:
Montana Tech Student Union Building
Butte, MT

Click here to download the brochure with registration information (PDF) What:
Bal-A-Vis-X is a series of more than 200 Balance/Auditory/Vision exercises, of varied complexity, most of which are deeply rooted in rhythm. These crossing midline exercises require full-body coordination and focused attention. The program utilizes beanbags, racquetballs, balance boards, and multiple principles and activities from Educational Kinesiology for crossing midline. It demands cooperation, promotes self-challenge and fosters self-esteem….and it is FUN! This is a hands-on workshop and you will be moving and learning, so wear something comfortable and bring a water bottle. Participants will complete Levels 1, 2, and Adaptive Bal-a-Vis-X instruction. Who Should Attend: Administrators, Principals, Regular and Special Educators, School Psychologists, Teachers, Social Workers, Therapists - OT/PT/SLP, Paraprofessionals Parents When:
August 7-8, 2012 Where:
Smith Elementary School
2320 5th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601 Contact:
Denielle Miller
3929 Baxter
Bozeman, MT 59718
(406) 587-4970

Click here to download the brochure for this event What:
In this session, our presenters will use a high-powered lens to develop evidence-based strategies to support people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Strategies will include the highly effective video modeling and video self-modeling strategies as well as story-based interventions, self-regulation, promoting, special-interest supports and Role Playing. Participants will engage in hands-on learning using Flip Cams and other technology with a comprehensive planning system. Who this training is for: General and Special Educators, Paraprofessionals, Agency Personnel, Parents and others who work with children. When:
April 20, 2012

Where:
Fifth Avenue Christian Church
2015 5th Avenue
Havre, MT

Click here to register for this webinar What:
This webinar will explain the difference between prevalence and incidence; review the factors that have given rise to an increased prevalence of Autistic Spectrum Disorder; discuss reasons for the popularity of the perception that we are in an epidemic, and the consequences of this perception. When:
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
4:00-5:00pm Mountain

Click here to register for this webinar What:
This webinar will address the basics when considering assistive technology (AT) into the Individual Education Plan (IEP) for students who are eligible for special education services in the public school setting. In this presentation, we will discuss the foundations of AT consideration and provide you with a process that can be used to consider whether or not a student with disabilities requires AT devices and services to receive a free, appropriate public education as required by law during the development of the student's Individualized Educational Program (IEP).   We will closely look at four major steps in the process: Review present levels of performance and evaluation data; Develop goals and objectives; determine if any tasks are difficult or impossible for the student; and decide whether or not AT devices and services are required and document decisions.  When:
Thursday, April 26, 2012
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Mountain

Click here to register for this webinar What:
This webinar will discuss, demonstrate, and critique various apps to assist students who experience print disabilities; writing challenges; and challenges with math. These apps include speech to text; text to speech; audio note taking; midmapping apps; apps to capture and organize thoughts; apps to make math more engaging such as touch algebra; creative uses of Show me app or Screen Chop Apps or math apps that use video examples to solve math problems. When:
Thursday, April 12, 2012
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mountain

Click here to register for this webinar What:
Impairments in vision can result in decreased independence and safety during daily activities, including ADL, IADL, work, leisure, and social participation. Low vision rehabilitation addresses these needs for independence and safety through the optimization of residual vision, utilization of assistive technology, and adaptations to the environment to compensate for vision loss. The interaction between the person, the task, and the environment and finding the perfect balance between these key components can be challenging. This webinar will provide a greater understanding of how assistive technology can promote independence and safety during daily activities for adults with vision impairment with emphasis on understanding the dynamic interaction of person, task, and environment for clinical application. This session is intended to be at an introductory level and is appropriate for all levels of practice. When:
Thursday, April 5, 2012
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mountain

Click here to register for this webinar What: This webinar will feature Bill Gaventa and Erik Carter, two presenters who will explore three dimensions of this powerful but too frequently untapped source of community inclusion: Spiritual needs and supports: What the research shows?  Erik will summarize the growing research in the area of spiritual supports, and highlight arenas in which more research is needed. Working with congregations of all major traditions on inclusive spiritual supports. Bill and Erik will share best practices, from their experience, in supporting clergy and congregations as they begin and move towards inclusive faith supports. Learning to live our values: Strategies and resources to assist service providers in supporting the spiritual needs and choices of the people they support.  Bill Gaventa will outline ways for providers and advocates to honor and address spirituality and spiritual supports. When:
Thursday March 29, 2012
12:00-2:00pm Mountain

Click here for more information regarding this conference including schedule & registration materials Learn about: New technologies and applications of "old" technologies Future of technology allowed during SAT, ACT testing Directions MT is taking with Common Core Standards and embedded technology Implementation of STEM classroom proven ideas with technology Great Tasks inquiry and problem solving challenges Get hands-on experience and develop "take home" classroom ideas involving: Calculator and computer technology (e.g. N-Spire calculator; ipad) Podcasts that impact student learning styles Great Task real world problems When:
April 13 - 15, 2012 Where:
7653 Canyon Ferry Road 
Helena, MT