Family Initiative Coordination Services Project |
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| Sponsored by the Just Kids Foundation and the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Early Intervention (Contract # C-021462). |
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Early Intervention Partners Training Project
The NYS Department of Health’s Bureau of Early Intervention and the Family Initiative Coordination Services Project at the Just Kids Foundation sponsor Early Intervention Partners Training Projects twice each year: 1) Downstate in the fall, and 2) each spring on a rotating basis in different regions throughout the state. The Early Intervention Partners Training Project is for parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities currently receiving early intervention services and for parents serving on Local Early Intervention Coordinating Councils (LEICCs). Applications from parents involved in leadership roles in parent or disability organizations who interact with families of infants and toddlers with disabilities will be considered.
The Early Intervention Partners Training Project is for New York State parents of young children with disabilities to help them become more actively involved in Early Intervention Program leadership activities. The training sessions provide information, resources, and skill-building activities designed to increase parent advocacy and leadership skills.
The goals of the Early Intervention Partners Training Project are to:
- Assist parents to become more effective advocates for their young children with disabilities.
- Achieve a productive partnership between families of children with disabilities and Early Intervention policymakers.
- Increase the number of parents participating on Local Early Intervention Coordinating Councils in New York State.
- Create opportunities for parent graduates of the training sessions to become involved in national, state, and local level early intervention program and policy initiatives.
- Nurture and develop the leadership abilities of parents of children with disabilities receiving early intervention services and parent members of Local Early Intervention Coordinating Councils by enhancing their knowledge of the laws, regulations, and best practices that guide the Early Intervention Program.
Upcoming Training Sessions
Spring 2010, Western Region
Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates
- Session I: Saturday, March 20, 2010
- Session II: Friday, April 16, 2010 & Saturday, April 17, 2010
- Session III: Friday, May 14, 2010 & Saturday, May 15, 2010
What will I learn?
The Early Intervention Partners Training Project helps parents of young children with disabilities become involved in Early Intervention Program leadership activities. The training sessions provide information, resources, and skill-building activities designed to increase parent advocacy and leadership skills. Parents are encouraged to form working partnerships with early intervention professionals and policymakers.
What is the time commitment?
Parents who are accepted must make a commitment to attend a series of three sessions. Session I meets for one day. Sessions II and III meet for two 2-day sessions and include an optional overnight stay.
Applicants must attend Session I and both days of Sessions II and III. This commitment is a requirement for acceptance to the Early Intervention Partners Training Project.
How much does it cost?
The training program is free of charge, and all meals, training materials, and overnight accommodations are provided at no cost. A limited amount of funding is available to assist parents in need of support for child care and travel expenses. Prior approval by the Family Initiative Coordinator is required for those needing assistance.
What do parent graduates have to say about their experience?
- I feel so empowered by all the information and ideas!
- I will attend Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) meetings and speak up regarding issues/changes.
- I’m so excited to start on my leadership goal – Thank you!
- This is a fantastic program, and I am extremely thankful I was chosen to attend this program! Thank you so much!
- I have tremendously enjoyed the chance to learn more about Early Intervention Program. I would have never been able to learn on my own what I have learned at these sessions.
- I loved all the people I have been able to meet. The network of resources and people is invaluable. I feel that I can make a difference and I know how to get started. I also know where to look for the help when I need it.
How can I attend?
Parents must apply to participate in this training program. Parents who submit a completed application from the targeted geographic region will be selected to attend. However, sometimes exceptions are made to accept parents from other than the target region, so please call if you are interested in attending.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be residents of New York State. Parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities currently receiving early intervention services, or are in the process of transitioning from the Early Intervention Program, and parents of children with disabilities under the age of twelve who serve on Local Early Intervention Coordinating Councils (LEICCs) are eligible to apply.
How do I apply?
- Call the Family Initiative Coordination Services Project office to request a copy of the application: (877) 205-0502 (toll free).
- Download or fill out the Early Intervention Partners Training Project application online at www.eifamilies.com.
- Complete the application and return by mail or fax to (631) 924-8777 or (631) 924-1243.
- Call the Family Initiative Coordination Services Project office for help with completing the application over the phone: (877) 205-0502 (toll-free).
Apply online
The Family Initiative Coordination Services Project at the Just Kids Foundation offers a streamlined application process for the Early Intervention Partners Training Project.
Interested in an upcoming training?
Subscribe to our mailing list to be informed when the application process opens for upcoming Early Intervention Partners Training sessions.