2019 National Early Childhood Inclusion Institute
*Registration is now open! Click here*
The National Early Childhood Inclusion Institute is one of the premier educational opportunities for anyone involved in the care and education of young children with special needs in inclusive settings. Dozens of world-class experts, dozens of groundbreaking sessions, free courses for CEUs—and an enduring impact. For over 15 years, the Inclusion Institute has drawn people from across the country and around the globe to Chapel Hill to learn about the latest research findings, models, and resources to guide inclusive policy, professional development and practice; to develop collaborative relationships and cross-agency systems to support early childhood inclusion; and to have the opportunity to meet, learn from and problem solve with peers.
2019 Keynote Address with Mary Beth Moore
Sometimes life isn’t what you expected it would be. And sometimes the most beautiful views are seen when you walk the less traveled path. Sharing her journey as the mom of a child with a disability, Mary Beth Moore will provide a collection of lessons learned from embracing the unexpected. You will hear moving stories of triumph, defeat and the power of hope in navigating a world that greatly challenges people with disabilities and their families. Be inspired to see beauty in the unexpected journey and to meet those along the way with courage, empathy and grace.
2019 Plenary with Freebird McKinney and Julie Pittman: The Story of Building Bridges and Resiliency: Becoming the Village Teacher and Moving from "That Kid" to "That Teacher"
Join NCs Teacher of the Year and the Western Region Teacher of Year as they share their personal stories of resiliency and using their stories to build bridges. Freebird's story to "choose happiness" and discover his purpose, has allowed him to be the Village Teacher, and engage his students at Maslow's highest level, leading to his self-actualization, and realization for his school, his community, and his students. Julie shares how reclaiming the narrative of "THAT KID" moved to becoming "THAT Teacher" by understanding how trauma can be addressed by building critical relationships and experiences through passionate public educators.
2019 Federal Plenary Session
The intention for this interactive session is to listen, learn, and share perspectives about inclusion with an interagency panel of policy leaders representing the US Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs, and the US Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration and Administration for Children and Families, Offices of Head Start and Child Care. Each panelist will provide a brief update on early childhood priorities and inclusion initiatives within their agencies. The audience will be able to share their challenges and valued resources in implementing high quality inclusion using a live polling feature on their mobile devices, followed by individual questions and comments.
2019 Pre-Institute Workshops
- Mindful Self-Compassion: Caring for Yourself While You Care for Others Click here to register work this workshop!
Presenters: Karen Bluth and Laura Prochnow Phillips
- Practice-Based Coaching: Learn About It and Do It! *This workshop is FULL! Click here to be placed on the waitlist.
Presenters: Pat Snyder and Mary Louise Hemmeter
- Doing Justice: Understanding Disability, Identity, and Belonging to Practice Inclusion *This workshop is FULL! Click here to be placed on the waitlist
Presenters: Megan Vinh, Sheresa Blanchard, and Jen Newton
View highlights of the 2018 Inclusion Institute