September 2007
Connecting the Dots: ICI and Iowa Launch Web-Based Training
Art The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) requires a smooth transition for children moving from Part C early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities to Part B programs for children and young adults with disabilities ages 3 to 21 years. It is difficult for many states to ensure this transition is being implemented as intended by IDEA 2004. One way to achieve compliance with the C to B transition requirements is to train staff members who are most responsible for ensuring effective transitions. In response to this training need, the North Central Regional Resource Center (NCRRC) at the Institute on Community Integration (ICI), in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Education and the ICI Web Services Team, has developed “Connecting the Dots” (https://transitiontraining.northcentralrrc. org/), an online transition training for Part C Service Coordinators.
The training, initially developed for Iowa and soon to be adapted and offered to other states, is made up of three units: (1) Federal and State Requirements for Transition (including IDEA 2004, the State Performance Plan, and state-specific transition data), (2) Understanding Early Childhood Transition (including recommended practices), and (3) Iowa’s Transition Policies and Procedures (including roles and responsibilities, state policies, and procedures). Each unit contains a glossary and related resources, culminating with an interactive quiz that trainees must pass in order to access the successive units. Penny Milburn, Iowa Early Childhood State Consultant, initiated the idea of using the Web to meet her state’s training needs. She, along with Ann Bailey, Christopher Watson, and Jennifer Huisken from NCRRC, developed the training content. “Connecting the Dots is a unique way of providing staff training on transition at age 3,” said Ann. “We’re excited to provide the training to all nine states in our region, and potentially nationwide, to help them address the requirements of IDEA 2004.”
In addition to developing the online training, the ICI Web Services Team of Megan Dushin, Joelle Tegwen, and Shawn Lawler created an administrative Web site for regional and state staff to use to administer the training. Data can be collected on trainees’ progress and quiz scores, which may be used for federal reporting purposes by region, and the site also produces reports with graphics. Most importantly, it allows state and regional staff to track service coordinators’ training throughout the state.
By using newer Web technologies, the online training and its administrative counterpart are proving to be a great success. “We are excited to offer this type of training that meets providers’ time and availability needs,” said LauraBelle Sherman-Proehl, Chief, Bureau of Early Childhood Services at the Iowa Department of Education. “Providers have responded positively to the ease and access of training.”
For more information on “Connecting the Dots,” please contact Ann Bailey, Project Lead, at baile045@umn.edu or (612) 624-1158. (612) 624-0386.