Wow loved reading Switch!
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austin
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Rebecka Anderson
ammendment
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Holly Wilcher
Developed a logic model with some of our team members recently re: Next steps for a SQ team to form a statewide Early Childhood Inclusion Consortiun. Name of the Logic Model? “Switch to Inclusion and Equity” Logic Model!
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Susan Stewart
DIDN’T go to the National Leadership SpecialQuest?
No worries…you are doing good work for inclusion, too! Feel free to share what you’ve got going on…or ask questions about what others are doing or about the National Leadership SpecialQuest.
We are truly all in this TOGETHER!
Can’t wait to hear from those of you who have clicked through from the newsletter about what you are up to!
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Linda Brekken
Lou Landry left us with a powerful “charge” at the end of the National Leadership SpecialQuest. You can be reminded of comments and videos posted here on the blog. Please share with us how you were inspired by the charge! What have you done in response to the charge?
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Rebecka Anderson
Light Switch From Bevin Gumm
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Susan Stewart
Switch plate collection?
Please post a photograph of your switch plate on this blog.
It would be awesome to make a collage of the commitments to inclusion made by the National Leadership SpecialQuest participants!
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bevingumm
As soon as I got home, I switched my kitchen light switch to my new switch plate that I created at the conference. Now several times a day I am reminded of my wonderful time I shared with all of you at the conference. I am grateful that I was able to participate and thankful at how much I was able to learn. I read the book, Switch cover to cover and am now working on the recommended reading list at the end of the book. I have already changed my approach to working with children and have recommended the book to many people. I am trying to keep in my own personal focus how important building relationships is everywhere I go and also to take more time to listen to others and ask them questions instead of making assumptions. My husband and I have also added to our dinner conversation the question, How did you feel today with our kids. We realized while we talk a lot we did not ask to much about our children’s feelings. We feel if we can raise them to be more emotionally literate and socially and emotionally intelligent then we were both raised, it is a good start to their own individual growth. And we are learning too, I believe it is never too late to learn more
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Susan Stewart
Bevin, I love hearing how you are taking the Switch concepts forward! You have personalized them and taken concrete actions to use them in your life. Please let us all know which of the reading list items are “must reads” for the rest of us!
Would you be willing to take a photo of your light switch and post it on this blog? It would be so cool to have a collection of light switch commitments to share with the world!
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Darcy Allen-Young
Bevin, It’s wonderful to read your reflection posted here. The Colorado team was so glad that you were able to join us as you added many insightful comments. We will miss you at the June meeting but will make sure that all are aware of the changes that you have made!
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Susan Stewart
Remember “Possum Socks”? I’m not sure if this is the exact company from which Peyton bought his socks, but it gives some interesting background…as well as the opportunity to purchase some of these unique items. Enjoy!
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Holly
How on EARTH did you find that website? My goodness! I am going to get my socks now!
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Susan Stewart
I asked Peyton about how he got the socks and he mentioned a website that has lots of possum merchandise. I couldn’t remember the exact URL so I googled possum socks and WOW! there are a ton of websites where you can get possum wear!
I want to hear how you like the possum socks!
Maybe this is a good way to recycle road kill?!
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Susan Stewart
I’ve heard from a lot of folks (Ambassadors, individuals, and State Leadership Teams) that they are implementing and sharing the Switch concepts. Please tell us what you are doing!
What have you done with Switch?
How have the concepts influenced your work/life?
What strategies have you used to share Switch with others?
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Holly Wilcher
The Colorado team was inspired with the framework the first chapter of Switch gave us for discussing early childhood inclusion in Colorado. Some references were:
Making sure we make the path clear for the rider. So when we ask trainers, team members and professional development providers to engage with the SpecialQuest Approach or materials, be very specific with the ask!
Julie asked “what if we could apply apply the hospitals saving those 100,000 lives to working to include 100,000 more children in all aspects of life”? Great challenge!
Personally, I have used the concepts in Switch to be more clear in what I ask of others,so as to make sure to direct the rider. Also, not a hard one for me is to include the emotional draw so that the elephant is moved!
NLSQ was a catalyst for our team identifying the “bright spots” and we will continue to do that as we move forward with early childhood inclusion efforts in Colorado. There is so much potential….
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Susan Stewart
Wow, Holly!
Keep us posted on the 100,000 children included in all aspects of life challenge! Eager to hear if you will take on that challenge and how you will approach that “big hairy audacious goal”!
I was impressed how effective it was when you provided volunteers specific opportunities to be involved, rather than leaving it open-ended. Do you think it was because the task was limited in time and scope…they knew just what they were agreeing to?
Not sure what you are planning to do with the Colorado Inclusion Bright Spots…but it would be cool to find a way to share those Bright Spots with others across the nation!
Keep up the good work, Colorado!
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Kim Travers
One of the only values now in the grey hairs, if we do our work at mentoring, is helping folks understand our limitations and mistakes, so you don’t have to make them.
Lou Landry -
Kim Travers
No-one can do it for you, but they can help you along the way.
Comment made at Building Family Leaders a.m. session -
Rosa Martinez
I too, like many others had a great time at the National Leadership Special Quest conference. I really enjoyed that we got to see each other again. I was really thrill to see my friends from Puerto Rico, Oregon, and California. We shared many information and plan to stay connected. I just want to once again Thank the Special Quest staff for a wonderful conference. You guys always prepare great conferences, I really had a great time!
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Kim Travers
I have been reflecting a lot since I came home from the conference. I want to say thank you for all of your hard work that has created more opportunities for children and their families to participate in life. I want to thank you not only for my family, but also for the families that do not even know that you were there opening the door. I know that I am not alone in this journey of raising children with disabilities. Many of you have already cleared some of the path for me and I thank you for sharing your experiences. We call that S.E.E.ing (Someone Elses Experiences) and I have listened and learned many things! I still have much to learn! I also know that I am not alone as we move forward….there are many lights that will continue to guide me. I will also be a light for others (I do not have a dimmer switch;-)). Together in the Quest!
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Susan Stewart
Add your favorite quote(s) from the National Leadership SpecialQuest!
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Susan Stewart
“Never Ever Give Up!”
Joan Lombardi -
Susan Stewart
“I think I have been riding the wrong elephant.”
Linda (ohio) -
Susan Stewart
“How do I know what I think until I say what I feel?”
James shared a quote he uses in working with groups -
Susan Stewart
“Inclusion isn’t so much of a path as it is the river that is fluid and runs through everything.”
Pat Cameron from Massachusetts -
Susan Stewart
“You are students of change.”
Lou Landry -
Susan Stewart
From Lou Landry’s Keynote address: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -
Susan Stewart
From Robin Wells’ take away message: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead (anthropologist & popularizer of anthropology,1901 – 1978)
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CJ Hubbard
I love this statement on so many levels!
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Susan Stewart
Two weeks ago we were dancing, singing in the dark (but not really!), and making our commitments to create change for inclusion. Amazing! Each day I hear about how folks have continued to be sustained in their work by the energy and ideas that were generated at the National Leadership SpecialQuest…we ARE going to make change happen!
You asked for copies of the PowerPoint slides and handouts used at the event. All of those materials are now available on this website. Just look in the right column and select the day in which the materials you are seeking were used. Each of the sessions is listed by the session title. The materials are listed by day/session number. If you click on a file and it automatically downloads and you can’t find it on your computer, simply highlight and copy the title name and then paste that title into your computer’s search function. That should bring the file right up. If not, please seek technical assistance from someone where you are who can look at how your computer is configured.
You also asked for the notes from the Successes and Challenges, the Insights and Learnings, and the Hot Topics discussions. We are still processing that information, but will soon be posting those in the appropriate section under the daily materials links to the right. If you are looking for something and can’t find it, please let post a reply and we’ll see if we can locate it for you.
Thanks again for your passion, your good work and good humor, and your dedication to making inclusion of young children with disabilities and their families a natural part of living in community!
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Deborah Conn
I am one voice and I am singing...
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Susan Stewart
Wow, Deborah…it’s cool to see how light the room got when everyone lit their flashlights in the darkened room! Just imagine what a force for inclusion this magnificent group of advocates will be!
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Deborah Conn
I, like Jan, have been reflecting, and I keep coming back to the song that Elizabeth Schroeder and Joe DeBonis lead us in at the end and thinking of Joan Lombardi’s “SpecialQuest movement!” I feel so privileged to be a part of it!
I am one voice and I am singing.
I am one voice and I am singing.
I am one voice and I am singing,
I am not alone.We are two voices and we are singing.
We are two voices and we are singing.
We are two voices and we are singing.
We are not alone.Consultants:
We are ten voices and we are singing.
We are ten voices and we are singing.
We are ten voices and we are singing.
We are not alone.Staff:
We are twenty voices and we are singing.
We are twenty voices and we are singing.
We are twenty voices and we are singing.
We are not alone.Ambassadors:
We are one hundred voices singing.
We are one hundred voices singing.
We are one hundred voices singing.
We are not alone.States:
We are three hundred voices singing.
We are three hundred voices singing.
We are three hundred voices singing.
We are not alone.With our heads and with our hands.
With our hearts and with our voices.
We are building our communities.
Where we all belong.-
Susan Stewart
Deborah,
I feel the need to give credit where credit is due. That song was written by Tom Hunter, in collaboration with a group of parents of kids who have disabilities. We borrowed Tom’s song and made it fit our work. Tom passed away within the last year or so, but his beautiful music lives on, inspiring many who with and on behalf of all young children.
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Deborah Conn
Thanks for reminding me, Susan. Tom was such an equity advocate in addition to a great singer/song writer. We absolutely want credit given to him and any other person whose words we use.
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Jan Paulsen
After a few weeks to reflect, I still feel the buzzzzz. The SQNLEvent was fun, exciting, passionate, and had the feel of a real movement for the future. I was revitalized by what I saw and heard from all the participants and it gives me hope for the future of all children. I look forward to continuing the quest.
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Joan Ecclesine
Whew – My Take Away Message is (Drum roll, please!) that bringing the State Teams, Ambassadors, Consultants, Coaches, and Staff together created an energy force that was so powerful for each of us! The magic of everyone’s shared enthusiasm and passion was the foundation for our committment statements and will be our fall back resource in the work ahead – SpecialQuest Birth to Eight – SpecialQuest Childcare – SpecialQuest as the joyful smile of a little one with special needs attending an early head start classroom, a head start classroom or a child care setting.
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Deborah Conn
I love it, Joan. I can see it in lights: SpecialQuest Birth to Eight!
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Cleo Rodriguez
My Top Ten Take Away Messages……………………….Take away messages:
10. The Quest is alive and well.
9. The foundation is set.
8. The momentum is contagious.
7. The results and the impact are endless.
6. The potential is greater.
5. The outcomes are amazing.
4. The state leadership teams are committed and focused.
3. The Coaches are the glue.
2. The Consultant Pool is eager to engage other states and communities…………………. and the number 1 take away message is1. The SQ Staff (Including Rebeka) are primed and ready for the next 13 years of impacting the quality of community-continuity of care for children with disabilities and their families.
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Robin Wells
As Margaret Mead (anthropologist & popularizer of anthropology,1901 – 1978) stated, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” In many ways this statement reflects the national SQ staff, the recipients of the past years of SQ training and support, and the commitment of all these individuals in “living the Quest”. Even though monies are soon to be gone, SQ will live on, and will be again renewed to continue the Quest – of this, many of us have no doubt. The excitement, enthusiasm, and dedication of those touched by the SpecialQuest approach and vision is only reaffirmed through our continued dedication toward inclusive practices and inclusion of all children. Thank you SQ for standing strong and being the voice of equality and social justice!
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Susan Stewart
Robin,
I am writing the portion of our semi-annual report about the National Leadership SpecialQuest and as a result I am reviewing this blog. As I re-read your posting above, I got chills! Thank you for the depth of your belief in inclusion and that the Quest will continue in one way or another until all children and their families have the opportunity to be included and warmly embraced by their communities!
susan
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Stephanie Flake
The Nation SpecialQuest Meeting was powerful in so many ways! I was able to learn the great work the other states were doing and was re-energized to continue working and sharing the vision of inclusion with the communities I work in. I want to thank everyone who attended, the experience would not have been the same without you!
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Orenda Johnson
My biggest takeaway from participation in this event is…. the power Relationship building can have when a group of people from all walks of life, get together, for a shared and common cause. I witnessed, one voice (inclusion), heard one sound ( inculsion), and felt the impact resonate at a National level. Everyone was on one accord and willingly participated, reflected, shared and connected as advocates for inclusion and inclusive practices for all. Relationship building was observed at it’s height. The Specialquest movement will push throught beyond Head Start and EHS(because these programs are relationship building programs ), the state advisory councils are the conduit to keep the momentum going and continued support of the work of SQ (creating opportunities for expanding relationship building at the policymaking levels). The importance of Advocates for SQ and their role to keep in forefront of our minds, hearts and hands supporting the needs of children and familes with disabilities.
For ALL children to be successfull we must first support families and hear their voice (Realtionships)! -
Barb Razer
I loved exploring all the possibilities for inclusion with folks from all parts of our county, and hearing about all the great ideas team members are implementing statewide, community wide and individually to open doors for inclusive practices. It was wonderful to see and hear what the state teams have accomplished in ONLY two years. The personal and team commitments were truly inspiring.
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Linda Schumacher
My biggest take away was meeting so many people who feel as passionately about inclusion as I do. On my way home on the plane, I reminded myself to notice opportunities for inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of my life.
I’m still finding wonderful inspiration, big and small, in the Switch book.
And on my book shelf? The little souvenir Colorado Rockies hat from the ice cream I bought at the Rockies game! -
Sarah Hoover
The work towards inclusion that we’re all doing is cross-cutting… across domains, across sectors, across populations, across demographics. What SpecialQuest provides is a framework for approaching inclusion across a variety of settings. Often in human services work we have a philosophy without the implementation strategies to support it. NLSQ last week really solidified for me that having an approach with tools and strategies is key to successful inclusion.
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Evelyn Klimpel
I sat at Linda Brekken table at the closing celebration. I thought she would be tired after putting on such an event instead I saw excitment in her eyes. Her excitment rubbed off on me. The excitment to continue the quest of inclusion for our children and families.
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Donna Ruhland
There is so much that I have brought back with me from the time that we had at NLSQ. From the work with Switch to constructing our afternoon agendas, it was all superb! The biggest take away though for me is the power of the people involved, from parents to participants to the SQ national leaders. We are blessed to have so many positive, wonderful people involved in the work. And our own team is very much invested in the continuation of the SpecialQuest work. We all felt this way before Denver and I think that this it is even truer now. Our team has great leadership, great facilitators and great team members who look more at possibilities than at barriers.
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Beth Fairchild
The “SpecialQuest” continues as we learn from and challenge one another to move forward and focus on the children and families in our communities, states and nation. Thank you for the gift of SpecialQuest!
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Holly Wilcher
My biggest takeaway from NLSQ is that SpecialQuest will never be “gone” or “done”. It will live on in our lives and work as long as we commit to infusing the values and design elements of the Approach in all we do. Lastly, we know only a tiny measure of the impact the SpecialQuest Approach and materials have made, or will continue to make, because the vehicles that carry them (the SpecialQuest family) transcend traditional measure.
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Susan Stewart
Holly,
Your statement, “we know only a tiny measure of the impact the SpecialQuest Approach and materials have made, or will continue to make, because the vehicles that carry them (the SpecialQuest family) transcend traditional measure” is so true! It makes it hard for others to understand and value the work when it is difficult to put numbers to it…but impact is so much more complex than a set of numbers.
I’m so grateful that we have so many “vehicles” to carry SpecialQuest forward to the ultimate goal of inclusion for all children and families! The uniqueness of each of the SpecialQuest family assures that the Quest for inclusion will seep into many nooks and crannies we might never have dreamed of!
Thanks for renewed inspiration, Holly!
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Alissa Weller
The NLSQ left me feeling hopeful about the future of this work. Seeing so many people who are passionate about inclusion and the SQ approach coming up with great ideas and talking about what they can do in their communities gave me lots of optimism.
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Pam Booker
In true SpecialQuest fashion, we began our closing ceremony with “I got a feeling that today is going to be a great day!” Tremendous celebration for the monumental work that State Leadership Teams have accomplished. So proud to share I too was part of this QUEST.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yBFbAm8sQE -
Alissa Weller
We had a wonderful closing session/celebration, singing together (and who knew Elizabeth had such a beautiful singing voice?) and dancing together. We are all ready to go on and take the vision of inclusion into the world, committed to making inclusion the norm.
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Ellen Pope
A great session this morning! Recapped the vision and work on the action plans of the state leadership teams over the past two years – truly amazing accomplishments. The New Mexico State Leadership team crafted a team commitment, a personal commitment (on a light switch plate!) and great next steps! The energy and dedication across teams and across people around inclusion is incredible. Thank you for sharing your experiences, successes and challenges with me!
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Rebecka Anderson
Thanks to Loletta and Lou for all the wonderful video footage. There’s a lot of footage but it will eventually find its way here.
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Orenda Johnson
Follow-up reading. Lou Landry from the moring mentioned several reading you can reference.
1). Gallup Independent /Story on Rodger Manuelito by Ender Kirin
2). Idaho Statesman ” A story of lives mutually blessed” by Tim Woodward
3) Rocky Mountian News 4/27/10 “Special Ed’s Extra Special”by Jeremy Meyer -
Alissa Weller
The Ambassadors Group Commitment Statement:
“We are committed and energized to continue The Quest, weaving family’s and children’s’ success stories to impact communities and leaders. We will embed SpecialQuest materials to enhance training to increase awareness and inclusive opportunities from birth to earth. We are committed to empower and encourage family leadership.”
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Joan Ecclesine
Ambassador – Individual words of commitment:
Embed SQ, utilize, training, communities, spotlight, enhance, resurrection, energizing, remind, mentor, SQ materials, inclusion, children, continue, change, advocate, aware, “I Can”, leaders, connector, weave, curriculum, families, the Quest, SQ Approach, encourage, resource, commitment,
ensure, impact, stories, opportunity, refection, re-establishing, stretch, “See it”, increase, voice, switch, journey, share, shape the path, successes, “Birth – Earth”, empower, growth, support!Ambassador – Joint words of commitment:
We are committed and energized to continue the “quest”, weaving children and families success stories to impact communities and leaders.
We will embed SQ approach and materials to enhance training, increase awareness and inclusive opportunities from birth to earth.
We are committed to empower and encourage family leadership. -
Alissa Weller
The Ambassadors have made amazing personal commitments, and will now create an overall commitment. This is a really amazing group of fantastic people.
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Rebecka Anderson
New videos added to the blog from Lou Landry’s keynote: The Big Read, All Things Are Possible, and Your Charge. http://specialquest.org/nlsq/?page_id=3
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Alissa Weller
The Ambassadors are making personal commitments to making a change for the future of inclusion.
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Linda Schumacher
If you haven’t already figured it out, the Massachusetts team featured Sneetches because Dr. Suess is a native of Mass. AND his book about “Star Bellied Sneetches” is about inclusion. It makes a GREAT book to introduce a training on inclusion!
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Beth Fairchild
Thank you to Lou Landry, our opening keynote this morning, as we begin our last day at the NLSQ. He challenged us ot being the “scholarship of change” and to “sustain the quest!”
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Robin Wells
Lou Landry (Idaho) was the guest Opening Keynote speaker. He has been associated with the field of disabilities since 1970 and therefore witnessing much change over time. His charge to us (especially those of us with white hair) is to share with others our mistakes so that others do not replicate but learn from them. Our expectations must be high, our vision broad, and our commitment deep! As he quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice”. Maintain the Quest!!!
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Alissa Weller
At the end of the keynote address, Lou Landry left us with this charge:
“Now that you are students of change, where will you take your plans for inclusion? How will you continue to amaze us? How will you continue to amaze yourself? Sustain the Quest!” -
Deborah Conn
“Your Charge –Ambassadors and State Teams; In the light of ‘Switch,’ now that you are students of change… Where will take your plans for Inclusion? How will you continue to amaze us? How will you continue to amaze yourself?”
Lou Landry (referring to “Switch.” -
Joan Ecclesine
Lou Landry – Keynote Address
Reflection – ‘change’ Look at yourself in the mirror and make the change!
Joan Lombardi – a Fed who knows what we are doing and values it!
14th Amendment of the Constitution – carry it with us – Lou carries a pocket version of the Constitution in his pocket. Always in mind.
Change is easier if you know where you are going – define and clarify the destination.
SQ – Birth to 8 leading to birth to 100.
Technology can help us connect and improve our collaboration, social media networking and productivity – and the Oscar goes to Rebecka! (Supporting Oscar goes to Deborah!)
Switch – we have done the ‘big read’ and have begun the work of the making change happen in inclusion practices with families leading the way.
Wendal Barry – ‘practice resurrection’! – Ultimate sustainability! -
Deborah Conn
Jim O'Brien, Office of Head Start, was honored for his years of support of the SpecialQuest Birth-Five
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Robin Wells
Another gorgeous morning in Colorado! Our last day of 2010 National Leadership SpecialQuest Conference. Last evening’s meal with the state team at Mel’s Bar and Grill was outstanding. We shared fun stories, experiences, continue to get to know each other’s personalities as well as a completely new side of some! Two of our team members, Joe and Sebastian, were on a panel in a session yesterday about “Growing Capacity” that our state consultant, Cheryl Ducey, coordinated. Joe provided the perspective from a state agency view and Sebastian provided the perspective from the community (and program) level. Our team continues to feel pride as a whole as well as pride for each of our individual team members contributions to the movement towards inclusive practices for all young children.
Chat again later this morning!
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Joan Ecclesine
Susan Stewart asked me to explain ‘Unpacking the No’ which was a response to Challenges in our first work session on Monday.
Envision a ‘No’ response to something like inclusion as a suitcase – and the suitcase or ‘No’ could even be locked because the ‘No’ was so resounding. Well a method for unpacking the suitcase or ‘No’ could be in motivating the elephant we have to shrink the change or peel back the layers of stuff in the suitcase or ‘No’. Get to the bottom of the suitcase or ‘No’ and you begin to change a heart and move the elephant! -
Donna Ruhland
It has been a great week and our team is energized! It will be exciting to carry the momentum forward!
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Kristin Faniola
It has been a wonderful week…I feel re-energized and excited about the work to come! Go OH-IO
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Deborah Conn
Heard many folks having conversations about Switch and how they plan on using what they’ve learned in their personal and work lives. Deborah, who has 11 children (5 adult biological children and 6 adopted children, all who have significant special needs) shared that the glove story in Switch really resonated with her and will help her in her household budgeting.
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Alissa Weller
Direct the rider, motivate the elephant and shape the path!
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Rebecka Anderson
cool pic!
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Rebecka Anderson
Yea! iReporters. Thanks for all the photos you’ve been adding to Flickr. I just added some slide sets. Click Photos of the Event (right of screen under What’s Happening)
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Alissa Weller
Using the Special Quest Approach with Creativity session – we learned to look at things through new lenses.
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Robin Wells
After a delicious lunch, the session I chose to attend was regarding Data Collection and using the CPIP and SPIP. I’ve participated in the SPIP (State Perceptions of Inclusive Practices) however I would like to gather some stakeholders in my local community to work through the process of the CPIP (Community Perceptions of Inclusive Practices). My personal perception is that there is a lack of coordination and collaboration across programs and services, so I feel that it would be important to identify this fact (if truly evident) and move forward on rectifying this.
Off to dinner at Mel’s Bar and Grill with the New Mexico team – talk with you again tomorrow morning.
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Jan Paulsen
Just had a very enlightening conversation with colleagues from Louisiana and Arkansas about Family Child Care Providers and using PITC modules to train them. We talked about State Preschool programs and partnerships with Head Start/Early Head Start, Early Head Start expansion, and wound up discussing the effects of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans. All the right things at the right time with the right people. It was interesting, inspiring, and fun.
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Robin Wells
Assisted Rebecka and Deborah this morning with the iTechie Awards session. Great fun! Learned about several online tools which are available to all in the areas of Social Networking (e.g., Twitter), Productivity (e.g., Yola), and ???? (I was takinig notes furiously, seeing about the sound effects, etc. and will read all the information below in Rebecka’s posting about the session). Perhaps I’ll find specific applications for some of the programs and try them out. As Rebecka indicated, if we have fear about technology – “Get Over It!”
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Rebecka Anderson
You were a rock star!
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Deborah Conn
More highlights from the Joy Attending to Emotional Wellness discussion…
The How do we maintain joy in ourselves with all of the professional stressors?
– Strategies to live by: If I don’t take care of myself am I adding something positive to the world?
– There needs to be a balance in helping others and helping ourselves.
– Self care = not an either or
– Joy = synonym for mental wellness
– Take care of our physical health is as well as mental health
– Own our own emotions
– The presence and power of spiritual beliefs allows more joy to be accessible to us
– Need to have authentic choices
– “We don’t just say it is cancer get over it” (Billboard about mental illness)Other thoughts from the group…
“Your emotional state effects the physical structure of the brain.” D. ChopraCompassion fatigue is a vicarious vulnerability to the stress of others. Need to be aware of the toll it can take on people in the helping professions.
Joan lombardi was bold enough to talk about happiness. As leaders should not be afraid to talk about happiness and joy. And, as a staff not being afraid to open agenda’s up and let the participants decide their own topics.
There is joy in risk taking.
We are not in it alone. Use the SpecialQuest philosophy of doing it together as a team.
IF YOU CAN ENVISION IT, YOU CAN DO IT!
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Linda Schumacher
Some of the Massachusetts team are off to the Rockies game! Great seats, thanks to Pam Roux! And $1 hot dog night! Here’s the questions: can we stifle ourselves from yelling “Go Red Sox” and singing Sweet Caroline?
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Susan Stewart
Excellent! Hope you all had fun.
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Orenda Johnson
To support sustainability, it’s important to have succession plan, Grow your leadership, look at ;your bright spots for what has worked.
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Orenda Johnson
To sustain practices we must have Intentionality.
Pa. SL team member -
Orenda Johnson
Identifiy the why some Graduate teams have stopped functioning. It was shared that You can maintain the practice and methodology, but lost the desire.
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Orenda Johnson
Session on using the SQ apporach. One Small group dicussion was on Sustainability and follow-up at the community level.
Sustainability may look like use of additional resources such as Switch, New Inclusion videos an other resources.-
Susan Stewart
Seems like building a Community of Practice would be a good way to sustain the energy and identify new resources that could re-energize us when we are not together.
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Deborah Conn
Attending the Hot Topic Discussion: Joy Attending to Emotional Wellness
Each person in the session comes to the session for a different reason, but the common thread is the importance that joy be in the lives of all children and adults. Some of the joyful thoughts people have shared…
– “Kiss the joy as it flies.” (Celebrating the joy when it occurs.)
– “He who laughs, lasts.”
– “Someone understood and gave a hand.”
– “Love is the seat of joy.”
– “Merry heart is better than medicine.”
– “You cannot give what you don’t have.”
– “I am a joy seeker.”
– “Take so much for granted that we can overlook the joy children see everyday.” -
Evelyn Klimpel
Energizing Graduate Communities:
Many of the participants are ambrassadors and leadership team members.
Questions:
-How do we get a state leadership team?
-Will the SQ newsletter continue?
-What will we do without SQ T & T?Susan Stewart enter the room.
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Susan Stewart
The SpecialQuest newsletter will continue until the end of the grant. If folks are interested in writing articles for the newsletter, please contact me.
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Evelyn Klimpel
Growing Family Leaders: Planting Possibilities, Harvesting Results
Wow! The panel presentation was so powerful! Also the participants shared the benefits and challenges of family involvement. Aracelly and I will have SQ type up the information to share with all of you. -
Rebecka Anderson
Here is the PowerPoint from today’s session. It does not include audio, but in the notes section of PowerPoint you will find the script. This also includes (on the last slide) of the products/services and their urls. The Delicious video is not available within this PowerPoint because of copyright issues, however you can visit http://www.commoncraft.com to view the video through their website or purchase it.
http://www.specialquest.org/ppt/itechies3.ppt
When I return to the office I will be adding audio to this and will share this presentation via Slideshare.
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Sarah Hoover
Rebecka – What a great session! The link to the PowerPoint doesn’t seem to be functioning either as a direct link or when I tried to cut and paste into a new browser window.
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Rebecka Anderson
thanks for catching that Sarah. It should work now.
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Julie Harmon
Rebecka-Thanks for the great session. I think you found a great way to open people’s minds to the possibilities of technology-making it fun! Nice job
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Joan Ecclesine
Hot Topics for Inclusion Session
A chance for us to discuss an inclusion topic we are passionate about!
Rights:
The people who come are the right people!
When it starts is the right time and when it’s over.Law:
The Law of Two Feet – go where you need to go to participate.Freedoms:
Bubble bees – cross pollination among the groups.
Butterflies – comtemplative, quiet and thoughful.Topics to join in on:
Inclusion in the broader community
Attending to Joy
How to build a state team
Authentic Parent – Professional Partnerships
SpecialQuest Birth to 8
Empowering families to lifelong inclusion
Grandparenting children who have special needs
Acknowledging a community of diversity
How do we engage parents
Identifying and celebrating Ah Ha moments
Identifying meaningful naturally occuring events for including families
Energizing graduate teams
Taking care of ourselves to sustain the energy
Parents helping parents
Legislating inclusive practices
How to utilize SQ TOT participants
Sensitivity Awareness for staff of the parent’s journey
Managing multiple initiativesOff we go to discuss, share and be renewed!
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Deborah Conn
Thanks for capturing all of the Hot Topics Joan. It will be interesting to hear what they talked about.
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Rebecka Anderson
MISSING: 1 black/white soccer ball. please return to internet cafe. pleeeeeeeze
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Robin Wells
What a whirlwind! After a great breakfast, state teams were able to meet together and worked a little more using the book, SWITCH, which has been given us by SQ. The book discusses change and how we might affect change on returning to our communities through DIRECT the Rider, MOTIVATE the Elephant, and FOLLOW the Path.
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Holly Wilcher
From Growing Family Leaders session afternoon…
Question:How do we help families see the importance and value of their contributions in leadership opportunities?
Answers:
COMPENSATE!
Show parents their sucesses
support them for their time
if you ask them to come tell them your apprecaite their coming and that it was important for them to come.Question: How do we help state and community planning groups recognize the importance of family voices and perspective in their work?
Answers:
sharing training with the community,
helping families learn to tell their stories that are culturally relevant and appropriate
taking votes in community as a parent to lern about famiy needs
coaching parentsQuestion:What mentoring and supports have facilitated families being involved in leadership activities? What have families found to help them get and stay involved?
Answers: paying for time, having opportunity to bring child to the meeting because it is hard to be able to leave your child
Question: What mentoring and supports strategies have team members provided to assure families are welcomed and supported in active participation in family leadership activities.
Answers: Making sure parent is treated as an equal and feels just as valuable as anyone else at the table and more valuable. Share educational materials (i.e, SpecialQuest)
Question: What recommendations do we have for promoting family leadership?
Answer: using families in situations were they are most comfortable (e.g church, school, etc.)
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Jan Paulsen
The Coaching Breakout was very informative. Who knew that Coaching is really a Science and Art? Lots of interesting strategies for using coaches in your programs. Cathy gave us a whole list. One participant said, of coaching, the “Science of coaching is having the skills, the Art is knowing how to use them”
From this session also – please go to the resource table and see the Parent Briefcase and Kid Tool Kit from Indiana for concrete suggestions on how to coach parents around IEP/IFSPs and other meetings.
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Deborah Conn
Thanks for the heads-up on looking at the Parent Briefcase and Kid Tool Kit.
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Donna Ruhland
It’s so important to look at how parents can be supported in the work. Support for attending meetings and providing training into the — hopefully — sustained SpecialQuest future!
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Donna Ruhland
The “glove” story in the Switch book really spoke to me for the necessity of showing people the need for change. It is not enough to just share data. Numbers can wow people but rarely touch the heart in the way that seeing the concerns can wow our emotions. Another reason that family stories are so important!
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Holly Wilcher
Joyce Buffington just reminded me in Growing Family Leadership session that if we aren’t willing to teach parents what we are talking about when we invite them to partiipate on our state level teams then, parents are not willing to listen. It is hard for parents to live in our alphabet and policy soup and feel “included”. We need to make sure we are respectful. Are our parents here hearing a lot of acronyms or are we being respectful with language?
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Susan Stewart
Holly, what have you heard…how have we done with family members feeling respected, valued, and equal participants?
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Holly Wilcher
Susan,
I heard the growing family leadership was a bright spot! Wonderful comments from the families that attended. Thanks so much for offering that session. It was a place full of respect, value an equality for parents.
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Donna Ruhland
It is interesting to hear what other states are doing and what has worked well and what could be better. Sitting with representatives from other states is so empowering. We engaged in a discussion about what “drivers”of professional development (SQ, QRIS, Registries, mandates) can move the work — and the message along!
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Alissa Weller
The Preschool Inclusion session was a great opportunity to get a preview of the videos and activities for the preschool materials, for those of us who haven’t found time to take a look at them at home. The facilitators made it interactive and interesting and the session flew by.
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Jan Paulsen
Loved the itech awards. Deb and Rebecka did a fab job. For those of you who missed it,
all the information on the Free & Easy websites will be available for all. Rebecka will be doing
some live webinars. Join in!!!-
Rebecka Anderson
Woot! Thanks Jan!
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Alissa Weller
To sign up for updates and to access the first copy of “Switch” to share with others, go to http://www.heathbrothers.com
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Alissa Weller
Whoops – that should be the first CHAPTER of “Switch”
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Orenda Johnson
Just for fun, another challenge to SQ participants, as it relates to yesterdays dessert. How did you respond to the yucking tasting dessert. Did you react to the dessert like the participants in the Switch book did to the stryofoam tasting popcorn and just eat it because is presented and plentiful? A switch experience right before your eyes, did you know it?
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Holly Wilcher
I kept eating it thinking it would get better. I wanted to give it a chance to get better!
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Rebecka Anderson
I’m busted. I didn’t try it. The description lead me down that path. Although the whipped cream with chocolate was looking rather “delish”
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Alissa Weller
I’m not a tea drinker so didn’t think I’d like a dessert with “tea” in the name – so I passed it by with no regrets. They made up for it with today’s desserts.
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Susan Stewart
What a great observation, Orenda!
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Alissa Weller
An AHA moment from the morning Ambassador session: The words “fear” and “resistance” come up a lot when talking about change. We can change that to the word “switch”.
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Alissa Weller
An important observation from the Ambassador session about “Switch”: In order to make change you must engage the heart as well as the mind.
Also: People need to know where the path is leading and have clear direction.
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Linda Schumacher
Inclusion isn’t so much of a path as it is the river that is fluid and runs through everything.” Pat Cameron from Massachusetts
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Orenda Johnson
A challange to SQ participants. Are you riding the wrong elephant?
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Orenda Johnson
Aha moments from the morning sesion, As an Ambassador we function as the Rider, our assisgned Teams are our Elephants, don;t let them exhaust your efforts.
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Orenda Johnson
Just completed the first monring breakout session on the Book Switch.
Summary for the morning from the Ohio SLT is…If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a CHANGE! -
Donna Ruhland
Great change can be made when emotions are considered!
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Deborah Conn
Did you know???? Everyone is encouraged to reply to postings on this NSQL blog. You do not need a password to reply. Simply click “reply” on the top right corner of the message box, enter your name and email (not shared).
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Deborah Conn
Have something you want to get out to the world of SpecialQuest? Look for an iReporter for an written or video interview. You can also post to your own Twitter or Facebook accounts and use the #SQ10 hashtag.
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Donna Ruhland
James shared a quote he uses in working with groups, “How do I know what I think until I say what I feel?”
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Deborah Conn
This is a great quotation, James (via Donna). I’m going to put it on my bulletin board.
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Donna Ruhland
In the discussion of Switch, we had a great quote from Linda on our team. She stated, “I think I have been riding the wrong elephant.” We need to think about the emotions driving our elephants and the elephants of the people around us.
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Beth Fairchild
The PA team is raring to go this morning in our discusssion about SWITCH and its application to us…indiivdualy and collectively as we are including all children everywhere they are in their lives!
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Joan Ecclesine
Day 2 – Session 1 Switch
Summaries statements:
‘Engage the heart and the mind and change will happen.’
Bookmark sums it up: Direct the Rider, Motivate the Elephant, Shape the Path. -
Donna Ruhland
Great discussion in our session yesterday, Inclusion Courses: Preparing Students for the Real World. We could have talked an hour longer! So interesting to hear success stories from other states, what some universities have been able to do. We had several good ideas shared from having a program available for students to major in Interdisciplinary Studies to aligining to Core Knowedlge to teaching students about teaming! Great minds in the group! Thanks!
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Susan Stewart
Donna, would love to hear those stories…how can we hear about them?
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Alissa Weller
The state teams and Ambassadors are each meeting together as groups this morning. The Ambassadors are looking forward to being all together to work and reconnect.
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Robin Wells
Good Morning, World! What a magnificent, crisp Colorado morning. 2010 National Leadership SpecialQuest participants are enjoying a delicious, healthy breakfast before we move into our morning state team meetings. This morning’s breakout will be the first time that states have formally been scheduled to meet together. Other times of linking up with state members have been at breakfast, lunch, snack breaks, reception last evening, or per chance in sessions. This evening, Carrie Aiken, has made arrangements for New Mexico team members to dine at a local bar and grill. I believe that might be 15 out of our 19 attendees who will be able to go. Talk again later this morning. Wish you all were here with us!
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Linda Schumacher
This isn’t a great picture because I took it with my cellphone, but there are PRAIRIE DOG HOME! on the way to the light rail station! Use New Englanders were fascinated as the prairie dogs popped out and back into their holes.
Prairie dog homes near the light rail station
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Holly Wilcher
Lasting thoughts from Joan Lombardi
… is committed to shaing with the federal government what is going on in the states and learn from
what is happening in the states. This will culminate in August at a summit in D.C….…keep the focus on community and SpecialQuest has been at the forefront of that
…now framing everything from birth-eight, this has moved from the frame of eight weeks in the 70s
…not to think of a specific program, but need to focus governing structure at local level that pulls pieces together for children and families instead of funding programs, one that includes QA for larger child care community (kids under 5) and aligned with what happens when children go from k-3 and renewed interest in what is happening quality k-3- making sure what they are going into is developmentally effective
…when Child Care Federal is doing TA work for child care and head start these are no longer separate things, but one FAMILY!
.. .mile high city lifts your spirits and also takes your breath away
…healthy, happy, sucessful children and children that are full of joy… can she use the word ‘happy’ ? of course! Our country was formed on the pursuit of happiness!
..what children need are (+) adults in their lives… these people should be the focus of our work
Thank you, Joan.
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Holly Wilcher
how much do you think I can get from People maganize for the 1st shot of the socks?
louisiana has the key to sustaining the Quest… you guessed it… socks!-
Susan Stewart
Peyton says his Possum Socks are really made from possum fur (hair?) and come from New Zealand. He has a possum scarf, too…ew!
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Alissa Weller
Tanika shared a new word that was coined by the Ohio state leadership team: “volun-told”. As in, “I volun-told you to do that”.
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Alissa Weller
In the small group, Jackie Haight observed that the Touchpoints principles can be applied to dealing with people and building relationships with anyone. If you’re not familiar with Touchpoints, check out this link: http://www.touchpoints.org/
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Alissa Weller
After the small group discussions, the groups posted their work to share with everyone, then Lou Landry facilitated a large group discussion of some of the insights we’d gained. Joan summarized the comments from the participants in her post below.
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Deborah Conn
iReporters capture interesting stories and insights from SpecialQuest participants.
iReporter Interviews
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Susan Stewart
Any iReporters want to join the SpecialQuest enewsletter writing and editorial team?
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Alissa Weller
Enjoyed working in a small group brainstorming around collaboration and relationship building.
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Rebecka Anderson
Everyone following along at home: We welcome your comments. You can reply to any of the postings that have been made by clicking the reply link next to a posting.
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Rebecka Anderson
Wonderful quote from a colleague from another state this morning – when leaders gather you to inform of a decision already made, it’s not a public hearing, it’s a public “telling”. Evidence that inclusion needs to occur at the policy AND practice levels.
Sarah Hoover VIA SpecialQuest Facebook Wall -
Rebecka Anderson
“Was exciting to hear from Joan Lombardi. She emphasized that education and developmental goals should be created from birth up, instead of working from what we have and going backwards. Makes sense to me.”
Angie Oesterly VIA SpecialQuest Facebook Wall -
Rebecka Anderson
“I came across a podcast with Switch co-author Dan Heath, in the context of parenting (though he admits at one point he’s offering advice as a “childless non-fiction writer”). Thought it might be interesting to folks preparing for NLSQ next week. Mojo Mom Podcast with “Switch” co-author Dan Heath- “http://www.MojoMom.com
Sarah Hoover VIA SpecialQuest Facebook Wall“ -
Rebecka Anderson
Some updates being made to the SpecialQuest page on facebook. http://www.facebook.com/specialquest “LIKE” us!
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Robin Wells
Lou Landry facilitated SQ participants in sharing their “Aha!” moments experienced during Day 1 of our 2010 National Leadership SQ. Great thoughts were shared as well as all of us needing to see/touch the Possum Socks (Louisiana by way of New Zealand). Can hardly wait to get a load of this! Joy! – the word of the day for ALL of us.
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Deborah Conn
What were some of the “ah-has” Robin?
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Deborah Conn
What were some of the “ah-has,” Robin?
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Robin A. Wells
“Ahas” – Parents might feel more inclined to embrace supports for their children if we chose another title than “special education” – “how about inclusive education” – aha!
Joy to hear that all of us are speaking of children in ways which are supportive and acceptant – aha!
Although we come from differing locations and challenges within our states, we share a distinct common thread – we are all committed to young children and their families and inclusive practices – aha!
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Joan Ecclesine
Let’s consider spreading the joy of working with children with disabilities. The children are joy for us. Let’s be joy to the children also. Happy, Healthy and Successful children for the future.
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Joan Ecclesine
Session 5 Lou Landry
Large group session that summarized the insights and learnings of the day for participants. these are the individual comments put forth:
1. Transition = Continuum.
2. Celebrate everyone.
3. We are diverse and different but we do end up at consensus of inclusion topics.
4. Possum socks???
5. One thing may not fit all and we can live with that.
6. Sustainability is possible.
7. Similiarity between the 8 breakout sessions – common themes are woven throughout.
8. Missouri wants to see the Possum Socks – see Payton at the Reception. Be sure to touch them.
9. Ambassadors and State Teams getting to know each other is rewarding.
10.It is wonderful to realize there is influence in the different states.
11.SQ is a movement. The results of successes that have been recording is exciting. If the movement continues SQ will reach more people in various fields that serve children with disabiliites.
12.Can we get another name for Special Ed labels?
13.Family voices – emotional attachment is powerful and empowers the learning process.
14.In planning course work – let’s think about using the term inclusion vs children with disabilities.
15.Let’s change Special Education to Inclusive Education.-
Rebecka Anderson
Hey Joan good info. Could you elaborate further on what this list is in relation to for those following along at home?
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Evelyn Klimpel
I just spot Jim O’Brien in the ballroom participating in the walk-a-about.
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Deborah Conn
It’s great that Jim could see first-hand all the good work that state teams are doing!
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Joan Ecclesine
Session 3 – Impacting Policy to effect change for inclusion: Group 1 Rob Corso
Discussion and expert facilitation took us moving toward a goal of continued work in looking at the Quality Rating Improvement System in our states. What are we interested in? We need to be at the table to ensure that quality services for children with disabilities are included in the rating system. We need to be at the table to ensure that there is an equitable implementation of the rating system across all childcare entities (Head Start, Private Providers, DOE, etc).
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Evelyn Klimpel
Despite the beautiful view on the 12th floor, my group got a lot of work done. They discussed Inclusion coursework prepare students for the world.
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Linda Schumacher
What a great idea for sustaining from Rafaela Toro Sanchez: show SpecialQuest videos in waiting rooms as families wait for therapy! Our extension idea was to show SQ videos in any waiting rooms! Pediatricians, lobbies, where else? Anyone have ideas?
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Rebecka Anderson
Love it!
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Jesus
That really works!!!!
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Alissa Weller
Great idea!
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Tanika Dickens
Enjoying all the sessions, hope you enjoy all of our messages and pictures.
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Rebecka Anderson
thanks for all the great photos you’ve shared!
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Orenda Johnson
At Lunch enjoyed a healthy selction of low carb fare. The dessert was awful, please remove it from future menu selection
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Alissa Weller
LOL Orenda. I didn’t understand that dessert at all
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Rebecka Anderson
LOL yes it was a “confusing dish”
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Robin Wells
Fantastic workgroup on Inclusion Coursework to Prepare Students for the Real World! Great ideas and super plans in how each of us might move forward in creating collaborative partnerships with community programs, families, and public education and what the future/current work force need. The Centennial Room (12th floor) provided an awesome view of Denver, surrounding area, and the snow-capped mountains!
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Rebecka Anderson
what were some of the ideas?
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Robin Wells
Sure, Rebecka! Thanks for asking. Some ideas that could be replicated in our own communities and/or states (to name a few) are the following: (1) work on infusing SQ approach and materials in higher education coursework (this could cross all disciplines besides early childhood, i.e., special education, general education, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech/language pathololgy, etc.), (2) meet with community partners (i.e., either higher ed meeting with community programs or vice versa) to gain constructive suggestions as to what additional knowledge, skills, and competencies students need to acquire, and (3) developing relationships with families in your college/university community who might be willing to be “hosts” to future educators in hearing the family story regarding their child with unique needs. Hope this helps!
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Orenda Johnson
Just finished insights and Learning for group 4 on Impact of Policy making to create change for inclusion.
Focus of discussion, universal policies that impact ece inclusion practices that will support and postively impact family functioning. -
Jan Paulsen
Group 3 had a very informative session around policy. The networking started and continued out of the room to break. See our poster in the Ballroom – Policy Group 3.
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Rebecka Anderson
what was the biggest learning in your group about policy?
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Beth Fairchild
Up on the 12th floor overlooking the Rockies with an enthusiastic group discussing coursework to support quality inclusion. Whether preservice or inservice, every state is so different and many challenges…also the political climate…many of the issues are directly related to depleting funding sources. Stay tuned!
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Rebecka Anderson
what are some challenges aside from funding?
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Pam Booker
A.J. Sorry to learn of your FOOTISE ….everyone misses you!
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Pam Booker
The Latest is…
Just broke into 25 small work groups to focus on top 8 insights from our mornings work.
8 Insights are:
1. Impact Policy to Create Change for Inclusion.
2. Build Relationships with the “Right People”.
3. Maintain Inclusion During Transitions.
4. Defining and Communicating the Benefits of Inclusion.
5. Inclusion Coursework Prepares Students for the Real World.
6. Using Data to Make Change for Inclusion.
7. Sustain the Quest.
8. Family Voices in Partnership-
Rebecka Anderson
can’t wait to see/hear how these developed.
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Stephanie Flake
Neon Green Table
The Neon Green group came up with many successes and insights!
Louisianna- In one area self contained classrooms have decreased from 45 to only 5!
Ohio- Special Quest materials have been given to local libraries!
South Carolina- Special Quest Materials have been used to obtain funding for local programs!
Wyoming- Head Starts and Child Development Centers have joined foces to provide joint parent trainings!The group had great discussion regarding values in Early Childhood programming regarding including all people regardless of needs, religion, culture and language. We discussed assumptions about who is catogorized as being “in need” of suppoort. We also discussed the importance of parent advocacy and insight in all we do federally, at the state level and locally. Great discussion opportunites!
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Ellen Pope
LIGHT PINK Great dialogue this morning in the first breakout. The participants were still jazzed about what Dr. Lombardi had to say at the keynote! Especially liked the idea that “happy” children is a goal. Also, much discussion about the word transition. The team generated lots of successes and shared a number of challenges. In the end, they targeted decisions about policies and state government decisions, families and
ultimately, communication across local/state programs as being issues they want to further discuss with other participants. -
Jan Paulsen
There was so much excitment and good conversations in the TAN group, the time just flew by. The group generated many many insights and learnings, they wanted to keep them all. The top 3, I’m sure will generate many more converstations this afternoon.
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Deborah Conn
Joan applauds the SpecialQuest Movement
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Kristin Faniola
What an inspiration Joan is! Very motivational and I hope that one day we can all wish for our children to be “Happy”
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Alissa Weller
Lots of great “insights and learnings” from the pastel blue session to build on this afternoon: environment matters, understand people’s resistance, ongoing relationship building, train and re-train, learn from others…..
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Pam Booker
Still hearing buzz from our keynote this morning…..HAPPY, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN!
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Pam Booker
Neon Green Team ROCKS! We had a some tremendous thoughts and passionate disscussions begin to develop….wonderful start to our day!
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Joan Ecclesine
Dark Green Session: Learnings and Insights – SQ Materials and Resources are high quality, Training Systems are key to sustainability with staff turnover and state level agency turnover, Never-ending process to build sustainability (there isn’t an end), ‘Unpacking the No’ for resistant child care groups, Grassroots efforts has finally blossomed, SQ Framework is the umbrella for all of us, Time is not a challenge anymore for us – we get it done, Main ingredient should always be the parent to move an agenda, Mouse pushing a Elephant up the hill (where there is a will, there is a way), Parents empowering parents, Willing to go beyond your comfort zone, SQ makes you think and helps you realize the it doesn’t take much to change policy.
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Susan Stewart
Joan…”unpacking the ‘no’” intrigues me! Can you elaborate?
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Beth Fairchild
Bright Blue Group…Listening, Learning, Sharing…
Successes-Collaboration, networking and training with higher ed, continuing quest at state, regional and local levels without federal funding, including more children with severe disabilities in programs, wide use and exposure of materials to cross system programs, -
Orenda Johnson
Folks are requesting information concerning the Home visiting program be posted on the SQ website for updates
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Orenda Johnson
Have a Federal presence at this event is a first towards bridging the gap betwween state and federal agendas concering ece.
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Jesus
Let it us know what they are doing is amazing. I feel like a part of it… Hurray!!!!!
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Orenda Johnson
People are gkad to hear there us efforts being made towards making EHS/HS and child care equal
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Orenda Johnson
What children need is postive adults in their lives.
Joan Lombardei -
Joan Ecclesine
Dark Green Session: Successes that are being discussed include: Colorado’s requires day care professionals to take a course in disability/inclusion for licensure, Higher education being involved on the State based teams, multiple Train the Trainers models are in place in multiple states!
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Orenda Johnson
State work is great, but we must keep nthe focus on communities.
Joan Lombardei -
Robin Wells
Our session is breaking and reconvening in a short time. When we return, we’ll be discussing topics for discussion in our afternoon sessions, i.e., how to improve inclusive practices, how to share SQ approach and materials, how to sustain our effort. Exciting times and great participation!
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Linda Schumacher
“Good read” recommendations from Ann Janney-Schultz: Three Cups of Tea -and- Stones into Schools both by Greg Mortenson, who founded Central Asia Institute to build schools for girls in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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Alissa Weller
Don’t get hung up on “the funding is ending”. What was being done before, and what can continue? There is no reason not to continue the Quest and people need to get past the “end of grant” mentality.
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Susan Stewart
Good point, Alissa!
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Joan Ecclesine
Key theme developing as we discuss inclusion practices is the emphasis of integration of PBS (Positive Behavioral Support), Pyramid Training Systems, and Mental Health in many state projects.
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Alissa Weller
A state leadership team member observed that “you can use the word ‘inclusion’ all you want, but we need to make it real”. It’s important to share the experiences of families of children with disabilities in the real world!
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Susan Stewart
Definitely!
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Joan Ecclesine
Point for all! Keep in mind confidentiality as we are sharing challenges in our states so that we do not misrepresent work that is being done. Those of us as iReporters should be sensitive as participants are reporting back. Everyone needs to know our information going out on the web is secure.
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Susan Stewart
Thanks for the reminder, Joan!
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Joan Ecclesine
Dark Green Session – Cleo and Susan are facilitating an exciting and engaging session. Thank goodness ‘Have Fun’ is included in all the ground rules! (Cleo is adapting and wants to break a few rules also.) We are doing our challenges first and successes last – trying to end with the positive. Time is flying as we discuss all the initiatives and work going on in the states represented. ‘Every good conversation doesn’t have an ending!’ from Susan.
As we shared our roles in SQ, everyone was overwhelmed by the impact we have an opportunity to make through the State based teams.
Challenges: Staff turnover and getting trained., Budget issues at the state level, Data collections system having a meaningful impact
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Evelyn Klimpel
The Neon Pink Session Two: Success Highlights
SQ approach & materials are used at colleges and universities. WY, LA &
Preschool grant for sustainability. LA
Partnership with Part C. ND
This is just a short sample of the long list of SUCCESSES! -
Holly Wilcher
sitting in the Bright Yellow Celebrating and Learning From Where We’ve Been session and listening to all of great reflections from participants on the opening session, highlights were vision for children being” happy, healthy, successful and full of joy”! “new HomeVisitation ‘revolution’ that will be happening in this country”! “loved that Joan talked about Head Start and Child Care not being two separate things for different populations, we should all be working together, excited to hear that conversation at the federal level”… ” head start, Early head start, and child care as a FAMILY”… ” need to join together and collaborate better on the things we are doing so that the little money we have can be focused because we all serve the same populations”… “remember the families!”
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Stephanie Flake
Members of the Missouri State Leadership Team sporting their sashes!
The Missouri Team is at the event sporting sashes with the motto “Show Me”. Missouri is the Show Me state after all. Rae Anderson wonderfully took on the task of making the sashes for the team. She shared the story of the creation of the sashes…
Rae first experienmented with writing the motto with a marker, she soon discovered the smell of the marker was a bit disturbing and would not go away. Rae decided to use puff paint… As 7 of the sashes were drying her cat, Lola, decided to check things out when Rae stepped out of the room for a bit. When Rae returned she discovered Lola had explored a bit too close and had left little black foot prints as a tell tale sign.
Here is Rae sporting the sashes she made!
Rae, thank you for your hard work and dedication! It is much appreciated!
If anyone has a fun story to tell regarding their state item let me know!
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Evelyn Klimpel
On Friday, I was at an Office of Civil Rights meeting. The general counsel for President Obama was the keynote speaker. He said American Indian Education was a priority for his administration.
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Orenda Johnson
The “New Movement” for SQ work is to take SQ beyond Head Start and Early Head Start.
To change the landscape.
ACF new hybird “Interagency laison” will consist of Home visiting program. This will drive systemic reform, provide a system for at-risk children, link Department of Maternal and child health & Department of Ed. -
Orenda Johnson
Good news from Joan, is that ACCESS is available and should be celebrated.
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Orenda Johnson
Joan Lombardi shared the history of when the 10% for inclusion began in 1974,since than 1,000,000 infants and toddlers have been served.
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Robin Wells
WOW! What State Leadership Team accomplishments have occurred just in the past year! Awesome work. Joan Lombardi encouraged us to remain strong in the Quest – “Never Ever Give Up!”
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Orenda Johnson
Joan Lombardi, WOW,
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Rebecka Anderson
tell us more! Would love to hear what wows Orenda!
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Linda Schumacher
Keynote Speaker, Joan Lombardi from the Administration for Children and Families
Joan Lombardi reminds us that SpecialQuest is on the forefront sharing inclusive concepts of early education to ALL communities. We are all “Don Quixotes,” never giving up our quest!
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Joan Ecclesine
Number Highlights: 16 States using CPIP. 87 Graduate Programs using CPIP, 148 Visits by coaches to State Teams 451-?, 489-? 8,605 SQ Materials out the door, 24,752 Visitors to SQ website, 250,007 and growing for people that have been touched by the SQ approach. Goal 2,500,000! Let’s keep moving forward and get there.
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Joan Ecclesine
State Leadership Teams, Coaches, Ambassadors, Consultants, Staff – Celebrate We are all in this together – making dreams come true – we can make it!
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Susan Stewart
Glad you caught the words, Joan! They are pretty inspiring!
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Joan Ecclesine
Great question and point to be made. Let’s work for the e-rate system to break through into HS.
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Joan Ecclesine
Joan Lombardi is beginning her Opening Session. What an opportunity for SpecialQuest to have a direct connection at the Federal level! Thank you, Joan, for your work for EHS, HS and Childcare.
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Linda Schumacher
Do you see all of us ireporters with our red blinky name tags? We’re everywhere!
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Alissa Weller
We’ve started out with a great breakfast, and there’s lots of energy in the room as we get ready to begin!
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Orenda Johnson
What a glorious morning, fellowship is fabulous! We are about to begin.
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Evelyn Klimpel
Good Morning! I am stitting here with Michelle Pena from Casper, Wy. This is her first SpecialQuest.
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Robin Wells
Beautiful morning in the Mile High City! SQ participants are “abuzz” with excitement at breakfast! The SQ staff and Leadership Coordinating Team sure do take “great care” of us! They are the best!
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Susan Stewart
Thanks, Robin!
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Holly Wilcher
Would love to welcome you all to Denver on behalf of the Colorado SpecialQuest state leadership team! We are so happy to have you all here in our beloved state! If you have any Colorado specific questions while you are here, don’t hesitate to ask any of us! We hope you enjoy your time here and come to know and love Colorado as much as we do!
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Sandy Tradewell
We are all set for the National Leadership SpecialQuest to begin!!! So wonderful to have the full SpecialQuest community in one place!
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Jan Paulsen
i reporter interview #1 I just met Josefina Campbel from the Louisiana State Team (orginally Costa Rica). Josefina is the mother of an adult daughter with autism. Her daughter has been employed at their Parish Court house for the last 10 years.
Josefina is also fluent in French and Spanish and has taught ESL classes for K-12th graders. She is also interested in talking about early intervention issues for young children when English is their second language.
You can find Josefina here at the conference by looking for her name tag is pastel blue and she will be wearing a black scarf with GOLD FLEUR DE LEIS on it. You can also email Josefina at jcampbell@stcharles.k12.la.us. Contact her.
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Deborah Conn
It’s great to see folks checking out the SpecialQuest Blog in the Cyber Cafe!
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Robin Wells
We’re here! Folks are chatty and happy! Wish those of you at home were here with us. I’ll check in again later!
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Jan Paulsen
Check out your Special Quest thumb drive. It has loads of SQ information, videos, and note taking pages.
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Pam Booker
Sunday evening here in Denver, the hotel is rocking with SpecialQuest people, stories, and connections…love love love it!
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Ellen Pope
The Special Quest Birth to Five Staff have been up to their amazing creative curriculum and activity development! The next 3 days are going to be truly amazing for everyone. The opportunities for connecting across states and cross fertilizing great ideas are endless! And, welcome to the New Mexico Special Quest State Leadership team just now arriving at the hotel! Can’t wait to connect with everyone!
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Linda Schumacher
I’m hereeeeeeeeee! Massachusetts Leadership team will be the ones with the Sneeches on their water bottles. Ask one of us “why sneeches?” and we will tell you! (Hint: Star-bellied Sneeches—-who’s the author of that beloved children’s books?).
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Deborah Conn
The Hyatt has been transformed! The elves (a.k.a. staff) have been working their magic and the hotel now shouts “SpecialQuest.” Just waiting for people to arrive!
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Beth Fairchild
Getting ready to put the last few items in my suitcase and head for the airport! I can’t believe the NLSQ is finally here! I am so excited for some of our newest PA team members who have never experienced a SpecialQuest amazing event! As Holly said, thank you to everyone who makes this event possible…ahead of time!
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Holly Wilcher
I am SO excited to see everyone Monday and share all the fantastic learning going on this week with everyone… Thank you to everyone with SpecialQuest…I know you have all been working around the clock to make these next few days an incredible experience for the teams. We appreciate every detail!
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Susan Stewart
Thanks, Holly and Beth! We’ve been working hard, but we have enjoyed it!
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Joan Ecclesine
Hi, SQ Friends, I am packed and ready to go. Just a quick check of the weather for travel and a review of the timezones. I have my packing list, my eticket and my laptop for blogging and status updates. It will be grand to see you all! Thanks, Rebecka for all your help in getting me started as an IReporter. See you at the Registration Table tomorrow.
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Rebecka Anderson
Hey everyone! Be sure to check out the video that Trish Mengel posted. Click “Videos of Event” found on the right side of the screen under What’s Happening.
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Linda Schumacher
Packing, and getting ready for DENVER tomorrow! Highlights: itechie class and a Colorado Rockies game! Woot woot!
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Aracelly Valverde
Running into many of our SQ friends and family in the lobby and hallway. Lou Landry just came in from Costa Rica, Sheyla wants to go shopping!!!
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Rebecka Anderson
Staff have been meeting all day and preparing materials. Looking forward to the arrival of everyone tomorrow.
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Aracelly Valverde
Running into some of our SQ friends in the halls and lobby!! Welcome!
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Rebecka Anderson
Readers! EVERYONE is encourage to reply to postings made on this site. Click the reply link next to the post you wish to reply to. Enter your name and an email address.
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Rebecka Anderson
OK! Here we go! This post marks the official launch of the National Leadership SpecialQuest Event Blog. We have a team of over 20 “iReporters” that will be reporting through this site and other social media tools such as Twitter and Flickr. ALL reports can be accessed through this site (notice the links under “What’s Happening.”
Darcy Allen-Young, and 
Kristin Faniola is discussing. 
Julie Harmon, 
Alissa Weller is discussing. 
Jesus, and 
Susan Stewart 3:12 pm on June 9, 2010 Permalink
Bevin, I love your commitment switch plate! There is an energy and enthusiasm emminating from it that puts a smile on my face. I hope others will share their switch plates, too!