• The core principles of early childhood special education
• The significance of the Endrew F. Supreme Court decision
• SRBI/RTI frameworks and national trends
• Inclusive preschool options for children with disabilities in Connecticut
• The current status and key challenges in special education today

On Friday, January 6th, CT LEND is pleased to welcome Jennifer Vendetti, Maureen Greer, and Nicole Cossette for a day centered on system supports for infants and young children.

Jennifer Vendetti, LMSW, CEIM, PMH-C

Topic: Transitions After Birth: The Role of Home Visiting in Family Support
Jennifer Vendetti will explore how home visiting programs support families during the perinatal period and early infancy. Her session will address prenatal and perinatal factors that may pose risks to child development, examine key components of home visiting programs, and highlight how these services connect families to early childhood systems and coordinated supports following birth.

Maureen Greer

Topic: Part C of IDEA: National Perspective
Maureen Greer will provide a national overview of Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), focusing on the structure and purpose of early intervention systems across states. Her presentation will address the role of service coordinators, define key concepts such as learning opportunities, activity settings, and natural environments, and examine how Part C supports infants, toddlers, and families nationwide.

Nicole Cossette

Topic: Part C of IDEA: State Perspective
Nicole Cossette will present Connecticut’s implementation of IDEA Part C, highlighting how national policy is translated into state-level practice. Her session will explore how early intervention services are coordinated locally, clarify differences between the IFSP and IEP, and discuss how family-centered, natural-environment-based practices are carried out to support young children with developmental delays and disabilities.