76th Annual SECA Conference

Training and coaching practices used to prepare educators in Early Learning Centers include children with disabilities yet, successful inclusion in preschool education requires teachers to modify the instructional setting, use effective instructional methods and strategies, adapt instruction, and provide equal learning opportunities for all children. The lack of special education knowledge, skills in evidence- based practices, and teaching experiences to fulfill these roles is one of the most significant barriers to effective inclusion of children with or at risk for disabilities. The criteria for staff development effectiveness would require an understanding of content and pedagogical knowledge that requires countless hours.
The proposed VP-GEEP is a multi-component workshop approach model is a structured and purposefully directed site-based professional development workshop model that identifies special education concepts that will engage educators with a hands-on approach, and promote a collegiality and collaborative exchange of ideas, practices, and strategies to improve children’s outcomes in context. Site based educators are aware of critical contextual characteristics and therefore, can apply contextual based evidence-based practices to intervene and plan for the child with disabilities based on their needs, and resources. The mnemonic VP-GEEP is a purposely designed seamless workshop model that will assist teachers in Early Learning Centers recall special education concepts. Each letter in the model represents a concept that educators will collaboratively learn, apply, and implement strategies and practices in context.