The Early Intervention Training Program at the University of Illinois (EITP) and IDHS Bureau of Early Intervention invites Child and Family Connections (CFCs) to join us for a Pre-Conference for Specialized Roles on March 22, 2023 and the Virtual CFC Conference, Better Together Supporting Families & Each Other, on March 31, 2023. Connect with your colleagues in our interactive Zoom environments; listen and engage with an array of expert presenters; and learn from our collective challenges and successes.
The keynote presentation by Meghan Burke, PhD, BCBA-D, with Brittni Monreal will share five dimensions of trusting family-professional partnerships, including practical strategies associated with each dimension. Dr. Burke is a parent of a child with disabilities, a sibling of an individual with Down syndrome (both of whom received EI), and a professor of Special Education and Educational Policy, Organization, and Leadership at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Ms. Monreal is a loving mother to a child living with autism, a wife, an advocate and healthcare administrator for a community health center.
Additional conference sessions include ways to be efficient and effective with organizational and time management skills, addressing the specific needs of young children and families involved in DCFS, and a discussion about ways to prepare for and respond during challenging conversations. The conference will conclude by recognizing award recipients for their exceptional work and contributions to the field!
Materials and Resources
This section contains handouts and resources from the 2023 Virtual CFC Pre-Conference and Conference and will be updated with new items as they are shared by presenters, so please check in even after the conference to see what is new!
Resources for conference sessions:
Time Management & Organizational Strategies to Uncover More Hours in a Day by Elizabeth Friedman, Melissa Hardison, Heather Waters, & Shawna Gurney
Collaborative Forces: Collaborative Approach by Shameka Brown
Keynote: Developing Strong Family-Professional Partnerships in Early Intervention by Dr. Meghan Burke with Brittni Monreal
Unweaving the Entanglement of Conflictual Interactions by Rebecca Molitor
Working with DCFS-Involved Young Children and Their Families: Challenges & Possibilities by Jill Barbre, Annette Mandeville, & Lariza Fenner-Lux
Resources for Service Coordinators on Coaching and Capacity Building
- Coaching Families Through Early Intervention: Service Coordination Strategies (pdf) includes the various aspects of a family’s journey through early intervention and strategies service coordinators may consider as they plan “with” the family, rather than “for” the family
- A Journey Through Early Intervention: Partnering with Professionals (pdf) is a coaching companion tool that service coordinators may share with families to help them build capacity and help them consider ways to plan “with” professionals on their team.
- Service Coordinator Coaching Infographics (FIPP, 2023) is a set of infographics developed by The Family, Infant, and Preschool Program (FIPP) specifically for early intervention Service Coordinators. They focus on understanding coaching within the role of the Service Coordinator and specifically address coaching families to access resources, develop goals, review outcomes, and prepare for transitions.
Conference Award Winners
Family Advocate
This person is always working toward one common goal: supporting families as they navigate the maze of EI. This person honors all families and ensures that their voice is at the forefront of all team discussions and decisions, helping them to feel seen, valued, and included. This person's advocacy efforts may improve families’ well-being, promote their understanding of relevant services, programs, or resources, and may connect them to other families who share similarities. Any family participating in EI would be lucky to have this person in their corner.
| Iwona Parkel | CFC 11 |
| Leigh Ann Pilcher | CFC 21 |
Operations Specialist
This person understands the daily operations of the CFC office. Their organization, time management, and initiative help the CFC run efficiently and smoothly. Their keen intuition and experience help them anticipate and prevent operational glitches in the office. To boot, their friendly personality makes the office vibe more delightful! They know exactly what needs to be done and make it happen with a smile! Without this person and their efforts, things would turn into chaos.
| Nicole Atterberry | CFC 7 |
| Pam Havens | CFC 16 |
Resource Guru
This person is a walking “Central Directory” of resources. Whether it be connecting a family to child care or helping a service coordinator navigate a referral to an outside agency, this person knows all the resources available in their area and how to connect others to them. They generously offer their assistance by writing an introductory email, making a phone call, simply “name dropping” a resource and/or following up. They go above and beyond to ensure appropriate connections are made, supporting their co-workers, as well as families, and children participating in EI.
| Sarah Organ | CFC 22 |
| Michelle Roberts | CFC 6 |
Rising Star
This award recognizes an individual who has worked within the CFC office for less than 1 year. Although new in their position, this person truly understands the spirit of EI and embodies the principles that uphold it. This person’s passion shines through in everyday interactions with teams. Their stellar organizational and leadership skills promote timely and collaborative interactions and services. Their thoughtful approach with families in person, via phone, email, or LVV meetings, exemplifies sensitivity, empathy, and compassion. This person’s future in EI is bright!
| Candace Bacon | CFC 18 |
| Ashley Marotto | CFC 5 |
Technologist
This person understands all things tech related! They are there to lend a helping hand troubleshooting Cornerstone issues, setting up a live video visit (LVV) for a family, or connecting that printer/scanner to the internet/network. This person goes above and beyond the “have you tried turning it off and on again?” This tech guru always knows exactly what to do to fix the problem and does so kindly and patiently.
| Kasey Bridgewater | CFC 15 |
| Danielle Tenca | CFC 5 |
Zenist
This person’s Zen-like demeanor helps to ease others’ worries and tension, and overall promotes a sense of calm. They are exceptionally skilled at listening to others, offering validating or encouraging words, and supportive coaching and guidance. Their careful listening and inquiry help others feel a sense of lightness or relief. They are keenly attuned to knowing when someone needs a little pick-me-up, a funny text, or a simple check-in.
| Jennifer Greviskes | CFC 5 |
| Kay Komie | CFC 10 |
| Holly Wallace | CFC 16 |
