2026 Summer Inclusion Institute Handouts
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
9:30-10:30AM Morning Keynote (Ballroom III)
Inclusion is Possible: Are You Ready? – Jordyn Zimmerman
Through storytelling and visuals, this live keynote will discuss Jordyn Zimmerman’s lived experience as a nonspeaking autistic learner, educator and advocate. They will discuss how early beliefs contribute to low expectations throughout life, challenges with accessing effective communication, supporting others in community, and the necessity of accessible technology. Time will be allotted for whole group questions.
10:45AM-12:15PM Round 1 Breakout Sessions
Developing Leadership Skills in Preschool – Emily Dorsey (Ballroom 1)
Young children with and without disabilities have the potential to be leaders in their classroom environments. In this session, we will discuss three leadership skills for children: citizenship, peer support, and shared-decision making. We will also discuss the positive impacts of teaching leadership skills to children. There are benefits for students, teachers, and the classroom community as a whole.
Children’s Votes Count tip sheet
Building a Community of Leadership: An Opportunity to Network, Problem-Solve, & Share Inclusion Strategies – Faith Knocke, Emily Ropars, Ann Kremer, Evelyn Green & Michelle Sands (Ballroom II)
This interactive session is designed for both current Leadership Community of Practice (CoP) members, as well as those interested in joining in the future. This session will offer leaders a space to connect, reflect, and learn from one another’s work. Through structured discussions in mixed groups, participants will collaborate with peers across programs to explore, share strategies, and problem-solve inclusion-related challenges and priorities. Participants will leave with new ideas, at least one meaningful connection, and an action plan to support their inclusive leadership moving forward.
Prioritizing Family School Connections: The Road from Adversarial to Amicable Partnerships – Dr. Antoinette Taylor (Circus)
The Division of Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) Recommended Practices, as well as the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Family Engagement EDFs emphasize the role of families for building and sustaining outcomes for children and teachers. This session will uplift responsive, inclusive, evidenced-based practices for students and families of all social identities by integrating the promises, practices, and benefits of inclusion. Participants will crosswalk and align general education evidenced-based practices as defined by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) through the lens of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in their districts and programs. We will also explore teaming and collaboration techniques to promote equitable, sustainable, high-quality, inclusive practices that support children and families.
Please Note: Session content may be updated to reflect new guidance from national partners, pending publication
Community Inclusion Matters – Shonda Ronen (Old Main)
Looking to build a stronger, more inclusive community to support your young learners and their families? Whether you’re launching your very first Community Inclusion Team (CIT) or looking for fresh ideas to revitalize an established one, this session is for you! Join the Bunker Hill CIT as they share real-world success stories—like how their innovative “learning Kits” sparked incredible local connections. You’ll walk away with a toolbox of actionable strategies to spread awareness, engage local partners, and build a true village of support for families with children ages birth to five.
Slide Deck – Community Inclusion Matters
1:30-3:00PM Round 2 Breakout Sessions
Joyful Learning, Meaningful Data: Authentic Assessment Through Play – Katie Suchy (Ballroom I)
In this session, participants will focus on how to capture meaningful observational data during joyful learning moments that happen every day during play, exploration, and classroom interactions. We will explore authentic assessment, effective observation notes, and how to recognize learning as it unfolds in play. With an inclusive lens, participants will consider how observation helps educators notice and document the strengths, skills, and emerging abilities of all children, including children with and without disabilities in order to support individual learning needs and meaningful participation for every child in the classroom.
Breaking the Barrier: Leveraging Data and the EC LRE Toolkit to Champion Inclusion -Tareema Jean-Baptiste, Bianca Thomas-Eduok, Dr. Antoinette Taylor (Ballroom II)
Are you ready to take your advocacy for inclusion to the next level? Despite decades of research, exclusionary practices still create significant barriers for children in our state. This session bridges the gap between hard data and heartfelt success, providing you with the evidence and the tools needed to shift the trajectory of a child’s life.
We will begin by reviewing the latest data on exclusionary practices and their significant impact on long-term academic success. You will hear real-life success stories that demonstrate the life-changing power of inclusive settings. Finally, we will take a deep dive into the EC LRE Toolkit, the premier statewide resource designed to empower families and professionals to navigate the system and advocate for inclusion with confidence and authority.
Toolkit – ENGLISH – EC LRE Family Resource Guide
Toolkit – SPANISH – ESPANOL – EC LRE Family Resource Guide
Toolkit – CHINESE – 中文 – EC LRE Family Resource Guide
Belonging by Design: Leading Change for Inclusive Preschool Programs – Adelicia Brienzo & Christine Fuller (Circus)
Inclusion doesn’t happen by chance – it’s built with intention. In this session, we share a real-time journey of a preschool program in Oak Lawn SD123, supported by the Illinois Resource Center, as they designed systems, structures, and shared beliefs that center on belonging and inclusion. We’ll unpack the tools that guided our partnership—including Managing Complex Change, Early CHOICES’ What Makes Inclusion Work, and our co-created mission, vision, and core values. Participants will leave with practical steps to shape mindsets, strengthen leadership, and foster a culture of belonging that extends beyond the classroom.
Slide Deck_Belonging by Design – Leading Change for Inclusive Preschool Programs
From Preschool to Kindergarten: Pathways That Preserve and Strengthen Inclusive Practice – Michelle Sands (Old Main)
This session explores effective transition strategies that support children as they move from preschool to kindergarten while maintaining and strengthening inclusive practices. Participants will examine research-aligned approaches that promote continuity of supports, collaboration among families and educators, and a shared commitment to belonging for every learner. Through practical examples and reflective discussion, attendees will leave with actionable strategies to ensure that inclusive values—and the individualized supports children rely on—carry seamlessly into the kindergarten year.
Slide Deck – From Preschool to Kindergarten
Five Critical Conversations – Resource
3:15-4:00PM Collaborative Planning Time & Support – The Early CHOICES Team
Participants are invited to come together with their teams or connect with new thought partners to reflect and plan next steps in their inclusion implementation journey. This dedicated time is designed for collaborative discussion, sharing key takeaways from conference sessions, and identifying actionable next steps. Early CHOICES team members will be available throughout the session to answer questions, provide guidance, and support teams as they plan.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
9:00AM-10:30AM Round 3 Breakout Sessions
Decoding Behavior, Building Inclusion: Understanding CARA’s Kit Part One – Talin Tokat & Tareema Jean-Baptiste (Ballroom I)
Part 1 – Behavior Detective: Cracking the Code of Intense Behavior*
Intense behaviors are often the greatest barrier to inclusion and the most misunderstood. Join this two-part, hands-on workshop to shift your focus from reactive management to proactive support. Using the two foundational principles of CARA’s Kit, we will move beyond surface-level observations to decode the “why” behind behavior and sensory needs. In Part One, you will learn to uncover the root causes of intense behaviors. In Part Two, you will translate that understanding into action, mastering the design of targeted classroom adaptations and modifications. Walk away with an evidence-based roadmap to mitigate behavioral challenges and create truly inclusive, supportive environments where every child can thrive.
*Designed for flexibility: While these sessions complement each other, each part is built to stand alone. Join us for one or both to gain immediate, practical strategies for your classroom.
STARNET Region V Culture Considerations
STAR NET Region V Sensory Matching Exercise
STAR NET Region V – Individual Profiles in the Classroom Worksheet
Interdisciplinary Play, Language and Literacy in Inclusive Early Childhood Systems – Lindsay Meeker & Tammy King (Ballroom II)
Participants will explore how to design and implement a daily “playlogue” — a 30-45-minute block where play, language, and literacy are intentionally integrated. During the playlogue, teachers and related service providers engage in intentional conversations with individuals and small groups; bilingual/EL specialists and special educators push in to support individualized language goals; and teams gather authentic observational assessment data. The session also reimagines circle time as a space for connection, planning, and content-rich literacy experiences. Grounded in inclusive and asset-based approaches, the session highlights translanguaging practices and communication supports (e.g., communication boards) as essential scaffolds. Participants will leave with practical structures and tools to support cohesive, team-based instruction that integrates play, language, literacy, and developmental goals across the day. Designed for teachers, related service providers, coaches, and ECSE administrators seeking to strengthen inclusive, play-based literacy practices.
Slide Handout_Interdisciplinary Play, Language and Literacy in Inclusive Early Childhood Systems
Play and Advocacy Toolkit DEC Recommended Practices
Community Collaborations: An Inclusive Placement Model for Preschoolers with IEPs – Amber Schmiesing (Circus)
TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 will present a model of inclusive learning they have found successful in Illinois which utilizes an existing structure of strong community preschools. This model looks beyond the typical options of district-run self-contained and blended preschool classrooms and outlines an alternative option to meet the needs of students with special education services in local community-based preschools. Participants will learn about the structure of the partnership which has evolved over the past 7 years, the benefits for students, families and school staff and the practices used in the classrooms which have ultimately led to a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
Slide Deck – Community Collaborations – TrueNorth – June 2026
10:45AM-12:15PM Round 4 Breakout Sessions
Decoding Behavior, Building Inclusion: Understanding CARA’s Kit Part Two – Talin Tokat & Tareema Jean-Baptiste (Ballroom I)
Part 2 – Adapt and Include: The Behavior Detective’s Toolkit*
Intense behaviors are often the greatest barrier to inclusion and the most misunderstood. Join this two-part, hands-on workshop to shift your focus from reactive management to proactive support. Using the two foundational principles of CARA’s Kit, we will move beyond surface-level observations to decode the “why” behind behavior and sensory needs. In Part One, you will learn to uncover the root causes of intense behaviors. In Part Two, you will translate that understanding into action, mastering the design of targeted classroom adaptations and modifications. Walk away with an evidence-based roadmap to mitigate behavioral challenges and create truly inclusive, supportive environments where every child can thrive.
*Designed for flexibility: While these sessions complement each other, each part is built to stand alone. Join us for one or both to gain immediate, practical strategies for your classroom.
STAR NET Region V – Individual Profiles in the Classroom Worksheet
Slide Deck – CARA’s Kit – Part 2
Showcasing Excellence: Applying for the Outstanding Practices in Inclusion (OPI) Recognition – Kristy Doan & Ann Kremer (Ballroom II)
Does your program demonstrate high-quality inclusive practices for young children? This workshop highlights the Outstanding Practices in Inclusion (OPI) Recognition, an opportunity to highlight and celebrate exemplary inclusive preschool programs. Participants will learn about eligibility requirements, the application process, and key components needed for a strong submission. Attendees will learn how to use the newly updated Illinois Inclusion Guidelines and the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP), a research-based assessment tool, to evaluate and strengthen inclusive practices and build an inclusive program. Whether you are ready to apply or just beginning to strengthen inclusion efforts, this workshop will provide practical strategies to support your journey towards high quality inclusive settings and practices.
RAISE THE BAR: Key State Resources & The Dignity of Risk – Kimberly Johnson (Circus)
Let’s discuss how we RAISE THE BAR for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities. This presentation will define the Dignity of Risk and lay the foundation that empowers students with disabilities to lead self-directed lives, build resilience, and gain confidence if we move away from the duty of care and overprotection. By providing the right resources and support early in the education process, participants can help individuals navigate challenges safely while empowering them with tools that will result in informed decision-making, building self-confidence and independence. Understanding the Dignity of Risk enhances academic and social engagement while fostering inclusion and belonging.
The Programs of The Arc of Illinois
Resources for Early Intervention
12:45PM-2:00PM Closing Keynote (Ballroom III)
Implementing Inclusion: From Exploration to Full Implementation (Panel Discussion) – Panelists: Lisa Wojcik, Mary Davis, Melissa McCullough, Nena Awad
Join us for a closing panel featuring programs at different stages of implementing inclusive practices. Grounded in Early CHOICES’ Stages of Implementation (Getting Started, Working to Do It Right, and Working to Do It Better) panelists will share what inclusion looks like in their settings, including successes, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. Participants will hear real-world examples of how teams build systems, strengthen practices, and sustain inclusive opportunities for all children. No matter where you are at in your inclusion implementation journey, this conversation is designed to inspire and provide practical insights to support your next steps.
Continuing Education Credits
We are offering both ISBE PEL and Gateways credit. To receive any credit you must complete the online conference survey after the conference. The survey will close on June 15, 2026. For your ISBE PEL credit, you must create or already have an active Early CHOICES account. Your ISBE PEL Evidence of Completion Certificate will be issued directly to your Early CHOICES account. Evidence of Completion certificates may take up to two (2) weeks to be issued. Gateways credit hours will be sent directly to Gateways and will be added directly to your Gateways Membership Registry account. You will not need to do anything. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Bain.