STAR NET Regions I&III Podcast
Illinois STAR NET provides a variety of opportunities for personal and professional growth for those who touch the lives of young children, ages birth through eight, with an emphasis on children with special needs. STAR NET supports family-centered, researched and effective practices in early childhood education and care.In this podcast series, produced by STAR NET Regions I&III, we provide various informational episodes focused on our workshops, current topics, and other concepts focused on working with young children with special needs.
Episodes
109 episodes
Children's Books Featuring Disabilities, with a Focus on Assets
Lindsay and Dr. Kimberly Coy discussed the inspiration and importance of Dr. Coy's new book, "Mia with Dyslexia", which aims to provide a realistic portrayal of dyslexia and promote inclusivity in classrooms. They also discussed the challenges ...
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26:50
A Therapeutic Life, Not a Life of Therapy
Join us as we meet with Kylie (OT), Alisha (PT), and Sidney (SLP) to discuss navigating different therapeutic solutions for helping children be successful in day-to-day life and in academic settings! This conversation dives through differences ...
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49:08
Itinerant Teacher in a Community Program
In this episode, we are joined by Stephanie Mader, an Early Childhood Special Education teacher in Rock Island’s School District 41 who works as an itinerant teacher with the local Head Start program. She shares how she builds relationshi...
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21:41
Engaging Writing Centers
In this episode, we are joined by Jen Mohr a PFA teacher from Rock Island School District 41. Today we are going to talk about Jen’s experience in creating an interactive and engaging writing center in her preschool classroom.
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27:06
Breaking Down the IEP Process for Families with Dr. Kasandra Posey
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kasandra Posey from FAIR Consultancy LLC, about what families should know about the IEP process. She shares tips about what families should do, what to look out for, and how to work with the school distri...
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1:01:00
Play Without Limits - Exploring the Process and Importance of Inclusive Playgrounds For Children
In this podcast with the president of Hadley's Haven, Lenore Ashby, we walk through the journey of what it takes to build an inclusive playground in your community. From advocating for true accessibility over just meeting ADA compliance to sett...
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40:11
Beginning of the School Year: Insights from the Field
In this episode, veteran teachers Sherial McKinney and Marc Baxter share some insights into preparing for a new school year. Our discussion covers the weeks leading up to the start of school, preparing the classroom, and getting to know t...
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53:01
Teaming and Collaboration: Sharing Roles Equally
In this episode, we talk with Heather Nolan from the Urbana Early Childhood School about teaming and collaboration. Heather takes a unique view on this process, including everyone in the process, making sure that all voices are heard, and...
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29:24
Whole Group Visuals with Jasmine Norris
In this podcast, we discuss the use of visuals with the whole class in addition to using them as individual supports. Jaz discusses several strategies she uses and the benefits she sees as she provides these supports for everyone. Jaz eve...
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13:54
CU Early, A Prevention Initiative Program
In this episode, we talk with Kelly Russell from the CU Early Prevention Initiative Program in Champaign County. We discuss the importance of Early Intervention, the transition process from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Ed...
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15:38
Book Study Review: Emotionally Responsive Teaching by Travis Wright
This podcast is a review of the book study series completed in the Spring of 2024 on Emotionally Responsive Teaching by Travis Wright. Marc Baxter and Sheila Yates review some of the key points from the book and discussions with th...
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37:30
Visual Supports at Snack Time
Nikki Pehlke is a WIU Student and currently serves as lead teacher in an Early Childhood Special Education classroom at PH Miller in Plano, IL. In this podcast, Nikki describes the power of student choice and voice, as well as how to use v...
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17:32
Screening, Evaluation, and Referrals. Oh, My!
In this episode, we talk with Katie Madigan from the Urbana Early Childhood School about their process for screening, evaluation, and referrals for identifying children with IEPs. Resource - you are welcome to visit the Urbana Ear...
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40:17
The Lesser Known Senses: The Proprioceptive System
Welcome to the third and final episode in this three part series on the lesser known senses! In this episode, Kirsten Amundson and Joanna Pasheluk Schimek join us as we discuss in the proprioceptive system. We will talk about what i...
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23:15
The Lesser Known Senses: The Vestibular System
Welcome to the second episode in this three part series on the lesser known senses! In this episode, Kirsten Amundson and Joanna Pasheluk Schimek join us as we discuss in the vestibular system. We will talk about what it is, w...
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24:43
The Lesser Known Senses: Interoception
Welcome to the first episode in this three part series on the lesser known senses! In this episode, Kirsten Amundson and Joanna Pasheluk Schimek join us as we discuss in the interoception sense. We will talk about what i...
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21:13
Community Based Organizations: Hand in Hand
In this podcast, Angie Kendall shares how Hand in Hand, a Community Based Organization in Bettendorf, Iowa grew from a one week summer camp for individuals with disabilities, to offering over 15 programs for individuals with disabilities from i...
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23:45
Preschool Inclusion in Illinois Episode 6: Implementing Preschool Inclusion: East Moline’s Journey Toward Inclusion
In this episode, we learn about the preschool inclusion journey from Melissa McCullough, Principal of the East Moline School District 37, Early Learning Center, Emily Ropars, Inclusion Specialist with Early CHOICES, Pam Reising Rechner, Inclusi...
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33:28
Preschool Inclusion in Illinois Episode 5: Implementing Preschool Inclusion: Plano Early Learning’s Inclusion Journey
In this episode, we continue to explore the process of achieving high quality inclusion for preschool children. Please listen as Ann Kremer, Project Director of Early CHOICES and Laurel Mateyka, Principal at PH Miller Elementary School and Plan...
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34:19
Preschool Inclusion in Illinois Episode 4: Implementing Preschool Inclusion: Mannheim’s Journey
Show Notes:In this episode, we learn about Mannheim Early Childhood Centers Inclusion journey as one of Illinois’ 3 Community Inclusion Teams. We’ll hear from Ann Kremer, Project Director of Early CHOICES, Emily Ropars, Inclusion ...
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43:49
Preschool Inclusion in Illinois Episode 3: Implementing Preschool Inclusion: Springfield’s Journey
In this episode, we have the opportunity to hear from Kevi Jackson, PreK Programs Coordinator with Springfield School District 186, Julie Schackman, Inclusion Specialist with Early CHOICES, and Ann Kremer, Project Director of Early CHOICES as w...
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47:58
DEI with Jade Johnson from Jade Inclusion
In this podcast episode, we talk with Jade Johnson from Jade Inclusion about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education and some of the lifelong impacts experiences can have on individuals. Resources:
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29:02
Preschool Inclusion in Illinois Series: Episode 2 - Implementing Preschool Inclusion: Collinsville's Journey
In this episode, we have the opportunity to hear from Christine Coleman, Pre K Coordinator with the Collinsville School District, Pam Reising Rechner, Inclusion Specialist with Early CHOICES, and Ann Kremer, Project Director of Early CHOICES as...
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30:17
Supporting Multilingual Learners in the Early Childhood Classroom
In this episode, Abbie Loos, a preschool bilingual teacher from Urbana Early Childhood School, discusses supporting multilingual learners in the early childhood classroom. She shares tips for looking at the whole child and strategies to ...
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21:10
Preschool Inclusion in Illinois Series: Episode 1 - Building a System to Support Implementation of Preschool Inclusion
In this episode, you will hear from Megan Vinh, Associate Director of the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center and Ann Kremer, Director of Early CHOICES the Illinois inclusion initiative for birth to 5. Megan and Ann discuss Inclusion an...
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34:56