Early Childhood Special Education and Assistive Technology Blog

By: Carrie Portrie , EC-SEAT Coordinator The National Association for theEducation of Young Children (NAEYC) with the Fred Rogers Center for EarlyLearning and Children’s Media (2012) joint position statement Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8 states when technology is used wisely and with intention it “support learning and relationships,” (p. 1). When children and adults learn together the potential for positive development can enhance relationships throughout an early learning community (p. 1). Technology includes a variety of tools and devices including but not limited to: “computers, tablets, multitouch screens, interactive whiteboards, mobile devices, cameras, DVD and music players, audio recorders, electronic toys, games, e-book readers, and older analog devices still being used such as tape recorders, VCRs, VHS tapes, record and cassette players, light tables, projectors, and microscopes,” (NAE...

Blogpost by: Carrie Portrie, M.Ed, EC-SEAT Project Coordinator The more I talk with other early childhood educators and the more I learn about using technology with some of our youngest children, I find myself coming back to the Colorado Department of Education Results Matter video library.   What strikes me about each video is the wealth of resources and practical suggestions. Wondering about documentation using Teaching Strategies (TS) Gold ? Want to know about recommended websites and apps that teachers are using with young children? This could be a great place to start. Also below are some other useful sites mentioned in the Results Matter video  Using Technology to Enhance Instruction and Family Engagement   (and some additional resources).  What are your favorites that you would recommend to others? How do you get inspired?  New England Aquarium - Live Stream NGAKids Art Zone - National Gallery of Art (you will need the Shockwave plug-in and do...

This is truly an exciting time for the field of Early Childhood. Check out some of these other links for more information about early childhood policy and initiatives** Annie E. Casey Foundation Association of University Centers on Disabilities Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire Center on the Developing Child   at Harvard University Child Care Aware Children's Defense Fund Division for Early Childhood (DEC) First Five Years National Association for the Education of Young Children  (NAEYC) National Conference of State Legislatures U.S. Office of the Administration for Children and Families Zero to Three National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families *The link from the Washington Post attached to this title is no longer active **This list is not comprehensive nor representative of EC-SEAT particular viewpoints. It is simply a resource for gathering knowledge and initiating discussion.

The Erikson TEC Center just announced the publication of Technology and Digital Media in the Early Years: Tools for Teaching and Learning   edited by Chip Donohue. Check out the following website for more information about the book. It provides a wide range of topics focused on technology and young children, technology in the classroom and technology beyond the classroom. It also has chapters focused on UDL, STEM and home to school connections. Worth a look! http://teccenter.erikson.edu/tech-in-the-early-years/

Integrating technology into children’s lives during the early years is a controversial topic. In many cases children are experiencing an overabundance of screen time through  media and television , and in many cases children are not. The Huffington Post wrote 10 Reasons Why Handheld Devices Should be Banned for Children Under the Age of 12 . Zone’in out of Canada suggests children should not use handheld devices until the age of 13 years. The Academy of Pediatrics also has recommendations. Technology is in the lives of children and adults. The U.S. Department of Education looks toward the early learning community to develop best practices with technology: “That’s why America’s early learning community – and anyone who wants to help build a brighter future for the next generation – must make smarter use of these cutting-edge resources, provide better support for the teachers who use them, and help ensure that all our children have equitable access to the right technology. ‘...

When developing supports and curriculum for very young learners in early childhood settings and at home, it is important to look toward evidence-based practices and professional competencies put forth by your organization and state. The New Hampshire Child Development Bureau, Division for Children, Youth and Families, and the NH Department for Health and Human Services (2013) have written New Hampshire’s Infant and Toddler Workforce SpecializedCompetencies . This document provides core knowledge, components and topics for the infant and toddler workforce in NH. Core Knowledge 4: Promoting Child Growth and Development includes children with special needs. Among the knowledge and skills listed is: “ Skill 4.1T4S2: Participates in multidisciplinary planning teams, and provides input in and follows specific plans for infants/toddlers (Individual Family Support Plan, Individualized Health Plan); incorporates assistive technology as needed.” The Infant Toddler Credential Task Force ...