NC Infant-Toddler Program CDSA Professional Development Day- Rooted in Care, Growing in Practice
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*Registration payment includes Credit Cards and Interfund Transfers ONLY.
Target Audience
Early Interventionist from the 16 CDSA’s across North Carlina (e.g., service coordinators, evaluation staff, provider network)
Description
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Join early intervention practitioners from across the state for a day focused on birth-to-three supports. Together we’ll explore best practices, collaboration, and teaming to strengthen our work with children & families.
This professional development day was developed in response to:
• Feedback from staff, providers and supervisors requesting more opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration.
• Ongoing collaboration with CDSA (Children’s Developmental Services Agency) to align practices with evidence based early intervention practices.
• Partnership with the provider network, which emphasized the importance of consistent, high-quality coaching & evidence based practices across programs and agencies.
• A shared goal to strengthen the professional capacity of those working with infants and toddlers during the most critical period of brain development.
Conference Location and Format
The NC ITP CDSA Professional Development Day will be offered in a hybrid format, giving participants the option to attend in person or join virtually via live webinar.
Vendor engagement will be available to both audiences, with vendor tables accessible to onsite attendees and a virtual vendor experience for online participants.
In-Person Location
Valerie C. Woodard Conference Center,
3208 Freedom Dr.
Charlotte NC 28208
The Conference Center (E)
Lunch will be provided for in-person participants.
Virtual Information
This webinar will be broadcast with Zoom. Instructions to join the webinar will be emailed prior to the event. You can test your computer by going to the Zoom Test Page.
Continuing Education Credits
(You MUST attend the entire conference to receive credit).
0.6 CEUs
6.0 Contact Hours
NC Psychologist Credit
6.0 Contact Hours (category A) CE for NC Psychologists
National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
6.0 NBCC Clock Hours
South Piedmont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5096. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. South Piedmont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Physical Therapy5.0 NCBPTE Contact Hours
Speech-Language Pathology
ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures.Sponsoring PartnersMecklenburg County Children’s Developmental Services Agency, Mecklenburg County Public Health, North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program
Registering for the conference gives South Piedmont AHEC permission to share your information with conference partners and Mecklenburg County Public Health. Registering for and attending a South Piedmont AHEC program authorizes South Piedmont AHEC to take audio, video, and/or still images to be used for promotional and educational purposes. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your South Piedmont AHEC team member.
Objectives
- Deepen understanding of infant and toddler development.
- Strengthen evidence based early intervention practices to support building caregiver capacity
- Promote collaboration and teaming across roles & disciplines.
- Introduce new tools, strategies, coaching and evidence-based practices.
Electives
Please Choose Conference Format
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 8:30 AM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Auditorium
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 8:00 AM
- Location
- Live Webinar
- Room
- Zoom
Breakout Session 1 - Please Select ONE:
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 1:00 PM
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 1:00 PM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Room 4015
- Description
- This session explores fab scheduling & burst of service within early intervention. Participants will discuss when and how short-term, routine- based services can be effective while maintaining fidelity to EI principles. The session will support IFSP implementation, family engagement, and coordination to ensure services remain responsive, individualized, and family-centered.
Speaker:
Kaitlin Porter, PT, DPT, Family Infant Preschool Program
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 1:00 PM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Room 4012
- Description
- This breakout provides an overview of family training counseling (FTC) services and how they support children and families within the early intervention system. Participants will learn how FTC services complement social emotional health & development, family outcomes, and strategies for collaboration across disciplines. Emphasis will be placed on aligning services with family priorities and social emotional development.
Speakers:
Alli Roe MSW, LCSW, Mecklenburg County CDSA
Amanda Benson LCSW, IMH-E®, Mecklenburg County CDSA
Allissa Ellstrom MSW, LCSW , Mecklenburg County CDSAKaitlin Porter, PT, DPT, Family Infant Preschool Program
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 1:00 PM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Auditorium
- Description
- This session focuses on understanding child development through an Early Intervention lens, emphasizing developmental trajectories, red flags, and functional skill-building using authentic every day learning opportunities through family routines. Participants will deepen their ability to interpret developmental progress and apply developmentally appropriate, evidence-based strategies that support children and empower caregivers.
Speakers:
Laure McCorkle, Ph.D., Associate Professor | Concentration, Director for the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood, Mental Health | Department of Special Education and Child, UNC Charlotte | Cato College of Education
Sheena Jennings, M.Ed., PhD Student, Department of Special Education and Child Development, UNC Charlotte | Cato College of Education
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 1:00 PM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Room 4021
- Description
- This breakout addresses feeding challenges commonly encountered in early intervention & aligning evidence based feeding approaches with NLEP and coaching. Participants will explore best practices for assessment, family coaching, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a focus on building caregiver capacity while addressing feeding concerns.
Speakers:
Teran Frick, Ph.D., B-K Educator Family Infant Preschool Program
Stephanie Auker, M.S., CCC-SLP, Mecklenburg County CDSA
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 1:00 PM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Room 4011
- Description
- Effective early intervention depends on strong collaboration. This session focuses on best practices for teaming with service providers across disciplines. Participants will learn strategies to improve communication, clarify roles, reduce duplication, and build trust—ultimately enhancing coordinated care and capacity building support for families.
Speakers:
Nereida Licea, ITFS, Bilingual EISC, Mecklenburg County CDSA
Kris Everhart, M.S., CCC-SLP, Associate Director, Family, Infant and Preschool Program
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 1:00 PM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Room 7016 & 7017
- Description
- This session provides an overview of Special Instruction/Community Based Rehabilitative Services (CBRS) and their role within the Early Intervention system. Participants will gain clarity on special instruction services & coordination with EI teams. The breakout will highlight how special instruction supports can be integrated into family-centered plans to address behavioral and developmental needs through coaching & a strengths-based approach.
Speakers:
Tina Grove, ITFS, Child Development Specialist, Mecklenburg County CDSA
Alex Burrows, ITFS, M.Ed. Child Development Specialist, Mecklenburg County CDSA
Darcy Bromly, BSW, ITFS, Case Coordinator, Mecklenburg County CDSA
Pam Orf, Developmental Specialist, CBRS/PLAY home consultant Learning Connections Unlimited
Lennie Latham Developmental Specialist, CBRS, Easterseals PORT Health
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 1:00 PM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Room 4014
- Description
- This session focuses on supporting EI professionals themselves. Participants will explore strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and maintaining resilience in emotionally demanding work. Emphasis will be placed on reflective practice, peer support, and sustainable approaches to caring for oneself while continuing to provide high-quality services to children and families.
Speakers:
Christine Kirby MA, LCMHC, ITFS, Fidelity Coach, Case Mgt. Supervisor Mecklenburg County CDSA
Katie Robinson MSW, LCSW, Caregiver Support Director | Foster Village Charlotte
Breakout Session 2 - Please Select ONE:
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 2:30 PM
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 2:30 PM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Room 4015
- Description
- This session explores fab scheduling & burst of service within early intervention. Participants will discuss when and how short-term, routine- based services can be effective while maintaining fidelity to EI principles. The session will support IFSP implementation, family engagement, and coordination to ensure services remain responsive, individualized, and family-centered.
Speaker:
Kaitlin Porter, PT, DPT, Family Infant Preschool Program
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 2:30 PM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Room 4012
- Description
- This breakout provides an overview of family training counseling (FTC) services and how they support children and families within the early intervention system. Participants will learn how FTC services complement social emotional health & development, family outcomes, and strategies for collaboration across disciplines. Emphasis will be placed on aligning services with family priorities and social emotional development.
Speakers:
Alli Roe MSW, LCSW, Mecklenburg County CDSA
Amanda Benson LCSW, IMH-E®, Mecklenburg County CDSA
Allissa Ellstrom MSW, LCSW , Mecklenburg County CDSAKaitlin Porter, PT, DPT, Family Infant Preschool Program
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 2:30 PM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Auditorium
- Description
- This session focuses on understanding child development through an Early Intervention lens, emphasizing developmental trajectories, red flags, and functional skill-building using authentic every day learning opportunities through family routines. Participants will deepen their ability to interpret developmental progress and apply developmentally appropriate, evidence-based strategies that support children and empower caregivers.
Speakers:
Laure McCorkle, Ph.D., Associate Professor | Concentration, Director for the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood, Mental Health | Department of Special Education and Child, UNC Charlotte | Cato College of Education
Sheena Jennings, M.Ed., PhD Student, Department of Special Education and Child Development, UNC Charlotte | Cato College of Education
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 2:30 PM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Room 4021
- Description
- This breakout addresses feeding challenges commonly encountered in early intervention & aligning evidence based feeding approaches with NLEP and coaching. Participants will explore best practices for assessment, family coaching, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a focus on building caregiver capacity while addressing feeding concerns.
Speakers:
Teran Frick, Ph.D., B-K Educator Family Infant Preschool Program
Stephanie Auker, M.S., CCC-SLP, Mecklenburg County CDSA
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 2:30 PM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Room 4011
- Description
- Effective early intervention depends on strong collaboration. This session focuses on best practices for teaming with service providers across disciplines. Participants will learn strategies to improve communication, clarify roles, reduce duplication, and build trust—ultimately enhancing coordinated care and capacity building support for families.
Speakers:
Nereida Licea, ITFS, Bilingual EISC, Mecklenburg County CDSA
Kris Everhart, M.S., CCC-SLP, Associate Director, Family, Infant and Preschool Program
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 2:30 PM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Room 7016 & 7017
- Description
- This session provides an overview of Special Instruction/Community Based Rehabilitative Services (CBRS) and their role within the Early Intervention system. Participants will gain clarity on special instruction services & coordination with EI teams. The breakout will highlight how special instruction supports can be integrated into family-centered plans to address behavioral and developmental needs through coaching & a strengths-based approach.
Speakers:
Tina Grove, ITFS, Child Development Specialist, Mecklenburg County CDSA
Alex Burrows, ITFS, M.Ed. Child Development Specialist, Mecklenburg County CDSA
Darcy Bromly, BSW, ITFS, Case Coordinator, Mecklenburg County CDSA
Pam Orf, Developmental Specialist, CBRS/PLAY home consultant Learning Connections Unlimited
Lennie Latham Developmental Specialist, CBRS, Easterseals PORT Health
- Status
-
Open
- Date(s)
-
Apr 15, 2026
- Time
- 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM Eastern Time
- Check-In Time
- 2:30 PM
- Location
- Valerie C. Woodard Center
- Room
- Room 4014
- Description
- This session focuses on supporting EI professionals themselves. Participants will explore strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and maintaining resilience in emotionally demanding work. Emphasis will be placed on reflective practice, peer support, and sustainable approaches to caring for oneself while continuing to provide high-quality services to children and families.
Speakers:
Christine Kirby MA, LCMHC, ITFS, Fidelity Coach, Case Mgt. Supervisor Mecklenburg County CDSA
Katie Robinson MSW, LCSW, Caregiver Support Director | Foster Village Charlotte
