This year’s theme is Growing Hearts and Minds…Children, Families, and Communities

The Birth To Three Institute (BTT) is a professional development opportunity for early childhood professionals working in Early Head Start, Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, American Indian/Alaska Native, and other group care or home visiting settings that serve pregnant women, infants, toddlers and their families. The goal of BTT is to disseminate information about best practices in the field, as well as research implications for improved practice. BTT is also a venue to network with the broader child care community.

On behalf of the Office of Head Start, the Early Head Start National Resource Center is inviting submission of proposals for the 16th Annual BTT in Washington, DC, June 11- 14, 2012.

PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

Proposals should be reflective of:

• The critical nature of development during the prenatal period and in the first three years of life and its impact on future development and learning.
• The importance of experiences and relationships across settings.
• The impact of culture and diversity on development, relationships with families, and ultimately on quality practices.

BTT AUDIENCE

The audience includes Early Head Start, Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, American Indian/Alaska Native, and child care program leaders, administrators, and direct staff in home-based and group care settings serving pregnant women, infants and toddlers, and other professionals in the field of early learning and development. The Institute attracts staff new to the field, as well as seasoned infant/toddler professionals.

TOPICS

This year we are particularly interested in topics that address the following priority areas:

• American Indian/Alaska Native
• Disabilities
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Family Child Care
• Family Engagement
• Home Visiting
• Migrant and Seasonal Head Start
• School Readiness

As a secondary focus, proposals that make the connection between the priority areas and early learning and development may be considered.

RULES OF PARTICIPATION

1. Maximum 3 presenters per session.
2. This is a blind proposal. No author names, reference to organizations, or other identifying information should appear anywhere in the proposal description of the proposed session.
3. Proposal should be designed for a 1.5-hr presentation.
4. One complimentary registration per session presentation. All other presenters in the same session pay the reduced registration fee of $295. This fee does not include Pre-Institutes.
5. All presenters are expected to:
   1. Pre-register online for the BTT conference and check-in at the BTT Institute registration desk.
   2. Make and pay their own travel and lodging arrangements
6. Lead presenter is responsible for:
   1. Providing own laptop when possible.
   2. Requesting additional AV, if needed (LCD projector, screen, microphone, and flip chart are provided).
   3. Uploading handout materials for the Institute CD within 60 days of notification of successful submission.
   4. Responding to all electronic communications in a timely manner.
7. Session titles or descriptions for Institute materials may be edited by the EHS NRC. Edits will not change the purpose or intent of the proposal.
8. Proposals that focus on specific marketable products or services will not be reviewed or accepted.

BTT STANDARD OF PRESENTATIONS

If your proposal is selected for presentation, the expectations are:

• Presentation must allow time for audience questions/participation.
• If presentation is in Spanish, materials or handouts submitted must be in Spanish.
• Presentation vignettes, examples, data, etc. must include diverse cultures and reflect EHS populations.
• All materials submitted to BTT, including photos, must display credits and copyright permissions. The EHS NRC is not responsible if presenter failed to display photo credits or obtain proper copyright permission for any and all materials submitted for inclusion in the BTT electronic handout materials.
• Marketing services, products, or distribution of products is not allowed before, during, or after the presentation.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Presentation proposals will only be accepted through the online process. Visit www.ehsnrc.org and follow the link to a sample proposal and online submission page.
2. Proposals must respond to all required fields
   1. Title: Maximum of 15 words. It should reflect topic and content.
   2. Priority Area: Select the area you are addressing.
   3. Track: Select one from the list provided.
   4. Target Audience: Select one from the list provided.
   5. Audience Level: Select one from the list provided.
   6. Session Format: We expect every session to include: presentation of the content and discussion. Indicate other formats you will use to deliver the content. Select all that apply from the list provided.
   7. Miscellaneous:
      1. Repeat Presentation? Select Yes or No.
      2. Present in Spanish? (Requires fluency). Select Yes or No.
   8. Summary: 50 words. Must describe the topic. This summary will be copied to the registration and program book.
   9. Learning Objectives: Three (3) measurable objectives supported by session content must be listed.
   10. Overview and Purpose of the session: Maximum 350 words. Must state clear focus of the proposal.
   11. Outline: Maximum 250 words. Include content and presentation method.
   12. Relevance: Maximum 250 words. Describe the relevance of the session to one of the following: Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPSS), State/Territory Child Care Licensing Regulations, or Voluntary Accreditation Standards.
       
       • Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPSS): We suggest that you focus on Section 1304. For more information about the Head Start Program Performance Standards, please see Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPSS) or call the Head Start Knowledge & Information Management Services at 1-866-763-6481.
       • State/Territory Child Care Licensure Regulations: You may call the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care at 1-800-598-KIDS or go to National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care.
       • Voluntary Accreditation Standards related to the presentation content. (For more information about Accreditation Standards, you may call the National Association for the Education of Young Children at 1-800-424-2460 or go to National Association for the Education of Young Children; the National Association for Family Child Care at 1-801-269-9338 or go to National Association for Family Child Care.
3. Attach Lead Presenter resumé.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All submissions go through a blind review process. Selection will be based on:

1. Content that demonstrates relevance for programs and
   1. Explores thorough solutions, or,
   2. Highlights best practices, or,
   3. Offers depth, insight, and guidance on a specific issue.
2. Merit and relevance to professional practice and to the audience intended.
3. Demonstration that session is dynamic and will actively involve adult participants in the learning process.
4. Adherence to the Call for Proposals guidelines and requirements.

ONLINE SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A proposal does not have to be completed in its entirety at one time. Once any piece of information is submitted into the online system, submitters will be issued a unique password and Session ID. This information should be retained, as it allows later access to the proposal for modification or completion before the December 7, 2011 deadline. After completion of all proposal requirements the online system will generate an automatic email confirming receipt of the proposal.

ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION

Submitters whose presentations are accepted will be expected to present at the time scheduled by the BTT Program Team.

Upon final approval by the Office of Head Start, notification of proposal acceptance will be sent by email to the Lead Presenter by January 2012. Any special schedule request must be made at the time of acceptance. Failure to notify EHS NRC of your acceptance shall be construed as non-acceptance.

For questions related to the Call for Proposals submission, please e-mail bttinfo@zerotothree.org.

SAMPLE PRESENTATION PROPOSAL

PRESENTER INFORMATION:

Contact Presenter
Jane Doe, MSW
Program Support Staff
HS/TA System
ABC HS/EHS- West
1000 Kids Way
Washington, DC 20000
P- 202-222-2222
F- 101-111-1111
E- JaneD@nothing.com

Co-Presenter
Joey Doe, MSW
Program Support Staff
HS/TA System
ABC HS/EHS- West
1000 Kids Way
Washington, DC 20000
P- 202-222-2222
F- 101-111-1111E-
JoeyD@nothing.com

PRESENTATION TITLE: Working With Families to Address Their Child’s Mental Health

PRIORITY AREA (Select the area you are addressing): Family Engagement

AREA/KEYWORD (As it will appear in the BTT publications. Select one): B: Child Health and Pre-Natal Services

TARGET AUDIENCE (Must select one): Direct service staff (Family support staff)

AUDIENCE LEVEL (Must select one): CDA/State Certificate or Credential/New to EHS

SESSION FORMAT (Select all that apply): Small group discussion, large group discussion, case scenarios, brief lecture.

MISCELLANEOUS:

ARE YOU WILLING TO REPEAT YOUR PRESENTATION? Yes

ARE YOU ABLE TO PRESENT IN SPANISH? (Requires fluency and materials in Spanish) Yes

SESSION SUMMARY (50 words maximum. Describe the topic exactly as it will be presented. Summary will be copied into the registration and final program book.):

Program staff is the front-line for identifying infant mental health concerns and supporting parents. Many feel overwhelmed by the prospect of doing this work. This session will define infant mental health, identify symptoms, and share strategies for supporting staff in their work with parents regarding their child’s mental health needs.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

1. Define infant mental health and infant mental health disorders
2. Recognize signs and symptoms of mental health concerns in young children
3. Discuss ways of talking to parents about mental health concerns

OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE OF THE SESSION (350 words maximum. Clearly state focus of the proposal: relevance to EHS programs, solutions explored and its possible implications for programs; or, highlight best practices. How is the purpose of the session related to the priority area selected?):

Many early care and education programs do not provide mental health treatment; instead, they refer families to community providers who do. But Early Head Start programs are uniquely positioned to offer supports to families that can directly impact the mental health of infants and toddlers. Teachers and home visitors are often the ones who can identify needs and provide support; however, many do not feel qualified to do so. Our staff felt the same and wondered: how do we recognize when a concern is warranted? What are the signs and symptoms young children present with when their mental health is in jeopardy? And how do we work with parents around such issues?

Three years ago, in partnership with our local mental health provider, our program designed and implemented ongoing monthly trainings for teachers and home visitors to understand infant mental health, recognize the signs and symptoms associated with mental health concerns in young children, involve Early Intervention, and work with families. These trainings also include time for case studies, staff support, and role plays.

Additionally, our Infant Mental Health (IMH) Consultant spends 10 hours weekly with our program developing strategies and support systems for staff to talk with parents about concerns and guide them throughout the identification and intervention process. The IMH Consultant provides quarterly meetings with staff to help with specific concerns of children, and assist staff in understanding when to refer an infant for services. Staff has been better equipped to encourage parents to take advantage of IMH services. The IMH Consultant offers monthly parent support groups. These groups are designed to provide opportunities for parents to ask questions, discuss any issues or concerns related to their infants. Any EHS parent is welcomed to attend these groups. Staff, parents, and most importantly children have benefited from this work.

OUTLINE OF PRESENTATION (250 words maximum. Include content, key concepts and adult learning strategies to be used in the presentation):

• Explore definitions of Infant Mental Health and Infant Mental Health disorders
  1. Interactive discussion
  2. Defined by Mental Health Consultant
• Learn about Signs and Symptoms
  1. Small group work: observe/identify using video scenarios
• Talking with Parents about Concerns
  1. Hurdles and strategies by staff & parents
  2. Small group work: respond to scenarios
  3. Small group: role play
• Conversation/Question and Answer with Participants

DESCRIBE RELEVANCE OF THE SESSION TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: Head Start Program Performance Standards (Section 1304), State/Territory Child Care Licensing Regulations, or Voluntary Accreditation Standards (250 words maximum): Key Head Start Program Performance Standards:

1304.24(a)(1)(i & iv) & (a)(2) Child Mental Health
Grantee and delegate agencies must:
(1) work collaboratively with parents by:
     i. Soliciting parental information, observations, and concerns about their child’s mental health
     iv. Helping parents to better understand mental health issues

(2) secure the services of mental health professionals on a schedule of sufficient frequency to enable timely and effective identification of and intervention in family and staff concerns about a child’s mental health

State/Territory Child Care Licensure and Regulations: *If your state designates specific topics for required trainings, and this session meets one of those, please include the specific topic this session addresses. Also indicate whether this requirement is specific to infant and toddler caregivers or if it applies to all child care staff (e.g. that care for children of any age). If your state does not have staff training requirements in the licensing regulations, please identify relevant Head Start Program Performance Standards, NAEYC or NAFCC Standards, as appropriate.

In my state, this session counts toward the 12 hours of annual in-service training required for all child care staff. This session meets the requirement for required training in infant mental health.

Voluntary Accreditation Standards:
The information presented relates to the professional development criteria for both the NAEYC and NAFCCA accreditation.

Lead presenter attach resumé here.