https://calecse.org/events

The latest Events, Training, and Communities of Practice that improve outcomes for children and their families.

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View our Exemplar Leads which support families, students and educators.

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Learn more about our System of Support including CalECSE Leadership, Exemplar Leads and our Geographic Assistance Facilitators.

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Are you an LEA, Regional Center or agency partner engaging in IDEA Part C to B Evaluations, Preschool Assessments, or Preschool Child Find? We can help!

The California Early Childhood Special Education Network

Welcome to the California Early Childhood Special Education Network (CalECSE) – a network of technical assistance, evidence-based practices, resources, and support for agencies supporting Early Childhood Special Education.

Network of Understanding Network of Support Network of Compassion Network of Resources Network of Advocacy Network of Opportunity

Discover the advantages of Communities of Practice

CalECSE is supporting school districts across the state of California by providing virtual forums for local Communities of Practice (CoPs). These CoPs provide a forum for school-based Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) practitioners (e.g., preschool administrators/program specialists, ECSE teachers, school psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists) to connect with local colleagues to share best practices, problem solve, and learn from one another’s programs. CalECSE staff and local ECSE leaders facilitate the CoPs and are on hand to provide information on upcoming professional development offerings, legal and statewide updates, and bring expert speakers on topics that the group is interested in learning more about.

To join a local CoP, email info@calecse.org


The CalECSE Organization

What is CalECSE?

The California Early Childhood Special Education (CalECSE) Network was funded by the California Department of Education in April of 2022 to support the areas of 1) Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C to Part B Evaluations 2) Preschool Assessment Practices and 3) Preschool Child Find. The CalECSE Network leverages collaboration amongst agencies, dissemination of resources, highlighting of existing exemplar practices, and direct technical assistance to improve the capacity, knowledge and implementation of evidence-based practices across agencies throughout California. The CalECSE Network is committed to improving outcomes for children and their families by eliminating and addressing barriers to successful transition for California’s youngest children with disabilities.

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Statewide Support

CalECSE supports Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPAs), County Offices of Education (COEs), and other agency partners throughout California in the areas of IDEA Part C to B Transitions, Preschool Assessment Practices, and Preschool Child Find.

 

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Geographic Technical Assistance Facilitators

CalECSE provides regionalized support in California through a system of 11 service regions based on the California County Superintendents. Geographic Technical Assistance Facilitators provide linkages between LEAs and other agencies within their region to support that exists within the CalECSE Network.  

 

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Exemplar Leads

CalECSE Network Exemplar Leads provide professional learning to connect with LEAs and other agencies seeking support or that have been identified to participate in high-quality technical assistance and professional learning opportunities in order to build knowledge, capacity, and the implementation of evidence-based best practices. 

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Be a part of CalECSE's
Historic Symposiums

Take a look back at CalECSE's Inaugural Symposium held at San Diego's Beautiful Paradise Point Resort. This two-day event provided attendees with professional training and impactful networking while enjoying a resort-style experience.

Our Support

Grantees of CalECSE

CalECSE Network Grantees are exemplary leaders and regionally based facilitators who have a passion for helping educators, early start providers, and teams create sustainable, evidence-based practices that support IDEA Part C to Part B transitions, assessments, and child find activities.

Funders of CalECSE

CalECSE is funded by the California Department of Education (CDE).

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Partners of CalECSE
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Resources
Tools
Kindergarten Transition Assessments: FAQ (PDF)

Find follow-up questions and answers here from the California Early Childhood Special Education (CalECSE) Network’s Kindergarten Transition Assessments Training

Tools
Timeline of Preschool to Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten Transition Planning (PDF)

This is a month-to-month guide with best practices for transitioning children from preschool to the next step in their educational journey.

Tools
Legal and Official Guidance on Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C to Part B Transitions (PDF)

This document provides information and multiple resources to clarify compliance and procedural issues regarding transition from Part C to Part B.

Tools
Transition Basics for Administrators (PDF)

This document provides links to resources for administrators on Part C to Part B requirements and how to support on-boarding staff new to Part C or Part B

Events
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Guiding the Journey: A Two Part Series for Parents and Caregivers (PDF)

Parents, caregivers, education specialists, and family support providers are invited to join this two-part no-cost, virtual series focused on Parts C and B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Events
Kindergarten Transition Assessments (PDF)

Join us for a no-cost, virtual session designed to help IEP teams navigate this important transition with confidence. We’ll break down the intent behind the Education Code, guiding you to make informed, legally defensible, child-centered decisions. You’ll walk away with essential tools, including decision trees, templates, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Events
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Data Counts (PDF)

Join us for a hands-on training series where you’ll dive deep into State Performance Plan Indicators 5, 6, 12, and 13 and discover how to uncover insights hidden in your IEP data and CALPADS reporting.

Events
Legal Obligations in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) with Special Guest Presenter Jennifer Nix of F3 Law (PDF)

This session will explore the legal foundations of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), case law, best practices for inclusive settings, and how to support children with disabilities in the LRE

Events
Understanding Gender Differences in Autism: Implications for Assessment and Identification (PDF)

Drawing on current research, we will explore how autism can present differently in boys and girls, including variations in communication styles, social behaviors, mannerisms, special interests, and play behaviors. Research shows girls are often diagnosed later than boys and that some current assessment measures are less sensitive to autistic girls. 

Events
Indicator 6: Preschool Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) (PDF)

This no-cost, virtual session will provide an overview of the Indicator 6 data to deepen your understanding as your local educational agency prepares for the Annual Determination letter release in February

Events
Leading with Trust: Strengthening Family Partnerships in Early Childhood Special Education (PDF)

Join Pathways to Partnership and CalECSE for a two-part, no-cost virtual series designed for school district personnel supporting early childhood special education programs and provides evidence-informed strategies to strengthen family-school collaboration