P.I.E.C.E. in Pinellas!

Visit the Coalition's P.I.E.C.E. blog to share ideas, ask and answer questions, and communicate with each other.

The Early Learning Coalition is pleased to announce the centers participating in the third year of the Program for Inclusive Early Care and Education (P.I.E.C.E). This grant has been awarded through the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council for its third year in 2009-2010. The child care centers that were chosen are:

1. Pauline Rivkind Preschool
2. Grace Lutheran Church Preschool

This grant assists educators in working with children with special needs such as challenging behaviors, autism, and speech and language impairments. Program participants will be equipped with the "pieces" needed to welcome and fully include children with special needs. P.I.E.C.E. training included intensive education and coaching in Positive Behavior Supports and Beyond Differences and Diagnosis: Celebration of Inclusion for All Children, (Dr. Pam Phelps). Participants attend training sessions and then are further supported through on-site coaching and provided with needed materials.

During this third year of the P.I.E.C.E award, first and second year centers will become mentors and coaches for our newly trained sites.

This year will be an exciting journey as the Coalition expands the grant into Citrus County. During this journey 2 early care settings will be chosen to experience the opportunity of being part of the project.

If you have any questions pertaining to this program, contact Carrie B. Culbertson, Inclusion Coordinator for the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas at (727) 548-1439 ext. 33, or by email at cculbertson@elcpinellas.org.

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