TUESDAY ONLY REGISTRATION – Empowering EI & ECSE Teams to Create Communication-Ready Environments: Evidence-Based AAC Practices With and Without AI

Description

Workshop Date/Time: Tuesday, October 20 | 8:00 am – 3:30 pm

Presenters: Kelly Fonner, M.S. and Sharon Redmon, M.S., ATP

Description: Introducing AAC in EI and ECSE settings can be challenging when strategies taught in therapy are not embedded into play, routines, and family-centered environments. This workshop focuses on equipping early childhood teams with seven evidence-based AAC strategies adapted for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Participants will learn how AI tools can support staff learning, planning, and coaching by generating visuals, scripts, and routines-based supports aligned with best practices. Real-life EI and ECSE examples will be used to explore meaningful data collection that reflects authentic communication. Whether children use no-tech, low-tech, or high-tech AAC systems, participants will leave with practical tools and an action plan to support communication throughout daily routines in classrooms and homes.

Workshop Selection & Policies

Select a First and Second Choice

Registrations are processed in the order received. To ensure a smooth experience, you will be asked to provide an alternative Tuesday workshop choice at checkout.

• If your first choice is at capacity, you will automatically be placed in your second-choice workshop.
• Confirmation: Your final workshop assignment will be included in your registration confirmation.

Assigned Workshop Only (No “Floating”)

Participants must remain in their confirmed workshop for the duration of the day. 

• No “floating”: Moving between different workshops is not permitted. Materials, seating, and CEU tracking are tailored specifically to the pre-registered headcount for each room.

Attendance & CEUs

Attendance is strictly monitored and restricted to pre-registered participants.

• Verification: Consistent attendance in your assigned workshop is required to verify contact hours and issue Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Workshop Switches / Changes:

• Onsite Changes: We are unable to accommodate workshop switches onsite. Each workshop is prepared based on the pre-registered attendee list to ensure adequate resources for all.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellations must be received in writing by Closing The Gap on or before October 1, 2026. Replacements are welcome and must also be submitted in writing.

Cancellation fees:

• $125 for each administrator conference registration
• $150 for each single-day conference registration
• $200 for each student, parent, or individual with disability conference registration
• $275 for each full conference registration. Applicable to standard rate, Solutions member rate, presenter/exhibitor rate and conference registration and membership combo rate.

No refunds will be issued after October 1, 2026. Unpaid balances are due in full.

If for any reason beyond Closing The Gap’s control, Closing The Gap determines that the in-person conference must be cancelled, attendees understand and agree that their registration type shall be changed to a virtual registration. Closing The Gap is not responsible for any additional conference expenses, including hotel, travel, etc.