SUNDAY, January 19th, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM - CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Orleans A
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - NAPSEC BOARD OF DIRECTORS & NCASES COMMISSION LUNCHEON
Orleans D
Sponsored by Boston Higashi School
Invitation Only
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM - REGISTRATION
Main Lobby
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM - NAPSEC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Orleans A
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM - EXHIBITOR SETUP
Queen Anne Parlor/Queen Anne A
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM - NCASES COMMISSION MEETING
Orleans A
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - NEWCOMER RECEPTION
Iberville
This reception provides an opportunity for first time attendees to meet NAPSEC Board Members and other new attendees in a smaller setting immediately before the Welcome Reception.
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM - WELCOME RECEPTION
Iberville
Sponsored by Partlow Insurance
This event is the perfect time to catch up with colleagues and friends and to meet new ones as we kick off the conference.
MONDAY, January 20th, 2025
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM - BREAKFAST ROUNDTABLE:
ASAH Members Breakfast Roundtable
French Market
An informal opportunity for New Jersey State Association members to join a facilitated discussion with other ASAH members.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM - BREAKFAST ROUNDTABLE:
Funding Concerns & Strategies
Queen Anne B
An informal opportunity to join a facilitated discussion with other conference attendees.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM - BREAKFAST BUFFET
Queen Anne Parlor/Queen Anne A
Sponsored by Kennedy Krieger School Programs
7:30 AM - 3:00 PM - REGISTRATION
Queen Anne Mezzanine
7:30 AM - 2:30 PM - EXHIBITS
Queen Anne Parlor/Queen Anne A
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM - KEYNOTE:
The Engagement Gap: Driving Employee Engagement Across the Generations
Queen Anne Ballroom
Sponsored by Nisivoccia
Today Gallop Research shares that employee engagement is at an all-time low. Employee engagement affects employee retention, productivity, and loyalty and is key to customer satisfaction and your bottom line. Your organization can’t afford to lose your top talent. Not only does engagement have the potential to significantly affect employee turnover, absenteeism, productivity, and growth, but engagement is also a key link to customer satisfaction and your employer brand. Guiding leaders in their efforts to shape elevated employee engagement has never mattered more.
It’s time to raise employee engagement by building a culture where people feel connected, protected, and respected by people from all generations.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Identifying the four key engagement factors that drive productivity and generational performance
- Gaining insights into the diverse generational work perspectives and generational motivators
- Understanding how trust plays into engagement
- Adapting to a rapidly changing workforce
- Discovering tools to build a culture of trust and belonging
- Exploring steps for every generation to get along better with the others and boost employee engagement
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM - COFFEE BREAK
Queen Anne Parlor/Queen Anne A
Sponsored by The Benedictine School
Enjoy a cup of coffee and visit with our exhibitors
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - CONCURRENT SESSION:
Speak Up: Supporting Self-Advocacy in Special Education
Lindsay Wagner & Michael John Carley
Queen Anne B
Having agency over one’s life, including making decisions for one’s self, developing personal goals and values, and having opportunities to make informed choices, is a primary factor that is crucial for a high quality of life. Using current evidence, Autistic perspectives, and practical strategies for integrating student voice into transition planning, supporting adults can ease the path from student to adult. Including self-advocacy initiatives such as disability peer mentoring, quality of life factors, community-building, and multidisciplinary collaboration are key to transition planning. Now is the time to listen to disability self-advocates and improve our practices using their knowledge and experience as a baseline for growth.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - CONCURRENT SESSION:
Hot-Button Legal Issues Affecting Private Special Education Schools
Royal B
Sponsored by ASAH
Private schools for the disabled are governed by a complex web of federal and state laws and regulations. In this litigious environment, it is essential for school leaders to recognize potential legal issues before they blossom into full-blown crises. This session will review developments in the law over the past year of interest to the private school community and offer tips on how to minimize risk and avoid liability.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - CONCURRENT SESSION:
Crisis Communications – It’s All About the Plan
Royal C
Sponsored by Spectrum360
Although we hope to never need it, a well-thought-out crisis communications plan ensures your organization’s leadership and executive team members take appropriate actions in a timely manner when and if a crisis situation arises. The plan, if used correctly, will minimize the impact of a crisis upon the organization and normal business operations. Abbie S. Fink, president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, will lead us through some interactive exercises and share her insights into how to handle crises in our organizations.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - CONCURRENT SESSION:
Preparing for OSHA Inspections in the Context of Workplace Violence
Royal D
In the current OSHA environment, which increasingly prioritizes workplace violence prevention, being prepared for inspections—whether anticipated or unexpected—is essential. By adopting a proactive approach, you can enhance compliance and foster a safer workplace for all employees. As awareness of workplace violence continues to grow, there is increasing pressure on the government to establish formal regulations to protect workers across all industries. OSHA aims to create safer work environments by addressing specific risks associated with workplace violence, particularly in sectors like healthcare and social services, where encounters between patients and employees are more frequent. This presentation aims to help members understand what OSHA looks for during inspections and how to effectively navigate the process. By highlighting key focus areas and providing practical compliance strategies, you will gain the knowledge necessary to create a safer workplace and minimize the risk of OSHA citations. Additionally, we will discuss best practices for handling OSHA inspections, including tips on preparation, interacting with OSHA representatives, and understanding your rights during the process.
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM - STATE OF THE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING & FEDERAL UPDATE
Queen Anne Ballroom
Sponsored by Sheppard Pratt Schools
Lunch provided
2024 State of the Association Meeting Minutes
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM - NCASES 101: INTRODUCTION TO ACCREDITATION
Royal C
Participants will be provided with an overview of the accreditation process (i.e. origins, philosophy, mission, organizational structure) and a summary of the NCASES process from the time a program applies for accreditation through the completion of the site review and the final report.
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM - NCASES VOLUNTEER SITE REVIEWER TRAINING
Royal B
Help support our mission to promote excellence in special education. This session will train participants to be a NCASES Site Reviewer. Once complete, participant names will be placed on the NCASES Site Reviewer list and you will be notified of opportunities to participate in upcoming site visits for applicant programs across the United States.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM - BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
French Market & Parlor
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM - EXHIBITOR HAPPY HOUR
Vieux Carre
Join our conference exhibitors for a signature cocktail, a bite to eat, and another invaluable NAPSEC networking opportunity!
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM - CASINO NIGHT FUNDRAISER
Riverview
Join us for blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, slot machines, a raffle drawing, and lots of fun for a great cause! Join us for an incredible evening of fun and games - no experience necessary! Chips do not represent real money - no actual gambling occurs. All proceeds benefit the NAPSEC Foundation. Ticket purchase required for entry. Purchase tickets here.
Player Ticket Package - $100
Casino Entry
(2) raffle tickets
(20) spins on the slot machine
Gaming chip (will be exchanged for $1000 in voucher chips)
(1) Drink Ticket
Spectator Ticket Package - $50
Casino Entry
(1) raffle ticket
(20) spins on the slot machine
(1) Drink Ticket
TUESDAY, January 21st, 2025
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM - BREAKFAST ROUNDTABLE:
Issues in Adult Services
French Market
An informal opportunity to join a facilitated discussion with other conference attendees.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM - BREAKFAST ROUNDTABLE:
Workplace Safety Discussion
Queen Anne B
An informal opportunity to join a facilitated discussion with other conference attendees.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM - BREAKFAST BUFFET
Queen Anne Parlor/Queen Anne A
Sponsored by Sheppard Pratt Schools
7:30 AM - 2:00 PM - REGISTRATION
Queen Anne Mezzanine
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM - KEYNOTE
I’m Not Limping. That’s Swagger!
Queen Anne Ballroom
Sponsored by Kennedy Krieger School Programs
Two-time pediatric brain tumor and stroke survivor Kelsey Tainsh shares her remarkable journey, including the story of her relationship with her school administrators, teachers, faculty and staff along the way. Her message is a powerful reminder of the impact educators have on the lives of their students every day. Armed with her quirky sense of humor, engaging stories and relevant message, Kelsey will help you gain the perspective needed to overcome any challenge in your life and in your work. Audiences walk away with a resilient new mindset and a fresh appreciation for the gift of work, accomplishment and relationships we all share.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM - COFFEE BREAK
Queen Anne Parlor/Queen Anne A
Sponsored by The CTC Academy
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - CONCURRENT SESSION:
Raising the Bar on Safety
Harry Schaeffer & Cheray Christiansen
Queen Anne B
Sponsored by LifeScape Specialty School
The challenges of managing day to day operations often results in safety issues being lost in the shuffle or taken for granted. Creating a culture that keeps safety as a top priority requires a commitment that must originate with and be maintained by leadership. This presentation will include several suggestions for improving overall agency safety practices as well as concrete ideas for improving safety in high-risk areas of operations.
There will also be a discussion about federal regulations issued by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) that now impact organizations that serve individuals with significant behavioral challenges. These federal safety related standards will be discussed as well as the procedural changes most organizations will need to make to meet those standards. The experience of a NAPSEC member organization having to respond to OSHA will be shared.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - CONCURRENT SESSION:
Teacher Retention through Support and Induction
Royal A
Sponsored by Clark Lau, LLC
This workshop addresses the critical issue of teacher attrition in special education, particularly among those teaching students with autism. It explores the internal and external causes of attrition, emphasizing the need for robust support systems for alternatively certified teachers (ACTs). Using Organizational Support Theory (OST), the workshop highlights how perceived organizational support can improve teacher retention and student outcomes. Practical strategies for administrators to enhance support and reduce turnover will be shared, aiming to create a more stable and effective educational environment.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - CONCURRENT SESSION:
Committing to a Paradigm Shift: Compassionate Applied Behavior Analysis in Nonpublic Schools
Dr. Megan Anders, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA & Amanda Link, M.A., BCBA, LBA, LGPC
Royal B
Sheppard Pratt Schools serve some of the most vulnerable students in Maryland and surrounding states. Students frequently arrive at our doors having experienced trauma in many settings, including school. The field of applied behavior analysis is evolving; an increasing number of providers are committed to compassionate, trauma-assumed applications of our science. In service of elevating the quality of our behavior programming, Sheppard Pratt Schools participated in a consultation with FTF Consulting, Dr. Greg Hanley’s company, to bring “Today’s ABA” to our schools. In our presentation, we will share that process, along with our remarkable outcomes and next steps.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - CONCURRENT SESSION:
Hot-Button Legal Issues Affecting Private Special Education Schools
Queen Anne A
Sponsored by ASAH
Private schools for the disabled are governed by a complex web of federal and state laws and regulations. In this litigious environment, it is essential for school leaders to recognize potential legal issues before they blossom into full-blown crises. This session will review developments in the law over the past year of interest to the private school community and offer tips on how to minimize risk and avoid liability.
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM - AWARDS LUNCHEON
Queen Anne Ballroom
Sponsored by Sheppard Pratt Schools
During this special event we will recognize NAPSEC Awardees and the NCASES programs which were NCASES accredited this year. You don’t want to miss this!
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM - PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
Queen Anne B
Open to all conference attendees.
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM - NCASES STANDARDS COMMITTEE MEETING
Orleans A
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM - NCASES PROCESS COMMITTEE MEETING
Orleans A
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM - NCASES GATHERING
Royal Salon
Sponsored by The Benedictine School
Stop by at the end of the day to relax and learn more about NCASES. We encourage current site reviewers to attend so we can thank you for donating your time and expertise on behalf of NCASES.
WEDNESDAY, January 22nd, 2025
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM - BREAKFAST ROUNDTABLE:
Challenges in Human Resources
Queen Anne B
An informal opportunity to join a facilitated discussion with other conference attendees.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM - BREAKFAST BUFFET
Queen Anne Parlor/Queen Anne A
Sponsored by Arrow Child & Family Ministries
7:30 AM - 12:00 PM - REGISTRATION
Queen Anne Mezzanine
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM - KEYNOTE:
Personal Climate and Culture ... It’s Up to You
Queen Anne Ballroom
Sponsored by League School for Autism
Gerry uses his videos to develop a strategy for making the workplace a pleasant place where faculty, administrators, and support staff all maintain mutual respect, regardless of personal differences, resulting in more efficient and fulfilled workers. Gerry will share policies and practices he has incorporated that promote a healthy, respectful working relationship even when opinions differ. He will also share ideas that maximize opportunities to get to know staff members and create camaraderie, taking advantage of 15 seconds here and there throughout the day. Gerry will inspire attendees with personal stories to remind you of the reason educators endure the trials of working in this industry today. You will leave refreshed and encouraged.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - CONCURRENT SESSION:
Utilizing the Continuous Improvement Process to Develop School Dashboards that Monitor Student Achievement
Ra Shone Franklin & Gabby Caroselli
Queen Anne B
Every school wrestles with the question of effectiveness. Being able to answer this question in a quantifiable manner is no longer an option. State agencies, stakeholders, and communities are seeking to understand the impact of our work. Who better to define your effectiveness than you? Come with us on our journey to answer this question and receive strategies on how to start your journey. We’ll start by sharing our organization’s work to align our outcomes with our student achievement goals, then create space for attendees to begin their own process of selecting and tracking their own goals.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - CONCURRENT SESSION:
Committing to a Paradigm Shift: Compassionate Applied Behavior Analysis in Nonpublic Schools
Dr. Megan Anders, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA & Amanda Link, M.A., BCBA, LBA, LGPC
Royal A
Sheppard Pratt Schools serve some of the most vulnerable students in Maryland and surrounding states. Students frequently arrive at our doors having experienced trauma in many settings, including school. The field of applied behavior analysis is evolving; an increasing number of providers are committed to compassionate, trauma-assumed applications of our science. In service of elevating the quality of our behavior programming, Sheppard Pratt Schools participated in a consultation with FTF Consulting, Dr. Greg Hanley’s company, to bring “Today’s ABA” to our schools. In our presentation, we will share that process, along with our remarkable outcomes and next steps.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - CONCURRENT SESSION:
Strategies for Succession Planning and Transitions
Royal B
Sponsored by Klingberg Family Centers
Often organizations plan for transitions for the leader, but how do others prepare for change and transitions? This session will explore strategies for succession planning and transitions for all levels of leadership.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - CONCURRENT SESSION:
H1B Visas & International Recruitment
Magaly Rojas Cheng, Vincent W. Lau & Mike Kelly
Queen Anne A
Sponsored by Clark Lau, LLC
Join us for an insightful panel discussion that dives deep into the world of non-immigrant visa options and their vital role in international recruitment. Our expert panel will cover essential visa categories, including H-1B, TN, J-1, and H-2B, unpacking the legal processes and compliance requirements that organizations must navigate. The panel will feature the Boston Higashi School, who will share their firsthand experiences in leveraging international recruitment to enhance their direct care staff. Discover the tangible benefits of this approach, including the diverse perspectives and skills that international recruits bring to the table.
12:15 PM - 12:30 PM - FAREWELL
Queen Anne Parlor/Queen Anne A
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Queen Anne B
