Section 520. Comprehensive system of personnel development requirements

Part X. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development

A. The department shall ensure a comprehensive system of personnel development that includes the following:

1. Training of paraprofessionals and the training of primary referral sources with respect to the basic components of early intervention services available in Virginia;

2. Training local lead agencies and early intervention service providers to implement innovative strategies and activities for the recruitment and retention of early intervention service practitioners and service providers;

3. Promoting the preparation of early intervention practitioners and service providers who are fully and appropriately qualified to provide early intervention services; and

4. Training local lead agencies and early intervention practitioners and service providers to coordinate transition services for children with disabilities who are transitioning from the early intervention system under Part C to a preschool program under § 619 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Head Start, Early Head Start, or another appropriate program.

B. The department shall establish and maintain an integrated training collaborative that includes university faculty, parents, early intervention service providers, and state early intervention professional development specialists to develop and implement professional development opportunities, materials, and resources on evidence-based practices for early intervention practitioners and service providers, families, university students, paraprofessionals, and primary referral sources.

C. The department shall use a variety of mechanisms to ensure awareness about and access to professional development, support, and resources, including statewide conferences and meetings, regional and local training activities, web-based training modules and resources, a written monthly update listing available resources and training, and teleconference and webinar capabilities.

D. The department shall support recruiting and retaining early intervention practitioners and service providers.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 32, Issue 10, eff. February 27, 2016.

Statutory Authority

§ 2.2-5304 of the Code of Virginia.