Early Intervention at a Crossroads: Where are we Headed?

Join us for the Infant Development Association (IDA) Vivian Weinstein Leadership Day Conference, a timely and thought-provoking gathering for early intervention professionals, service providers, and partners across the field. This year’s theme, Early Intervention at a Crossroads: Where Are We Headed?, reflects a pivotal moment as systems shift, resources tighten, and families’ needs grow more complex.

This conference offers space for connection, reflection, and meaningful dialogue around policy, practice, and systems change. Join colleagues for a full day of learning and collaboration as we navigate challenges, explore emerging opportunities, and reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring all children and families have the supports they need to thrive.

This is an In-Person Event
Monday, May 4, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The California Endowment
1000 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Light breakfast and lunch provided

Presenters:
Andrea Davis, PhD, President of the DIR/Floortime Coalition
Supporting Families and Children at Developmental Crossroads

The DIRFloortime^® model has strengthened its evidence base over the past 15 years, offering a research-supported roadmap for understanding developmental crossroads for children and their caregivers. This approach empowers interventionists to adapt to each family in the moment, using interactive improvisation to support meaningful growth. Video examples will be explored to highlight practical strategies and principles applicable across diverse families and settings. For more information on Dr. Davis, click HERE

Christina Nigrelli, EdS, Senior Director of Programs, Zero to Three California
Early Connections, Lifelong Outcomes: The Case for Strong Early Intervention Systems

Early childhood is a critical period of rapid brain growth, making early identification and relationship-based supports essential. For children with delays or disabilities, early intervention improves outcomes and reduces the impact of adversity.

Strong, coordinated systems—supported by IDEA Part C and programs like HealthySteps—help connect families to services early and promote healthy development. For more information Christina, click HERE

Maddie DeChannes, MS, LMFT, Child Development Institute (CDI)
Nurturing Beginnings: Strengthening Parent–Child Connections

Infant Mental Health is a relationship-centered approach focused on early caregiver–child relationships as the foundation for lifelong development. Using a DIR framework, this session explores how everyday interactions support attachment and how stressors can disrupt that process.

Parents and caregivers will gain practical strategies for responding to children’s cues, while providers learn tools to support diverse family needs and strengthen the parent–child bond. For more information on Maddie, click HERE

Yvette Baptiste, Ph.D.
The Transition from Early Start
Yvette Baptiste, Interim Executive Director of Family Resource Centers Network of CA (FRCNCA) and Executive Director of the Eastern Los Angeles Family Resource Center (ELAFRC), has 39 years of experience in the CA Developmental Disabilities Service System in almost every role.  Fore more information on Yvette, click HERE

Lunchtime Breakout Discussions:
1. New Crossroads for Parents: Choosing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI), or Developmental Relationship-Based Interventions (DRBI)
Andrea Davis
With the 2026 rollout of California SB 805, health insurers will be required to cover all evidence-based behavioral health treatments for children with developmental disorders. This session reviews current research and key distinctions among ABA, NDBI, and DRBI approaches, equipping providers with tools to help families evaluate options, values, and individual needs with confidence. Session Information

2. Changing Possibilities: Building Infrastructure for Early Childhood in Los Angeles
Jacquelyn McCroskey & Dorothy Fleischer
This session features a 23-minute documentary highlighting the life and legacy of Vivian Weinstein—innovator, educator, and advocate—whose work transformed early childhood systems in Los Angeles. Following the film, Jacqualyn and Dorothy, both mentored by Vivian, will reflect on her influence and discuss how her lessons continue to shape multi-generational, cross-sector work today.

Jacquelyn McCroskey, DSW
For more information on this session and Jacquelyn, click HERE

Dorothy Fleisher, PhD
For more information on this session and Dorothy, click HERE

3. Updates in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Policy/Advocacy Landscape 
IDA Policy Committee
Ahead of the May budget revisions, members of the IDA Policy Committee will share key policy developments and outline priority issues impacting California’s early intervention community.

Fran Chasen, MA
For more information on this session and Fran, click HERE

Annie Cox, MA
For more information on this session and Annie, click HERE

Registration Pricing
Non-member: $195 / $175*
IDA Agency/Individual Member: $150 / $125*
IDA Parent / Student / New Clinician Member: $100 /$75*

*Early Bird pricing available through March 1, 2026

Continuing Education
IDA CE Hours (6.0 hours): Nursing, PT, Speech & Language Pathology — $60
Child Development Institute (CDI) Hours (6.0 hours): LCSW, LMFT, LEP, LPCC — $60 (CDI will invoice)

ADA Requests: As a part of the Infant Development Association’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, we offer accommodations when possible. Please email IDA at [email protected] 10 business days prior to the event to request accommodations (ASL interpretation, large print, etc.).

Register Today

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