Why isn’t the Summer Institute being held in person this year?
To ensure that everyone is kept safe from the COVID-19 virus, the Department of Education and CEED concurred a virtual environment was needed for the 2021 event. We hope to see you in person in 2022!
How many Summer Institute sessions will I be able to attend?
The Minnesota Early Intervention Summer Institute not only offers you best-practices for you to use with young children and families, it also uses best-practices in adult learning in its design! Rather than offering many short sessions over the course of Tuesday and Thursday, Summer Institute participants choose only one topic session, and virtually attend this session over the course of both days.
Why only one session during both days?
Research has shown that adults not only learn better, but are far more likely to change the attitudes and beliefs that support and drive professional practices when given more time with a subject. The sustained focus of two days gives students the chance to more effectively build new knowledge and consider application. You’ll leave the Institute equipped with new skills and practices you can immediately apply within your work!
Five hours per day on Zoom?! How will I survive?
We get that online training is tiring! With that in mind, we’re putting practices into place to combat your zoning out and help you on zeroing in! You’ll experience:
- Reasonable times at which daily sessions begin and end
- A schedule broken into two 2.5-hour sessions per day
- A generous one-hour lunch break
- Guided yoga stretches during scheduled session breaks every 45 minutes
- Optional pre-Institute orientation on how to use Zoom and online tools – you’ll feel confident participating in a virtual learning environment
- Highly interactive and engaging activities
- Numerous opportunities to connect with your peers
- Random opportunities to win door prizes!
What are my payment options?
The registration system accepts credit card payment only.
If necessary, a check payment can be arranged. Please contact Karen Anderson at ander352@umn.edu to make this request.
Are scholarships available?
No additional funding is provided in order to provide scholarships.
I’m not a Minnesota resident. May I attend the Summer Institute?
If you are a practitioner living and/or working in Minnesota, you may register for the Summer Institute and pay the state rate of $200.00 – early bird rate / $225 – standard rate. If you wish to attend but do not fall into these categories, you must pay the out-of-state rate of $450.00.
Please contact Deb Ottman at dottman@umn.edu for more details.
May I cancel my registration after I’ve paid?
Yes, you may cancel your registration at any time until Wednesday, June 9, 2021, 11:59 CST and receive a full refund, less a $25.00 processing fee.
Please email Karen Anderson at ander352@umn.edu to request a refund. There will be no refunds offered after June 9.
I can no longer go, but I have a colleague that can – may she use my spot?
Sure! The substitute will be given a seat in the same session for which you originally registered. If the substitute attendee would like to attend a different session, s/he will be enrolled in the new session free of charge, space permitting.
Please email Karen Anderson at ander352@umn.edu to request the substitution.
Can I view my session choice after I complete my registration?
The confirmation will not state your session choice. If you would like to confirm your session choice, please email Karen Anderson at: ander352@umn.edu with your request.
May I change my session after I complete my registration?
Assuming space is available, you are welcome to change your session choice free of charge once you have registered. Please email Karen Anderson at ander352@umn.edu to request the change in sessions.
Is the Summer Institute a MNCPD Registry-approved training?
Yes. Participants may submit their certificate to the MNCPD Registry following the Institute. A space is provided within the clock hours certificate you’ll receive following the Summer Institute for you to provide your Develop number prior to submission.
Will I receive clock hours?
You’ll receive a certificate for either 10 general or Administrative clock hours. The certificate will be awarded electronically, following the Institute. A link to access the downloadable certificate will be found at the end of the Institute evaluation. The evaluation will be emailed to you at the conclusion of the Institute.
Is there a fee for the clock hours?
There is no additional fee for the 10 clock hours earned; it is included within your registration fee.
Why only 10 clock hours this year – will the intensive session be shorter?
The Summer Institute will forgo the plenary sessions this year in order to reduce Zoom fatigue and support learning. The plenary sessions accounted for the additional two hours typically offered; participants will still enjoy a robust 10 hours of session time!
May I receive academic credit for attending the Summer Institute?
No, the University of Minnesota does not offer academic credit for professional development.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my session prior to the Summer Institute?
On June 14, CEED will email instructions on how to log in Canvas, UMN’s learning management system. The Canvas site will house readings, resources, and handouts that may require printing for your particular session.
What equipment do I need to attend the virtual Summer Institute?
Participants will need a stable, secure internet connection and a device that:
- permits you to connect to the internet
- has a camera
- has a microphone
We strongly encourage you to consider using a desktop computer, laptop or tablet rather than a smart phone while attending your session.
For students that have slower or less stable internet connections, you have the option of using your phone to call in. While we discourage this method, we recognize that connectivity limitations may make this an attendee’s only option.
Have more questions?
Please contact Deb Ottman at dottman@umn.edu.
If you prefer to have a phone discussion, please indicate this in your email, and include a phone number at which you can be reached!