UPDating university curricula on Early InTervention

In retrospect, our project focused on understanding developmental milestones like taking the first step, the first social smile a baby makes, and waving, crucial for child development according to the CDC. We applied this project to address the lack of accessible tools for early intervention in child development, aiming to bridge gaps and foster inclusive practices.We emphasized early identification of delays, stressing standardized screening and tailored early childhood interventions. We aimed to harness technology by creating an e-learning OER with screening methods and intervention strategies. This formed the basis for a mobile app to track child development. We aimed to integrate our findings into HEI curricula, enhancing digital literacy in special education. Our project addressed a gap in Europe, democratizing access to educational tools and fostering collaboration among HEIs. Stakeholders including educators, parents, and children with delays benefited from our work, promoting equal opportunities. Aligned with the UPDEIT project, we focused on digital transformation, nurturing digital readiness and resilience. Our goal was to ensure every child receives the support they need for optimal development.

The objectives of this project proposal of the UPDEIT project have been achieved in full: - Evidence-based practices were created for Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) for developmental delays. - They were published in a Manual for assessment of early childhood development and a peer-reviewed paper. - Early intervention practices were digitized via a web-based OER. - A milestone tracker app was developed for monitoring children's development. - University curricula in Early Intervention were updated to sustain project results and to be of benefit for pre-service early intervention specialists. - A new master course for family-centered Early Intervention was created at the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University. - A non-formal course for Early Childhood Intervention for in-service early intervention specialists was created. - Dissemination provided access to the web-based OER and tracker app for parents, caregivers, and professionals. - Professionals' competencies in disability were enhanced. - Transnational cooperation fostered quality improvement and innovation in higher education. - Diversity acceptance and knowledge were promoted and strengthened in society.

I. Three transnational meetings were conducted within the project: - The first online kick-off meeting fine-tuned project activities, clarified financial rules, and outlined research methodologies. - The second meeting focused on implementing and testing the web-based OER and preparing for the mobile application. - The third meeting concluded after creating the OER, updating the university curricula, and testing. Final remarks were given, and future cooperation possibilities were discussed. II. Four project results were achieved: 1. Research explored early intervention practices globally, aiming to improve child development outcomes and it resulted with the creation of a Manual for assessment of early childhood development (birth-to-five) and a peer-reviewed paper. 2. A web-based OER was created with developmental screening instruments and intervention exercises for children with delays. 3. An innovative mobile app provided easy access to the OER, featuring milestone illustrations and progress tracking. 4. Updated curricula emphasized competency-based learning, integrating the OER and app into e-learning across participating countries; Created master course in family-centered early childhood intervention; a non-formal course in early childhood intervention. All project results were developed in the following languages: English, Macedonian, Albanian, Spanish and Greek. III. Four multiplier events were held: 1. Roundtable debate on early intervention in N. Macedonia (organizer Faculty of Philosophy). 2. Conference on mobile tracker apps for children with delays in Cyprus (organizer Frederik University). 3. Congress on family-oriented early intervention in N. Macedonia (organizer Uchilnica Daskalovski). 4. Course development assembly in Spain on early intervention in higher education (Organizer La Laguna University). IV. One LTTA was organized in Cyprus, focusing on training trainers in OER use, app onboarding, and contextual learning.

Tangible outcomes achieved: - Manual created for monitoring child development and implementing strategies for developmental delays. - A peer-reviewed paper for updating university curricula in early childhood intervention. - Web-based OER developed with child development content and strategies for enhancing development pathways. - Developmental milestones tracker content produced. - Mobile app developed for easy OER access. - University curricula updated for early intervention in special needs. - Enhanced integration of ICT and open resources in universities. - Implementation of new teaching methods and open pedagogy approaches. - Expanded access to online resources for pre-service educators, preschool teachers, and special educators. - Increased availability of online child-development content for parents. - Enhanced transnational cooperation and exchange of best practices in special preschool education. Two tangible results were not written and/or predicted with the UPDEIT project application. When the opportunity presented itself, we decided to embrace it and we believe that it brought added value to this project and it contributed to the projects sustainability, visibility and impact. - Creation of postgraduate master studies in family-centered early childhood intervention at the Institute of Special Education and Rehabilitation, UKIM. - Creation of a non-formal course for early childhood intervention for in-service professionals. Intangible outcomes: - Improved IT and media literacy skills among HEI staff and students. - Strengthened connection between formal and non-formal learning. - Boosted motivation and job satisfaction. - Enhanced opportunities for the business sector. - Heightened competition in the job market. - Elevated quality of education.