8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. each day
Free
Description
Please note: Registration is not yet open for this event. It will open in May 2026.
Join us for a two-day training on the Visual Communication and Sign Language (VCSL) Checklist. Learn how to use this standardized and comprehensive assessment tool to track and support American Sign Language (ASL) development in children who are deaf or hard of hearing from birth to age five. Hands-on practice and real-world examples will support understanding how to use this observational checklist to collect meaningful data on language growth in natural environments. You’ll also learn how to use VCSL data to inform meaningful family support, guide early language development, and shape effective interventions that truly meet a child’s communication needs. Come ready to elevate your impact on early ASL development!
Please note: This training is in ASL. It is a hands-up and voice-off training. Interpreters will not be provided.
The VCSL is a Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) Michigan recommended assessment.
Audience
This workshop is intended for Michigan early intervention and school personnel working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, are ages 5 and younger, and who use American Sign Language to communicate. All workshop participants must meet the following criteria from Gallaudet:
- Demonstrate ASL fluency by scoring a 4 or above on the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI)
- Have a master’s degree in education or a related field; a bachelor’s degree with experience can be considered
- Actively work with children who are DHH, ages five and younger
Additional Workshops
Interested in trainings for other LEAD-K Michigan recommended assessments? Check out the events below.
May 19: Making Sense of MacArthur Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MB-CDIs)
July 14 and August 18: Communication Matrix Training
September 11-12: American Sign Language Expressive Skills Test (ASL-EST) Training
Required Technology
To access this event, participants must have reliable internet access and a computer with a camera.
Online Event Expectations
This live webinar will be held via Zoom. Participants do not need to have a Zoom account to participate in the webinar, although you might be prompted to download a plugin when joining. Please review Zoom Tips and Shortcuts for Participants [PDF] before the event.
Participants are expected to be respectful and courteous to others during this event. MDE RDHH reserves the right to mute, turn off video, and/or remove participants who do not adhere to this expectation.
AI bots (e.g., transcribers/notetakers) and similar unapproved services pose privacy and security risks and violate the State of Michigan Data Classification Standard (1340.00.150.02) and Acceptable Use of Information Technology Standard (1340.00.130.02). Unapproved attendees, including bots, will be removed from MDE-hosted meetings that require registration.
Accessibility Accommodations
It is important for participants to request any accessibility accommodations at least three weeks prior to the event. Outside agencies our office contracts with to provide accommodations cannot guarantee services if requests are made in less than three weeks.