In Loving Memory of Talina Jones

June 30,1980 - December 27, 2022

Among the many inspiring things Talina accomplished and passionately advocated for in her short life, she was a lead trainer for the NYS Early Intervention Partners Training Program for over 12 years.  Talina’s presence lit up a room and her brilliant mind grabbed everyone's attention. She was dedicated to helping others, sharing her knowledge and expertise, and empowering families through their journey in the world of special education  and advocacy. Her inspiration and drive for serving families came from the abundance of love and dedication she had for her son, Tajee. Talina will always be remembered as an empowering, loving, and fierce advocate who helped countless families in the NYS Early Intervention Partners Training Program. She will be deeply missed and always admired.  

 

About Us

The eiFamilies website is part of the Family Initiative Coordination Services Project at the Just Kids Early Childhood Learning Center.  The Family Initiative Coordination Services Project is sponsored by the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Early Intervention.  

 

The Family Initiative Coordination Services Project

The purpose of the Family Initiative Coordination Services Project is to facilitate, support, and develop parent involvement at all levels of the Early Intervention Program.

The Family Initiative Coordination Services Project is responsible to implement a variety of activities, including, but not limited to:

• Collaborating with the Department of Health.
• Assisting with activities related to the Early Intervention Coordinating Council (EICC).
• Planning and delivering the Early Intervention Partners Training Project for parents.
• Developing family-friendly materials that complement Department-issued Early Intervention Program policy guidance.
• Participating in ad hoc early intervention activities.
• Participating in relevant national conferences.
• Providing information for parents at the NYSDOH Bureau of Early Intervention Web page.

For more information please call (631) 205-0502

Just Kids Early Childhood Learning Center (http://www.justkidsschool.com) is a private preschool program for young children—disabled and non-disabled, birth to five years of age.  Just Kids Early Childhood Learning Center is licensed to provide preschool special education programs and services under Section 4410 of the Education Law. The Just Kids Diagnostic and Treatment Center, a licensed Article 28 facility, is approved by the New York State Department of Health Early Intervention Program to provide ongoing service coordination, evaluation, and early intervention services.

Angela Furci is the Coordinator of the Family Initiative Coordination Services Project. She is the mother of six boys, two of whom entered the Early Intervention program in 2010. She has dedicated herself to supporting families and helping them to navigate their way through the world of special education. Angela can be reached at [email protected].

Liz Muller is the Project Assistant for the Family Initiative Coordination Services Project.  Liz has worked at Just Kids since 2000.  Liz and her husband, Don, have a daughter, Meagan, who is a licensed psychologist working at the Just Kids site in Lindenhurst, New York.  Liz is committed to supporting families that come through our program. Liz can be reached at [email protected].

Margaret Sampson was the Coordinator of the Family Initiative Coordination Services Project from 1999 until she became ill in 2016.  After courageously battling her illness with all her strength and heart, Margaret passed away in November 2016. She had dedicated 30+ years to supporting families through the Early Intervention program.  Margaret was passionate about supporting families of very young children with disabilities, and has been instrumental in developing State and Federal regulations that support families in their quest to support their children.  Her life's work and legacy will be felt by families of children with disabilities for generations to come.  She will certainly be remembered for her advocacy for all families, and by those that she 'touched'.