Technical Assistance

The DREAM Center is committed to enhancing the success of institutions of higher education (IHEs) in applying for, securing, and implementing federal grants. These grants support personnel preparation in early intervention, early childhood special education, special education, and related services.

To achieve this, the DREAM Center employs a tiered technical assistance (TA) model. Universal TA resources are available to all IHEs, while faculty with specific needs may receive targeted or intensive support tailored to their individual requirements.

Our mentorship model is designed to provide tailored support and guidance for participants through a structured and collaborative process. The model emphasizes consistent communication, expert guidance, and a clear framework for tracking growth and success:

• Mentor Selection and Matching:
  Mentors are carefully chosen based on their expertise and experience, including:
  • Successful management of federal personnel preparation grants.
  • A minimum of three years implementing program improvement initiatives.
  • Expertise in early intervention, early childhood special education, special education, and/or related services for children with disabilities. 
• Meaningful Engagement:
  Mentors and participants will engage in virtual networking and electronic communications,  with a minimum of three interactions per semester to ensure consistent guidance and support.
• Adaptive Support:
  Mentorship support will be continuously monitored by DREAM personnel, with levels of support adjusted and scaffolded to build participants’ confidence and autonomy over time.
• Progress Monitoring:
  Mentors will use a program review rubric, aligned with action plans developed during initial training, to evaluate program improvements. Progress will be assessed through mock evaluations and scoring of proposals at the start and after drafts to measure development.

DREAM Communities of Practice (CoPs) bring together faculty, project leaders, mentors, and other partners from institutions of higher education (IHEs) to connect, collaborate, and strengthen special education and related services personnel preparation programs. 

Through ongoing engagement with DREAM staff, expert mentors, and colleagues from across the country, CoP participants access targeted technical assistance, professional learning, peer collaboration, and practical resources responsive to their programs’ needs and priorities. 

CoPs in Action 

DREAM CoPs provide ongoing opportunities for participants to learn, collaborate, and access support throughout the grant and program development lifecycle. CoP activities may include: 

• Power Hours focused on timely grant development and program implementation topics. 
• Webinars and trainings responsive to emerging needs and priorities. 
• Targeted technical assistance and expert mentorship. 
• Peer learning and collaborative problem-solving across institutions. 
• Tools and resources to support proposal development, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability.
• COP Spotlights that elevate promising practices, accomplishments, and the work of members across the DREAM community. 

Impact at a Glance 

DREAM CoPs create sustained connections that extend beyond individual trainings and events. Through these communities, IHEs can access support when needs arise, learn alongside colleagues, and apply strategies and resources to strengthen their personnel preparation efforts. 

Measuring CoP Reach & Engagement

CoP reach and engagement are reflected through key metrics updated semiannually, including:

• IHEs engaged 
• Participants reached 
• Power Hours, webinars, and trainings delivered 
• Targeted TA and mentoring provided 
• Resources and tools developed or shared 
• Engagement across multiple DREAM supports 

IHEs Demonstrating Sustained Engagement

Throughout the FY26 84.325K grant competition cycle, IHEs engaged with the DREAM Center through multiple targeted supports designed to strengthen grant development and institutional capacity. The institutions below represent some of our most consistently engaged partners across these opportunities.

• College of Southern Nevada-Cheyenne
• Governors State University
• Heritage University
• James Madison University
• Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College
• San Francisco State University
• University of Houston-Downtown
• University of Minnesota-Duluth
• University of St. Francis
• Winston Salem State University

Stay Connected 

CoP participants are encouraged to stay engaged through upcoming Power Hours, webinars and trainings, spotlight opportunities, new resources, and other DREAM initiatives designed to strengthen personnel preparation and build institutional capacity.