Event Schedule
A full day of learning, connection, and community. Sessions span six tracks designed for families, providers, and advocates serving children and youth with special health care needs.
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Registration & Continental Breakfast
Check in, pick up your badge and materials, and enjoy breakfast before the day begins.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
KeynoteOpening remarks from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and symposium leadership.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Keynote: Navigating the System — A Family Perspective
KeynoteAn inspiring keynote exploring the lived experience of families navigating complex health and social systems for children with special health care needs.
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Care Coordination Across the Lifespan
Care CoordinationStrategies for coordinating care from early childhood through transition to adult services.
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Mental Health & Behavioral Support for CYSHCN
Mental HealthEvidence-based approaches to supporting the mental health and behavioral needs of children and youth with special health care needs.
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Transition Planning: From Pediatric to Adult Care
TransitionBest practices for supporting youth as they transition from pediatric to adult health care systems.
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Family Engagement & Empowerment
Family SupportTools and frameworks for meaningfully engaging families as partners in care planning and advocacy.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Medicaid & Insurance Navigation for Complex Needs
Policy & SystemsPractical guidance on navigating Medicaid, private insurance, and waiver programs for children with complex medical needs.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Telehealth & Technology in CYSHCN Care
InnovationHow telehealth and emerging technologies are expanding access to care for children and youth with special health care needs.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Rare Disease & Undiagnosed Conditions
ClinicalSupporting families and providers navigating the diagnostic odyssey and ongoing care for rare and undiagnosed conditions.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Community Resources & Social Determinants of Health
Family SupportConnecting families to community resources that address social determinants of health impacting CYSHCN outcomes.
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Early Intervention & School-Based Services
Care CoordinationNavigating early intervention programs, IEPs, and school-based health services for children with special needs.
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Trauma-Informed Care for CYSHCN Families
Mental HealthApplying trauma-informed principles to support the resilience and well-being of children, youth, and their families.
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Self-Advocacy & Youth Leadership
TransitionEmpowering youth with special health care needs to develop self-advocacy skills and take an active role in their own care.
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Caregiver Wellness & Preventing Burnout
Family SupportRecognizing and addressing caregiver stress and burnout — practical strategies for sustaining family well-being.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Closing Keynote & Panel: The Future of CYSHCN Care in Pennsylvania
KeynoteA forward-looking conversation with state leaders, advocates, and families on the future of systems, policy, and care for children and youth with special health care needs in Pennsylvania.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Networking Reception & Adjourn
Connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and exhibitors before heading home.
Session Tracks
Schedule subject to change
Session details, speakers, and room assignments will be updated as the event approaches. Download the latest schedule closer to the event date.