Family Newsletter August 2025

 

CRCC Updates

Rooted in Resilience: IEP Advocacy

Thursday, August 7, 6 p.m. (via Zoom)

Navigating the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process can be overwhelming—but understanding your rights as a parent or caregiver is the first step to effective advocacy. In this virtual session, we’ll break down the basics of the IEP process, explain how data informs your child’s educational plan, and share how you can request documentation or meetings at any time. Whether you're new to IEPs or looking to better advocate for your child’s needs, this session will provide practical tools, key information, and empowering tips to help you feel more confident and informed.

Open to parents and caregivers of children with disabilities—questions and discussion encouraged!


This session will be led by Amy Bonn. Amy is a Nebraska attorney providing legal representation to families of children with disabilities in special education matters. Amy is a summa cum laude graduate of Creighton University School of Law, where she was a member of the board of editors of the Creighton Law Review. She is licensed to practice in state and federal courts in Nebraska. Amy is also a proud parent of children with developmental disabilities.

Registration is officially open for the 2025 Race for Big Dreams, and CRCC staff and families get half off! Visit the race website and use code CRCCHALF at checkout. 

Similar to last year, we will have an untimed 5K, a virtual option, the half-mile fun walk and our Lap of Champions. We hope to have lots of kids participate in the Lap of Champions, so we encourage you to register your kids under that free option!

Our Family Fun Zone will be the best one yet! Check out some of our community partners joining and the activities we'll have:

  • UNO Mavs Track Team - they were so fun last year!
  • Face Painting
  • Bracelet Making
  • VROOM! Mobile Sensory Theatre
  • Child Saving Institute
  • Bling Strings for Your Hair
  • Omaha Police Department
  • Down Syndrome Alliance (DSA)
  • Elks Lodge #39
  • Sidewalk Chalk & Bubbles
  • Early Development Network 
  • United Way of the Midlands


The Family Fun Zone is happening 9-11am at Stinson Park and admission is FREE! :)

 

Like previous years, we will also need volunteers to help make this awesome day happen. If you're interested, please let Martha know!

Nominate a Direct Service Professional!

The Nebraska Association of Service Providers (NASP), the professional association that represents those who provide care and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is seeking to honor ten outstanding service providers in 2025.

 

Do you know a DSP (classroom staff, therapy, nursing) who goes above and beyond in service at CRCC? Would you like to highlight the amazing work they do every day? Nominate an incredible CRCC professional today!


The Top 10 DSPs will receive gift cards, plaques and special recognition at the NASP Annual Conference and on social media!

Parking Protocol: Let's Stay Safe!

As summer winds down and the school year kicks back into gear, we want to thank you for helping make this a fun, safe, and successful season!


With the return of school buses and increased traffic during pick-up and drop-off times, we kindly ask for your continued attention to safety around our entrance. Please remember that the area directly in front of the entrance is a designated bus loading and unloading zone. To ensure the safety of all children and smooth operation of our transportation system, we ask that parents do not park in the bus loading lane. Additionally, parking in the handicap parking spaces without proper documentation is strictly prohibited. Please ensure that if you use these spaces, the required permit or documentation is clearly displayed in your vehicle.



Thank you for your cooperation and support as we transition into the new school year. Let’s keep our arrival and dismissal times safe and smooth for everyone!

Back-to-School Resources from PTI Nebraska:

  • Back-to-School Checklist for Parents of Students with IEPs - In preparation for the approach to the 2025-2026 school year, we created this comprehensive article and checklist document to guide families through the back-to-school planning process.
  • Check out the Nebraska Transition to Kindergarten Toolkit and Resource Guide! Starting kindergarten is a big milestone for children and for parents. The toolkit provides information on kindergarten expectations, researched-based activities and strategies, as well as resources for families to explore as their child prepares for school.  
  • Helping Every Child Succeed: What Is NeMTSS? You may have heard your child’s school talk about something called NeMTSS. What is it, and how does it help your child? Learn more.


Follow Us on Social

We share a lot of great content on our Facebook and Instagram pages! Give us a follow so you can share in the fun stuff happening at both centers!

 

Fun at Summer Camp!

 
 
 
 
 

Calendar

 

Thursday, August 7, 6 p.m. (via Zoom)

 

First Day of School for Head Start

Wednesday, August 13


Southwest Preschool Back-to-School Night

Friday, August 15, 3:30-5 p.m., 5321 S 138th Street

We’re excited to invite you to CRCC's Back to School Night! This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and care team, explore their classroom and learning spaces, connect with other families, and learn about our plans for an amazing school year ahead. We can’t wait to see you there and kick off another wonderful year together!


Northwest Preschool Back-to-School Night

Monday, August 18, 3:30-5 p.m., 2010 N 88th Street

Stop by to meet the teachers, see your child’s classroom, and grab a cookie while you connect with our amazing CRCC community. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about what your child will be experiencing this year and to ask any questions you may have.

We can’t wait to see you there and kick off a wonderful new school year together!


First Day of School for Preschool

Wednesday, August 20


UNMC MMI: Changes to Home and Community-Based Waivers - Now What?

Tuesday, August 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

This webinar is designed to help individuals and families understand the ins and outs of Nebraska’s Medicaid waiver programs. Whether you're just getting started or feeling overwhelmed by the process, this session will walk you through what to expect, from eligibility and services offered to the paperwork involved. Learn more and register.


Nebraska Dance’s Hearts in Motion

Weekly on Sundays, from September 7, 2025 through May 17, 2026

ND West (18039 R Plaza, Omaha, NE)

This inclusive, tuition-free class—led by special educator Jessica Zagurski—supports children with special needs in building coordination, confidence, and community through dance. Learn more and register today!

Connection saves lives. Whether it’s a conversation between friends, a check-in with a coworker, or a smile from a stranger — meaningful connection is a powerful protective factor against suicide. That’s why The Kim Foundation invites you to join them in spreading messages of hope through their annual event, Chalk It Up for Brighter Tomorrows, during World Suicide Prevention Week (September 7-13). Read more!

 
 

Staff Highlight

Meet Lula! She's a paraprofessional here at CRCC.


Born in Cairo, Egypt, and originally from South Sudan, she moved to Omaha in 2004 and has called it home ever since. Lula comes from a huge family and loves working with children.


"The minute I stepped into the building I felt so welcomed and it felt so good learning about the goals and aspirations of CRCC. They take care of your children but they also teach your children, love them as their own and want what's best for them. That’s all I would want for any child and they do this with such happiness and dedication.


My favorite part of CRCC is the love and kindness of the staff. Not a lot of people say they enjoy their job, but I know those working at CRCC are always happy to come into work. Children are a big part of it as well, but having such unity within the staff helps tremendously."


Fun facts about Lula:

– She's a great singer and almost made it on American Idol

– Her favorite movie is "Arthur and the Minimoys"

– She's a soon-to-be bearded dragon owner

Meet Jensen! She's a teacher here at CRCC.


Originally from Seattle, Jensen moved to Omaha nearly 8 years ago to attend Creighton University. She recently graduated from OT school and is currently studying for her board exam.


Her passion for working with kids started her freshman year while volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club. A friend introduced her to CRCC, and she began as a summer camp hire in the school age room. Since then, she’s worked in every classroom, was a preschool lead one summer, and now spends most of her time in the infant room.


"My favorite part about working at CRCC is watching the kids have fun, learn, grow, and defy expectations. Additionally, the supportive and inclusive environment fostered by my co-workers and the management have kept me coming back whenever I get the opportunity. "


Jensen has an American Bulldog named Rosie who lives with her mom, and in her free time, she enjoys CrossFit, running and staying active. One thing on Jensen's bucket list would be to run an ultra marathon! 

Community Partners

 

Public Pressure Mounts: Campaign Reaches 155,000 Families, Calls for Action to Solve Child Care Crisis (We Care for Kids).