November 2022 Special Connection

Dear Families and Friends,

We trust the children are back in school and getting into the routine. If you need guidance give us a call, attend a support group or training. We are here for you.

We know for many of you there have been losses, difficultiesand other challenges. But we hope you will celebrate Thanksgiving, a time of reflection for all we should be thankful for.

Wishing you hope, joy, peace, good health and love on this Thanksgiving Day!

ASCF staff and board

ASCF VIRTUAL TRAININGS

After High school-Then What ?

Monday, November 28, 6:30-7:30 pm

A special Transition workshop for youth and parents

or emailing julie@ascfamily.org

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Understanding Prise (Parental Rights in Special Education)

Wednesday, November 30, 12 noon or 6:30 pm

Take part in our Scavenger hunt and have some fun

or emailing julie@ascfamily.org

PARENTING TIPS

10 free ways to relax and bond with your child

It’s important to connect with your child regularly. Even on a very busy day, you can find easy ways to bond. Pick your favorite activities and find time to do them together. Day-to-day stresses can make it hard to find time to have fun together — but it’s important for every member of the family.

Try these free and easy ideas for relaxing and bonding with your child.

1. Connect daily.

Take time out every day to connect with your child. Keep it positive and focus on non-academic skills, accomplishments, or qualities.

2. Read together.

It can be fun to share a story with your child.

3. Break a sweat.

Regular exercise reduces stress, plus it can also improve moods and make hearts healthier.

4. Cook up a good time.

Getting kids involved in preparation might even make them excited to sit down to dinner!

5. Plan dates.

Take turns planning monthly dates for just the two of you..

6. Do good.

Volunteering together isn’t just great for the community — it’s also good for the volunteer.

7. Hit the road.

Driving with your child can provide ample opportunity to relax, talk, laugh, sing, and just be together..

8. Learn to meditate.

Meditation can be a powerful tool for both you and your child.

9. Set a serene soundtrack.

Listening to classical or other calming music can reduce negative emotions.

10. Bust some moves.

When you sense you both need it, crank up some tunes and just dance.

By Lexi Walters Wright

Read complete article at

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/10-ways-to-relax-and-bond-with-your-child

SCHOOL SUCCESS

Five Ways You Can Help Your Children Succeed At School

Get involved with your child's school

1. Learn what the school offers. Read the information the school sends home and ask to receive information in your native language if necessary. Talk to other parents to find out what programs the school offers. Maybe there's a music program, after-school activity, sports team, or tutoring program your child would enjoy. Remember to keep track of events throughout the school year.

2. Volunteer at your child's school and/or join your school's parent-teacher group. Teachers appreciate it when parents help out at the school! There are many ways you can contribute. You can volunteer in your child's class or in the school library. You can make food for a school event. If you work during the day, you can attend "parents' night" activities or your child's performances. At most schools, a group of parents meets regularly to talk about the school. This group is usually called the PTA or PTO. The meetings give you a good chance to talk with other parents and to work together to improve the school.

Get informed and be an advocate for your child

3. Ask questions. If something concerns you about your child's learning or behavior, ask the teacher or principal about it and seek their advice. Your questions may be like these — What specific problem is my child having with reading? What can I do to help my child with this problem? How can I stop that bully from picking on my son? How can I get my child to do homework? Which reading group is my child in?

4. Learn about your rights. It's important to know what your rights are as the parent regarding special services, English instruction, immigration status, and more

5. Let the school know your concerns. Is your child doing well in school? Is he or she having trouble learning, behaving, or studying? Is there a problem with another student, teacher, or administrator?

LDA CONFERENCE

ADVOCACY

Rules of Advocacy

1. Create a Vision You, as parent, are the expert on your child. No one knows this child more than you and it is important to share with the team your child’s goals. Help the team to see your child as you do. Make a list of her strengths and share what makes her happy.

2. Ask Questions If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask until you get answers. Ask the team to explain acronyms (like ESY, LRE, IEP). Find out what programs are available in your community and what support or advocacy groups can help you.

3. Be Involved Volunteer in your child’s classroom if possible. This allows you to build a positive relationship with the teacher. It also allows you to informally observe and to know what your child is doing in class and how they are doing in class.

4. Document, Document, Document Whenever you make a request of the school, put it in writing, date it and keep a copy. Follow up meetings and conversations with a note or email outlining your understanding of items discussed and/or agreed to. IF IT ISN’T IN WRITING, IT NEVER HAPPENED!

5. Be Prepared! Sit down before the meeting, write down your concerns. Be prepared to share doctor or other outside reports with the team, keep relevant work samples that exemplify your concerns. Research and understand your child’s disabilities.

from Parents Place of Maryland Fact sheet

SPAN VIRTUAL TRAININGS

Paperwork for Families

Wednesday, Nov 9, 12-1 PM

Are you overwhelmed by the mountains of paperwork created by your child's school records? Not sure what to keep, what to toss? Want to be better prepared for that next meeting at school? Join us to finally get those papers organized so you can more effectively advocate for your child.

Presented by: Julie Rikon, ASCF Parent Co-Director

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paperwork-for-families-getting-organized-registration-430948186627?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Transition from School to Adult Life

November 1, 2022, 6:00 - 7:00 pm EST

Transition planning is crucial to increasing successful outcomes for life after high school. This workshop will discuss issues related to transitioning from school to adult life. Discussion to help identify interests and future plans will be included. Strategies for developing appropriate goals as part of the IEP process will be offered. Parents and students will be informed about resources in the community they can connect with to build linkages and ensure a dignified life as contributing and participating member of their community

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/look-to-the-future-transition-from-school-to-adult-life-registration-387706750327

RESOURCES

Family Voices

https://familyvoices.org

This group aims to achieve family-centered care” for all children with special needs. Family Voices provides families with the “tools to make informed decisions” about healthcare and education, build partnerships between families and their service providers and serve as a trusted resource on healthcare. They also help families learn to advocate for improved policies to best serve children with special needs. One of their main goals is to empower young people with disabilities so that they may become self-advocates for various causes that affect those with special needs.

https://familyvoices.org/

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Transition Support

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, friend, OT, or just someone who loves a young person with a disability, your support is vital. I’m Determined knows that everyone is at different points of their journey to self-determination. Find tools to support the one you love in the best way for both of you.

Check out https://www.imdetermined.org/

Support, Training and Informational Groups

Mom Squad Virtual Support Group.

Join this parent group with ASCF and Family Partners on Thursdays,

Nov. 3.10.17 from 6-7:30 pm.

Diane Varga: dvarga@familypartnersms.org

cell: 862-273-5046

Family Support Organization of Passaic County offers these sessions on Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 8 pm, both virtual and in person. Contact Nina Reams:

nreams@fso-pc.org 973 979- 0508

Thoughts to Ponder

Really listen to your kids. When they speak to you, give them your undivided attention. Their problems may seem irrelevant to you but from their point of view their fears and ideas are quite serious. Try to keep an open mind, listen and respond earnestly. Remember, you don't have to solve all their problems. Ask for their opinion. Let them solve most of their own problems.

Please think about supporting ASCF

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DISCLAIMER:

The Association for Special Children and Families does not provide or give legal or medical advice.

DESCARGO DE RESPONSABILIDAD:

La Asociación para Niños y Familias Especiales no proporciona ni brinda asesoramiento legal o médico.