Do you have concerns about your child’s reading or math skills? Have you been told your child is at risk for dyslexia? Would you like an easy way to meet tutors, specialists or programs to see if they are a match for your child’s needs? If so, attend the Learning Disability Provider Showcase. The showcase will provide the chance for you to meet with area providers offering tutoring and learning disability services.

During this free, family event, Connecting for Kids staff will be available to suggest resources and other programs to help your child if you aren’t sure where to start. The event will highlight local resources, programs & services including:

• Academic Programs
• Education Advocates & Attorneys
• Executive Functioning Specialists
• IEP help
• Specialized Schools
• Tutors 

In addition, Westlake Porter Public Librarians will offer books that aid in literacy along with children’s activities. Pre-register by November 28 and attend to be entered to win a $100 gift card!

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Westlake Porter Public Library

Register; Click Here to Download the Flier

Dyscalculia is a learning disability that makes it hard to do math. People with dyscalculia may have difficulty with numbers or with other math-related concepts like size and speed. We don’t know as much about dyscalculia as we know about dyslexia, but experts think that it may impact 3-7% of all people.

Click here for the Dyscalculia Resource Guide.

Learning Aid Ohio is a funding source for Ohio families with children who have IEPs or 504 plans and are experiencing financial hardship. It allows you to access tutoring and educational resources through the Learning Aid portal.

Applications for spring funds from Learning Aid Ohio are due Tuesday, November 14. Spring semester runs from Jan. 13 - May 3, 2024.

How It Works

1. If approved, Learning Aid Ohio creates an account for your child. The grant award is deposited into this account.
2. You use the Learning Aid Ohio website to search qualified providers and set up an interview.
3. After choosing the provider you want to work with, use the Learning Aid Ohio site to schedule services.
4. Your chosen provider is paid from your child's account balance until the funds are used up.

Full details are available on the Learning Aid Ohio website.

Have you attended a free Connecting for Kids program? Did you receive one-on-one help from one of our Family Resources Specialists? Have you taken advantage of the many guides found on the website, the directory to find area providers or listened to one of our podcasts? Were you helped by the connections you formed in one of our support groups or a CFK Facebook group?

If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, please help us this November by donating directly to Connecting for Kids or even setting up a Facebook fundraiser for Giving Tuesday (Tuesday, November 28) to ask your family and friends to help.

Do you want strategies to motivate your child toward positive behavior? Join Ochanya McRoberts-Wells, MEd, and CFK staff who will lead a discussion guided by your questions on a variety of behavior topics. Submit your questions before or during the session and learn how to use the tools in our Behavior Toolkit to help your child. Each session will focus on a new behavior tool, but questions on any behavior concern are welcome. The content in this program is geared toward caregivers of children ages 18 months - 6 years (with or without developmental concerns). Each attendee will receive a free Behavior Toolkit.

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m.

Virtual

Register

Do you find it hard to stay calm when your child is having a meltdown? Do you wonder how big emotions in the home affect you and your child? Do you wish you had a superpower that could keep everyone calm, cool and collected? Join Christine Chambers, MEd, OTR/L, of Abilities First, LLC, as she introduces you to your hidden superpower: co-regulation. Learn what it is and strategies to help you and your child stay calm in challenging moments. Attendees will have the chance to discuss and practice co-regulation tools in breakout groups, including one for dads.

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m.

Westlake Porter Public Library

Register an adult; Join waitlist for childcare

Do you need help navigating resources for your child? Register for a 30-minute time slot and get information on a wide range of concerns, including:

• Adapted program options
• School struggles
• Mental health
• Specific diagnoses
• And more!

Time slots are available by phone or Zoom to meet your needs.

View available dates/times.

As a new Program Assistant, Anna Barr will be helping families find resources for their children. You may see her posting on Facebook or she may be the one answering your questions when you reach out to CFK for an Ask Us 1:1 appointment.

Anna is an animal lover and book reader. Her background is in nonprofit management and she has focused her professional life on the support of parents and women's health, which has taken forms from clinical settings to in-home postpartum support. Anna lives with her husband and three children, and their (far too many) pets. In her free time, Anna can usually be found with a hot cup of tea enjoying her front porch, or walking to a local small business in her neighborhood.

The theme for November's Music Therapy & More sessions is coping skills/emotions. This program is designed for families and their children, ages 0 - 6 years, who have concerns about development. Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child's academic, motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior. This program is led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist. connectingforkids.org/music

Euclid Public Library

Thursday, Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m.

Lakewood Public Library, Main Branch

Saturday, Nov. 18, 9:30 a.m.

Middleburg Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

Saturday, Nov. 18, 11:00 a.m.

North Ridgeville Branch of Lorain Public Library System 

Thursday, Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m.

Solon Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

Friday, Nov. 17, 10:30 a.m.

Westlake Porter Public Library  

New sessions coming in January.

Come play with us! Adapted Playgroup is a safe, welcoming environment for caregivers of children with concerns about development. Your child will enjoy engaging with others while practicing play and social skills. You will have the chance to interact with our experienced Intervention Specialist who can provide tips on everything from behavior to social skills. This program is designed for caregivers and children ages 18 months- 6 years. connectingforkids.org/play

Westlake Porter Public Library  

Thursday, Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 17, 10:30 a.m.

Children with varying learning styles and abilities learn together in a safe, supportive environment where respect and appreciation for differences are encouraged. These storytimes are designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience. Content is geared toward ages 3-7 years, but all ages are welcome. Siblings may also attend but must register separately. For more information, visit connectingforkids.org/library

Euclid Public Library

Saturday, Nov. 18, 11:00 a.m.

Lakewood Public Library, Main Library

Saturday, Nov. 25, 11:30 a.m.

Parma-Snow Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library 

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 11:00 a.m.

Solon Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

Saturday, Nov. 18, 10:30 a.m.

Westlake Porter Public Library  

Thursday, Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday. Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 22, 11:30 a.m.

GenZen Hangout for Tweens of All Abilities in Grades 4-6

Play games, tinker, make art, and just hang out at our inclusive monthly meet-up.

Saturday, Nov. 18, 3:00 p.m.

Register

Saturday, Dec. 30, 3:00 p.m.

Register

Sensory Science Adapted Storytime

A story time and sensory science learning stations for children with varying learning styles and abilities to learn together in a safe, supportive environment where respect and appreciation for differences is encouraged. Content is geared towards ages 3 to 7, but all ages are welcome. Siblings may also attend but must register separately.

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m.

Register

Thankful Turkey Jar Craft

Children with disabilities will make a thankful turkey jar craft and enjoy a story about gratitude. For grades K-2. Typical peers welcome.

Monday, Nov. 20, 4:00 p.m.

Register

Sensory Ornament Decoration

Children with disabilities ages 8-12 will experience fine motor and sensory play while making a salt dough ornament or decoration. Typical peers are welcome. Please call the Youth Services Desk if you have any concerns about allergens or other special concerns, at 440-250-5471.  

Monday, Dec. 4, 4:00 p.m.

Register

Stretches & Smiles

Let's stretch together! Learn some fun ways to calm active bodies and minds, leading to smiles all around! Ages 3 and up with disabilities and typical peers. Try this fun form of exercise! It's a perfect way to introduce simple stretches, some yoga poses, and some mindfulness to children. Remember to wear comfortable clothing. Bring a towel or mat or use ours. This program is led by a librarian, not an exercise or mental health professional. Any questions, please contact the Youth Services Department at 440-250-5471.  

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 1:00 p.m.

Register

Cookie Decorating

Engage your child's senses and encourage messy play while delighting in the wonder of the season. No baking or decorating experience is necessary. For children with disabilities ages 3-7. Please call the Youth Services Desk if you have any concerns about allergens or other dietary issues, at 440-250-5471.

Friday, Dec. 15, 4:00 p.m.

Register