|
|
 Association for Special Children & Families Special Connections September 6, 2020 |
|
Welcome to the New Normal
|
Well its that time when schools and day programs will be open in some fashion. I think we know that what may be today may change tomorrow as everyone is trying to adapt to what works safely for kids, teachers and families. We will try to keep you updated but keep yourself informed. See our articles and several webinars that may help with suggestions.
Remember we are all in this together and doing our best. We encourage the dads to attend our virtual Dad Talk group and young people our virtual Art program.
There are no right answers for everyone, so only you can make decisions about your child. If we can help, just call Julie at 973-728-8744.
Your friends at ASCF
|
BACK To SCHOOL TIPS
Map It Out
These Tips are part of the Prepared Parents Back-to-School Guide, which features Tips and Tools to help set your kid up for learning as you map it out, start well, find your stride, and power through.
Whether your kid is learning at home, in the classroom, or both, before school starts, let's put a plan together. Feel confident for the new school year with a plan that has everyone feeling calm, cool, and collected. Here's how to map it out for back-to-school:
Make space to work and learn
Minimize conflict and maximize productivity: Create a family mission statement. Design a space usage plan. Reflect.
Give kids the sense of belonging
In a season of isolation and uncertainty, how can kids develop belongingness? Help your child cultivate a sense of blogging during remote learning.
|
 DAY PROGRAMS OPENING
Recently the Division of Developmental Disabilities announced that day habilitation programs could start re-opening effective September 21, 2020. This does not mean all day programs will open on that date. As community provider organizations take the next steps toward re-opening, they will need to meet a series health and safety measure outlined in
Before determining whether an individual with an intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) is ready to return to his or her day program, the community provider agency, the family and individual will need to communicate and review what will work best and how to make the transition a successful one. Providers will also work with families to complete the Individual Needs and Risk Assessment . The total number of individuals served at one time at a Division-funded congregate day program will be 25% but may be less than 25% if that number of individuals cannot be served while also practicing social distancing requirements.
For more information check out
|
6 Worries Families Have About This Year's Back-to-School
By Amanda Morin, Understood.org
When the coronavirus pandemic began, many school buildings closed abruptlyan kids started distance learning. But back-to-school season is coming up, and some families still don't know where and how their child will be learning. For kids who are heading back to school buildings, the CDC has issued safety guidelines for reopening. That means school is going to look very different this year.
Here are some common worries families have about back-to-school this year.
1. I don't know what school's going to look like, and I can't plan. It's hard to plan for school when you don't yet know if school is going to be remote, in-person, or a combination of the two. Uncertainty can be especially tough for kids who need routine, structure, and an idea of what to expect to feel confident about going back.
2. I'm afraid to send my child back to school.
Some families don't feel ready to have their kids go back to a school building. Will schools handle safety and wellness? Will my child gett sick or bring the virus back home. Will teachers will have a hard time enforcing all the safety rule?
3. I'm worried about my child's mental health. Some kids have had a hard time coping and may be acting up in ways they hadn't before the pandemic and changes in routine.
4. I don't know how my child will react to the changes at school.
It's going to look different and not all kids react well to change.
5. I'm worried that my child has fallen behind and won't catch up.
Some kids thrived learning outside of the classroom. Others had difficulty with remote learning.
6. I don't know what to say to a new teacher. Kids didn't really get to say goodbye to last year's classmates and teachers.If you had a good relationship with that teacher, it can be hard to think about transitioning to a new teacher. This year more than ever, it's important to talk with your child's teacher. Teachers need to know if you're worried about loss of skills, if your family experienced loss or illness, and hw your child did with remote learning. Having this information helps teachers provide the support your child needs to come back to school.
|
 Back to School Webinars
Back to School and Virtual Accessibility
Wednesday, September 9, 2020 12-1 PM ET
Virtual learning has become commonplace since the start of COVID-19. This has presented challenges and opportunities. In the move to more and more remote learning for K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities, ensuring an equal opportunity for students with disabilities to access and participate in the education process is critical. This webinar will provide a basic overview of the legal need for online accessibility in the education setting, review key elements in accessible online learning, and discuss how schools and educators can address planning for an accessible online classroom.
Presenter: Joe Zesski, Program Manager Northeast ADA
To register:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
TIME CORRECTION
SPAN Q&A session about navigating the special education landscape
October 26, 2020 - 1-2:15 ET
As students head back to school, either in person or online, there are often questions about parental rights under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). With a global pandemic disrupting every part of our education system, there is additional confusion and concern about how COVID-19 is impacting students with disabilities. We've identified pressing questions parents asked about how to navigate this new normal, and will have them answered by an expert attorney in the field. Topics to be covered will include: compensatory education, procedural safeguards, the waiver of rights, and keeping the "I" in IEP. Please join us for an interactive Q&A session about navigating the special education landscape during COVID-19.
This webinar features Diana Autin, Esq. Co-Director of the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network.
|
|
|
NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders presents Youth Suicide: Starting the Conversation
September 30, 2020, 7:30-8:30 pm
Presented by Wendy Sefcik and Maureen Brogan
This presentation will provide an overview of the scope of youth suicide, who may be at risk and what we can all do to prevent our youth from dying by suicide. It will be an open and honest conversation about the 2nd leading cause of death for youth. Participants will leave with a better understanding of what to look for and how to have open and honest conversations about a very important topic that impacts many. Maureen Brogan Coordinator for the NJ Traumatic Loss Coalition and Wendy Sefcik, Chair of the NJ Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council will be the presenters.
For more info or to register contact NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders Inc. |908 575 7350 | 50 Division St. Ste 205, Somerville NJ 08876 | www.njcts.org
|
 ONLINE EVENT Back To School in New Jersey: What to Expect this Fall" Thursday, September 10, 2020, 3 PM and 4 PM This will be an online only. Please register to have a teleconferencing link emailed to you Thursday, 9/10, In anticipation of an unpredictable fall school season, administrations and educators are considering many questions: - Remote or in-person...or a mix of the two?
- What preparations (both underway and yet to begin) are needed to train teachers, prepare buildings, and improve technology?
- What lessons were learned from the spring school session during the initial outbreak of the pandemic?
- What challenges still exist and how to address them?
- How to insure all students are receiving a quality education?
Please join NJ Spotlight and NJTV News convene a virtual roundtable with educators and administrators to explore the widely varying approaches to the upcoming school year and how best practices can be determined and shared. Moderator:John Mooney, Executive Director and Education Reporter, NJ Spotlight https://www.eventbrite.com/e/back-to-school-in-new-jersey-what-to-expect-this-fall-tickets-118662301137 |
|
REGISTER FOR OUR NEW DATES:
Wednesday,September 23 and September 30, 4:30-6 PM. OPNEN TO Passaic County youth with ADHD. email [email protected] or phone 973-728-8744. This is collaboration with Passaic County FSO and ASCF. 
|
|
Disclaimer: The Association for Special Children and Families does not provide or give Legal or Medical advice. ASCF does not endorse or recommend any one specific diagnostic or therapeutic regime, organization, opinion or methodology mentioned in this newsletter. We are not responsible for the content or information on any website given and do not endorse or recommend the views expressed as we have no control over the nature and content of those sites.
|
|
|
|
Contact Information
Assn. for Special Children & Families
POB 494, Hewitt, NJ 07421
973-728-8744
|
|
|
|
|
|
