One way that children are able to stay in a mainstream setting is if they have the support they need.

One type of support that parents opt for is having a paraprofessional with their child throughout the day. Some children may qualify for this from the DOE while others pay privately.

For children over five, an ABA para during school hours is only covered if they private insurance. However children under five (and with some agencies 6) can get an ABA para during school covered by insurance. 



In order to qualify for a para from the DOE you child has to have a health or behavioral need. 

Qualifying conditions for a health para may include: 

1) Severe allergies requiring epinephrine auto-injectors (I.E EpiPen)

2) Diabetes requiring blood sugar monitoring and insulin administration 

3) Epilepsy or other seizure disorders 

4) Asthma with frequent attacks 

5) Chronic medical conditions requiring frequent monitoring 

6) Physical disabilities impacting self-care needs

Behaviors that would qualify for a behavioral para include:

1) Difficulty following classroom rules and expectations, 

2) Disruptive behaviors and aggression

3) Frequent outbursts or tantrums, 

4) Challenges with social interactions

5) Self-injurious behaviors

6) Significant anxiety or emotional distress impacting learning.

The child will be evaluated by the child's teacher, school psychologist, and sometimes a specialist to determine whether a behavioral para is necessary. Anecdotal data will be needed at the IEP meeting in order to qualify. Once it is determined necessary the role of the behavioral para and the specific interventions will be noted on the IEP.

Find out how we can help you.

Call us at 212-747-8763.

Yahalom Mothers Spa

Last week, our Monsey mothers gathered together to relax and take care of themselves. The event offered a variety of spa services, allowing the moms to choose from relaxing back massages, soothing reflexology, manicures, or hair styling.

The evening was graciously hosted by the wonderful Rieder family, who treated everyone to a delicious, milchig dinner.

A special thank you to Mrs. Kayla Sloshy for sharing perspectives on raising a child with special needs.

Thank you to our volunteers who came to help out:

Rikki Berger

Yocheved Blatter

Miri Friedman

Suri Friedman

Tzahala Nussbaum

Esther Soffer

Chanukah Party

We are excited to invite you to our Yahalom Family Chanukah Party, an afternoon full of fun with your whole family.

Our party will feature fun activities for children ages 3-14.

Five Towns/ Brooklyn: December 22, 2024 at 4:00 PM

Monsey: January 5th at 4:00 PM

To RSVP, click here.

Yahalom Group Chats (Texting)

The best networking opportunities are with other parents. We are starting Yahalom mothers texting chats in NYC and Monsey.

If you would like to join, respond to this email with your name, number, and which chat you would like to join.

Bribery or Reinforcement? Isn’t it the Same?

The two will forever be interchanged freely–bribery and reinforcement.

Giving bad rap to reinforcement.

The layman has got to get an education!

Bribery: when the treat or prize comes before the desired action with a promise that the desired action will be completed by the child.

Reinforcement: when the treat or prize comes after the desired action was completed by the child.

Re-read again.

We ALL work for reinforcement. Think–paycheck, good meal, clean house…

Make sure you're not bribing your kids to get the desired action done.

Reinforcement is fine, and a great motivator. Bribery–not so much, the desired action doesn't happen the way we want it to.

Hindy Teichman MSEd, BCBA, LBA has a boutique practice in Brooklyn, NY, Social Trends ABA, where she specializes in treating complex behavior challenges in children with autism. To inquire about services, Hindy can be reached at hindy@socialtrendsaba.com.

Kitchen Tips

Some children are capable of getting their hands on anything in sight. This can be dangerous, especially in the kitchen. For an urn, you can put chains around it while still leaving the top open for water.

-Tziporah Wacholder-Zuckerman, Boston

Attention Teachers: Best Practices for Supporting Our Most Challenging Students

A three part zoom series for educators and administrators: supporting our most vulnerable children.

December 2nd, 9th, and 16th from 8-9 PM

Part 1: Understanding the "Square Peg" Why some students struggle with conventional systems

Part 2: Supporting Kids with "Heavy Baggage" compassionate tools for students facing challenges

Part 3: Creating Comfort for All: Strategies to make school welcoming for every student

Given by: Rabbi Yaakov Mintz

Register here.

Baltimore Singles Shabbaton

We wanted to share with you an exciting opportunity. On December 20-21st, there will be a Baltimore Singles Shabbaton for men and women with physical disabilities.

Join in an enjoyable weekend with engaging games and activities. All Shabbos meals are provided. Interactive games, speed dating, hotel setting, fun Melava Malka, and Sunday breakfast.

Contact:

Wayne and Denise Chester

443-929-3339

singlesshabbaton@gmail.com

Location:

Double Tree

1726 Reisterstown Rd

Baltimore MD 21208

Parenting Through the Teenage and Young Adult Years

When raising a child with special needs, it can be hard for the other siblings.

Join a supportive parenting group with hands-on, take-home skills for parents of children aged 11-29.

Monday Nights 8:50 PM-10:00 PM

Classes are free of charge, facilitated by Madraigos over zoom

To register contact Mindy Werblowsky, Clinical Director at Madraigos at 516-371-3250 ext 112 or mwerblowsky@madraigos.org

Webinar about Needs, Wants Wishes and Dreams

Mosholu Montefiore Community Center Parent Workshop

Needs, Wants Wishes and Dreams: Programs and Services for Children with Autism

Thursday, December 12, 2024

6-7:30 PM Via Zoom

This session will share valuable resources, encourage participants to celebrate their successes as well as their frustration and difficulties, offer strategies for success and provided motivation to reach your goals, dream about the future and instill hope!

Speaker: Gary Shulman MS. Ed.

Supporting vulnerable families and children for over 50 years, Gary is currently servicing as the Advisory Commissioner for the Partnership for Children, Youth and Families. Register here.

Dr. Nancy O'ahara (Brooklyn)

Join Yaldeinu for a lecture by Dr. O'ahra on the topic of PANDAS.

Monday December 9

Yaldeinu Ballroom

1600 63rd St

Brooklyn, NY 11204

In Person Only!

PANDAS is a condition where children experience sudden onset or worsening of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders following a streptococcal infection. Symptoms can include OCD, tics, anxiety, and mood swings, behavioral regressions, or difficulty concentrating.

Dr. O'hara's passion is to help treat the underlying root causes. She believes in providing the most up to date comprehensive information to parents and practitioners.

RSVP: Email mwilhelm@yaldeinu.net or text 917-635-0645.

Family Reimbursement (FSS)

Family Reimbursement is a government program available for anyone with OPWDD services. The purpose of the program is to reimburse families for services, camp, or items bought for their child with special needs.

Each year, a family can receive up to $3,000 in reimbursements. You can apply by submitting an application through a local agency such as:



Here is a list of a bunch of items that can be approved by FSS:

• Music lessons
• Cooking classes
• Theatre classes/workshops o Museum membership
• Art classes
• Gym membership
• Fitness classes
• Swim lessons
• Sports lessons
• Martial Arts lessons
• Dance/ballet lessons
• Equine therapy/Hippo therapy/Horseback riding
• Sensory Items such as Balance chair, Bean bag chair, Indoor or outdoor swing, Mini trampoline, Fidget items, Positioning cushion/wedge, Noise cancelling ear coverings, Therapy tunnel
• Legal fees related to guardianship and special needs trusts
• Protective mattress covers
• Replacement/repair of prescription eyeglasses or hearing aids if denied by insurance
• Electronic device
• Camp 

To find the places near you that can help you with family reimbursement, please see the attached link and click on the resource guide for your community. For specific help, please reach out to our Yahalom office. 

New decision by the DOH

Children that are part of Early Intervention may now also qualify for the Health Home Serving Children’s Program. Especially children diagnosed with 2 chronic conditions. Up until now, the agency had to have Care Managers that have special training in Early Intervention – but as of now the child can be signed up in two separate systems. The HHSC Care Manager would work together with the Early Intervention Care Manager, but both can continue to bill.  

This does not mean that every child who is in Early Intervention qualifies – there needs to be diagnoses for 2 chronic conditions – click below to see.

Webinar on IDEP for Congestion Relief Zone

MTA is holding a webinar on the Individual Disability Exemption Plan (IDEP) for the Congestion Relief Zone.

In Manhattan areas, during business hours, there will be a special toll charge, however people with disability plates will be exempt.

Wednesday, December 4 at 3pm.

Unnamed Pain

Click below to read a beautiful article about a mothers special needs journey. Reprinted with permission from Ami Magazine.

The Deaf Rabbi Who Is Changing the World

Rabbi Yehoshua Soudakoff was born Deaf and has created a quiet revolution within his community, a place where Deaf people can explore and experience Judaism within their own culture. He gained his strength from the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Click below to watch what he does and hear the Rebbe speaking about those with disabilities.