A Message from the Executive Director

Greetings DCIU,

As spring quickly arrives, bringing with it a sense of renewal and growth, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we've made and the exciting opportunities ahead for DCIU. Our commitment to enhancing the educational experiences of our students and supporting our educators has never been stronger.

We're continuing to see wonderful achievements across our programs, from innovative instructional strategies to impactful partnerships that broaden our students' horizons. Our educators continue to inspire me with their dedication and creativity.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the upcoming initiatives that promise to further enrich our educational community. From upcoming building projects (more details to come soon) to leveraging technology to enhance learning and strengthening our collaborations with local partners, we continue to underscore our mission.

I am deeply grateful for the hard work, passion, and resilience of our entire DCIU family. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. Have a happy and productive spring and an enjoyable spring break!

Warm regards,

Maria Edelberg, Ed.D.

Executive Director

MTSS Interconnected Framework

Theme: Sleep Awareness

Sleep is a fundamental aspect of overall mental and physical health and academic success. And the quality and quantity of sleep are deeply connected to one’s mental and emotional well-being. By raising awareness and implementing practical strategies, students and families can significantly improve their sleep quality, leading to better health, mood, and academic performance. Click the video below for more.

#DelcoInterconnectedMTSSFramework #MentalHeathMatters #SleepAwareness

Resources

Sleep Awareness Week 2024 https://www.thensf.org/sleep-awareness-week/

Sleep Awareness Week Infographic https://weillcornell.org/news/infographic-sleep-awareness-week#:~:text=March%2012th%20to%2018th%20is,reset%20your%20family's%20sleep%20hygiene

How is Sleep Linked to Mental Health https://www.thensf.org/how-is-your-sleep-health-linked-to-your-mental-health/

Program Spotlight

Early Head Start/Head Start: Unlocking Potential

for Preschoolers

DCIU is unlocking potential with Early Head Start/Head Start! Our comprehensive child-development program is designed to uplift preschool-aged children (ages 3-5). Our goal is to boost school readiness and social skills for little learners in income-eligible households.

Early Head Start/Head Start offers a wide array of services, including early childhood education, health, nutrition, family engagement, transition support, services for English language learners, mental health assistance, and cognitive development.

The children experience a wide range of social and learning activities year-round. During Read Across America week, for example, our Head Start children embarked on a wonderful journey of exploration and imagination. Our young readers were treated to stories that celebrated the joy of reading and the power of storytelling. The children were fully engaged and delighted by the stories they encountered.

The activities are thoughtfully designed to be both educational and fun, encouraging the children to interact in creative ways.

Funded to serve over 900 children across Chester City, Chester Township, Folcroft, Sharon Hill, and Aston, our Head Start programs are paving the way for academic and social success for children and families. When parents enroll their children in a high-quality Head Start preschool, they are sure to receive top-notch nutrition, health care, and the support they need to thrive mentally, physically, and socially! For more information, visit us on the web at https://www.dciu.org.

DCTS Students Win at SkillsUSA Competition

DCIU congratulates our DCTS SkillsUSA District 2 Regional Competition Winners! During the last several weeks, students in various programs at the Delaware County Technical Schools participated in SkillsUSA District 2 Regional Competitions. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA provides educational programs, events, and competitions that support career and technical education in the nation’s classrooms. In total, DCTS had four first-place winners, ten second-place winners, and eight third-place winners. Congratulations to the students who competed for all of their hard work and success during these competitions. The students attended the recent DCIU Board of Directors meeting, where they received recognition for their achievements.

DCIU OPTIONS Program: Building Relationships Through Employment

Recently, our adult OPTIONS clients embarked on an inspiring journey focused on "Building Relationships Through Employment." Two engaging sessions were tailored to our adult clients receiving Supportive Employment Services, courtesy of the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD). OPTIONS clients enjoyed an inspiring video message from Christy Thomas, Ambassador to Miss PA Wheelchair, who shared her personal life journey and invaluable tips on fostering relationships with coworkers and managers.

Our adult clients delved into thought-provoking "What If Questions" related to employment scenarios, ensuring they're well-equipped for any situation that comes their way.

And let's not forget the highlight of the day – "employment" themed bingo!

With informative questions linked to OPTIONS employment, it was both educational and entertaining!

The overarching theme of the day? Building "kindness" in the workplace. At DCIU, we understand the power of compassion and empathy in fostering strong, supportive work environments. Stay tuned for more enriching experiences as we continue to empower our clients on their journey to success!

Embracing Diversity Through Reading

In keeping with this year's theme for Read Across America - diversity and inclusion, students at the Marple Education Center (MEC) dove into the world of Dr. Seuss as they celebrated Read Across America in style, honoring Dr. Seuss on his birthday, March 2nd. From delightful story time events to fun-filled Dr. Seuss crafts and activities, it was a week of varied activities for all students to enjoy, as well as pure reading magic! Read Across America inspires and brings awareness to children and youth in every corner of the United States, encouraging the love of reading.

Spread the Word: DCIU Transition Fair Coming Soon

Families of transition-aged students with disabilities are invited to the DCIU Secondary Transition Fair!

When: April 9, 2024

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Where: DCIU-Morton

Connect with 40+ agencies and community organizations, sharing valuable resources for post-secondary education, independent living, and employment opportunities. For more information, go to https://www.dciu.org/TransitionFair.

2024 Employee Recognition Dinner

Special Award Nominations Due April 5!

Check your inbox for details.

We are looking forward to our Annual Employee Recognition Dinner on May 22, a special evening dedicated to honoring our esteemed colleagues who are retiring, celebrating milestone years of service, and recognizing those who have achieved exceptional accomplishments over the past year.

This event is a testament to the strength and spirit of our organization, made possible by the dedication and hard work of individuals like you. It’s a night to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to our future together.

Your presence will greatly contribute to the warmth and spirit of the occasion. This is also a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues, build new friendships, and strengthen existing ones.

Please watch your inbox for more details in the near future. We look forward to an unforgettable evening and hope you will join us in making it a truly special event for everyone honored.

DCIU enthusiastically welcomes these new staff members who were hired in March 2024 to our community and congratulates existing staff who are in new positions with DCIU/DCTS. We wish them all much success and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial professional relationship with each one.

Hiring Incentives

The DCIU is proud to offer an

EMPLOYEE REFERRAL BONUS of up to $1000 per referral!!*

*All bonuses have exclusions and restrictions. Please contact your supervisor, the hiring manager, or your Human Resources representative for more details.