Family Facilitator Meeting

August 4, 2015Alexandria, LA

Directions1. On a sticky note, respond to one or both:

– write one challenge/problem you faced during the planning and implementation of family workshops this year

– write a challenge/problem you faced and SOLVED.

2. Post your sticky note onto the chart on the wall during the break.

We have a full agenda today!

• Be prepared to celebrate the accomplishments in sharing with our families, reflect on last year, and start thinking about this year’s activities

• After you sign in, please complete the following:

Welcome Family Facilitators!

WELCOME We are glad you are on the SPDG team!

• Kala Burrell-Craft, Inclusive Practices

• Family Facilitators– Amanda Galonek | Pointe Coupee– Eric Williams | Caddo

Agenda

People First Language

Kathie Snow. (n.d.) A few words about People First Language. Disability is Natural. Retrieved August 1, 2012 from http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/images/PDF/pfl-sh09.pdf

“People First Language puts the person before the disability and describes what a person has, not who a person is.”

Materials

• You can find today’s materials at http://www.laspdg.org/content.cfm?id=307

Discussion of Roles & Responsibilities

Family Facilitator Events

Save the Dates: Regional Meetings

(flyer in folder)

Quality Indicator (QI) Updates

• You will assist your LEA Team in completing the LEA Quality Indicators at the September Regional Meeting

• Schools will continue to complete School Quality Indicators into the system by November 13, 2015

• Prepare them in advance, more details coming at the Regional Meeting

SPDG Summer Learning“School-Based Action Teams for

Partnership”by Dr. Joyce Epstein

Resources can be found at http://

www.laspdg.org/content.cfm?id=418

321 4 5 6 7 8 910

Mindful Engagement Series:Strategies & Tools to Strengthen Family

Partnerships

http://www.laspdg.org/content.cfm?id=429

Significance of “ME”

What would improve family engagement – looking in the mirror?

Mindful Engagement begins with ME !

Modules1-5

Mindful Engagement

Mindful Engagement

Modules6-10

References to Additional Resources

Indicates files that can be saved to your computer

from the FILES POD while watching the

webinar

Indicates a webinar can be watched related to the

content discussed

Indicates a website link that will be

useful related to the content discussed

Listening Guides

Reflective Guides

Mindful Engagement Modules

http://www.laspdg.org/content.cfm?id=429

Sandee WinchellExecutive Director

Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council

www.laddc.org

The Louisiana

Developmental Disabilities

Council- and More

Created by Congress

Developmental DisabilitiesAssistance

and Bill of Rights Act

DD Council in Every State

Purpose To assure that individuals with

developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote:

Self DeterminationIndependenceProductivityIntegrationInclusionin all facets of community life.

Who We ARE28 Members in LA Appointed by the Governor

–Parents/Immediate Relatives–Self-Advocates–Agency Reps

Staff work for the Council

What We DOCouncil’s Mandate

–Advocacy–Capacity Building–Systems Change

Council funding is federal Five Year Plan dictates our

activities/ how funds are spent

AdvocacyLegislatureBESEGovernorCongressOther policy

makers (agency heads)

Capacity BuildingCommunitiesService ProvidersGeneric ProvidersIndividuals and Families

Systems ChangeThe transformation or

significant improvement of a system which furthers the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life.

Improving the Quality of Life of People with

Developmental Disabilities

in the Community self-determination independence productivity integration inclusion

Community Defined

People living in their own homes, with their families, or with roommates of their choosing

Kids going to regular schools; adults working in competitive jobs or engaging in meaningful integrated daytime activities

Opportunities for meaningful relationships

The Council carries out its mandate through many

different initiatives and activities. Two of the most important:Our grassroots advocacy networks – LaCAN and

LaTEACH.

Council’s grassroots advocacy network for community & family supports

Formed in 1988Over 2,500 members

LaCAN advocates for a service system that supports individuals with disabilities to live in their own homes and be fully included in their communities

Council’s grassroots advocacy network for education issues

Formed in 2004Over 1,600 members

LaTEACH advocates for appropriate, inclusive education for all students

How YOU Can HelpShare Information and Resources with Families

Encourage Them to Get Involved

Help Us Help Them

Advocacy Opportunities Join LaCAN & LaTEACH (listserv)

– Action Alerts – information & action steps– Legislative Round Tables – info & training– Legislative Visits– Disability Rights Day at the Capitol– Yellow & Purple Shirt Days – Provide Public Testimony

personal story

Sign up at www.laddc.org

Leadership Training Partners in Policymaking

– National leadership training program for people with DD and parents of young children with DD.

– Application deadline for 2016 class is September 30th

– Apply online at www.laddc.org Advocacy Leadership Conference –

Nov. 19th in Baton Rouge

Leadership PositionsDD Council Membership

–Parents of children/adults with DD

–Individuals with DD–Applications accepted year-round at www.laddc.org

Other Leadership Opportunities

Board of Directors of Regional Families Helping Families Centers

Regional Advisory Councils for OCDD Human Services Districts/Authorities

Board of Directors for Regional Human Services Districts/Authorities

Special Education Advisory Panel

Resources/ServicesFamilies Helping Families

– Information and Referral–Education and Training–Peer-to-Peer Support–Advocacy Information and Support

Advocacy Center–Legal Representation – Information and Referral–Outreach and Training

OCDD Services/Programs EarlySteps Flexible Family Fund Individual and Family Support Home and Community-Based Waivers

– Children’s Choice, New Opportunities Waiver, Supports Waiver

Apply at regional Human Services District/Authority

Transition/Employment At very young age have expectation

that ALL students can be competitively employed

Beginning at 14, include goals in IEP to develop skills and social capital that will lead to employment

Include an employment goal in transition plan

Request an LRS representative at transition planning meeting

Sandee WinchellExecutive Director

LA DD Councilsandee.winchell@la.gov

www.laddc.org

Family to Family Resource

Lynne Farlough, Pyramid Community Parent Resource Center

Donnica Conway, FirstLine Schools

Final Thoughts on Sharing Resources

Families need to be aware of and connected to Louisiana’s resources,

services, programs and friendly allies!

– Share the Louisiana Family Resources 1 pager – Collect flyers from other resources & share – Create a resource guide specific to resources

within your district

Try This: “Take One, Share One”

Have you ever?• Felt like everyone comes to you for

advice?• Wondered why people do not have

an orderly and organized office?• Wished you could live alone on a

tropical island?• Tried bungee jumping?• Told an authority figure when

someone broke the rules?• Hated being in a group because you

knew you would end up doing all the work?

• Procrastinated?• Been in trouble for talking too

much?

• Felt someone else’s pain?• Felt that no one understood your

analytical and theoretical ideas?• Loved to be the center of attention?• Cried all night long for no reason?• Led the group?• Felt you had to have all A’s?• Felt the need to take care of

everybody?• Wondered why everyone else

doesn’t’ like being alone like you do?

• Struggled to understand why most people do not get your sense of humor?

It’s TEST time! Let’s assess

YOUR personality!

What is your dominant color?

What is your secondary color?

What is TRUE COLORS ?

– 4 colors represent characteristics of personality– All of us have all four colors– First color: Innate color (Nature)– Second color: Learned color (Nurture)– Third and Fourth colors: Underdeveloped colors– One is not better than the others!

Activity: Four Corners

Directions: Sort into groups by your dominate color.

Words/Phrases that Characterize BLUEThese are intuitive feeling people and above all, they must be

authentic.

• Compassionate• Purpose in life is to have a purpose in life• Strive to be in harmony with inner self• Making a difference in the world• Devoted to relationships• Spiritual• Romanticize their experiences• Interested in people watching• Sees possibilities in people• Cultivates potential in others• Emotional • Affectionate eternal commitment to love

Words/Phrases that Characterize ORANGEThese are sensory perceptive people and above all,

they must be free to act.

• Tests the limits• Free spirit• Great in a crisis• Needs variations• Loves tools• Boldness• Exciting• Light-hearted• Full of fun• Performer &

entertainer

• Waiting is psychological death

• Do it now• Today is today• Only temporarily

defeated• Spontaneous

relationships• Clutter is

acceptable• Generous• sharing

Words/Phrases that Characterize GREENThese are sensory judging people and above all,

they must be of service.

• Love of intelligence• Stores wisdom• Obsessed to learn• Can never know enough• Need for control• Sees the big picture• Must understand objects and events• Individualist• Believes things are obvious to all• Speculates on others’ motivations• Often too abstract for others• Often oblivious to others’ emotions• Thinks through relationships carefully

Words/Phrases that Characterize GoldThese are sensory judging people and above all, they must be of

service.

• Useful• Not free loaders• Strong work

ethic• Parental attitude• Compelled to be

bound and obligated

• Should be rules• Be prepared• List maker• Responsible• Organized

• Detail oriented• Hates wasting

time• Right and

wrong• Commitments• Questions

change• Traditional• Dependable• Punctual• Schedules• predictable

TRUE COLORS Impacts Perception

Is this true about money? Is this true about life?• Gold

– Saves it

• Green– Invests it

• Blue– Gives it away

• Orange– Spend it

• Gold– Plans life

• Green– Thinks about life

• Blue– Experiences life

• Orange– Lives life

Think about your role as parent or family member. How will knowing your True Color affect how you support your child at home?

Write ideas on your hat.

Praise the BLUE child’s:

• Unique contributions• Personal achievements• Personal characteristics• Honesty and sincerity• Energetic and enthusiastic manner• Contributions to the performance

of the group and the organization

Praise the ORANGE child’s

• Cleverness• Skill• Quickness• Spontaneity• Versatility• Quick and timely responses

Praise the GREEN child’s:

• Competence• Quality of Work• Ingenuity• Analytic abilities• Clear, logical explanations in

precise terms• Good ideas and capabilities

Praise the GOLD child’s:

• Accomplishments• Accomplishments

and sense of responsibility

• Thoroughness• Contributions to the

growth and development of the organization and its performances

• Good ideas and capabilities

Think about your role as Family Facilitator. How can you use True Colors when working with your families? Write ideas on your hat.

Recap on TRUE COLORS …….

– All of us have all four colors– One is not better than the others– First color: Dominate– Second color: Secondary– Underdeveloped colors can be enhanced

depending on the circumstance!– All colors are important when working with

others!

ReferencesContent from slides were adapted from the following websites and references:

– https://truecolorsintl.com/– http://campusrec.unc.edu/sites/

campusrec.unc.edu/files/Personality%20Test.pdf – http://www.nfty.org/_kd/Items/actions.cfm?actio

n=Show&item_id=12954&destination=ShowItem

“Acknowledging and valuing diversity

means more than celebrating food or

holidays. It means making room for a

range of voices, perspectives and

resources, and styles of interacting.”

-Adger, 2001, Lopez, Sanchez and Hamilton 2000

Sabine | Caddo | EBR

District Leadership Collaborate & Support Schools

Involve the Church (Faith-Based Organizations)

“Providing an Excellent Education for Exceptional Children”

Department of Exceptional Children

CADDO & SPDG

STRATEGIES TO JUMPSTART YOUR YEAR WORKSHOPHOLY WAY COGIC

Pastor Robert MoodyHoly Way COGIC

Parent’s Parking Lot of Suggestions

Principal Stacey Jamison

Refreshments and Giveaways provided by SPDG

Adjust Communication Efforts Based on Reflection, Data and Feedback

Capacity Building

Partnerships Is What It Takes!

As A Family Facilitator Our Race to the Top Includes Family Engagement

Without it, We Will Not Make It to the Top

How to Build Partnerships That Last

-Ask parents, teachers, administration, support staff what areas they need support in, never guess.

-Use your data to target key areas of support (elementary, middle, or high school levels, specific school sites, LaSPDG focus areas, curriculum content areas).

-Think outside of the box.

-Don’t spread yourself thin, focus on what works by utilizing your relationships, resources, and best practices.

-Follow up and stay in touch.

Our Main Purposes To positively impact public education by supporting families

through LaSPDG/LEAs sponsored activities.

1. Increase student achievement by mobilizing parent, family, and community support inside and outside schools by providing quality and on-time events.

2. Strengthen parental involvement by providing families with hands-on learning opportunities and yearly professional development.

3. Build rapport between families and schools by being a goodwill ambassador at all times. Family Facilitators accomplish more by communicating regularly, effectively, compassionately and professionally with families inside and outside schools.

Successful Event Ideas for LaSPDG Family Facilitators

Partnering for SuccessPartnering with outside and community resources creates and fosters a welcoming school climate. Connecting families to community resources that strengthen and support student’s learning and well being is an effective way to build capacity and achieve goals.

Beyond the BasicsProviding families with continuous improvement and learning opportunities like “The Mathbowl” instead of one time projects like “Math Night” ignites creativity and aids in learning retention, as well as developing trusting relationships.

Tried and TrueMany districts and schools have events that work. Build off of those ideas and practices that been tried and prove effective. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Just do it with a smile and invite more people

LEA: East Baton Rouge Parish School Year: 2015-2016 Family Facilitators and the LEA Leadership Team will use the form below to plan for Family Educational Sessions each school year

SESSION TOPICS DATA SOURCES (Check all that apply)

DATES/TIMES Jul 1, 2014 – Jun 30, 2015

PRESENTER(s) LOCATION(s) COST (stipends,

materials, food, location, etc.)

New Year, Brings

Exceptional Changes to EBR Schools and the ESS

Department (Overview or new

department changes, introduction to ESS

district leads)

Family Feedback Quality Indicators (School or LEA) State Performance Profile Critical Goals SPS Other: Top of the Year Facts/Q&A

August 25, 2015

6-8 PM

Vanesa Myers Patrice Hudson James Newman

Elizabeth Chapman

Ashlei Morrison

Capitol Middle School Library

100.00 (est)

Partnering for Success

(Collaborative event with Families Helping

Families)

Family Feedback Quality Indicators (School or LEA) State Performance Profile Critical Goals SPS Other: __________

September 22, 2015

6-8PM

Ashlei Morrison,

TBA

Glasgow Middle Magnet School

100.00 (est)

Family Educational Sessions Planning Template

EXAMPLE OF FAMILY ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Ticket out the Door:

Please complete the top portion of this handout and turn it in at the end of the day.

Addressing Challenges Activity

• Divide into two groups. • Make sure that someone from each TRUE

COLOR is represented in your the group.• Each group has chart paper, a marker and

one or more sticky note(s) with challenges.• As a group, read the challenge and write

suggestions & considerations on chart paper.

• Early finishers should address another challenge.

• Be prepared to share.

Analyzing Sources of DataStation Rotation

CaddoAcadiaPyramidWest Baton RougeUnion

Reflection & Planning: Event Activity Data

NatchitochesMorehouseSt. HelenaVermilionRSD | Firstline

MadisonPointe CoupeeSabineEast Baton Rouge

SWOT

SPP Outcome Data

Duane EbarbLaCAN Leader,

Region 7

http://www.laddc.org/content.cfm?id=384

We want your feedback

Pick up supplies on your way out!!!

Thank You and Safe Travels!