Family Resource Network - ToolboxPROv2.toolboxpro.org/secure/teachers/4354/... · As we welcome...
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Family Resource Network Teen Scene, Language Development Workshop, Hartwick Hill Race 2 Therapeutic Play & Diploma Options Workshops 3 Dragon Dates, ABC’s of Waiver Workshops 4 FTNYS Support Group, RFA Corner, iPad funding links 5 May & June Calendars 6 Talking with your child about Sexuality, Dr. James Ball 7 Summer Handwriting Camp, Support Groups 8 Magic Paintbrush Project 9 STIC/ECDC workshops 10 SEPC 11 Inside this issue: Executive Director: Meghann Andrews-Whitaker Resource Center Coordinator: Michelle Cole Program Coordinators: Jackie Hunt, Lauren Furman, & Terry DiLuzio Training Coordinator/Supervisor: Shelley Hubal CCSI Programs Jim Geuder, Coordinator Terry DiLuzio, Chenango County Sandy DuMond, Otsego County Residential Family Advocate: Michelle Zuk, Stillwater, Elmwood, & Boys of Courage Spec Education Parent Center: Mat Harby, Director Kathryn Ryan, Education Specialist Michelle Cole & Mat Harby, Parent Outreach & Information Specialists Dragon Dates Program Coordinator Jackie Hunt May/June 2012 “It is much easier to succeed in the face of difficulty when one is not alone” Hello everyone, my name is Adriana Steffens, I am a Clinical Psychophysiologist at Mind Matters Neurofeedback Centers. I am a new member to the Board of Directors here at the Family Resource Network. In the past I have utilized the Family Resource Network services for clients and I have been extremely impressed with the organization and their dedication to the families they serve, so when I was asked to serve as a board member, I was honored. I have worked with many families with disabilities for several years as a therapist for a private agency. I completed my PhD program in psychology and completed my specialization in Neurotherapy. I am certified provider in Quantitative Electroencephalographs (brain mapping) and Neurofeedback. In my practice and personal life, I am dedicated to helping others and enjoy being a part of their lives. I am a mother of four children and have met my own set of challenges so I understand that the support of others can make a significant difference. As a board member, I am committed to be part of a team that will ensure the best programs for the families that we serve. I look forward to participating not only as a board member but any other capacity that will enhance the lives of others. From our Board of Directors: Dragon Dates As we welcome back spring weather, we are reminded of rebirth and rejuvenation. Another school year is wrapping up, our children are another year older, and we are looking forward to another summer full of memories. However, some of us know that summer comes with boredom, frustration and anxiety for our kids and ourselves. I would like to offer some tips to help parents and caregivers overcome some of these obstacles, to better take care of themselves and the children they care for. First would be to create a regular daily routine…for you and your child. Include: Exercise - which proves to be good for the body and the mind. Take a walk, go outside and dig a small patch for some vegetables, ride your bikes, do some yoga. Wherever your interest’s lie - take that and run with it. Diet - watch what you are ingesting. Many of us know that our children have food sensitivities, but we tend to eat whatever we can grab. Take caution and be aware of what you are putting in your mouth. Buy fresh veggies and fruit at local produce markets and have them readily available when you or your child needs a snack. This will prevent sugar crashes and mood swings - you may be pleasantly surprised! Sleep - it is a fact that on average, children aged 3-5 need from 11-13 hours per night, middle-school children 10 -11 hours, and teens and preteens 8 ½ - 10 hours. Have, and enforce, a strict bed time routine and, if possible, remove any electronic stimulation from their sleeping area. These activate the brain. Try calming music (at least an hour before lights out) or some lavender oil on the pillow case as alternatives. Caregivers need sleep too. It is easy as a parent/caregiver to think of time at night to be very precious alone time, and it is. Just don’t forget that your body also needs sleep and your mind needs time to shut down also. You need at least 8 hours of sleep so your body can heal and prepare for the coming day. The most important thing that comes with care giving for our special children is having the energy and wherewithal to create a healthy, calm, and creative space for our families. Family Resource Network cares about you as much as your children! Please call us at (607) 432-0001 or visit our website www.familyrn.org if you are feeling burned out, on the verge, or maybe just need some tips to help you day to day. I would also like to introduce one of our new board members who graciously agreed to be in the board spotlight this time around: Please welcome Adrianna Steffens… From our Executive Director:
Transcript of Family Resource Network - ToolboxPROv2.toolboxpro.org/secure/teachers/4354/... · As we welcome...
Family Resource Network
Teen Scene, Language Development Workshop, Hartwick Hill Race
2
Therapeutic Play & Diploma Options Workshops
3
Dragon Dates, ABC’s of Waiver Workshops
4
FTNYS Support Group, RFA Corner, iPad funding links
5
May & June Calendars 6
Talking with your child about Sexuality, Dr. James Ball
7
Summer Handwriting Camp, Support Groups
8
Magic Paintbrush Project 9
STIC/ECDC workshops 10
SEPC 11
Inside this issue:
Executive Director:
Meghann Andrews-Whitaker
Resource Center Coordinator: Michelle Cole
Program Coordinators: Jackie Hunt, Lauren Furman, & Terry DiLuzio
Training Coordinator/Supervisor:
Shelley Hubal
CCSI Programs
Jim Geuder, Coordinator
Terry DiLuzio, Chenango County
Sandy DuMond, Otsego County
Residential Family Advocate:
Michelle Zuk, Stillwater, Elmwood,
& Boys of Courage
Spec Education Parent Center:
Mat Harby, Director
Kathryn Ryan, Education Specialist
Michelle Cole & Mat Harby, Parent
Outreach & Information Specialists
Dragon Dates Program Coordinator
Jackie Hunt
May/June 2012
“It is much easier to succeed in the face of difficulty when one is not alone”
Hello everyone, my name is Adriana Steffens, I am a Clinical Psychophysiologist at Mind Matters Neurofeedback Centers. I am a new member to the Board of Directors here at the Family Resource Network. In the past I have utilized the Family Resource Network services for clients and I have been extremely impressed with the organization and their dedication to the families they serve, so when I was asked to serve as a board member, I was honored. I have worked with many families with disabilities for several years as a therapist for a private agency. I completed my PhD program in psychology and completed my specialization in Neurotherapy. I am certified provider in Quantitative Electroencephalographs (brain mapping) and Neurofeedback. In my practice and personal life, I am dedicated to helping others and enjoy being a part of their lives. I am a mother of four children and have met my own set of challenges so I understand that the support of others can make a significant difference. As a board member, I am committed to be part of a team that will ensure the best programs for the
families that we serve. I look forward to participating not only as a board member but any other
capacity that will enhance the lives of others.
From our Board of Directors:
Dragon Dates
As we welcome back spring weather, we are reminded of rebirth and rejuvenation. Another
school year is wrapping up, our children are another year older, and we are looking forward
to another summer full of memories. However, some of us know that summer comes with
boredom, frustration and anxiety for our kids and ourselves. I would like to offer some tips
to help parents and caregivers overcome some of these obstacles, to better take care of
themselves and the children they care for.
First would be to create a regular daily routine…for you and your child.
Include:
Exercise - which proves to be good for the body and the mind. Take a walk, go outside and dig a small patch
for some vegetables, ride your bikes, do some yoga. Wherever your interest’s lie - take that and run with it.
Diet - watch what you are ingesting. Many of us know that our children have food sensitivities, but we tend to
eat whatever we can grab. Take caution and be aware of what you are putting in your mouth. Buy fresh veggies
and fruit at local produce markets and have them readily available when you or your child needs a snack. This
will prevent sugar crashes and mood swings - you may be pleasantly surprised!
Sleep - it is a fact that on average, children aged 3-5 need from 11-13 hours per night, middle-school children 10
-11 hours, and teens and preteens 8 ½ - 10 hours. Have, and enforce, a strict bed time routine and, if possible,
remove any electronic stimulation from their sleeping area. These activate the brain. Try calming music (at least
an hour before lights out) or some lavender oil on the pillow case as alternatives. Caregivers need sleep too. It
is easy as a parent/caregiver to think of time at night to be very precious alone time, and it is. Just don’t forget
that your body also needs sleep and your mind needs time to shut down also. You need at least 8 hours of sleep
so your body can heal and prepare for the coming day.
The most important thing that comes with care giving for our special children is having the energy and
wherewithal to create a healthy, calm, and creative space for our families. Family Resource Network cares about
you as much as your children! Please call us at (607) 432-0001 or visit our website www.familyrn.org if you are
feeling burned out, on the verge, or maybe just need some tips to help you day to day.
I would also like to introduce one of our new board members who graciously agreed to be in the board
spotlight this time around: Please welcome Adrianna Steffens…
From our Executive Director:
Page 2 May/June 2012 Family Resource Network
This workshop is designed to introduce parents/caregivers and early childhood educators to typical language development during the first five years of life. In addition, participants will learn some basic language facilitation
strategies that can be used to foster language development.
Our Speaker, Skott Freedman, PhD, CCC-SLP is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at Ithaca College, and is director of the Child Language Research Laboratory. His
research, aspects of which have been supported by the National Institutes of Health, focuses on sublexical and lexical variables that influence word learning in children with and without language impairment.
Date: Saturday May 5, 2012
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Place: Foxcare Center, Education Room
One Foxcare Drive, Oneonta, NY
Language Development 0-5: What’s Typical, What Isn’t, and What Can We Do?
Kindly register for this FREE event by e-mailing [email protected] . Please put "Language" on the subject line and include contact information in your e-mail or call 607-432-0001.
Teen Scene is a group of youth, ages 12-20, who meet at FRN once a month to discuss issues that are important to them. The teens discuss their personal
experiences with topics such as: bullying, conflict & resolution, and other social issues.
Thursday, May 10th & June 7th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, at FRN
(dinner is provided so please RSVP)
If you would like more
information about Teen Scene,
please contact FRN at
607-432-0001.
To register, email:
include “Teen Scene” in the
subject
Our thanks to The Early Childhood Direction Center at STIC and the Southern Tier Special Education Parent Center
for their sponsorship of this workshop.
2012 Hartwick Hill Race
The 3rd annual Hartwick Hill Race is being held on Saturday, May 5, 2012. This race is sponsored by The Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Hartwick College to benefit The Family Resource Network’s Anemarie Wenck Resource Fund. The race starts at noon from The Perrella Wellness Center at the main entrance of Hartwick College and
follows an uphill course of approximately 1-1/4 miles to the top of Oyaron Hill at Strawberry Field. Those interested may run the race individually or in a caterpillar team (team members are tethered together and must run in
sync). There are prizes awarded for the best costumes or most imaginative attire, as well as for best times. The race coincides with the EDD Fund free soccer clinic being held for individuals with special needs and hosted by the
Hartwick College Men’s and Women’s Soccer Teams on Elmore Field. The soccer clinic starts at 10 am.
For those interested in running the Hartwick Hill Race you may register at The Family Resource Network, Inc. website at www.FamilyRN.org and pay the registration fee on the day of the race or you can register and pay the day of the
race in person.
Those interested in registering for the free soccer clinic can do so by contacting Gretchen Owens at www.eddfund.org.
For more information call The Family Resource Network at 432-0001.
Page 3 May/June 2012 Family Resource Network
Diploma Options and IEP Transition Planning: What You Need to Know – NOW!
For students with disabilities, life after high school brings unique challenges and opportunities. Whether your child will be pursuing employment, further schooling, supported
programming or independent living, ensuring that your child has the appropriate skills and diploma to open as many doors as possible is obviously an important priority. This workshop will provide parents, professionals and advocates with information and strategies essential to successful transition planning including a practical understanding of the current and changing
diploma options applicable to students with disabilities as well as effective skill building using the IEP.
Our speaker Julie Michaels Keegan, Esq. is a special education attorney who has devoted her practice to ensuring that children receive a high quality, appropriate education.
Date: Tuesday, May 22
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Sidney Memorial Public Library
8 River Street, Sidney, NY
Kindly register for this FREE event by e-mailing [email protected] . Please put "IEP" on the subject line and include contact information in your e-mail or call 607-432-0001. Thank you.
Therapeutic Play for Individuals with Social and Communication Impairments
Recent studies have shown that there is a positive relationship between play and the development of cognitive, communication and social skills in children. There is also a positive effect on these domains if the play is directed by a parent or other adult. Our instructor, Phyllis Walsh, ACSW, will show us firsthand how best to use the power of play to enhance the psychological and social well being of our loved ones
with disabilities, including disabilities that make socialization and communication difficult.
About Our Speaker: Phyllis-Ann Walsh, ACSW has post-graduate training and experience in the principles of attachment therapy and Theraplay. Theraplay is highly successful with children that are
developmentally delayed or have attachment issues.
Date: Thursday, May 17
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Place: Vestal Public Library, Conference Room
320 Vestal Pkwy. East
Vestal, NY
Kindly register for this FREE event by e-mailing [email protected] . Please put "Play" on the subject line and include contact information in your e-mail or call 607-432-0001. Thank you.
Page 4 May/June 2012 Family Resource Network
Dragon Dates Dragon Dates is a group of youth whom are on the Autism Spectrum that meet once a month to enjoy
social skills activities with their peers. If you think your child could benefit from this activity, please contact Jackie Hunt at
the Family Resource Network @ (607) 432-0001 or email [email protected].
May 2, 6pm-7:30pm, at SUCO, Fitzelle Hall, Sergeant James Bullis and Trooper Peter Grunder will be meeting with parents and children to discuss “First Responders and Safety” for autistic children.
June 16th: Leatherstocking Railway Ride for the whole family!
Meet at the Milford Depot at 1pm for the approximately 2 hour ride.
The ABC's of the Home and Community Based Waiver
Join us for these informational discussions about the Medicaid Waiver, OPWDD eligibility, and Medicaid Service Coordination. Whether your child is already on the waiver and you
want to make sure you are getting the best services possible, or you want to learn more about this sometimes complicated and ever-changing system, this workshop is for you.
Vestal
Date: Wednesday, May 30
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Vestal Public Library
320 Vestal Parkway East
Vestal, NY
Our Vestal group will be lead by JoAnne Novicky, Director of Service Coordination at
The Southern Tier Independence Center.
Oneonta
Date: Thursday May 31
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Family Resource Network
46 Oneida Street
Oneonta, NY
Our Oneonta group will be lead by Sheryl Kosturock, Assistant Director of
Medicaid Service Coordination at Springbrook.
Kindly register for this FREE event by e-mailing [email protected] . Please put "Waiver" on the subject line and include contact information in your e-mail, or call 607-432-0001. Be sure to let us know which location you plan to attend.
Thank you.
Page 5 May/June 2012 Family Resource Network
FAMILIES TOGETHER IN NYS Support Group:
Thursday, May 17th & June 21st, 5:30-7:30pm, at FRN
As always, we will provide a light meal during the FTNYS group and childcare is provided as long as you
RSVP by the Monday prior to the meeting. Please RSVP to (607)432-0001 or
[email protected] and put “FTNYS” in the subject line and your contact info in the email.
Residential Family Advocate Program
Welcome from the Residential Family Advocate Program. This program strives to provide
families with resources to increase their knowledge of mental health related issues. You can
look to this section in each newsletter for a website with relevant information regarding
families and mental health.
Please take a moment to visit the website for Families Together in New York State at www.ftnys.org. This website is an excellent way to get connected to a larger community of people that “strives to establish a unified voice for children and youth with social, emotional and behavioral challenges. Our mission is to ensure that every family has access to needed information, support and services”. This is a good place for families to get help finding services and support, no matter what area of New York State that they live in. Families Together in New York State is a resource that is accessed by many of the programs
that are housed at the Family Resource Network, Inc. and we are proud to be the Southern
Tier Chapter of FTNYS. I will share more information after the Families Together conference
in May.
The following organizations may offer grants or other assistance for obtaining an iPod, iPad, or Apps:
Act Today! (for military families) http://www.act-today.org/act-today-grant-program.php Apps for Children with Special Needs http://a4cwsn.com/ipda2-4u/ Babies with iPads http://babieswithipdas.blogspot.com/p/babies-with-ipads-grant-application.html The Conover Company Mobile Technology Grant http://www.conovercompany.com/grants Danny’s Wish http://www.letschatautism.com/ipads-for-autism-application Different Iz Good http://www.differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/ Gia Nicole Angel Foundation http://www.giafoundation.com Holly Rod Foundation http://www.hollyrod.org/autism-and-communication/ iHelp for Special Needs (fundraising) http://www.ihelpforspecialneeds.com/iHelpWelcome/ Need_An_iPad_App.html Lillie’s Pad http://www.lilliespad.com Loud Mommy http://loudmommy.com/apply Maggie Welby Foundation http://maggiewelby.org Parker’s Purpose http://parkerspurpose.net Prayer Child Foundation http://prayerchild.org/submit_request.html Project iAM http://aboutprojectiam.com/applications/ The Puzzling Piece (fundraising) http://www.thepuzzlingpiece.com
Page 6 May/June 2012 Family Resource Network
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2
Dragon Dates,
6-7:30pm
3
4 5 Language
Development, 10-12
Hartwick Hill Race, Noon
6
FTNYS
Conference
7
FTNYS
Conference
8 9 10
Teen Scene, 5:30-
7:30pm
11 12
13
Happy Mother’s
Day
14 15 16 17 Therapeutic
Play, 10-Noon
FTNYS Support Group 5:30-7:30
18 19
Summer Schools
& Camps Info,
9am - 1pm
20 21 22
Diploma Options,
10am - Noon
23 24 25 26
27 28
29 30
ABC’s of
Waiver-Broome,
10am-Noon
31
ABC’s of
Waiver-Otsego,
10am-Noon
May 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2
3 4
Health & Sexuality,
10am-Noon
5
Jim Ball,
Oneonta 9-3
6
Jim Ball,
Corning 9-3
7
Teen Scene,
5:30-7:30 pm
8 9
10 11 12 13 14
15 16 Dragon Dates,
1pm in Milford
Summer Safety
@FRN, 9am-1pm
17
Happy Father’s
Day!
18 19 20 21
FTNYS Support
Group,
5:30-7:30pm
22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
June 2012
Page 7 May/June 2012 Family Resource Network
Where Do I Start: Talking with your Child about Sexuality
Children with developmental disabilities need education and support to develop a healthy sense of
sexuality. This workshop will offer strategies for starting the conversation and guidelines for what to talk about and when. Parents will leave the presentation with practical tips to support their child's healthy sexuality throughout life. Our instructors for this workshop are Margo Doyle, Director of Education for Planned Parenthood of South Central New York and Jessica Scanlon-Yerly, Community Educator for
Planned Parenthood of South Central New York.
Date: Monday, June 4
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: George F. Johnson Library
1001 Park Street
Endicott, NY
Kindly register for this FREE event by e-mailing [email protected] . Please put "Sexuality" on the subject line and include contact information in your e-mail or call 607-432-0001. Thank you.
FREE PRESENTATION FOR PARENTS & PROFESSIONALS
Tuesday, June 5, 2012 @ Holiday Inn in Oneonta Wednesday, June 6, 2012 @ Corning Radisson Hotel
9:00 am to 3:00pm
Dr. James Ball: Behavior/Social Skills & Autism
Dr. Jim Ball, A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D), has been working in the private sector field of autism for 25+ years. In a variety of settings, he has provided educational, employment, and
residential services to children and adults affected with autism. He has toured nationally with Dr. Temple Grandin and Dr. Jed Baker.
Dr. Ball has lectured nationally and internationally, provided expert testimony, and published in the
areas of early intervention, behavior, consultation services, social skills, technology, and trauma. He is a featured author and is on the advisory board for the Autism Asperger’s Digest magazine. His 2008 triple Award Winning book, “Early Intervention & Autism: Real-Life Questions, Real-Life Answers” was
released in February of 2008.
Presented by The Early Childhood Direction Center and The Special Education Parent Center. For more information or to register, please call ECDC at (607)724-2111
or email [email protected].
Page 8 May/June 2012 Volume 1, I ssue 1
Boost Your Child’s Handwriting Skills with the
SUMMER HANDWRITING CAMP
Through listen write shine bright… Does your child struggle with producing legible handwriting, pencil grip, and putting thoughts onto paper? The
HANDWRITING CAMP will use crafts, games, music, and multisensory approaches in a small group of 2-4 children to address handwriting skills.
Where: Tier Occupational Therapy, 32 West State St, Binghamton NY When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 17th to August 9th
How Long: One hour per session, two times per week (Sessions are organized by age group)
COST: $25 per group session
Please visit www.listenWRITEshineBRIGHT.com for more information regarding pricing and guidelines or contact Kim Wiggins at [email protected] or 607-624-8674.
The Family Resource Network is very proud to announce that we will be receiving
the 2012 Dr. Gerald Burday Professional Excellence Award from the ARC of
Delaware County on June 8th. This award “recognizes a professional or team of
professionals who demonstrate a commitment to excellence so each individual
touched reaches his or her true potential.” The award particularly recognizes our
Southern Tier Special Education Parent Center Trainer, Kathy Ryan, for “having
been instrumental in providing much needed training to families in DelArc’s
Parent Support Group in the area of special education and advocacy.”
We are deeply honored to be recognized and are very proud of Kathy!
The Parent Support Group meets the 1st Thursday and the 3rd Tuesday of each month
at 6:30 pm, Delaware Co. Resource Center, 34570 St Hwy 10, Hamden. Families of children with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and other
disabilities welcome. New families are encouraged to attend! Child care is available BY RESERVATION (call 607-865-7126, ext 139, or email [email protected] to reserve). To
learn more about our Parent Support Group click the following Youtube link:
http://youtu.be/3uq8DUH8uP8 We look forward to having you join us!
POSNC: Parents of Special Needs Children
Meet other parents, make connections, share information and learn about resources at the next POSNC Support Group Meeting in Groton! All parents/caregivers are welcome! Topics change at each meeting; see below for dates and topics! Meets in the Groton Elementary Cafeteria. FREE meal and childcare available. Please call (607) 272-2292 or email [email protected] to let us know if you will join us for the meal, and to reserve a spot for childcare (space is limited!).
May 14: A guest speaker from the Early Childhood Direction Center will talk about the sensory system and it's effects on behavior.
June 11: Topic/guest speaker to be determined.
Page 9 May/June 2012 Volume 1, I ssue 1
Page 10 May/June 2012 Volume 1, I ssue 1
The MSC Department and Early Childhood Direction Center at STIC invite you to a new round of Family Education and Training Sessions at Southern Tier Independence Center, 135 East Frederick Street, Binghamton, NY 13904. PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS OUR NEW LOCATION, see our website for directions: www.stic-cil.org.
“Toilet Training When You’ve Already Tried EVERYTHING”
Presenter: Lori Martin, Instructional Support in Special Education at BOCES
Tuesday May 8, 2012, 5:30-7:30pm
Parents and teachers have tried many approaches to teaching their children to use the toilet
independently. Not all children respond to the same teaching techniques. A method that is helpful in one child's
situation may not be useful in another case. I will discuss different strategies that we have found to be successful for
some of our students for whom the traditional techniques were not effective.
About our presenter: My name is Lori Martin, I work at Broome Tioga BOCES and my title is Instructional Support in Special Education. When I first started at BOCES I was a teacher in our Oak Tree Program which is for our students with autism. I have done many trainings around autism including: puberty, independence, hygiene, structuring the classroom, toileting and more. Outside of BOCES I am involved in a non-profit group Alive With Autism and also teach at BCC “The Pieces of Autism.” ___________________________________________________________________________________________
“Let’s Have a Conversation!” Creating Interactive Communication Boards
Presented by Tina Caswell, SLP
Friday May 18, 2012, 9am-1pm
Join us for a hands-on alternative/augmentative communication workshop for parents and professionals, move beyond labeling and requesting, review new research about visual and verbal communication systems, learn about the different devices, and how vocabulary is used, programmed and implemented. Discuss how devices should be utilized based upon researched information. Address wants and needs: Sharing and transferring information, social closeness, social etiquette, communication, competence, operational, linguistic, social, strategic. Then each parent will decide on 3 of 4 favorite and motivating activities that their child enjoys, the language will be discussed and then
a page will be programmed! This workshop will include lecture, videos, hand-outs and actual programming time. MAKE SURE TO BRING YOUR CHILD’S DEVICE!!!!
________________________________________________________________________________________ For questions or to reserve your space, please contact Cynthia Meredith at Phone/TTY (607)724-2111 x349, fax
772-3602, or email [email protected] (please put “FET” in subject line for faxes or emails. Thank you.)
We are sorry, but due to budgetary constraints we are no longer able to provide snacks or beverages, please bring your own if needed.
Page 11 May/June 2012 Volume 1, I ssue 1
The Family Resource Network, Inc. is excited to re-introduce our Southern Tier Special Education Parent
Center, which is housed within the Family Resource Network. The SEPC program covers four BOCES
districts—Broome-Tioga (BT) , Delaware Chenango Madison Otsego (DCMO), Otsego-Northern Catskills
(ONC), and Greater Southern Tier (GST). Overall, we are charged with 71 school districts stretching from
parts of Greene County all the way to Alleghany County in our western quadrant.
The Southern Tier SEPC has gone through some changes in the past few months. We have a new Information
and Outreach Specialist, Michelle Cole, who has been active with FRN for a number of years; she most recently
was employed through Parent to Parent of NYS. The Parent Center also has a new Director, Matthew Harby,
who joined the Parent Center staff in February of 2012 and took on the Program Director position in March.
Both Michelle and Mat have been active in re-invigorating the Parent Center with fresh ideas and concepts to
allow us to better serve you!
The goal of the Special Education Parent Center is to provide education, training, and resources to parents of
children with disabilities in order to promote and empower meaningful involvement in their child’s educational
plan. The Special Education system is complex and full of regulations for parents to decipher - we can help!
Check out our website, www.ParentCenteratFRN.org, for the latest memorandums, upcoming trainings, and
other news and updates.
SEPC is always looking for training ideas all over its catchment area! If you have an idea for a training, or note
a particular training need in your community, call our office at 607-432-0001 and discuss it with us. Our current
training offerings are posted on our website, and we utilize Facebook for information dissemination as well
(“LIKE” us @ Southern Tier Special Education Parent Center!) We look forward to meeting more of you in
the coming months and encourage you to reach out to us with any ideas or questions!
The Southern Tier Special Education Parent Center, at FRN, will be open the third Saturday of each
month, from 9am-1pm, to assist families who are unable to access our services during normal business
hours. On May 19th, Mat will be sharing information on Summer Schools and Summer Camps. On
June 16th, Kathy will be sharing information on Summer Safety.
As part of the New York State Education Department’s State Performance Plan, certain schools are required to
measure schools’ facilitated involvement of parents in the Special Education planning process as a means of
improving services and results for their children. Schools are required to inform you of the survey and provide a
copy for you, you may also get a copy online at: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/spp/2012/ParentSurvey.pdf .
It is very important to fill out these short surveys as a means for the state to address any areas of weakness.
If you have any questions, or need help filling out the survey, call our office at 607-432-0001 or e-mail us at
The Family Resource Network, Inc Non Profit Organization
46 Oneida St. U.S. Postage Paid
Oneonta, NY 13820 Permit No. 46
Return service requested
Permit No.46
46 Oneida St. Oneonta, N.Y. 13820
Phone: 607-432-0001 Fax: 607-432-5516 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.familyrn.org
If you receive duplicate copies, have a name change, would like to be removed or would prefer to receive your newsletter electronically, please send an email to [email protected].
Please visit the Special Education Parent Center
and Family Resource Network on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/SouthernTierSpecialEducationParentCenter &
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Family-Resource-Network-Inc/108777972477912?ref=ts
Please check our websites (www.FamilyRN.org and www.ParentCenteratFRN.org) for cancellations/changes. Workshops may be cancelled due to poor weather conditions and/or low
registration. Locations may also change to accommodate registrations.
