IEP review
News
Updates and news that may be of interest to you.
SUMMER TUTORING
SPECIAL NEEDS NJ
Is booking now for summer tutoring
Academics, Social Skills, Behavior Management, Executive Functioning SkillsABA etc….
Call (973) 534-3402 or email to specialneedsnj@hotmail.com
for intake interview
IEP Tips:
If at all possible; do not go to the IEP alone! You don’t necessarily need to bring a trained advocate, bring someone who cares about your child and your family. They don’t need to speak. Just ask them to be there to support you, and take notes. This will send the district the message that you take your rights seriously.
IEP review time!!
This is such a crucial time of year for all of us “Special Needs” families.
It’s time for the dreaded annual IEP (Independent Educational Plan) review.
Please, Please, Please remember the following very IMPORTANT actions you need to take as you prepare.
- The IEP and CST (Child Study Team) meeting is yours, NOT theirs! This meeting is taking place because of you, your child, and your family
- Come prepared Make sure you prepare an agenda of what you want to discuss, see happen, plans and interventions “needed,” etc… Don’t let them dictate the meetings time frame and events. Yes, you may want to discuss those evaluations and test scores, but it is NOT the only reason you are there. Make sure you have ALL re-eval documents a minimum of 10 days prior to the meeting. Understand what they mean and what are your child’s strength and weakness areas yes, but unless you need clarification…going over stats and percentages should not monopolize the time you have to meet. If your child is already classified and has been, chances are you are aware and agree that he/she has a disability and is entitled to services. So, get down to business after a short (15 minute) review of the evals. NEVER, deny or refuse triennial re-evaluations!
- Parental Concerns is IMPERATIVE!! Every IEP has a “Parental Concerns” section, it’s usually a tiny box only about 1/4″ wide….. This does NOT mean you have to fit all of your concerns here! Come with an already prepared, typed statement of your parental concerns (probably what you intend to discuss anyway) and formally REQUEST it be included in the official (LEGAL) document of your child’s IEP. This way it becomes a full part of that IEP and everyone your child works with will have access to your input.
- Record, Report, Re-state Most schools will send you a confirmation letter stating the time, place, and whom will attend the IEP meeting. It may ask if you intend to bring someone? If you request any other professionals and staff? and whether or not you plan to record the meeting? YES! You want to record the meeting! No, not to antagonize or catch them….. but to have a record for your own to review or for the review of others that may have been unable to attend (That parent out there earning the paycheck who can’t afford another day off the job). You are emotionally involved. Therefore you may not remember or even understand what is being stated/proposed and you need to review the meeting later when you are in a calmer state. The recording will also serve as a resource you can refer to in order to clarify the items discussed for your follow up summary.
- Follow up summary YES! ALWAYS follow up EVERY meeting, phone call, discussion, teacher email, notes and ANY contact you have with the professionals that service your child with a follow up summary…. “My understanding of what was discussed, proposed, implemented etc….”
- Finally, and probably MOST IMPORTANT!!! Send ALL correspondence to no less than 3 people in your district ie. the case manager, head of special services, and the building principal. This will ensure you are heard! As well as provide a time stamped/documented record (always send via email) of your insights and perceptions. It also helps that others on your child’s case are aware that they are accountable to replying and taking actions by others within the system. A recent statement from a client…..”thank you- I did the “copy 3 people on email thing” the last 2 times- whew boy does that work! THANK YOU! “
- Get support! If you feel you need some support or expert advice, contact us here at Special Needs NJ (973-534-3402) to talk to an Advocate/Special Education Consultant
SNNJ SUMMER 2015
Summer Programs at Special Needs NJ, LLP
Newton, NJ (Sussex County)
Providing Help to Students with IEP’s
Join “The Crew” 
A Saturday work crew that helps keep things working, repairs, clean ups, vehicle maintenance, painting, woodworking etc…. This group is for High School students to put their learned skills to real life practices. The aim of this group is to educate towards “un-entitlement!” Many of our youth have a sense of entitlement, they want what they want! In this Saturday work crew young men and women learn how to take care of things they “want” to have. We teach the use of measurement through building projects, how to do upkeep on a vehicles, cleaning of the pool, maintenance of gardens and paths, use of kitchen tools, budgeting, and much, much more.
Details page 2 click here for full newsletter
Parents support group: support for parents with classified children, forum for questions and advice, expert seminars & program presentation, or just a night of relaxing.
Special Back to School info August
More on page 2
Tutoring clubs: These are tutoring sessions provided in our center for academics, ABA & IM therapy, and life skills practices to keep students with IEP’s from regressing in their skills.
Page 2
CLICK HERE FOR FULL NEWSLETTER
Teens & Tweens
SUMMER CAMPs
2 week sessions starting June 15, 2015, held Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 9am to 2pm. This group is for young men and young women grouped as 5-8th grade, and HS age with an IEP who wish to connect with other teens in the area.
Campers will learn many life skills such as making shopping lists, shopping, cooking, kitchen safety, working together with others, following directions, properly channeling anger, coping skills, how to make friends/ conversation skills, craft and woodworking projects, plus fun events; swimming, hiking, horseshoes, and games
Each camp will be limited to 8 students per session; lunch is included each day, and additional tutoring sessions available from 2:00-4:00 pm on Monday and Wednesdays.
Price: $650.00 per session covers supplies, food, transportation for outings, end of session pizza party & Bon fire etc… additional $100. to stay for tutoring M&W Requirements: must have IEP, and pre-camp interview
DATES:
1. June: 15-26 HS
2. July: 6-17 5-8th grade
3. July: 20-31 HS
4. Aug: 3-12 5-8th grade
5. August: 17-28 HS Camps may be cancelled if minimum of 4 students each is not met
CONTACT US NOW: (973) 940-6923
CLICK HERE FOR FULL NEWSLETTER
Interactive Metronome Therapy offered this summer
Special Needs NJ is now certifying therapists to provide Interactive Metronome Therapy!
REVOLUTIONARY THERAPY FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS SUFFERING FROM THE EFFECTS OF ADHD, AUTISM, STROKE, PARKINSONS AND OTHER DISORDERS AVAILABLE IN Andover NJ, or in your home!
Special Needs NJ, LLP Offers Interactive Metronome Training to Improve Cognitive, Behavioral, Social and Motor Skills
Special Needs NJ. LLP will be offering a therapy to improve speech/communication, coordination and learning, in adults and children suffering from a number of conditions including ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, Reading difficulty, Auditory Processing Disorders as well as the physical effect of stroke and Parkinson’s. Interactive Metronome® (IM) is a computer-based technology that encourages users to match the computer’s rhythm, thereby improving their internal sense of timing, An increasing amount of scientific evidence demonstrates that the brain’s internal clock is integral in the development and maintenance of many cognitive, behavioral, social and motor skills.
Unfortunately, when the brain’s timing malfunctions due to a medical condition—such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism—or is disrupted by a stroke, a traumatic brain injury, or even a degenerative disease like Parkinson’s, the associated physical, mental and emotional symptoms can be difficult to overcome. Locally,Special Needs NJ. LLP (starting this summer) will be offering Interactive Metronome’s ‘rhythmic and movement training exercises to improve functioning in children and adults.
“We’ve always known that timing in the brain affected a wide variety of conditions, but until Interactive Metronome we did not have a single therapy that could improve timing in both children and adults” says Linda Leenstra of Special Needs NJ “Both our therapists and patients find Interactive Metronome to be a challenging, yet fun therapy that keeps their attention, and produces significant results.”
Interactive Metronome involves the principles of the traditional musical metronome, combined with the precision of a personal computer to create engaging interactive training exercises. The program uses head phones along with hand and foot sensors to coordinate movements to computer-generated musical beats. Like training wheels on a bicycle, a patented auditory guidance system progressively challenges participants to improve their motor planning, sequencing and rhythmic timing performance.
Interactive Metronome® training is currently available in Andover, NJ at Special Needs NJ, and through a growing network of innovative clinical therapists, child psychologists, and educational specialists throughout the United States. The training can also be done in the comfort of your own home, with IM-Home. For more information, visit www.interactivemetronome.com or www.imhome.org
For further information, and to register for this summer contact
Linda Leenstra, Special Needs NJ
(973)940-6923
or email specialneedsnj@hotmail.com
Video Clips:
For ADHD….. testimonial
For Auditory Processing Disorder
For improved Athletic Timing
IMMEDIATE POSITIONS AVAILABLE
ABA Therapist/Technicians needed to do in home therapy with children living with Autism. Services are needed in the form of child centered instruction, family/care giver training of ABA strategies, involving behavior modification, life skills training, executive functioning skills. This is an IC position with “Make your own hours” benefits
The primary role of an ABA Therapists is to teach play, communication, self-help and academic skills to children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. An ABA Therapist works as part of a team, alongside the family and other therapists, and is supervised and trained by an ABA Program Supervisor.
The ABA Therapist works one-on-one with the child. Initially, the therapy takes place within the home however, as the child grows and develops, the sessions can take place elsewhere. For example, at kinder, school, shopping centres, playgrounds etc. Many of our clients are of middle school and High School age and require community/home/school cross training activities to promote socialization and cognitive awareness
The most important requirement for a potential therapist is a genuine interest in working with children with autism.
ABA therapy is more than just a part-time job and should not be considered as a means of earning extra income. It is a commitment as well as a potential career path for those interested in working long-term with children in the disability field.
Please submit your cover letter of interest, resume, and references to Specialneedsnj@hotmail.com
subject titled: Human Resources/ABA
Patience, problem-solving abilities, creativity, discretion, the ability to think on your feet and lots of energy are general traits that exhibit an ABA therapist. A sense of humour, a positive outlook, the ability to accept constructive criticism and to be able to work independently and as part of a team is critical to the success of this role.
Moving the therapy outside of the home environment is an important part of the child’s education, as s/he needs to be able to generalise the skills developed within the ABA program to other environments, other people and to be able to cope with the distractions encountered in the outside world.
Hudson County Special Education Parent Leadership Round Table
Hudson County Round Table Feb 2015
Hudson County Special Education
Parent Leadership Round Table
This is an opportunity to meet face to face and exchange ideas around what works to enhance and sustain family engagement in schools to improve outcomes for children with disabilities. Strategies to start and run local special education parent groups/advisory groups will be discussed and shared. Come and network with other parent leaders in your county.
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 24th 2015
Time: 6:30pm-9:00pm (registration and networking 6:30PM-7PM)
Location: West New York Housing Authority Building
515 54th Street
West New York, NJ
Entrance to the building is on 52nd Street. Municipal parking across the street (on 52nd
Street)
Snow date: Tuesday, March 3rd (Same place and same time)
To register go to http://hudsoncospecialedroundtable.eventbrite.com or contact Myriam Alizo at malizo@spannj.org or 201-960-7159
Parent Education Opportunity
RESOURCES 4 CHILDREN, LLC
Presents
Special Education Law & Advocacy Training Program
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19th, 2015
BROOKDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
WARNER STUDENT LIFE CENTER
LINCROFT, NJ
Pete Wright is an accomplished special education attorney, law professor, author and advocate whose passion for advocacy grew out of his own personal educational experiences. Pete represented Shannon Carter before the U. S. Supreme Court in Florence County School District Four v. Shannon Carter, 510 U.S. 7 (1993), winning a unanimous decision on Shannon’s behalf. His website, Wrightslaw, is the #1 ranked website about education law, special education law, and special education advocacy.
This one day, six hour program focuses on four areas:
• Special Education law, rights and responsibilities
• Tests and Measures to measure progress and
regression
• SMART IEPs
• Introduction to tactics and strategies for
effective advocacy
WRIGHTSLAW: Special Education Law & Advocacy Training Program
Featuring: Pete Wright
download flyer click here
COMING SOON!
INTERACTIVE METRONOME THERAPY
REVOLUTIONARY THERAPY FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS SUFFERING FROM THE EFFECTS OF ADHD, AUTISM, DYSLEXIA, STROKE, PARKINSONS AND OTHER DISORDERS AVAILABLE IN Sparta/Newton NJ
Special Needs NJ Offers Interactive Metronome Training to Improve Cognitive, Behavioral, Social and Motor Skills
Special Needs NJ will be offering a therapy to improve speech/communication, coordination and learning, in adults and children suffering from a number of conditions including ADHD and Autism, as well as the physical effect of stroke and Parkinson’s. Interactive Metronome® (IM) is a computer-based technology that encourages users to match the computer’s rhythm, thereby improving their internal sense of timing, An increasing amount of scientific evidence demonstrates that the brain’s internal clock is integral in the development and maintenance of many cognitive, behavioral, social and motor skills.
Unfortunately, when the brain’s timing malfunctions due to a medical condition—such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism—or is disrupted by a stroke, a traumatic brain injury, or even a degenerative disease like Parkinson’s, the associated physical, mental and emotional symptoms can be difficult to overcome. Locally, Special Needs NJ now offers Interactive Metronome’s ‘rhythmic and movement training exercises to improve functioning in children and adults.
“We’ve always known that timing in the brain affected a wide variety of conditions, but until Interactive Metronome we did not have a single therapy that could improve timing in both children and adults” says Linda Leenstra of Special Needs NJ. “Both our therapists and patients find Interactive Metronome to be a challenging, yet fun therapy that keeps their attention, and produces significant results.”
Interactive Metronome involves the principles of the traditional musical metronome, combined with the precision of a personal computer to create engaging interactive training exercises. The program uses head phones along with hand and foot sensors to coordinate movements to computer-generated musical beats. Like training wheels on a bicycle, a patented auditory guidance system progressively challenges participants to improve their motor planning, sequencing and rhythmic timing performance.
Interactive Metronome® training is currently available in Sparta, Andover, and Newton and through a growing network of innovative clinical therapists, child psychologists, and educational specialists throughout the United States. The training can also be done in the comfort of your own home, with IM-Home.
For local information call Special Needs NJ at (973) 940-6923 A company that cares for ALL people with “Special Needs,” by providing Educational Consultation/Advocacy, IEP reviews and services, Tutoring, ABA, Speech, OT, and PT therapies, and soon… Interactive Metronome!!
or visit www.interactivemetronome.com or www.imhome.org or call toll free 877-994-6776 to be connected to a provider in your area.