help for parents

HELP! I Need a Parenting Coach

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Linda McDougall-Leenstra will come into your home by phone or video call and give you an action plan to bring the order and calm you desire. No matter how chaotic things feel right now, you will see improvement after the very first call. Whether you schedule one coaching call or multiple sessions, Linda can help you fix the most frustrating parenting struggles…:

  • Morning routines – Kids that drag their feet and struggle to get out the door on time.
  • Bedtime and Sleep issues – Is it a battle to get your child into bed and have them stay there all night long?
  • Back Talk – A common problem sweeping our nation, but you don’t have to tolerate it!
  • Not Listening – Are you constantly repeating and reminding?
  • Power Struggles – Why is everything a battle?
  • “Sibling Rivalry” – Are you a referee in your own home?
  • Entitlement Epidemic – Do your kids feel a sense of entitlement?
  • Tantrums – From toddler’s to teens…learn to tame the tantrums from an expert in behavior.
  • Whining – Wean them off the whining for good…and so much more.
  • Disability diagnosis’, IEP, and school issues – They don’t see in school what you see at home?
  • Linda is a trained Special Educator with years of experience working with behavior difficulties

“I saw improvements after my first session with Linda. It was great a breath of fresh air to know that I’m not doing everything wrong, that my son isn’t ‘bad’ and that it took just a few small changes I could make that would have such a huge impact.”

Linda is a knowledgeable and experienced parenting coach and teacher, and we gladly recommend her to all the parents we can!” – Karen Welcome

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Complete the form above to receive information and get started on the path to a new life

What’s SEPAG?

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Special Education Parent Advisory Groups: are required for all school districts in New Jersey. The purpose of these groups is to provide opportunities for parents and community members to offer input to their districts on critical issues relating to students with disabilities.

New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14-1.2(h) states that:

Each board of education shall ensure that a special education parent advisory group is in place in the district to provide input to the district on issues concerning students with disabilities. Developing & Implementing an Effective SEPAG Understanding

The Purpose

• To provide direct input on the policies, programs and practices that impact services and supports for children with disabilities and their families.

• To increase the involvement of families of children with special needs in making recommendations on special education policy.

• To advise on matters that pertain to the education, health and safety of children with special needs.

• To advise on unmet needs of children with disabilities. Keeping the Focus on Input

• Keep a policy focus: make sure the SEPAG keeps its focus on providing input on special education policy issues.

• A SEPAG is not a “support group” or a place for a “gripe session”.

• Avoid getting bogged down in busy work; such as doing carnivals, information fairs, fund raising, and organizing speakers

. • There may be both a parent advisory group and a support group in a district.

Parent Involvement in building membership through Special Education:board-meeting

• A majority of members should be parents or caregivers of children receiving special education services.

• Be sure to include families of children in out-of-district placements.

• Include students receiving special education services or former recipients as members

. • Conduct outreach to ensure that the parent advisory group is representative of the special education services received, placements, programs, ages, disabilities, schools attended and racial, ethnic and gender diversity. Providing input on Systemic Issues

• District policies and procedures

• Inclusion/ LRE • Funding issues

• Transition

• Staffing and professional development needs

• Related services

• Facility issues; such as accessibility, location of programs

• Extended school year Holding Productive Meetings

• Announce meeting dates and agenda items early enough to give interested parties an opportunity to plan to attend

• Create opportunities for active participation

• Build agendas with input from multiple people

• Use “people first” language in reference to individuals with disabilities

• Keep minutes of all meetings and make minutes available on request

• Hold regular meetings at least quarterly

• Start and end meetings on time

• As a group, agree on the process for making decisions developing Effective Practices

• New member orientation

• Established by-laws for the group’s operations

• Annual meeting to set goals and priorities

• Provide interpreters and other necessary services as needed

• Develop close working relationship with other district groups • A report of group activities and suggestions should be presented to the local Board of Education, at least annually

NJ Miss Amazing 2016/2017

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miss-amazing

CONGRATULATIONS! to our own Linda Leenstra, sworn in as Morris/Sussex County Court Appointed Special Advocate

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casaPictured: Linda Leenstra sworn in by Judge Berdote Byrne Superior Court of NJ in the Historic Court Room at Morristown, Monday November 7, 2016

A Call to Advocacy

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August is upon us and before you know it school will be back in session.

Is your child ready? Do you know the services they should receive related to their disability? Are you worried about beginning another year of uncertainty, missed goals, and limited progress?

We can help you navigate those murky waters called “Special Ed.”

Call us today if…

  • You feel your child may have a learning disability
  • You don’t understand the ins and outs of the (IEP), Individualized Education Plan
  • You want to know your rights as a parent
  • Need help writing a letter to the school
  • Don’t understand the evaluations process, percentiles, outcomes etc…
  • Feel your child should be making more progress in academics
  • The school seems to be fluffing you off, saying she/he will catch up

Special Needs NJ has been providing families with “special needs” members for over 15 years in the areas of IEP interpretation, letter writing, IDEA law review, evaluation and assessment interpretation, understanding timelines, everything up to and including meeting attendance with your (CST) Child Study Team. Giving you the skills, techniques, and guidance to help you become the “BEST” advocate you can be for your child.

We understand ALL of the classifying categories; ALL of the related services, and most importantly How you can get the best possible program for your child to progress and become successful in their educational experience.

DON’T WAIT ANOTHER MINUTE….

CALL (973) 534-3402 and we will give you a free consultation.

Statistics show that children who get the proper services during the formative years of Kindergarten-3rd grade perform beyond their expected potential. Unfortunately we see most students because they are struggling and by 3rd grade they are 2-3 years behind, by 5th grade they are 3-5 years behind, and by 8th grade they are moving into high school with only a 5th grade reading level!

However, don’t despair if your child is already in this situation… it’s NEVER too late!

call, email, or fill out the service form right here on our page.

Our prices are conservative and very reasonable

Isn’t your child’s future worth it?

 

SNNJ also provides: Tutoring, Life Skills Coaching, Behavior Management

IEP Tips:

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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!!

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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

HELP WANTED

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HELP WANTED

Positions open for ABA therapists to perform ABA services in the home.

Make your own hours, good pay, Sussex, Morris, Warren counties NJ

independent contractor position, must have experience with special needs population

Please submit cover letter, and resume to specialneedsnj@hotmail.com

Subject line: Human Resources

Pathways for Exceptional Children

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A number of our students have been plugging in to the Pathways for Kids programs!!

Below is their mission statement.

Click here to go to their home page

Vision and Mission

Our Vision:

To create a future for children of all abilities where they are included, valued, and empowered to redefine the world.

Our Mission:

To encourage children of all abilities to find their passions, maximize their potential, and experience the empowerment that comes from diversity.

Values:

  1. The Importance of Community and Inclusion:

    It is essential that children develop a sense of belonging and a strong foundation of value and self-worth. Pathways is devoted to helping communities gain the knowledge and understanding to appropriately include and embrace children of all abilities and provide experiences and opportunities for children with varying needs to grow, learn, and discover their passions together.

  2. All Children must be given every opportunity to realize their passions and maximize their giftedness:

    Outcomes in learning and achieving success dramatically improve when children are allowed to realize their passions and maximize their giftedness. It is our goal to help children of all abilities find their own unique genius and to learn to cultivate that same potential in those around them.

  3. Children Teaching Children:

    Pathways believes children need to realize the power of ONE to make a difference and has adopted the “children teaching children” or “peer to peer” model as one of the biggest priorities. Pathways considers the ideas and passions of children to be our most valuable resource. If a child is passionate about something and is willing to teach and share it with another child, the value given to both children is priceless. Children no matter what their ability need to be included with their peers and taught to work collaboratively to build, take ownership of, and lead the future they will inherit.

  4. Providing Intensive Early Intervention and a Continuum of Services:

    Pathways believes all children should be given the opportunity to reach their maximum potential. Those at highest risk for exclusion and failure remain children with disabilities and other more vulnerable populations. The national employment rates for people with disabilities remain at a dismal 37%. This is the worst form of exclusion is the inability to work which then causes a complete dependency on government funding and others to live. Pathways is passionate about obtaining the long-term meaningful outcomes that will give these children a life of independence, the ability to pursue the work they love, and obtain a life of dignity and fulfillment.

  5. Creating a Spirit of Collaboration, Innovation, and Leadership:

    Pathways actively seeks to build partnerships and to collaboratively invest in initiatives that are designed to produce positive and measurable outcomes aimed at helping all children to lead themselves and others toward success and redefining the world around them. We are particularly passionate about investing in programs and ideas initiated, owned, and led by children.

About “Include ME!”

The “Include ME!” program is the initial training Pathways provides to get you started with our programs in your area. It provides training for professionals, parents, students, and anyone else that wants to begin to develop a more inclusive world. “Include ME!” trains people not to just accept diversity or tolerate it but to become empowered by it! It begins by getting away from a consequence or legally based system like what we see in anti-bullying campaigns. There is nothing motivating about constantly threatening children by what they “can’t do” or the consequences of poor behavior and bullying. The program begins with “Include ME!” assemblies and/or workshops that inspire children with the steps they can take to become more inclusive. After the “Include ME!” assemblies, children volunteer to become mentors and go through the mentor training. Adults help to facilitate programs in areas that the mentors are passionate about and are designed to include children with special needs and others at high risk of being excluded. Once this is underway, the ONE to 1,000 program can begin. This program greatly expands the “Include ME!” program from the initial phase into a youth leadership model where children take genuine ownership and begin to run an entire array of programs from sports and recreation, academics, life skills, and employment training. To read more about “Include ME!” download the brochure below.

click here for the home page and more information on Pathways for Kids!
 

Federal Dyslexia Resolution 456:

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Federal Dyslexia Resolution 456: 

 

 TIME TO ACTIVATE!

Res. 456, “Resolution on Dyslexia” presented by Rep.Bill Cassidy (R-LA) needs the support of at least 100 U.S. Congress members to bring it to a vote in the House

Education and the Workforce committee.

Please contact your representative and tell him or her to sign on to the

Resolution on Dyslexia, now!

Find your representative here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

Sample letter here:

Dear Rep. ————

Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) needs the support of at least 100 U.S. Congress members to bring to a vote  H.Res.456 in the House Education and the Workforce committee.  As one of your constituents concerned with the education of all of our children, I am counting on you to support this resolution.  

(Insert your personal story here, if you have one that you’d like to share.)

Rep. Cassidy’s Resolution recognizes each major element of dyslexia: its prevalence (1 in 5);  the cognitive and neurobiological bases; its unexpected nature and persistence; its profound impact on education and the critical need for action by schools.

Rep. Cassidy gets it and I hope that you do too.  The Bipartisan Dyslexia Caucus which he co-founded was a major step forward and now the Dyslexia Resolution brings light and understanding, and hopefully action, to ensuring that children who are dyslexic receive the understanding and evidence-based programs and accommodations that they deserve.  Please act now to support Resolution #456 –