FAMILY SUPPORT PROJECT
Raising a preschooler with
disabilities poses unique child rearing challenges. You begin a journey
that takes you into a world filled with strong emotion, interaction with
countless professionals and specialists, financial burdens you hadn’t anticipated,
and sometimes isolation from friends and relatives whose journey does not
parallel yours. Your life includes Individual Education Programs (IEPs,)
Multi-factored Evaluations (MFEs,) and special education laws that you never
knew existed.
The Special Needs Family Support
Project is here to support you as you travel different roads and learn new
skills. Thanks to a generous grant from United Way, the Special
Needs Family Support Project is able to provide
information and support to families raising preschoolers with
disabilities. Choose from a comprehensive menu of services listed
below. All services are provided at no cost to
participants. See monthly calendar for details. For additional
information, contact Holly Palda at (hpalda@familyconnections1.org) or call
216-921-2023.
Family Fun Fridays
•
A facilitated playgroup that meets
on a drop-in basis EVERY Friday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Shaker Family
Center located at 19824 Sussex Road in Shaker Heights. An opportunity for
children to socialize with other preschoolers and families to meet other
families raising preschoolers with special needs.
•
Special activities include music and movement with a board certified
music therapist every 2nd and 3rd Friday from 1:30 to 2:00 PM and
a monthly interactive story time one Friday per month from
2:00 to 2:30 PM.
Parent Support Group
•
A parent to parent group offering
opportunities to share information and emotional support with other families
raising preschoolers with special needs.
Pizza and Play
•
An evening of Pizza and Play in our all-abilities large
muscle playroom and our multi-use family playroom. An opportunity for
dedicated parent/child playtime as well as peer to peer interaction. For
preschoolers with special needs. Every 4th Monday of the month from 5:30
to 7:30 PM.
Parent Education and Discussion
Series
•
Ongoing parent education programs
on topics of interest to parents raising preschoolers with disabilities.
•
Establishing a Positive Bathroom
Routine: The "Poop" on Toilet - Are you
struggling with toilet training your young child with special needs? Bring your
questions and concerns to this parenting SERIES featuring Jene Wilson, former
behavior specialist with CCBDD and curently a faculty member of Notre Dame
College. Wednesdays, November 20th & December 4th. Registration Required by
November 15th.
Quarterly Newsletter
Individualized Education Program
(IEP) Consultation
Designed to help families make
informed decisions about their child’s education. One to one assistance with
all aspects of the IEP process.
