All About IEPs

Spectrum Support will sponsor the following evening workshop on October 12.

ALL ABOUT IEP’S

"We hope you can make it to our first FREE educational seminar on Friday, October 12th, at 6:00 pm.

"Presented by Elizabeth Hooper, MA, Elizabeth is an educational consultant and advocate. We are excited to have her come to the center for this free parent seminar.

"With a Masters in Special Education and work experience as a special education teacher and behavior intervention case manager, she knows the inside story of how to work the school system so your child gets the supports they need in the classroom.

"Come to learn about current laws, behavioral supports and to ask questions.

"We hope you all can attend. Please RSVP to tmbr@spectrumsupportllc.com, if you plan to attend."

Spectrum Support is located at 1575 West Lake Shore Drive, Woodstock. From U.S. 14, turn north at the traffic light by Culver's. Then take your first left (opposite Culver's driveway).

Family Challenge - a 2-night event

FamiliesETC and OMNI Youth Services are sponsoring a "Family Challenge" as a two-night workshop on September 18 and September 27.

The goal is to increase family communication, cooperation, learn new problem-solving skills, and build trust. Trained staff members will facilitate the activities and discussions. Dinner will be provided. There is no cost to attend.

The first night of the Family Challenge is Tuesday, September 18. It continues on Thursday, September 27. Participants are to attend both nights. The workshop hours are 5:00-9:00PM, and the program will be conducted at 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, Ill.
One 18-year-old past participant said about the Challenge, "I’m an 18 year old son, and
this experience brought my mom and I closer together and it was really fun!"

For more information and to register, contact Teri Lindahl at tlindahl@familiesetc.org or 815.308.0861

Webinar 8/21/12 for parents

One parent writes, "If you have a child in transition, you really should join in this Webinar!!  And you should invite your IEP/Transition Team to join in also."

What a novel idea! That an IEP Transition Team (you know, the principal, the special ed director, teachers ... the whole team...) should join in on a conference call, where all can hear the same information at the same time.

If it happens anywhere, let me know. Here's the info.

Indicator 8 Parent Webinar Series

Tuesday, August 21, 2012, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT

Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/473013216

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

This Webinar was developed as a response to the Illinois State Board of Education Parent Survey for State Performance Plan Indicator 8. The Parent & Educator Partnership and Deb Kunz, Parent Consultant from the Illinois State Board of Education will host a series of Parent Webinars.

Our featured presenter will be Sue Walter, Statewide Transition Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education and Project Director for Transition Outreach Training for Adult Living (TOTAL) Project.

What is "Indicator 8"? Call your school district's special education office and ask them.

This webinar is free but, if you register, please show up. If you don't show up, you might be preventing someone else from attending.

Siblling autism support group

The following information was received from Spectrum Support, located in Woodstock across the road from Culver's (on Route 14):

Do you have a brother or sister with Autism? Would you like to talk about it or hang out with other siblings? If so, this group could be for you.

The second Saturday of every month, starting July 14th.
Ages 12 and up: 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Spectrum Support, LLC, 1575 West Lake Shore Drive, Woodstock 60098

Topics that may be discussed:
What do love about your sibling?
What annoys you about your sibling?
Embarrassing Moments and how to deal with them
Clichés/Literal Thinking and Autism
Obsessions and Autism
Peer Issues
Concerns about the Future
Bullying
The "R" Word
Parental attention

If there is anything that you would like to discuss, let them know.
Please RSVP to Elizabeth Lewis at (815)566-9824 or elewis0603@gmail.com

Grandparents' support group

Are you a grandparent who is raising a grandchild?

OK, you might know what you want and what you need, but do you know what your rights are? Do you have any rights in Illinois as a grandparent?

A support group for you meets on the 4th Sunday of the month at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 932 S. McHenry Ave. in Crystal Lake from 2:00-4:00PM.


The next meeting is tomorrow, Sunday, June 24. The subject? What else? Grandparents Rights!

If you bring the rugrats, there is a carpeted gym next to the meeting room, where the kids can play during the meeting. The notice did not include whether there is actual child care.


If you want more information or have questions, call Peggy O'Connor at 847/772-5158

(This message is also posted on www.WoodstockAdvocate.com 

Now THIS is a school!!!

Check out this school - Lionsgate Academy, in Minneapolis.

A friend sent this to me. Her son is a student there. This is what our schools should be for our children. Not jails. Not prisons. Not torture. (our schools, I mean)

Our schools should be places our children want to go every day. And places where we can trust that they will treated with dignity and respect.

Click on the link above or visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEY53o1oJbQ&feature=youtu.be

Parent Empowerment Call, May 3

The May Parent Empowerment Call of the Child & Adolescent Services section of the Division of Mental Health, Illinois Department of Human Services, will be held on Thursday, May 3, from 12:00-1:30PM.

These monthly calls are normally one hour, but the May call will be 90 minutes. No topic was announced for this call, so perhaps it's a free-for-all.

It is free, and parents of children with emotional and/or behavioral health concerns are invited to join in.

To access the call, dial  (800) 260-0702; then enter Participant Access Code 228115.

The code changes monthly, so don't bother to save it.

 If you have questions, contact Judy Hutchinson, Family Consumer Specialist, Region 5, DMH Child & Adolescent Network at judy.hutchinson@illinois.gov or (618) 838-9382