Summer Camp are Starting Soon
We have such a fun summer planned and we can’t wait to start! Many of our camps are sold out, but we have some availability in the following camps.
Read more on SPARC Summer Camps Starting Soon…
Summer Camp are Starting Soon
We have such a fun summer planned and we can’t wait to start! Many of our camps are sold out, but we have some availability in the following camps.
Read more on SPARC Summer Camps Starting Soon…
Come visit us at our NEW Aesthetic Center for our opening celebration party! We are offering 20% OFF EVENT PRICING ONLY on Fractora Treatments! Great for fine lines or wrinkles you want to have taken care of just in time for the summer season.
Read more on Virginia Eye Institute Restore and Rejuvenate Event at Short Pump…
Advocates For Equity In Schools is inviting Henrico County Public School Families to join us as we have a community conversation with Ms. Anne Holton and Dr. Adai A Tefera Of VCU.
Read more on Advocates For Equity In Schools to Host Henrico SPED Families Speak…
June! The start of Summer, planning for day trips, travel, excursions and for me; our senior daughter’s graduation . So many of you have come on this journey with me. I started talking about all of the things that would be the first and the last and they are all happening. Today is her last day of going to High School. Next week, she practices for graduation and then she will walk across the Siegal Center floor and grab her diploma! I am super proud of her. Her HS experience was one that she truly embraced and she gave so much. She was such a safety for our son at school this year, and it will surely be a different experience next year for him without her, but, it will be ok. One more moment of bragging rights, because I think this is a wonderful program through Henrico County Schools- she was awarded a spot to come back and teach when she graduates from college and I am so certain that she will be an educator that brings change and great energy for our babies!
Come visit us at our NEW Aesthetic Center for our opening celebration party! We are offering 20% OFF EVENT PRICING ONLY on Fractora Treatments! Great for fine lines or wrinkles you want to have taken care of just in time for the summer season.
Read more on Virginia Eye Institute Restore and Rejuvenate Event at Short Pump…
A special education school and clinic in western Henrico County wasted little time transitioning between two expansion projects.
Last week, The Faison Center cut the ribbon on a new classroom building, its newly built Kirshner-Mihaloff Hall, then turned around and broke ground on a new community center.
Read more on Faison Center cuts one ribbon, preps another…
Read more on 19 Ideas to Incorporate Tech Free Summer Days…
The 1st Annual Miracle League of Richmond Golf Tournament was a HUGE Success! We were blessed to have a beautiful day of golf on May 11th at Birkdale Golf Club. We welcomed 48 golfers and a team of volunteers that made our 1st golf tournament run flawlessly.
Read more on News from The Miracle League of Richmond…
By Christine Holland, BCBA, LBA
In 2016, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children assisted law enforcement and families with approximately 20,500 cases of missing children. Many families and caregivers try to protect their children from abduction by specifically teaching them skills like understanding the concept of strangers, warning signs of distrustful behavior, and what to do if they are approached by a stranger. The characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may make traditional teaching methods, like discussions, an ineffective strategy to teach these important safety skills.
Read more on Teaching Safety Skills Using Behavioral Skills Training…
How to Turn Your Child’s Teacher Into Your Child’s Advocate
(Especially During an IEP Meeting)
The execution of an Individual Education Program (IEP) is the responsibility of your child’s teacher and support staff, so having a teacher who advocates for your kid is a big deal. A teacher who has your back and looks out for your child can make a world of difference when dealing with the administration. Turning your child’s teacher into your teammate has less to do with what you say and more to do with how you say it. However, there are some key talking points that will help you win support.
Begin With Friendly Small Talk to Humanize Your Child
When you show up to an IEP meeting, keep your notes tucked away for a few minutes. Winning over your teacher as an advocate begins with humanizing your family and ultimately your child. Talk about how your child is doing at home, their favorite activities or any praise your child has given the teacher at the end of the day. Starting on the right foot is key to developing a good relationship. Though you may be coming in with strong ideas or frustration, try to kick off your meeting with friendly chatter so the teacher isn’t defensive.
Put the Teacher in Your Shoes
One of the most powerful questions you can ask a teacher is “If this was your child, what would you do?” Put the teacher in your shoes as often as you can. This is not only a strategy for getting an honest answer, but it will connect the teacher to your child and can make them more likely to advocate.
Show Appreciation as You Suggest Compromise
Teachers who feel appreciated may be more likely to step up for your child. As parents, you often have a different idea of what the IEP should be than what the administration is implementing. Showing appreciation for what the teacher is doing right as opposed to what you don’t like, however, shifts the conversation to a more productive place. Even as you ask the teacher to make concessions or change the IEP, always offer thanks where it’s due.
Read more on How to Turn Your Child’s Teacher Into Your Child’s Advocate…