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June – a month of transitions and celebrations that this year must take new shapes and forms. Nevertheless, we hope that each of you with students transitioning between schools, programs and grades will find ways to celebrate your child’s achievements as you prepare for what’s next. We know the uncertainty regarding the Fall is weighing on many of us, but are reassured that planning scenarios for the fall include significant consideration of the needs of our students with disabilities. For some students – especially those who experience school-avoidance – this closure poses unique challenges. We are most grateful to two teams of Student Services providers who will be presenting Dealing with “What If…?”: What You Can Do Now to Support Your School-Avoidant Child.
The session will be presented in English tomorrow, and then again on June 10, 2020 in Spanish. Thank you to APS School Social Workers Heydi Baptista, Mary Dolby-McDonald, Liska Friedman, Phyllis Thompson, and School Psychologists Don Clinger, Grace Santarelli, and Veronica Valdes for sharing their time and expertise with our community. Read more and register online.
The Virginia Department of Education has shared the following COVID-19 Resources for Families:
Fillable Forms for Families and Educators from Virginia Commonwealth’s Autism Center for Excellence (VCU-ACE)
During the COVID-19 crisis, educators and family members of children with autism, intellectual, and developmental disabilities have had to partner in new ways to help children learn. This has fostered the need for new conversations between teachers and parents. In order to assist with these conversations, VCU-ACE has developed two fillable resources to help meet the educational needs of students with autism, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.
Parents: Supporting Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic (IRIS Module)
Description:This resource offers tips to support your child’s learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.“As a parent, what is my role, and what can I do to best support my child’s education?”
- Page 1: What Is My Role?
- Page 2: How Do I Get My Child Ready To Learn?
- Page 3: How Do I Find Out What My Child Should Be Learning?
- Page 4: How Can I Support My Child in Reading?
- Page 5: How Can I Support My Child in Math?
- Page 6: How Can I Support My Child Socially and Emotionally?
- Page 7: What If My Child Has a Disability?
- Page 8: References & Helpful Resources
Virginia Family Special Education Connection is designed to provide families with critical and practical information regarding special education services in Virginia. The website aims to provide a one-stop-shop for community, educational, family life, and legislative resources to support families and caregivers, as their children progress through school with special education services and then transition into adulthood. Read more.
The Teen Network Board (TNB) is a county coalition that strives to promote teen voice in Arlington. They are looking for teens that live and/or attend high school in Arlington to join us for the 2020-2021 school year. Teens are invited to join and contribute to positive change in our community! Member applications are currently open at arlingtonteens.com. TNB meets first and third Tuesdays through the school year. Meetings are a combination of large group, and committee work. There are four committees: Drug and Alcohol Prevention, Peer to Peer relations, Communications, and Volunteering, Internships, Community Service, and Employment (VICE). For additional information or any questions, please contact Siobhan Grayson at sgrays@arlingtonva.us.
New Resources from Autism Speaks
- Transition Roadmaps: Digital guides for autistic teens and young adults
- Employment, Housing and Post-Secondary Education offer step-by-step guidance to help autistic teens plan for and reach their goals for adulthood. Each roadmap, with targeted content for ages 10-22 and a range of support levels, provides clearly defined goals and action steps to support you in your transition journey.
- Summer safety: Wandering prevention
As summer approaches and communities re-open, it may be time to re-visit your family’s safety plan in the event your child might wander. Take into account any changes in home, school and activity settings due to COVID-19. Visit our Wandering Prevention Resources to put together a written plan. Share it with all of your child’s caregivers and bring it with you if you choose to travel.
Finally, the Arlington Public Library’s Summer Reading Program has gone digital! Find out about how children, teens AND we adults can earn fun prizes – WOOHOO! – and support the Arlington Food Assistance Center as we read each day. The program begins today – June 1! Learn more about the program and how to register here. OK – we’re off to grab a book and get reading, but we’ll check in again on Wednesday with our Webinar Wrap-Up. Until then, have a great few days, stay well, know that we are thinking of you all, and are happy to connect by phone, email or video chats. We can be reached at 703.228.7239, or prc@apsva.us. Take good care.