Special Programs & Services

The February Special Programs & Services Newsletter contains information about upcoming events, 2024 Summer Camp Guide, academic avenue, and community resources.

Spring is here, and with it comes the anticipation of transitioning to a new school level for many students and families. We are excited for our students transitioning from early childhood to kindergarten, elementary to middle school, or middle school to high school, and beyond! As your students prepare for upcoming school visits this Spring, we understand that these transitions can be both exciting and challenging. Our teams have been diligently working behind the scenes to help prepare for these campus moves. To help ease the transition process, many campuses are hosting special family nights to introduce families to their new teams. Reach out to your case manager or campus team lead to learn about the events being hosted on your campus. In addition, we encourage you to explore our transition planning tools, such as VISITs, ACT on Life, and AEPTs. These resources provide valuable support for families and teams to collaboratively brainstorm ideas and prioritize student voices for their future. By working together and staying proactive, we can ensure a successful transition for your child. Your dedication and involvement are essential in preparing them for the next chapter of their educational journey and we are here to support along the way.

Kimberly Waltmon

Assistant Superintendent of Special Programs & Services

Be sure to save the dates for our upcoming meetings!

• Wednesday, February 21st - Family Workshops: Preparing your student for the transition to elementary, middle, high school, 18+, or exiting services
• Thursday, February 22nd - Parent Inspiration Group

Check out the Parent Meeting Archive for all past family presentations.

Cynda Green and Adriana Valadez will be bringing Texas Parent 2 Parent's Pathways to Adulthood Training to LEO Center on Thursday, March 7th from 10:00am - 1:30pm. The Pathways to Adulthood training will provide families with the information and tools needed to plan for a young adult's life after high school. It is open to families whose children have a disability, chronic illness and mental health condition or other special healthcare needs and the professionals who work with them. TXP2P will be providing a light lunch for those in attendance. Click here to register.

Choosing the right summer camp for your student with special needs can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. The 2024 Recreation & Camp Guide for Students and Adults with Special Needs is here! This guide is filled with summer and year round programs in the surrounding areas. Take the first step towards an unforgettable summer filled with growth, friendship, and fun by reviewing the Summer Camp Guide today. If you have any questions, please contact the programs directly. English l Spanish

Embracing neurodiversity is not only about understanding differences but also about providing the right support and tools for children to thrive. During last month's Family Workshop, our Low Incidence Disabilities team highlighted various ways that families can foster environments at home and in the community that support the needs of their students. Some of these ways include: creating safe spaces, managing expectations, supporting communication styles, and advocating for your students needs. You can review all the covered information in the Supporting Neurodiversity at Home presentation.

Did you know that the skills your student's use in Social Studies extend far beyond the classroom? From critical thinking to empathy, social studies equips our students with tools to navigate the world around them. Here are some fun and engaging ways to cultivate these skills at home:

1. Family History Exploration: Dive into your family's past together. Encourage your children to interview relatives, explore old photographs, and trace your family's journey through history. This not only strengthens their research skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of personal identity and heritage.

2. Current Events Discussions: Make discussing current events a regular family activity. Encourage your children to share their perspectives, analyze news articles, and consider different viewpoints. This helps develop critical thinking skills and promotes empathy by understanding diverse perspectives.

3. Cultural Celebrations: Explore different cultures and traditions through food, music, art, and festivals. Cook traditional dishes together, listen to music from around the world, or participate in cultural events in your community. This promotes cultural awareness and appreciation, fostering respect for diversity.

4. Community Involvement: Get involved in your local community by volunteering, attending town hall meetings, or participating in community events. This instills a sense of civic responsibility and teaches children the importance of active citizenship.

By incorporating these activities into your family routine, you not only reinforce social studies skills but also foster curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning.

This month's Growing Reader newsletters give guidance for parents on how to enhance their child's reading comprehension and literacy skills at home. There are various activities to engage children in meaningful discussions after reading. These activities include retelling the story, discussing the setting, identifying the main idea and characters, making connections to personal experiences or other media, and recognizing high-frequency words.

Kinder

First

Second and Third

We are right around the corner from the annual Destination Life Transition Fair and Conference! Join us on Saturday, February 24th at McNeil High School (5720 McNeil Dr. Austin, TX 78729) from 9am -1:30pm. Whether your child is in early childhood or nearing the end of their high school years, Destination Life is tailored to address the diverse needs of students with disabilities at every stage.

Here's what you can expect:

• Workshops and sessions: Attend informative workshops and sessions covering a wide range of topics, including education, employment, independent living, and community resources.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with other families, professionals, and organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities.

Don't miss this opportunity to empower your family and ensure a smooth transition to adulthood for your student(s) with disabilities. Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Project SKILLS is a parent-mediated intervention program at the University of Texas Speech and Hearing Center, offering free on-demand webinars to Texas families. Topics include communication strategies for children with autism, self-care, language learning through shared book reading, transition to adulthood, genetics, feeding issues, and understanding problem behaviors in autism. Visit the SKILLS website for more information.

Website: Leander Special Programs & Services
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