The Connection

We are excited to be back in school and off to a great start! In this edition of The Connection you will find a video training on Understanding Your Child's IEP from Family Connection SC, important information on when your child turns 19 and how to make sure they maintain their Medicaid/TEFRA coverage and a fun food truck location to check out this weekend with your family, Eats On The Creek!

We hope you'll take some time to read through these resources, and don't forget that if you need a question answered or just aren't sure where to turn, you can contact our Parent Liaison, Erika Chapman, at 843-292-1008 or echapman@f1s.org. She would love to connect with you!

Did you know TEFRA ends at age 19? At Family Connection, we recommend families call Medicaid after age 18 to start the redetermination process so there is no lapse in Medicaid services once TEFRA ends.

Need assistance? Call the Family Connection SC Support and Information Line: 1-800-578-8750.

Dr. Susan Thomas, retired Special Education Director, provided a comprehensive introduction to the Individual Education Program (IEP) during the October 3, 2023, training, Understanding Your Child’s Individual Education with Family Connection SC. The video above outlines steps of the special education process and key terms, gives an overview of roles of all members of the IEP team and shares tips to increase parents’ knowledge in order to become an active participant in their child’s IEP meetings.

Being a caregiver is NOT easy! Rewarding, yes, but not easy! It's impossible to pour from an empty cup, which means it is SO important to take care of yourself.

It sounds easier said than done, but refilling your cup starts with small choices that help you feel more like you. It might mean driving through Sonic before carline and getting your favorite drink, or catching a 15 minute nap, or taking 10 minutes before everyone else gets up to sit in the quiet. Find the small things that help you feel restored and at peace.

Then make that a 10-15 minute priority each day. It is NOT selfish, it is important! You will be a better caregiver by making your own wellness a priority!

Check out the list of ideas below and try one TODAY!

Looking for something fun and different to do with the kids?

Eats on the Creek Food Truck Park is a unique food truck park that offers a variety of food from food truck vendors. Offerings include coffee, donuts, chicken, BBQ, seafood, and much more! Picnic shelter, tables, and restrooms are available. It is located at 2402 West Palmetto Street in Florence.

Erika Chapman is the Florence One Schools Parent Liaison for our Program for Exceptional Children. Erika serves as a liaison between teachers, parents, students, support staff and the community regarding educational programs, services and student issues in areas of Programs for Exceptional Children.

You will receive our PEC parent newsletter, The Connection, twice a month. It's full of helpful information, announcements and the dates for all upcoming parent training events. Erika can help parents/guardians to connect to resources both within and outside of the district; as well as get connected to agencies like DDSN, fill out paperwork for Medicaid and understand your child's IEP.

The Parent Liaison website also has lots of helpful resources for families. On the website you can find all past PEC newsletters and helpful webinars on Understanding Your Child's IEP and All About Resources in the Florence area. Check it out!

Please feel free to reach out to Erika if she can assist you in any way! Her email is echapman@fsd1.or and her phone number is 843-292-1008.

Do you want to know what your student's school is offering for breakfast and lunch during the month of August? Find out here!

We would love to hear from you! If you have a question or comment you can contact our Parent Liaison, Erika Chapman, at echapman@f1s.org or 843-292-1008 or visit the Parent Liaison website for helpful resources.

You also can contact us at exceptionalchildren@f1s.org or at 843-673-1161.

Email: exceptionalchildren@f1s.org
Website: f1s.org
Phone: (843) 673-1161