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Parent Mentor Newsletter: Jan 26

Some thoughts for the starting school year

Parent Mentor Newsletter: Jan 26 Some thoughts for the starting school year
Parent MentorNewsletter: Jan 26Some thoughts for the starting school year

Welcome to Our Newsletter Welcome to Our Newsletter

You may have heard people talking about executive function skills, but perhaps you haven’t realized the impact they have on kids who struggle with them or how to help. Executive function development in kids impacts everything they do- play, learning, social interactions, and so much more! This article from OT Toolbox explains how executive function skills develop.


To forward our newsletter to a friend, access our online versions here.


If you would like to join our monthly newsletter, you can register here.

Guidance for Families at Every Age and Stage Guidance for Families at Every Age and Stage

Preschool

Looking for some fun things to do in January with your kids? Check out this webpage from Kid Minds! It has great ideas to celebrate National Days (like Winnie the Pooh Yoga on National Winnie the Pooh Day - January 18th). Books, crafts, activities, and more!
Child reading
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Elementary

Perhaps you have a child who struggles with reading. You may have heard that your child needs to become a fluent reader. What does that mean exactly? This article from the National Center for Improving Literacy gives a nice description of fluency with other resources to explore.

Transition (Age 14+)

There are many things to consider when your child begins the transition portion of their IEP. As parents, we also need to focus on things outside of school as well.


This virtual presentation, moderated by Attorney Derek Graham, will provide you with lots of information to consider for your child. Both sessions begin at 11:30 am.


February 18th: Planning for the Future (Trusts, STABLE Accounts, Benefits, Waivers)

February 25th: Supported Decision Making & Guardianship


To register, click here.

Project SEARCH Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH
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Virtual Information Night

What is Project SEARCH? It is a Transition to Work Program for students who have met their high school graduation requirements. It is a year-long employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace.


Join Danielle Holztrager virtually at 5:00 PM on January 20th to learn more, by using this Zoom link. If you are unable to attend, contact her at holztrager@esclc.org.

IEP Tip Corner IEP Tip Corner

Paper Trails

Now that the kids have been back in school for a few weeks, take a few moments to get your IEP/504 paperwork back in one place. Is there anything that you are missing that would help with preparing for an upcoming meeting? Use this link as a suggestion to help you get your paperwork organized. If you need help, feel free to reach out to your Parent Mentor!

Students With Complex Needs Students With Complex Needs

Building Wings Flyer
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Upcoming Webinar

This Webinar scheduled for January 20th at 6:00 PM, is a great starting point to learn more about inclusive, research-based literacy instruction. Dr. Karen Erickson, a nationally recognized leader in literacy and access, will explore how the science of reading applies to learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and how Readtopia offers a comprehensive approach that makes literacy instruction accessible for all students. To register, click here.

Local Resources and Events Local Resources and Events

Lorain County Resource Fair
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Event Information
Lorain County Resource Fair

This free in-person event, with a drive-up grab & go option, offers resources for families with concerns about their youth (ages birth-22) in Lorain County and surrounding communities.


Meet and talk with more than 70 providers.


Register here by March 17th and attend to be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

When?
Wednesday, Mar 18, 2026, 06:00 PM
Where?
Lorain County Community College, Abbe Road North, Elyria, OH, USA
Child with felt book
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Adapted Storytime

A story time and craft for children with varying learning styles and abilities. While the content is geared toward ages 3 to 7, all ages are welcome.


January 20th at 6:30 PM - North Ridgeville Library - Sensory time - register here.

February 7th at 10:30 AM - Avon Library (registration not required)

February 7th at 6:30 PM - Avon Lake library - Music and Moving - no registration required

February 26th at 6:30 PM - North Ridgeville Library - Music therapy - register here.
I'm Possible Logo
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I’m Possible Games & Studio - Upcoming Events

Check their FB page “I’m Possible Games & Studio” for added venues


Stop in and play a game or two, which brings our community together, celebrates creativity, and empowers individuals with disabilities. Drop in between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM (unless noted) and play a game or two…


January 21st - Heritage Elementary School - 35600 Bentley Drive, Avon (2:30 PM -4:30 PM)

January 21st - Avon Lake Public Library

February 18th - Avon Lake Public Library
Child skating
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Ice Skating - Elyria Ice Arena

The ice arena is open from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM on the following dates.


January 19th and February 16th


Cost: Adults $6.00; Youth $5.00; Skate rental $4.00


Location: 901 Duffey Street


Parent Groups Parent Groups

We encourage you to consider joining one of the parent groups below. It’s helpful to connect with other parents who “get it.”

Sharing Coffee
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Peer Support Group - Virtual

Join Ohio Family to Family as they lead this group for families and caregivers who have children and youth with special health care needs.


Every 3rd Wednesday of the month. 1st session January 21st


To register, click here.

Mother 2 Mother Logo
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Mother 2 Mother Parent Connection Meeting - Virtual

This month, we’re focusing on four things we hope to bring to every caregiver: Renewed Hope, Rest & Joy, Community & Connection Wisdom, Grace & Strength


January 22nd at 6:00 PM. To register, click here.

Connecting for Kids Logo
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Share & Support: Caregiver Support Group - Virtual

Share & Support is a peer support group where caregivers can meet families on a similar journey.


Join Connecting for Kids staff for virtual, monthly themed sessions where we'll share our "roses" (joys), "thorns" (struggles), and "buds" (hopes) to foster connection and support.


January 26th at 7:00 PM (Winter Blues)

February 23rd at 7:00 PM (Complex Needs Caregivers)


To register, click here.
LEAD Logo
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Learn Empower Advocate Discover (L.E.A.D.) Caregiver Chat - Virtual

Navigate the complexities of the autism community and special education with L.E.A.D. and Express Not Suppress.


February 19th at 7:00 PM via Google Meets


To register, click here.

Virtual Learning Opportunities Virtual Learning Opportunities

Basics of Medicaid and Waivers

This session will provide information on Medicaid eligibility, OH waiver programs, and tips for families.


January 29th from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

To register, click here.

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Webinar Series

This series aims to advance disability inclusion and accessibility for Ohioans with disabilities. There is a new topic each month. To learn more click here.

1st Session begins January 22nd at 10:00 AM.

Contact Our Parent Mentors Contact Our Parent Mentors

User uploaded image
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Kendis Bender

Kendis Bender

440.324.5777 x 1167

bender@esclc.org


Districts Kendis Serves

Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Columbia, Lorain City, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin

Paula Drummer's Photo
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Paula Drummer

440.324.5777 x 1166

drummer@esclc.org


Districts Paula Serves

Bellevue, Elyria, Firelands, Keystone, Monroeville, Norwalk, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington

Lorain County Parent Mentors
https://www.loraincountyesc.org/parentmentors4787.aspx

The role of the parent mentor is to guide families through the special education process. This process includes clarifying parents’ rights and responsibilities; to provide information and resources to families and school personnel on education laws, district programs and services, and community resources; to attend Individual Education Program meetings and other meetings, at the request of the parents and/or school staff; and to build collaborative partnerships between families, schools and community agencies for the purpose of benefiting students with disabilities.

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