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Parent Mentor Newsletter

February 2026

Parent Mentor Newsletter February 2026
Parent MentorNewsletterFebruary 2026

Don't Miss The Lorain County Resource Fair! Don't Miss The 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.



Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

LCCC Ewing Field House (note new location on campus)

1005 Abbe Road North, Elyria


FOR WHO?

Families with concerns about their youth (ages birth-22); including concerns about mental health, academics, disabilities and developmental delays.


WHY?

This is a great time to find resources and talk with representatives from over 70 local service providers to discuss services and program options.


WHAT WILL YOU FIND?

Adapted camps, Adapted sports & recreation, Alternative schools, Behavioral health providers, Disability services, Educational advocates, Funding sources, Job services, Mental health providers, Music therapy programs, Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, Respite providers, Social skills programs, Specialty legal services, Speech-language therapy, Support groups, Transition services, Tutors and academic programs and much more!


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

When?
Wednesday, Mar 18, 2026, 06:00 PM
Where?
Register Here!

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

Preschool Preschool

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Kindergarten readiness is often framed around letters and numbers, but The Inspired Treehouse

reminds us that the skills that truly help children succeed in school begin long before any worksheet reaches the table.


They have highlighted some skills that support learning, participation, and independence in the classroom for you to try out at home.



  • Calming big feelings and regulating the body
  • Moving smoothly from one activity to the next
  • Washing hands and using the bathroom independently
  • Opening containers and managing clothing
  • Listening, attending, and following directions
  • Sharing, waiting, and taking turns


These everyday skills are what help children feel confident and capable at school — and they develop through play, routines, and supportive adults over time.


Kindergarten readiness isn’t about being “ahead.” It’s about being ready to participate, learn, and belong. Check out their webpage for more!

Elementary Elementary

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Does your child struggle with Executive Function? The Executive Functional Toolbox suggests that chores could help!


1. Planning & Organization: Figuring out what needs to be done, in what order, and gathering materials builds planning and organization skills.


Example: Cleaning a bathroom requires knowing the steps and having the right supplies.


2. Task Initiation: Starting a chore, especially one that isn’t exciting, trains the brain to overcome procrastination and get moving.


Example: Beginning to fold laundry instead of putting it off.


3. Working Memory: Chores often involve remembering multi-step directions, routines, or sequences of actions.


Example: "Unload the dishwasher, then wipe the counters, then sweep."


4. Time Management: Chores help kids estimate how long something will take and manage their time to get it done.


Example: Learning that folding clothes takes 15 minutes and needs to be fit into the day.


5. Attention & Focus: Staying with a task until it’s finished, especially when it’s boring, trains sustained attention.


Example: Dusting an entire room without getting distracted by every object.


6. Impulse Control: Chores teach kids to pause the urge to quit or rush through, and instead complete tasks properly.


7. Self-Monitoring & Responsibility: Did I do it well? Did I miss a spot? Chores help kids check their work, take pride, and build independence.


Click here for more information and free printable chore charts!

Transition (Age 14+) Transition (Age 14+)

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How Can I Help My 18-Year-Old Make Decisions About Their IEP?

If you find yourself uncertain about your role in the IEP process once your child turns 18, this video will help with understanding your rights and opportunities to contribute to your child’s educational planning.


Watch the video in this LINK.

IEP Tip Corner IEP Tip Corner

With winter break and cold days, did you see your child struggle getting their skills back? Now might be a good time to check with your team and ask for some data. This information will help determine if your child needs summer programming. The list of summer camp ideas is linked below!


Connecting for Kids Inclusive Summer Directory


Educational Service Center of Lorain County - Summer Camp Directory

Students With Complex Needs Students With Complex Needs

OHIO Family to Family Logo -
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Home Care Nursing: What Families Need to Know

Join Ohio Family to Family and the Ohio Nursing Collaborative as they host seminars for families of children and youth with complex medical needs or disabilities.


March 11th - Building your Nursing plan

March 25th - Coping with real-life nursing challenges


All sessions begin at 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM via Zoom.


To learn more and register, click here.

Local Resources and Events Local Resources and Events

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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.


February 26th at 6:30 PM - North Ridgeville Library - Music therapy - register here.

March 6th from 10:00 AM -noon - Avon Lake library - Make a sensory toy - no registration required

March 17th at 6:30 PM - North Ridgeville Library - 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


I'm Possible Games & Studio has started new programming at Lorain County Community College (LCCC) each Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.


Wednesday, February 25th: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM - Ewing Activities Center Room 102

Thursday, February 27th: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM - Ewing Activities Center Room 102 & 105

Saturday, February 28th: 12:00 PM -1:30 PM - Ewing Activities Center Room 102 & 103
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Avon Little League Challenger Division - Adapted Baseball

Avon Little League Challenger Baseball is an adaptive baseball program providing kids ages 4 and up with mental and physical disabilities the opportunity to play organized little league baseball.


You do not need to be an Avon resident to participate. For more information contact Anthony Hoehler at tony.hoehler@gmail.com.


The season runs from mid-May through the beginning of August.


Registration closes on March 1st. To learn more and register click here.

West Side Cavs Youth Sports Adapted Basketball League

Registration is open for The Achievement Center for Children 2 leagues (Beginners and advanced).


One on one assistance is available, if needed. For more information contact Hailey Murphy or Maggie Clautti at 440-238-6300 ext. 222.


Thursday (March 26th-May 7th) - 6:00 PM -7:00 PM (beginners) - 7:00 PM -8:00 PM (advanced)

To register click here.
This conference is for current, graduated and future inclusive college students as well as those who support them. Students will have the opportunity to network with their fellow students from other Ohio inclusive college programs and attend sessions covering a range of topics relevant to their adult lives. March 20th 9:00am - 4:00pm at the University of Toledo. Anyone interested in attending an inclusive college program, or supporting someone who is, should attend! There will be no cost for Limitless 2026. Participants will lunch in the U.T. Student Union or on their own during a midday break. Please click on this link to register- Limitless!2026 UToledo Conference – Fill out form Contact BethAnn.Hatkevich@utoledo.edu for any questions.
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Limitless! 2026 Conference for Inclusive College Students

This conference is for current, graduated and future inclusive college students as well as those who support them. Students will have the opportunity to network with their fellow students from other Ohio inclusive college programs and attend sessions covering a range of topics relevant to their adult lives.


March 20th 9:00am - 4:00pm at the University of Toledo.


Anyone interested in attending an inclusive college program, or supporting someone who is, should attend! There will be no cost for Limitless 2026. Participants will lunch in the U.T. Student Union or on their own during a midday break.


Please click on this link to register- Limitless!2026 UToledo Conference – Fill out form


Contact BethAnn.Hatkevich@utoledo.edu for any questions.

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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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.
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.


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


To register, click here.

Virtual Learning Opportunities Virtual Learning Opportunities

Cooking Class, hosted by the KIDnections Group

The KIDnections Group offers virtual cooking classes via Zoom on Sunday mornings once a month. Chefs of any age and all abilities are welcome to cook with us! To learn more and register click here.


February 22nd at 11:00 AM


Learn Empower Advocate Discover (L.E.A.D.) - IEP Binder Virtual Workshop

We’re breaking down the basics and sharing organization hacks that actually work.


February 24th from 7:00 PM -8:30 PM


To register, click here.

Two Day Toilet Training Class: For parents of youth with developmental disabilities

This two-day training coaches caregivers through procedures for toilet training children with developmental disabilities.


Thursday, March 5th and March 12th from 9:00 AM- noon.


For more information and to register click here.



Contact Our Parent Mentors Contact Our Parent Mentors

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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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