Connecting for Kids provides education and support to families with concerns about their child. It serves all families, including those children with and without formal diagnoses. Each month, it is offering Zoom educational programs, support groups, a Parent Match Program and other resources.
Registration is required for these programs. Register online: www.connectingforkids.org/register, via email: [email protected] or Call/Text: 440-570-5908, para español 440-907-9130.
SUBMITTED BY CONNECTING FOR KIDS
Early Childhood Education Series: Using Social Stories to Teach Behavioral Skills
Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 – 8 p.m.
Wearing masks, washing hands and hybrid schooling…did you know you can use social stories to teach your children what to do in a variety of situations including those we are facing right now amid the coronavirus pandemic? Join CFK Early Intervention professionals Paula C. Papp, M.A.Ed., and Neysa McKenney, M.A., CCC-SLP, as they explain how to use short stories with simple text and pictures to reinforce accepted and proper behavior for children ages 18 months – 6 years. Paula & Neysa will also answer your questions on a variety of topics, which can be asked during the program or submitted upon registration. This program offers a safe space to connect with both our professionals and other families and will not be recorded. The first 20 households who register and sign on to Zoom will get a free social story kit for you to make your own at home. Register using the link below and you will be emailed information about how to join the program using the free Zoom app or by calling in using a toll-free number. This program is presented in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library and is supported by a grant from GPD Employees’ Foundation. The Virtual Early Childhood Education Series is sponsored by the Westlake Early Childhood PTA. *One free giveaway per household*
Coffee and Chat: How to Use Journaling to Deal with Worry and Loneliness for Families of Children with Moderate-to-Severe Disabilities
Wednesday, Nov.11 at 8:30 -9:30 pm
This pandemic has created even more challenges for the parents and caregivers of children with moderate-to-severe disabilities including loss of services and respite care and in some cases, overwhelming worry for a medically fragile child. Those who have to quarantine may feel loneliness at their loss of connection with others. This monthly group is a way for families to share their struggles, challenges and encourage one another. Join Sarah Saunders, MA, LPCC, of Purposeful Growth & Wellness as she facilitates this private session to help deal with feelings of overwhelming worry and loneliness using journaling. Register using the link below and you will be emailed information about how to join the program using the free Zoom app or by calling in using a toll-free number. The first 20 households who register and attend this program will earn a free self-care item related to this month’s tip! This program is supported by a grant from Nordson Corporation Foundation. This program is a safe space and will not be recorded. *One kit per household*
Social Series: Assessing and Reacting to Problems
Saturday, Nov. 14, at 1-2 p.m.
Problems come in all different shapes and sizes and can range from a small “glitch” to a huge catastrophe! As social thinkers, it is not only important to rate our problems but also to match our reaction to them in a socially appropriate way. Ellen Spear, MA, CCC-SLP, of Lakeshore Speech Therapy, LLC., will teach you skills to assist your child in determining how big or little a problem is and then know what strategies will work to help deal with that problem. This program is for parents and caregivers of children ages 7-12. Register using the link below and you will be emailed information about how to join the program using the free Zoom app or by calling in using a toll-free number. This program is supported by a grant from the Knights of Columbus at St. Ladislas. This program is for adults only and a portion will be recorded.
Ask Us: Parent-Teacher Conference Check-In
Monday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.-8 p.m.
Was the first quarter difficult for your child? Did you attend Parent-Teacher Conferences only to find that your child is falling behind academically, having behavioral issues or struggling socially? Join Connecting for Kids for this November check-in where our Family Resource Specialists will answer your questions, address your concerns and help locate resources for your family including local tutors, social skills groups, behavioral specialists, mental health counselors, pediatric providers and other services. You will be able to network with other families that also have children who are struggling this year with the many changes both for in-person learning and those doing school virtually. This program will NOT be recorded.
Early Childhood Education Series: Developmental Milestones – How To Know If Your Child Is Behind and What To Do About It
Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7-8 p.m.
Did you know recent statistics indicate that as many as 1 in 4 young children can be at risk for developmental, behavioral or social delays? Are you concerned that your child’s development may be behind? Join Morgan O’Leary, an outreach specialist from Help Me Grow at Bright Beginnings, as she provides information about developmental milestones for those birth through 3 years. She will also give parents and caregivers ideas of how to work with a child to help reach these milestones. In addition, Morgan will answer your questions, which can be asked during the program or submitted upon registration. This program offers a safe space to connect with the professional and other families and will not be recorded. Register using the link below and you will be emailed information about how to join the program using the free Zoom app or by calling in using a toll-free number. This program is presented in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library and is supported by a grant from GPD Employees’ Foundation. The Virtual Early Childhood Education Series is sponsored by the Westlake Early Childhood PTA.
Reaching Out for Support: Hispanic Community (Program in Spanish)
November 19, 7-8 p.m.
Do you want to reach out and meet other Hispanic families on a similar journey? Join Dr. Brittany Myers, a pediatric psychologist at MetroHealth, who will discuss ways to find resources for concerns such as anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and giftedness, among others. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network and find needed support within the Hispanic community. This program will be in Spanish. Register using the link below and you will be emailed information about how to join the program running the free Zoom app on your phone or laptop. This program is supported by a grant from the Nordson Corporation Foundation.
Virtual Zoom Coffee and Chat: Music for Mental Health:
Coping Skills for Caregivers
November Theme: Finding Gratitude
Saturday, Nov. 21, 1-2 p.m.
November is the month of giving thanks and in this month’s session we will be listening to live music all about finding gratitude. The music therapist will guide you through lyric discussions of several songs and at the end of the session, she will lead you through a guided meditation centered around gratitude. Come and connect with other families as we use music to cope with our ever-present struggles. Attendees will listen to live music, discuss everyday stressors in their lives and learn new ways to manage anxiety. Register using the link below and you will be emailed information about how to join the program using the free Zoom app or by calling in using a toll-free number. This program is supported by a grant from the Nordson Corporation Foundation. This program is for adults only and will not be recorded.
Music Therapy & More
November Theme: Communication
Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 14 at 10:30 a.m.*
Friday, Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m.*
Saturday, Dec. 5 at 10:30 a.m.*
With Zoom you can view the music therapist live and participate in real time! Join us to sing, dance, make music and learn about letter recognition and sounds, vocabulary, controlling impulses, following directions and ways to improve motor skills. The session will use common household materials you should have at home.
This program is supported by a grant from Nordson Corporation Foundation.
*This program is supported by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a grant from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and presented in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library.