The Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis County presents the following student and parent workshops during the month of February. All workshops will take place at the SSD Central Office, 12110 Clayton Road, just east of Ballas Road and south of Interstate 64.
Be Determined – Planning for Your Future. Monday, February 6, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Room 61.
Presenter: MPACT staff. This student workshop is training for young adults who have disabilities to learn the process of being in charge of one’s life. Leadership skills taught include advocating for oneself, leading and participating in your own Individual Education Program (IEP) and making choices and decisions about career, education and living. MPACT is a state-wide parent training and information center serving all disabilities. Its mission is to ensure that all children with special needs receive an education that allows them to achieve their personal goals.
Orientation for Parents to Special Education and the IEP Process. Monday, February 13, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Room 57. Presenter: Joann Noll. This orientation is designed to provide an overview of special education services and how they are provided through SSD. Learn more about how to develop an effective individualized education program (IEP), educational rights, community resources/support and tour the Family and Community Resource Center. If you are unable to attend this important information session, you may request the new 30-minute DVD: Orientation to Special School District by calling (314) 989-8108 or e-mailing jnoll@ssdmo.org. You may also view the Orientation video at https://iwiki.ssdmo.org/groups/parentprogram/
Early Childhood Parent Training: Effective Practices for Challenging Behavior – 4 sessions.
Wednesdays, February 15, 22, 29 and March 7 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m in Room 60. Presenters: Peggy Cassani, Michele Pitman, Marjie Mader and Melanie Fitzgerald. This four-part workshop provides parents of young children with challenging behavior, autism and PDD the strategies and best practices to develop rules/routines, improve compliance, address sensory issues, self-help skills, play/social skills and develop visual support to improve communication.
Transition Planning and the IEP - Through the Doorway to Adult Life. Wednesday, February 22 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and Thursday, March 1, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Room 57. Presenter: Joann Noll. This parent workshop will focus on the steps parents and students need to consider as they plan for the last years of school and the transition to adult life. Personal futures planning and individual education programs (IEPs) with transitional goals and action plans will be presented, as well as resources for planning for post-secondary education, supported employment and living, working with the adult service system, and funding through St. Louis Regional Office, Vocational Rehabilitation and Social Security.
Planning for the Future: A Town Hall Discussion Wednesday, February 22, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Giant Steps of St. Louis, 7281 Sarah Street, Maplewood, MO 63143. Having the guidance of a professional advisory team that specializes in working with families who have loved ones with disabilities can help you in providing for the future. Planning now can be the greatest gift of love you can give. This is your opportunity to participate in a dialogue with experts. We will discuss and answer questions regarding strategies focusing on choice, satisfaction and security. Coffee and desserts will be served. RSVP to Betty Berger by calling (314) 932-1051 or via e-mail at bberger@giantsteps-stlouis.org
What to Do This Summer Resource Fair. Thursday, February 23, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 60/61. Presenters: Susan Fleming, Executive Director of the Recreation Fair and recreation providers. In this “Recreation Fair,” parents will be able to visit with providers of summer programs and camps that include all children. Recreation voucher and funding information will be presented from 7:00 to 7:20 p.m. Opportunities for 13- to 21-year-olds will also be available. Presenters: Susan Fleming, executive director of the Recreation Council and recreation providers. If you are unable to attend this training, but would like to receive the Recreation Council’s quarterly newsletter, “Leisure Network,” call (314) 726-6044 to be added to the mailing list. Camp and summer information will be highlighted. The Family and Community Resource Center produces a packet on Tutoring and Summer Recreation. Call (314) 989-8438 for this information.
Effective Strategies to Shape Behavior. Saturday, February 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Luke's Hospital Institute for Health Education in the Emerson Auditorium and Atrium, 232 South Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017. The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis will hold a "mini-conference" on how to handle common but difficult behaviors in individuals with Down Syndrome. The $25 individual registration fee, or $40 for couples who live in same household, includes a continental breakfast and a 'Bistro Bag' lunch. The St. Luke’s Hospital Institute for Health Education is located on the lower level of the North/South Medical Office Building.
Understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process. Monday, February 27, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Room 61. Presenter: MPACT staff. Your child’s individual education program (IEP) is the cornerstone of their education. This workshop offers an in-depth look at the evaluation process, qualifying for an IEP, the many components that must be addressed in the IEP document, as well as how progress will be monitored. As a result of this training, parents will gain a better understanding of their role as equal participants in the IEP process. MPACT is a state-wide parent training and information center serving all disabilities. Its mission is to ensure that all children with special needs receive an education that allows them to achieve their personal goals.
For questions about the workshops for parents, or if you have accommodation needs, please call Joann Noll, Parent Education at (314) 989-8108 or e-mail jnoll@ssdmo.org, within two working days prior to the workshop. To register for any of these workshops, call (314) 989-7807 (Relay MO 711 Deaf/HOH) or register online at www.solutionwhere.com/ssd (Call the registration number for assistance with setting up an account).