In the Know
WSD Special Education Information and News October 2022
A Note from Nadine
My name is Nadine Milostan, and I am proud to be the Executive Director of the Student Support Services Department. As a Department within the Waterford School District we are proud of the programs and services that we provide to meet the needs of students with disabilities. We are comprised of 330 teachers, ancillary staff and paraprofessionals who are committed to continuous improvement in our programming, processes, service delivery and communication. Parents are important members of the educational team who help determine the programs and services that will best meet the needs for their child. Within our Special Education Department, we strive to enhance student learning through research-based strategies and interventions. Our goal is for every student to be empowered to reach their highest potential. Thank you for making your voices heard through the survey that was sent out at the beginning of the school year. The standing topics, for what is now our monthly newsletter, were crafted based on which topics were reported as being most helpful to families in the WSD. We hope you find this newsletter to be helpful. Should you have questions or need further information regarding your child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, please call the Student Support Services Department at (248) 682-3242.
Touring The IEP Process
Each month information and resources will be shared on a specific part of the IEP process. Did you know children can be eligible for special education at birth? Here is a note from the WSD Child Find Coordinator to get us started at the very beginning.
WHAT IS EARLY ON® OAKLAND?
Early On® Oakland is a network of services for families of children birth to age three who are developmentally delayed, or are at risk of developing delays because of an established medical condition, or who have a disability.
Early On® Oakland is based on a partnership between families and Service Providers, and helps the families find the support they need for their child. There are no income restrictions for eligibility.
If that little voice inside your head is telling you that something isn't "quite right" with your baby or toddler, don't wait to reach out for help. The first years of a child's life are too important to let slip by. Don't wait to see if your little one "outgrows" your concern. Working on delays and concerns early means that children have a good chance for a great start in life.
Put your mind at ease, and give your child the help he or she may need by visiting Early On® Oakland today! For free information and resources about your child's development, call 248.209.2084 or toll-free at 866.456.2084.
Ages 3 and Up
If your child has turned three years of age and you have concerns about their development, contact our Child Find Coordinator to discuss your concerns and possible evaluation options.
Pam Mahoney, Child Find Coordinator
Phone: (248) 666-9526
Transition Tips
Matt Lumetta, our Transition Coordinator and Kristin Robinson, Program Coordinator for our Lifetracks Adult Transition Program, will be hosting regular Transition Takeaway Tuesdays the second Tuesday of each month during the school year. These will be virtual sessions and will be an opportunity to learn about topics related to transition and students with IEPs. Topics covered will relate to topics of interest identified in the parent survey.
Our first session will be October 11th from 6:30PM-7:30PM and will cover IEP Basics for Secondary Transition IEPs. To join this video meeting, click this link: https://meet.google.com/ufx-jyfo-zqh.
Otherwise, to join by phone, dial +1 669-241-3746 and enter this PIN: 956 671 901#.
There is no school November 8th so our second meeting will take place December 13th from 6:30PM- 7:30PM and will address how to access Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN). Tips and takeaways from these sessions will be shared here monthly. Can't wait and want information now? Check out the Transition Guideline Booklet that is on the WSD website.
We look forward to meeting with you.
Matt Lumetta, District Transition Coordinator
Kristin Robinson, Program Coordinator, Waterford Lifetracks Adult Transition Program
Community Based Resources
Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) leads a provider service network who serves those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health challenge, or substance use disorder. OCHN's goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and supports that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. https://www.oaklandchn.org/
Michigan Alliance for Families is a statewide resource to connect families of children with disabilities to resources to help improve their children’s education. They help facilitate parent involvement as a means of improving educational services and outcomes for students with disabilities. https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/
It Takes A Village Shout Out
Each month families and students will have the opportunity to give a shout out to the people that partner with them to reach their greatest achievements! Simply use the below form to let people know they shine. Each month a Shout Out will be highlighted.
Celebrate Hope Parent Presentation
Stress Management Tools for Healthy Living Seminar
Parenting hands down is one of the most challenging jobs we will ever do. While there are myriads of resources out there to assist us, one of the most overlooked items in the parenting journey is the overall well-being of the parent. This engaging two-part seminar series provides educational and interactive skills for parents to work on areas to make them healthier and happier moms and dads. The seminar will take place from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM and will be facilitated by John Ball and Lisa Goyette; Co-Founders of Celebrate Hope LLC. A light dinner during this seminar will be served.
Thu, Oct 27, 2022, 06:30 PM
Waterford School District Kurzman Administration Building 501 N. Cass Lake Road Waterford Township, MI
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Community Calendar
Leaves are changing and many fall activities are taking place across the community. Here are a few highlights!
On October 13, the City of Novi will be holding a Sensory Friendly Safety Fair. Meet first responders and create a safety plan! More information here: https://www.cityofnovi.org/news/news-category/safety-fair-oct-13
On October 17, Michigan Rehab Services is presenting one in a series of virtual meetings on Preparing Students for the Future. Contact RallJ@michigan.gov to register.
Register now for Miracle League of North Oakland’s Winter Bowling! Bowling takes place at Cherry Hill North Lanes on Sundays, January through March. More information and registration at TeamSnap: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/338430
Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
The Waterford School District Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is made up of parents of children with disabilities. The PAC meets on a regular basis with the Executive Director of the Student Support Services Department to discuss, give feedback and advice on the special education programs and services with the district. The purpose statement of the PAC is, "Collectively grow a family and school partnership that fosters mutual capacity, involvement, communication, relationship, and collaboration around students with disabilities." The members of the PAC work hard to stay knowledgeable about changes and issues in special education.
Contact Us
Nadine M. Milostan, Executive Director
Website: https://www.waterford.k12.mi.us/our-district/administration-departments/student-support-services/
Location: 501 North Cass Lake Road, Waterford Township, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 682-3242
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WSDStudentSupportServices