Special Programs & Services News
April 2021
Message from the Team:
The Special Programs team has been working collaboratively to establish systems and processes so we can continue to improve services for our students served in Special Education, Response to Intervention or through 504 plans. Our team has utilized continuous improvement tools to develop a shared vision in order to align our work. We are excited to communicate our updated department vision.
“Through collaboration with our students, families, staff, and community, the Special Programs Department will support each and every student on their path to a meaningful future by celebrating individual strengths, honoring voice and choice, and building independence.”
We look forward to meeting the needs of each and every student as we make this vision come alive in LISD!
Have a wonderful week!
Kimberly Waltmon
Executive Director of Special Programs & Services
April Parent Education Nights
April 1st - Autism Parent Support Group
April 7th - Down Syndrome Parent Support Group
April 13th - Parent Education Night - Workshop Night
April 15th - AAC Family Chat
April 27th - Parent Education Night - Response to Intervention (RTI)
April 28th - Autism Parent Education Course - Toilet Training
April 28th - Transition to Adulthood - Student Voice: Addressing topics critical for Adulthood
Autism Parent Education Course
Leander ISD applied for and received a TEA grant for Services to Students with Autism (ages 3-9) for the 2020-2021 school year. One component of the grant is to increase Parent Training opportunities in Leander ISD for parents of students receiving Early Structured Learning Environment (ESLE) services, as well as for other interested parents. Courses contain training content and other related parent education resources. Each month, new content is rolled out in an asynchronous format (on demand) at the beginning of the month. Families have an opportunity towards the end of the month to discuss the training materials and ask questions synchronously (live via Zoom). You do not have to complete the training to join in the monthly live sessions. All are welcome! Visit the Autism Parent Education site to look through training and resource materials.
Parent Workshops
Practicing Problem Solving Skills
Our Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSPs) recently hosted a parent presentation titled Building Resilience in Children and Teens During Uncertain Times. During this presentation, the LSSPs discussed the importance of teaching and modeling problem solving skills. An activity that you can do at home to practice these skills are to outline some examples of problems that may occur at home. Choose problems of different sizes and discuss what feelings may be associated with those types of problems. This activity can help facilitate discussions and prepare your child to problem solve in the event that they encounter a problem at home or school. Feel free to use one of the downloads at the bottom of the newsletter.
Supporting Young Readers Resources
Our SRP team has created some great resources to help families support their young readers. Click on your child's grade level for fun and engaging ideas for April.
Free Resources
Opening Doors
Route 66 Abilities Conference
Navigating Mental Illness in College
Student Highlights
Department Highlight
Important Notes
Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released updated versions of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards and the Parent's Guide to the Admission, Review and Dismissal Process. Both handbooks are currently available in English and Spanish. TEA is working on getting the books translated into other languages. You may click the links below to view and download copies of the official handbooks.
In case you missed the Destination Life Transition Fair and Conference, don’t fret! You can view the sessions here.