The Exceptional Edition
A Family Newsletter from CCSD Special Education Dept.
Winter 2023
Welcome to The Exceptional Edition
The Department of Special Education is excited to share this new feature newsletter designed to connect families with news, resources, and important information.
PARENT SATISFACTION SURVEY - Now open for FY 23
We value your feedback. One of CCSD's goals is to keep family engagement at the forefront of our work.
As such, the Parent Satisfaction Survey administered by the Georgia Department of Education is a valuable tool used to better understand parents' feedback, thoughts and opinions.
Click the link below to access the survey directly!
If you have questions, contact your school's special education staff or our Parent Mentor, Jo Ellen Hancock at joellen.hancock@cherokeek12.net or 770-721-8503.
https://survey.gadoe.org/SPEDParentSurvey/Pages/ParentSurvey.aspx
The survey will close on May 31, 2023.
Need help finding providers/services? Search the Statewide Database
Parent to Parent of Georgia, is the PTI (Parent, Training, Information) Grant holder for the State of Georgia. Did you know they have a database that includes pediatricians, dentists, therapist and providers within the State of Georgia?
Here is the link directly to the Database.
NOW/COMP WAIVER
Follow the link to below find information about NOW/COMP Waivers. Cherokee County is in Region 1 and representatives will be able to answer any questions you might have.
https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/be-dbhdd/be-compassionate/how-do-i-apply-dd-services
Help is always available!
Do you know about the Georgia Crisis and Access Line?
Georgia Crisis & Access Line
For access to services and immediate crisis help, call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225, available 24/7.
Special Needs Directory-Activities, Recreation, Respite
If you are in need of a camp or activity for school breaks or assistance in locating respite care for your family, the Special Needs Directory is a great tool for options.
All About Assistive Technology
What is AT? According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Assistive Technology devices are identified in the IDEA 2004 as “any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities”. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device. (Authority 20 U.S.C. 1401(1))
How does Assistive Technology help students in school? Assistive technology devices include a range of low technology to high technology devices to assist students in completing tasks within relevant instructional or access areas. They are available to support student performance in academic areas such as writing, spelling, reading, and math. Moreover, assistive technology devices are available to support student performance and independence in communication, listening, mobility, recreation and leisure, vocational training, and daily living activities.
Click below to learn more about CCSD use of Assistive Technology Tools.
https://www.cherokeek12.net/Content2/divisions-curriculum-special-education-assistive-technology
Curriculum Corner
The Florida Center for Reading Research https://fcrr.org/ website contains activities and research-based interventions for struggling readers. If you click on Student Center Activities, it will show you a list from pre-k skills to 5th grade skills that you can do with your child.
If you would like to support your student who may be a prereader or developing reader, read stories aloud to your child to help him/her develop the language skills needed to become a successful reader. Another early reading tip for families, is to consider turning on captions on the television to help boost literacy skills!
Parent Mentor - Jo Ellen Hancock
CCSD has a Parent Mentor, Jo Ellen Hancock, available to assist families with:
· Listening to your concerns related to Special Education and help resolve them.
· Providing information to connect to available resources.
· Facilitating trainings on an array of areas and topics.
Parent Mentors might also help answer questions and provide support for you and your child.
Check out our Parent Mentor Website for resources and information.
Contact Info:
joellen.hancock@cherokeek12.net
770-721-8503
Office hours: Tues. & Thurs. 8AM-4:30PM; Wed. 8AM-Noon