Queen Anne's County Family Support
Newsletter Winter 2020
Our purpose is to help you find resources in our community by providing information to families regarding community services including local support groups, workshops, and advocacy groups. We provide opportunities for families to network, share ideas and experiences, and help to link “experienced” parents with parents of newly identified children with similar needs. Family Support promotes parental involvement in the special education decision-making process, provides information and resources about disabilities and community services, assists families in resolving concerns and making informed decisions regarding their child’s education, and increases collaborative relationships through information and training.
EVENTS
We are here to help!
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
We are here to help!
Jennifer Doege Jennifer.doege@qacps.org
410-758-3693
supporting students ages 5-21
Laura Oesterling
supporting families from birth to age 5
FREE WORKSHOP
February 24, 6:00-7:30 PM
Board of Education Main Board Room,
202 Chesterfield Ave, Centreville, MD 21617
"What's the Difference?"
Understanding the requirements and differences between Maryland State assessments for Maryland State High School Diploma and Maryland High School Certificate of Program Completion students.
Presented by Joeleen Smith
Supervisor of Special Education
Special Education Citizen's Advisory Committee (SECAC)
Please join us, all are welcome. Questions? Contact secac.qac@gmail.com
FREE MOVIE Event
Thursday March 24
6:30- 8:30 PM
INTELLIGENT LIVES
Higher Education Building located at Chesapeake College
This "must see" movie stars 3 young adults with intellectual disabilities who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college and the workforce. Refreshments provided. Please RSVP: secac.qac@gmail.com
2020 Career Interest Expo
8:00 AM-2:00 PM
Chesapeake College
Health Professionals and Athletics Building (HPAC)
Career Expo
Students will have the opportunity to participate in mock interviews and have help with resume writing. Local businesses will be present with applications, flyers and pamphlets, job descriptions and sample products.
Lunch provided
Questions? Email heather.maddy@qacps.org
SECONDARY TRANSITION NIGHT
(For Families with Students 14 and older)
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
6:00-7:30 PM
Board of Education Main Board Room,
202 Chesterfield Ave, Centreville, MD 21617
This free informational session is focused on the secondary education and transition of youth with disabilities. The objective is to help coordinate resources and to provide information related to secondary education and transition. Services are available to some students as they transition from school to the adult world.
These agencies will be represented: MD Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA); QAC Health Department/Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs; Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR); Division of Rehabilitative Services (DORS); Mid-Shore Behavioral Health; Queen Anne's County Public Schools (QACPS) - Heather Maddy, Secondary Transition Specialist; and Queen Anne's County Family Support - Jennifer Doege, Parent Coordinator.
Kinera Connect Workshop
Thursday February 27, 2020
6:30-8:30 PM
Kinera Foundation
115 Sallitt Drive
Stevensville, MD 21666
443-249-3126
SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING & SUPPORTIVE
DECISION MAKING
Preparing for the future can be overwhelming. Kelly McCrea, Esq will provide a basic understanding of special needs planning and an overview of options. Participants will gain information about estate planning, special needs trusts, trust administration, and guardianship and less restrictive alternatives.
Participants will receive a free book: Planning Now
Please RSVP by February 24 www.kinera.org
Questions? Email julie@kinera.org
QAC Parks & Rec:
OPEN GYM PROGRAM
Wednesdays 6:00-8:00 PM
Kent Island Elementary School
110 Elementary Way, Stevensville, MD 21666
A fun recreational program for children and young adults with disabilities to play and interact with non-disabled peers.
Registration forms available on site. Each 8-10 week session is $75.
Contact Lee Marks for more info lmarks@atlanticbb.net
Helpful Resources & Websites-
Kinera
Kinera is a group of friends and family that lasts a lifetime. We are here to offer support to parents, caregivers, and families of those with special medical needs. Regardless of your child’s diagnosis or age, we are here to help. Kinera provides occupational and physical therapies, parent/caregiver support groups and workshops, and inclusive community activities to children with special needs and their families. We encourage continued education, and we promote an inclusive environment for those with special needs.
Click on the website for more information on events and workshops offered by Kinera.
Kinera Foundation
115 Sallitt Dr., Suite C
Stevensville, MD 21666
443-249-3126
Kinera Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
The Parents' Place of Maryland
The Parents’ Place of Maryland began in 1990 as a grass-roots effort of families, professionals and community leaders determined to provide resources, support, and information for parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs. Our philosophy of “families helping families” reflects our commitment to support families from diverse cultures. Today, the Parents’ Place serves as Maryland’s Parent Training and Information Center and Family-to-Family Health Information Center where we support thousands of Maryland families each year through our programs and services. We believe that experienced parents are a key source of knowledge and support to help other parents become effective voices for their own children. The Parents’ Place is staffed mostly by parents who have faced the same challenges themselves.
410-768-9100
*These organizations are not necessarily endorsed by QACPS.*
Contacts
Joeleen Smith-Director of Special Education
Tricia Smith-Special Education Teacher Specialist
Dawn Fraser-Infants and Toddlers Coordinator
Heather Maddy-Special Education Transition Specialist
Courtney Pflueger-Turner Special Education Teacher Specialist
courtney.pflueger-turner@qacps.org
Andrea Jarrard Special Education Teacher Specialist
Phone: 410-758-2403