Early Childhood Special Education
December 2021
The mission of the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Department is to build independence in all preschool students to enable them to reach their full potential in preparation for kindergarten.
Want to Recognize a Staff or Community Memeber?
- The Key to the Classroom Award for our classroom teachers. NOTE: Last year our own Erin Hemme was nominated for a Key to the Classroom Award. These are also candidates for the SSD Teacher of the Year. Erin received that honor as well!!!
- Building Block award for our supportive and phenomenal paraprofessionals.
- Lasting Impression Award for staff not in one of the above categories but who are definitely student champions!
- Special Ambassador Award for community members who provide support for our students and families.
Parent Leadership Institute
If you are a parent or family member who makes the educational decisions for a child with a disability, investing the time to attend these four Wednesday evening sessions will provide:
- Vision for the future of your child.
- Knowledge to help you to effectively participate in your child’s education.
- Leadership skills to improve the educational climate for all children.
- Access to new resources, friends and experts to help you on your journey.
The Institute will be held on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on February 16, March 2, 9, and 16, at the SSD Central Office, 12110 Clayton Road, 63131. The institute is offered at no cost and dinner is provided. Learn more about this opportunity or download the application at: Parent Leadership Institute
Lunch and LearnSeries
Special School District’s Family and Community Outreach, Social Work, Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA) and Communications departments have teamed up to offer a virtual Lunch & Learn series for SSD families and stakeholders. The series, which will involve community organizations sharing information about their work, will take place on the first Wednesday of each month during the 2021-22 school year, from 11:30 AM - Noon.
Representatives from nine community organizations will participate in order to increase awareness about their agency and make connections with those in our SSD community who may benefit from their programs and services.
Organizations represented in the Lunch & Learn series include:
- The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis – Feb. 2
- Team Activities for Special Kids (TASK) – March 2
- St. Louis ARC – April 6
- St. Louis County Library – May 4
Wednesday, Feb 2, 2022, 11:30 AM
undefined
Family and Community Engagement Information
Mental Health First Aid Training for SSD Families
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, and others to help adolescents experiencing mental health and/or addictions challenge or crisis. It is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
Nationally this course is valued at $170; due to a grant from Missouri's Department of Mental Health and a collaboration with the Ferguson Community Center, you have the opportunity to attend at no cost.
Saturday, March 19th from 9 – 1:30 PM at Ferguson Community Center. 1050 Smith Ave, Ferguson, MO 63135
Space is limited. To register click here. Registration will close on Monday, March 7th or when all seats are filled.
Family Resource Hub
The Family Resource Hub located at North Tech High School is a space dedicated to families and our community stakeholders. The resource hub offers families computer and internet access, a satellite food pantry, and support navigating community resources. The space is also dedicated to supporting families by hosting learning labs, community events, and a safe and supportive environment to learn with and from one another.
OPEN HOUSE January 18- January 21, 2022 from 9 – 4 PM
You’re welcome to visit during these times or to set an appointment to meet us there.
Please call 314-989-8311 or email FamilyEngagement@ssdmo.org
Helpful Links
Resources:
- Special School District Website; Here is the Special School District Website. Please explore to learn further.
- Superintendent Updates; Leadership Updates can be found here.
- Parent Education Diversity & Awareness; Parent Education Diversity and Awareness (PEDA) works to provide supports to families in a variety of areas. Click here to learn more about them.
- Parent Advisory Council of Special School District ; Please visit this site to learn details about the Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
The ECSE Administrative Team
Director of Early Childhood Special Education
Coordinator for Brentwood
(314) 989-8411
Special Education Coordinator
Ladue & Ritenour
(314) 989-8374
Special Education Coordinator
Affton, Bayless, Hancock, South County Head Start, &Webster
(314)-989-8546
Special Education Coordinator
Lindbergh & Valley Park
(314)989-8376
Special Education Coordinator
ECSE Deaf/Hard of Hearing, & Audiology
(314)-989-8274
Special Education Coordinator
Evaluation Teams & Parkway Step Program
(314) 989-7831 or (314) 415-4980
Special Education Coordinator
Parkway ECC, Parkway North Preschool, & Satellite Sites
(314) 415-4983
Special Education Coordinator
Maplewood-Richmond Heights, Jennings, Normandy, & Riverview Gardens
(314) 989-8213
Director Q & A Chat
Join Stacy M. Sturdivant, Director of Early Childhood Special Education, for a Q & A session where you have the opportunity for asking questions or general discussion. Use this link to request a 15 minute appointment.
Topic: Director's Q & A Talks
https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/DirectorQATalks@ssdmoorg.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/