Resources During School Closure
Notes from the Special Education Department
From the Desk of the Supervisor.....
During this unprecedented time in our community, country and around the world, we are united in our mission to support all students. We hope this newsletter will give you support and resources for your family. If you ever need anything, we are all here for you. Please do not hesitate to contact us. We will get through this together and be stronger for it - #FinsUpWingsUp
Hot off the Press! From the Learning Disabilities Association of NJ
Click here to see their Special Edition Bulletin Board Issue: Freebies for Parents & Teachers and News You Can Use!
Audible Is Free!
Audible: Audiobooks Free- Right now, kids everywhere can instantly stream an
incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will
help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids. All stories are free to stream
on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet. https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
The Ultimate Resource for All
Check out this
list of resources that was created specifically to assist people with disabilities and their parents during this quarantine period.
Join SPAN for an Atlantic County Virtual Roundtable Meeting!
Join parents, educators, school administrators, and other interested parties at this virtual roundtable!
About this Event
The goal of this virtual roundtable meeting is to check in to see how things are going in our school districts and communities, to discuss any concerns and successes with the distance learning, problem solve together to develop next steps, as well as to share information and resources to support family engagement to improve practices, programs, policies, and outcomes for children.
Questions? Contact Tatsiana DaGrosa, Parent Group Specialist Email: tdagrosa@spanadvocacy.org Phone: (609) 401-9423
Click here to register.
Click here to check out SPAN's COVID 19 page.
Ways to Support Remote Learning
Here is a Great Resource to Make your own Brain Breaks at Home
Brain breaks are a great intervention to help sustain learning at home and in school. Click
here for more info!
Tips for Parents on Developing Homeschool Routines
Using Visual Supports to Facilitate Homework Completion
Task checklists or mini-schedules are useful in targeting certain events or tasks in the daily schedule where a child has difficulty, click
here to learn more.
What Do Teens Need From Their Parents During COVID-19
Here is a great article on supporting our teens.
Does Your Child Need Help? Or Is This The New Normal?
With everything in our lives changing so suddenly due to the pandemic, it can be difficult to tell if a change in a child's behavior is a problem that requires intervention. Is it a cry for help? Or just a temporary reaction that will resolve on its own with time?
WATCH THIS VIDEO RECORDING OF A RECENT WEBINAR
Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting From COVID-19
Click here from some great resources on how to talk to your children about the Coronavirus.
Here is an additional resource on coping with stress during this time.
Recommendations from the CDC on Managing Stress During COVID-19
For more information click
here.
Helping Parents Through COVID-19 and Beyond
During the coronavirus crisis, the Child Mind Institute is here to support the mental and emotional health of children. Click
here for some more information!
Atlantic County Mental Health Resources
Here is a pamphlet on available mental health resources for Atlantic County residents.
Click here for "The Source: A Resource Guide for People of All Ages in Atlantic County.
Behavioral Healthcare for Children
The Department of Children and Families offers a continuum of behavioral healthcare for youth up to age 21. The DCF’s Division of Children’s System of Care (CSOC) provides services that include mental health and substance use treatment as well as programs for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. CSOC is a leader in the nation for its Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, which offers almost immediate face to face crisis support and de-escalation management for families with children experiencing a behavioral health episode. This is available 24/7/365 by calling 1-877-652-7624.
Dont Miss Online Mindfulness Classes for Kids
Click
here for free mindfulness classes!
Headspace
Headspace: Free Mindfulness Activities: meditations, sleep, and movement exercises to
help you out, however you’re feeling. Find some space and kindness for yourself and
those around you: https://www.headspace.com/covid-19
Supports for Students with Autism and Beyond
Coronavirus: Response & Resources from the Autism Society
Click
here for the COVID 19 Toolkit
NJ Medicaid Coverage
NJ Medicaid now covers ABA services for children with autism. Click
here for more information.
Wearing a Mask
Here is another great social story to use at home.
Silas: Free Social Skills Resources During the Extended Closure
The Team at SiLAS has put together some free Social Animations, SEL Lessons and Parent Sheets. Click
here to check it out.
Autism Focused Resources & Modules
Click
here for resources to support individuals with autism through these uncertain times.
School Closure Toolkit from Easter Seals
Here is a great resource for token boards, schedules, and choice boards.
Susann Tahsin, Supervisor of Special Education