Family Support Newsletter
Winter 2020-2021 (December, January, February)
Fall/Winter Newsletter 2020-2021
I continue to be available to you if you would need resources or guidance. As in the Fall, I am in my office Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. I am working from home on Wednesday but am available via email. If you need to speak with me on the phone, call my office number and I will call you back as soon as I am able. I can also set up a Google Meet if that works better.
Please make sure you are taking care of you in addition to taking care of the rest of the family.
~Tammy
410-751-3955
Facebook: CCPS Office of Special Education Birth-21
Twitter: @CcpsOf
Family Support CCPS Birth thru 21
Email: tlchish@carrollk12.org
Website: https://www.carrollk12.org/instruction/specialeducation/community/family/Pages/default.aspx
Location: 495 South Center Street, Westminster, MD, USA
Phone: 410-751-3955
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Twitter: @CcpsOf
Family Support Nights 2020-2021 (**some of the spring dates have not yet been confirmed**)
Fun Events Coming Up!!
- Use the link below to write your letters to Santa. You can bring your letter to the Sensory Friendly Santa event on December 19 from 2:00-6:00pm at Carroll Springs School (You must be signed up to attend the event. This event will be OUTSIDE, please dress accordingly): https://www.dltk-kids.com/cards/writingpaper/cpaper1.asp
- Managing Stress (December 2): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aVEyrKFlnGgIcPH3NHSNYbk5dWY4ab8J/view?usp=sharing
- Family Resources from MSDE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MpLIJN2Fl8AeitIDV8T9QWnHQdodDyxV/view?usp=sharing
Supporting Young Children and Families during COVID-19:
https://ectacenter.org/topics/disaster/coronavirus-talking.asp- Maryland Learning Links Resources: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EMYdkrmrWb_S_ngvbIRM3292baTXFpNg/view?usp=sharing
- Carroll Community College (GED help and test prep; Hispanic Flyer too): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RZj3C5xW3mESo7xRK6L0vHa5P_K_MyUN/view?usp=sharing or https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lNHW1FJMbkXxayhh6ZihjAi_dgAesMo9/view?usp=sharing
- Carroll Community College (Online ESOL Classes): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MG9XkWc6ILgUyD6cuhfau-KRy0rOlmek/view?usp=sharing
- Happy Hours from Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Support Group (open to anyone with a disability, does not have to be Down Syndrome): https://drive.google.com/file/d/12irvJfQVkHvC4aZqKVN3xJpxXJVAtzkT/view?usp=sharing
SECAC (Special Education Citizen's Advisory Committee) and Town Hall Meetings
The Carroll County SECAC is a committee established by Carroll County Public Schools to seek meaningful input from parents, community partners, service providers, educators, and administrators on local issues about the achievement of students with disabilities. This collaboration enables the director of special education to make positive changes in the delivery of special education services. If you have concerns and desire to bring about positive change please consider becoming an active member in this constructive process. For information on meetings, see below.
Dates and Times:
- December 16-SECAC (Virtual)-6:00-8:00
- January 20-Virtual Town Hall with CCPS Personnel-6:00-8:00
- February 17-SECAC (Carroll County ARC)-6:00-8:00
- March 17-Virtual Town Hall-6:00-8:00
- April 21-SECAC (Carroll County ARC)-6:00-8:00
- May 19-Virtual Town Hall-6:00-8:00
Additional Resources
Basic Needs
Additional Food Resources:
WIC-410-876-2152 or email: mailto:carroll.wic@maryland.gov
Shelter/Housing: https://hspinc.org/shelter/
Diapers/Wipes: http://www.carrollbaby.org/
Electricity: https://hspinc.org/homeenergy/
Cold Weather Shelter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WgFLukBKtRArbQEkkmIsOu6T_Mm0OwXc/view?usp=sharing
Behavioral Health Crisis
Carroll County Mobile Crisis: 410-952-9552 or https://www.thesantegroup.org/carroll-county-crisis
Step Behavioral Health: https://www.stepsbh.com/
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: 741-741
**Always call 911 in the event of a behavioral health emergency.**
Domestic Violence
Family and Children's Services-Carroll County Office: 410-876-1233 or https://www.fcsmd.org/featured_item/carroll-county-office/
Carroll County Hotline 24/7: 443-865-8031 or https://www.fcsmd.org/domestic-violence/
Child Abuse: To report suspected child abuse or neglect or to request assistance in an overwhelming situation where children may be at risk, call, 410-386-3434.
State and Local Resources
Children's Mental Health Matters:
https://www.childrensmentalhealthmatters.org/resouces/coronavirus/
Carroll County Behavioral Health Resources and Services Directory:
https://healthycarroll.org/behavioral-health-directory/
E-SMART:
https://www.esmartcarroll.net/covid19
Maryland Learning Links: Resources about the IEP and the IEP Process:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EMYdkrmrWb_S_ngvbIRM3292baTXFpNg/view?usp=sharing
Virtual Resources and Updated Websites
CCPS Autism Behavioral Support Site: https://sites.google.com/carrollk12.org/autismbehaviorresources
CCPS Social Emotional Resources: https://sites.google.com/carrollk12.org/ccps-learning-resources/home?authuser=0
CCPS Family Resources: https://sites.google.com/carrollk12.org/family-communityconnections/home
Social
Baltimore Area Special Needs Hockey, Inc: https://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=baltimoresaintshockey
Sensory Friendly Day-Friday, November 20-Land of Little Horses: https://landoflittlehorses.com/events-calendar/
Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Support Group (open to all disabilities): http://www.cdspg.org/events
Lending Library
The Lending Library is open! Please use the link below to search for valuable resources. When you find what you are interested in, screenshot the resources and email Tammy @ tlchish@carrollk12.org
https://ccpsdestiny.follettdestiny.com/common/welcome.jsp?context=saas001_1996720
When to cancel services (Birth to Kindergarten Parents) and When to keep your child home (Kindergarten to age 21): A Good Reminder
To determine when you or your child should not participate in services or attend school due to illness please consider the following two factors:
1. The first step would be to determine how your child feels—a sick child is probably not going to benefit from the school and/or services; and
2. Secondly, it is important to consider whether the condition is contagious. Every effort is made to provide school/services in a healthy environment and to prevent the spread of illness.
The following are times when your child probably should not be receiving services, either at home, in a center (birth-Kindergarten) or in school (all students):
â A temperature of 100 degrees or over– your child should be free of fever for 24 hours without medication, before resuming services or sending your child to school.
â Vomiting or diarrhea that continues during the night and into the morning-your child should be free of vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hours.
â Respiratory symptoms accompanied by a fever.
**For Birth-K families receiving services in home or in a child care setting: If your child or another family member has been diagnosed with an illness such as chicken pox, strep throat, impetigo, live lice, or ringworm please contact your service provider, early intervention nurse to discuss when your child should resume services. If you are unsure about your child's ability to participate in his/her program, an early intervention nurse can consult with you and assist you in making this decision.
**For School Age children: if your child has chicken pox, impetigo or live lice, they should be kept at home. For strep throat and ringworm, consult your child’s doctor.
â The best way to prevent spread of germs is frequent hand washing.
From the Department of Health of Maryland:
COVID-19-like illness is defined as:
1-Any 1 of the following: cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell, OR
2-At least 2 of the following: fever of 100.4 degrees or higher (measured or subjective), chills or shaking chills, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and congestion or runny nose.
Please do not send your child to school if he/she has any of the above symptoms. Please report this information to the school that your child attends as soon as possible.
Inclement Weather Reminders
**For Birth-Kindergarten Families receiving services in home or in a child care setting:
In the event of inclement weather, please listen to local radio or television stations or check the CCPS website for school closings, late openings, or early dismissals to determine if your home visit, therapy appointment, evaluation, group, or meeting has been canceled.
*Closed*—When CCPS is closed there will be no home visits, appointments, evaluations or meetings.
2-Hour late —Appointments before 10:00 a.m. are canceled. Appointments after 10:00 a.m. held as scheduled.
1—hour late —Appointments before 9:00 a.m. are canceled. Appointments after 9:00 a.m. held as scheduled.
Early closing 3 hours—Appointments after 12:30 will be canceled
Early closing 2 hours—Appointments after 1:30 will be canceled
Early closing 1 hour—Appointments after 2:30 will be canceled.
NOTE: When home-based services resume following a snowfall, please be certain to clear a space for staff to park and assure a clear path to the entrance door.
**School aged children should follow CCPS Inclement weather policies and procedures.
Birth to Kindergarten
**MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! YOUR OPINION MATTERS!**
Parents and guardians of children receiving early intervention services through an IFSP were recently mailed the Family Survey by the Maryland State Department of Education. If your child received services last year, this is the same annual survey that was shared with you in person in 2019. Parents are asked to complete the survey and return it in the postage paid envelope. The survey may also be completed online at https://mdparentsurvey.com/. Your feedback will help guide efforts to improve services in HCPSS. Your voice can make a difference for your child and many other children across the state of Maryland. The survey has been extended until November 30, 2020!!
Family Support of CCPS uses this information to plan Family Nights and activities for families in Carroll County. Please take a couple of minutes to fill this survey out.
Thank you in advance.
The Birth to Kindergarten program has a new look!! Check it out!!
CCPS Birth to Kindergarten, new link: https://sites.google.com/carrollk12.org/birthtokindergarten/home
Another great resource is Ready at Five: https://www.readyatfive.org/
For some resources to help during COVID:
Caring for each other: https://www.sesamestreet.org/caring
Health Emergencies: https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/health-emergencies/
"For Now" Normal: https://autism.sesamestreet.org/coping-with-covid/
COVID-19 Family Resources:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MpLIJN2Fl8AeitIDV8T9QWnHQdodDyxV/view?usp=sharing
Supporting Young Children and Families during COVID-19
Watch this short video for 10 Tips to Support Young Children: https://youtu.be/6XO9pN5EQw4
Chicago Parent Program
The Chicago Parent Program (CPP) is a 12 session, video and group-based parenting skills training program that has been shown to improve behaviors in young children 2 – 5 years old. Two simultaneous groups will be led. One training begins on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 6:00 pm and the second training, in Spanish, will begin on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 6:15 pm. Please watch for more details regarding interest and registration. These trainings are brought to our families by the Carroll County Early Childhood Advisory Council (CCECAC) through a state funded Quality Improvement Grant. Please follow our Carroll County Early Advisory Council on Facebook for details on this and more family and community opportunities in early childhood.
Tips for Picking out the Best Toys for Young Children and Some Gift Ideas
Judy Center Early Learning Hubs at Robert Moton, Cranberry Station, Elmer Wolfe and Taneytown Elementary Schools
The Carroll County Public Schools Judy Center Early Learning Hubs at Robert Moton, Cranberry Station, Elmer Wolfe and Taneytown Elementary Schools serve the needs of families with children in the above school districts ages prenatal up to age 5. Additionally, any child with an IEP or IFSP in Carroll County can also receive support from the Judy Center Early Learning Hubs. We offer a variety of comprehensive services to support children and families. Our ultimate goal at the Judy Center is to support children’s success in school and in life.
Our Programming Includes:
- Come Learn With Me Playgroups held weekly
- Family Engagement Events and Activities
- Family Support
- Partnerships with local childcare providers to ensure the availability of quality care
- Summer Programming
- Parent Workshops
- Parents as Teachers Home Visitation Program
- Collaborations with community resources/ agencies
- Referrals for support services
- Monthly Newsletters
*We will still be holding virtual playgroups, family events and parent sessions during COVID.
Interested in learning more about the Judy Center Early Learning Hub?
Please visit the CCPS webpage here: https://www.carrollk12.org/instruction/curriculum/judycenter/Pages/default.aspx
to learn more!
Transition Connections Academy (Formally Post-Secondary)
Post-Secondary changed it's name!! Post-Secondary is now called Transition Connections Academy (TCA).
Mission:
The Carroll County Public Schools Transition Connections Academy is dedicated to empowering young adults with disabilities so they will be self-directed individuals, responsible citizens, autonomous communicators, and active participants in their community workplace.
We recognize and value individuality and focus on nurturing the unique gifts and talents each of our students have to offer.
Our mission is to provide relevant academic instruction, authentic vocational experiences, and to build strong community partnerships so our students are prepared with skills they will need to face the challenges of the future.
For more information contact Mary Pat Dye, Program Coordinator @ mhdye@carrollk12.org or call 410-751-3620
**CANCELLED**
CCPS will hold a Transition Fair Spring of 2022. Look for more information in the Spring of 2021 as the hard workers on this committee plan for a wonderful and safe event for families in grades 10-12.
WAIVERS!! YOUR CHILD MAY BE ELIGIBLE!!
Your child may be eligible for other services through the state of Maryland. If you need any help with filling the waivers out, contact Tammy @ tlchish@carrollk12.org
Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration: https://dda.health.maryland.gov/Pages/home.aspx
DDA application: https://dda.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Developments/2015/dda_ea_application.pdf
DORS: https://dors.maryland.gov/consumers/Pages/referral.aspx
Family Supports Waiver:
https://dda.health.maryland.gov/Pages/DDA_FAMILY_SUPPORTS_Waiver.aspx
Thank you to this year's presenters
Mary presented about Future Legal Planning for children with special needs
James Curran and Monty Knittle of Curran Knittle Group-https://harborinvestmentadvisory.com/curran-knittle-group/
James and Monty presented about Financial Planning for your family and your child with special needs.
Betsy Leone and Kelsey Thrasher presented on Effective Behavior Strategies for using in your home. Look for another presentation from Betsy and Kelsey coming up in February.
Fun Things to do with your family!!
Or settle down on the sofa and do some coloring. Some Winter Coloring Pages: https://www.dltk-holidays.com/winter/color/index.htm
Want to do a winter craft when it's cold outside? Go to: https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2015/01/pom-pom-mittens-craft-for-preschool.html
Letter Tracing
ADA Accessibility Statement
Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment or the provision of services, programs or activities. Persons needing auxiliary aids and services for communication should contact the Communications Office at 410-751-3020 or publicinfo@carrollk12.org, or write to Carroll County Public Schools, 125 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, may use Relay or 7-1-1. Please contact the school system at least one (1) week in advance of the date the special accommodation is needed.
Information concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act is available from the Director of Facilities Management, (410) 751-3177, or the Communications Officer, (410) 751-3020, 125 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157.