SEPTAR

¿Conoce a algún padre de Roy Cloud de niños o niñas con IEP o Planes 504? ¡Comparta este evento de SEPTAR con ellos, que tendrá lugar el proximo Jueves en Zoom!

Know any Roy Cloud parents of kids with IEPs or 504 Plans? Please share this SEPTAR event with them, happening next Thursday on Zoom!

Super early bird registration is priced at $99 until January 30th!

How do you plan for IEPS? I love these planning sheets and IEP logs. Keeping everything in one place and having a spot to jot down ideas even before it's IEP time! http://bit.ly/SimpleIEPplanner

Teachers can build an online community that is inclusive of students with a wide variety of abilities and interests.

We put together a fun gift guide with ideas from each of our therapists. The items selected are some of our favorite tools/toys that kids love and that we are a...ble to use in treatment to support development. We will be sharing one therapist's selection a day next week in our stories but if you want to get a head start, head to our blog (link in bio) to see all the ideas and links in one place! Are you doing most of your shopping online or in person this year? www.AVCTC.co/blog #AVCTCwebsitelaunch #spd4ot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #bayareaparent #siliconvalleyparent #specialneedssiliconvalley #sanjoseparent #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #SPD #otgiftguide

Join us this Tuesday, December 8th for a FREE webinar on Building Social Skills in Kids with Autism, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm (PDT). Presented by Melanie Hsu, PhD, ...Clinical Program Manager at CHC and Gina Baldi, MEd, Parent Trainer, Early Support Program for Autism (ESPA) at CHC. Register here: chconline.org/events/webinar-autism-social-skills/

What are present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP) found in the IEP document)? In a child’s IEP, the PLAAFP is what goals and s...ervices are built on, so it is important that it is accurate and specific. It should include a description of the student, including the levels the student is currently working academically (Jason has a reading disability. He is in seventh grade and reads independently at a third-grade level) and functionally (Andrea needs instruction to understand nonverbal social and communication cues...). It should also include both strengths and weaknesses. For more information, please view COPAA’s webinar, which is free for members, on Develop the IEP Part 1: Present Levels Of Academic Achievement And Functional Performance (PLAAFP). If you have questions on how to become a member and/or access the webinar, email [email protected].

Katie Novak has created a very useful UDL Remote Learning Flowchart that guides you through the process and also gives resources for each step of the way! https://bit.ly/38FJ0u5 Check out her other resources too.... https://www.novakeducation.com/education-resources/

The Magical Bridge Playground in Red Morton Park opened this week! Please take note of the City’s rules and guidance to keep it safe and magical for all! https://redwoodcityparksblog.com/2020//04/we-are-learning/

Never underestimate your power as your child’s advocate!

What a deal! Over $1400 worth of tools for only $19! Ends tonight!!!!

Want to learn more about accessibility features? Check out this article from the Google blog.

Such excellent advice in these uncertain times. For children AND adults! #phpsanjose #selfcare #anxiety #pandemicparenting #specialneeds #specialneedsparenting Credit: @teenhealthdoc @mamapsychologists

Not Raingirl is a 23 year old autistic woman who lives in England.

If you haven't already met with the IEP team to discuss how your services will be met or to add a Remote Learning addendum, known that you have the right to do so!

Let's normalize accepting each child's timeline. (via WeAreTeachers)

Dyslexia Awareness Month, Day 28: In the field of learning strategies for dyslexia, no one has left a more lasting impact than Dr. Samuel Orton and Anna Gilling...ham, whose legacies continue through the approach to teaching reading known as Orton-Gillingham, or O.G. Dr. Samuel Orton, an American neurologist, began working with children experiencing reading difficulties in 1925. Orton was the first to deduced that the cause of their reading and spelling difficulties was not a deficit in visual processing (which was the widely-held assumption at the time) but rather a failure to establish hemispherical dominance that resulted in a malfunction of the memory area of the brain. Dr. Orton continued to study and work with dyslexic patients throughout his career. Breathtakingly, most of Orton’s suppositions, made well before brain imaging made it possible to look inside the brain, proved to be correct decades later. When researchers and educators join forces, powerful results ensue! Dr. Orton began collaborating with Anna Gillingham and Bessie Stillman, two teachers with a passion for helping students and a love of the English language. Together, they pioneered a teaching methodology to help children with reading difficulties using a multisensory approach. Gillingham gave up her dream of earning her Ph.D in order to work with Stillman in painstakingly cataloguing the English language to reveal the underlying structures, patterns, and individual phonograms. Out of this intense work, they developed The GillinghamManual, first published in 1936, to teach decoding and spelling to struggling readers with explicit, sequential methodologies, an approach that continues to be used today to remediate students with dyslexia. It’s stunning, really, to consider that we have over a century of research on dyslexia and an approach that successfully helps dyslexics of all ages learn to read, yet the education system as a whole is largely deaf and dumb to this massive knowledge base. What we desperately need today is what happened in the 1930s: we need the collaboration between researchers and educators like Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham’s legendary partnership. #Dyslexia #dyslexiaawarenessmonth #dyslexiaawareness #ScienceofReading

Want to learn more about one of the nation's largest autism genetic research studies? Join us to learn about SPARK for Autism! Dr. Antonio Hardan from Stanford's Autism and Developmental Disorders Clinic will host a live virtual event about SPARK and how you can become involved in the nation’s largest study while sitting on your living room... couch! Join in on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 5 - 6 pm PST. Sign up for this virtual event here: https://redcap.link/mwjl11zd

The state's literacy plan draft is now open for public comment. Now through October 28, the public may review the draft and complete a comment survey on the CDE Comprehensive State Literacy Development Grant web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/pd/ps/clsd.asp

Please sign our Open Letter to the California Department of Education by October 27. There is a link to a signature form at the end of the open letter. https://...drive.google.com//119ELjYA3v2f4JRoHqKCmUkzKFH/view. The CA Comprehensive State Literacy Plan Draft was released on 10/5 for public comment. This federal grant money was intended to prioritize disadvantaged kids who are struggling with reading and writing, yet the draft plan does little to encourage change from the status quo. The plan should help districts understand #StructuredLiteracy and shift their practices to align with the science of reading, including how to ensure students have access to it in the general classroom and across all tiers of support.

Now that we're starting to come to grips with the fact that we all might be stuck at home for the foreseeable future... the biggest problem for those of us in t...hat situation is... what exactly do we do with all this time on our hands? Well, something that's PERFECT for kids to do while at home is to work on LIFE SKILLS. Cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, taking out the trash, replacing the water heater, fixing cracks in the driveway... Okay, those last couple things might be a little over-ambitious, but you get the idea. There are a TON of essential skills that kids should be working on at home with parents to build independence and personal responsibility. Teach your kids how to: pick out appropriate clothes for the weather sort and where to put away food understand signs out in the community and lots MORE... Because it’d be awesome to see them make it across the street independently AND intact. These centers have been very helpful for my students- and I hope they can be of assistance to you as well. https://shop.adapted4specialed.com//life-skills-file-folde Special BONUS going on now!

Friends, Community, and all who are anxiously awaiting the opening of Magical Bridge Playground coming to Redwood City. We know the community is incredibly exci...ted to visit the heavily anticipated Magical Bridge Playground coming to Red Morton Park. While we have had the obvious delays due to COVID-19, here are some other punch list items we are still working on. Rubber Matting: Through inspections, we tested the colorful poured-in-place rubber surfacing, and unfortunately, found that the binding material did not meet specs and was defective. The contractor will need to remove the defective rubber and replace it. Work will begin on October 5th and will take up to 3 weeks to complete. Musical Harp: Artist/fabricator, Jen Lewin, will be traveling from New York with her team to install the Magical (Music) Harp in the Innovation Zone. She had up until recently been restricted to her home state of New York under travel quarantine, and thankfully, this was just lifted (to and from California). Jen will be here in Redwood City on October 19th and will take up to a week to complete her installation. Shade Structures: One thing that was added after our initial park plans were made public and space was evaluated, was the addition of shade structures. Currently, three structures have been planned and are being fabricated for installation over the Slide Mound, in the Kindness Corner, and in the Tot Zone. These will be installed in November. Please know that once this punch list is completed, we will work closely with the city of Redwood City to SAFELY and THOUGHTFULLY open this "magical" space. We promise to keep you posted on when and how we plan to open. Please stay safe and help slow the spread of COVID -- so that we can all play together, soon. Our hope at this time is to open the playground in mid-November. For more information about Magical Bridge Playground coming to Redwood City's Red Morton Park, please visit the Redwood City Website here:

Teach students the power of saying, "yet".

Teachers can soon expect to have classrooms that consist of a wider variety of ability levels than ever before. How will they manage? Find out @ https://bit.ly/33qkA4I.

The Dyslexia Initiative is hosting 3 free Parent Sessions on the Science of Reading on October 6, 13, and 20th. The presenter is Marvilene Bush Hagopian, a DDCA leader in Sacramento. What a great opportunity to learn about what reading science tells us about all readers and to better understand the needs of dyslexics and other struggling readers.

A free webinar series starts on Wednesday focusing on how to teach reading in an online learning world. Please share with teachers.

Hello, Friends and Community (especially those living in and loving Redwood City, California)! We are sharing some pictures that were taken of the Magical Bridg...e Playground in Redwood City construction site. To note, the playground has some final touches we are working on. The most noticeable is our KINDNESS CORNER (which is pictured as a blank tan wall). This is now being painted by a local muralist with words of kindness, compassion, respect, and dignity (in multiple languages). We also plan to install the donor wall and the start of the mosaic mural soon. As of today, we are unable to open the playground. We understand and appreciate your sadness and frustration. We miss you too and we so wish that we could all play together. We hear you and are fielding tons of emails and calls about when we plan to open. We promise that when San Mateo County approves the opening of public playgrounds, and we can do so SAFELY, we will. In the meantime, we'd like to share these photographs that were taken by Kris Loew, one of the founders and original team members of Magical Bridge Playground in Palo Alto. We know that this will bring a sense of joy and anticipation, as we finish up the construction of this very MAGICAL space, that will give us ALL a place to play, regardless of ability, disability, size, or age. However, we will only open when we can do so SAFELY. Stay safe and do what you can to help our community slow the spread of COVID. We care about you and want you to remain safe and healthy.

Are you dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation but worried about how to travel with your autistic child? Check out this amazing resort owned by a family with an autistic child on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Sponsored by the Stanford Autism Center at Stanford Children’s Health Parents of children with autism face a unique set of challenges. The opportunity to connect with other families who have been through similar experiences can be a valuable form of support. Please join our Zoom August support group, facilitated by Lara Sandora, Ken Parekh, Prerana Sangani, Leslie Stafford, Gabriela Rojas, Vicky Stewart and Catherine Baudin on Monday, 9/14 at 7pm-8:30pm... Topics for discussion will include: Advocating for your child Dealing with the impact on the entire family Navigating school and learning issues Investigating treatment options and resources This month will include a breakout group for parents of adult children. Please plan to attend if you are part of this community. This month will also include a breakout room for Spanish-speaking parents. When you participate, we do ask that you: Log in from a room/area in your home where you are relatively private and other speakers cannot be overheard Enter a REAL NAME when you sign in Make yourself VISIBLE (activate Video feed) and connect with Audio Use the Raise Hand feature and wait to be called on rather than interjecting Use the Chat to share your: - Name - Age of Child with ASD - School District - One topic that you wish to discuss during the call. Mute yourself unless you are called upon to speak. Do not share the link with anyone who is not a parent of a child with autism. 9/14 @ 7:00pm-8:30pm Zoom INFO Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://stanford.zoom.us/j/93360817942 Password: 437393 Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +18333021536,,93360817942# or +16507249799,,93360817942# Or Telephone: Dial: +1 650 724 9799 (US, Canada, Caribbean Toll) or +1 833 302 1536 (US, Canada, Caribbean Toll Free) Meeting ID: 933 6081 7942 Password: 437393 International numbers available: https://stanford.zoom.us/u/abB50iqZNF Meeting ID: 933 6081 7942 Password: 437393 SIP: [email protected] Password: 437393 Please note that the support group is not intended to serve as therapy or other mental health services. NOTE: Adults only please. Questions? Please email Beth at [email protected]

Patrocinado por el Centro de Autismo de Stanford en Stanford Children's Health Los padres de niños con autismo enfrentan una serie de desafíos únicos. La oportunidad de conectarse con otras familias que han pasado por experiencias similares puede ser una forma valiosa de apoyo. Únase a nuestro grupo de apoyo de Zoom August, facilitado por Gabriela Rojas, Lara Sandora, Ken Parekh, Prerana Sangani, Leslie Stafford, Vicky Stewart y Catherine Baudin el lunes 14 de septiembre de ...7 p.m. a 8:30 p.m. Los temas de discusión incluirán: Abogando por su hijo Hacer frente al impacto en toda la familia Navegar por problemas escolares y de aprendizaje Investigar opciones y recursos de tratamiento Este mes incluirá un grupo de trabajo para padres de hijos adultos. Planee asistir si es parte de esta comunidad. Este mes también incluirá una sala de reuniones para padres en español. Cuando participa, le pedimos que: * Inicie sesión desde una habitación / área de su hogar donde sea relativamente privado y no se pueda escuchar a otros oradores * Ingrese un NOMBRE REAL cuando inicie sesión * Hágase VISIBLE (active la alimentación de video) y conéctese con Audio * Utilice la función "Levantar la mano" y esperar a que lo llamen en lugar de intervenir * Utilice el chat para compartir su: - Nombre - Edad del niño con autismo - Distrito escolar - Un tema que desea discutir durante la llamada. * Silencie a menos que se le pida que hable. * No comparta el enlace con nadie que no sea padre de un niño con autismo. 14/9 a las 7:00 pm a 8:30 pm INFORMACIÓN de ZOOM Únase desde PC, Mac, Linux, iOS o Android: https://stanford.zoom.us/j/93360817942 Contraseña: 437393 O iPhone con un solo toque (US Toll): + 18333021536`` 93360817942 # o + 16507249799`` 93360817942 # O teléfono: Marque: +1650724 9799 (EE. UU., Canadá, número de teléfono del Caribe) o +1833302 1536 (EE.UU., Canadá, número de teléfono gratuito del Caribe) ID de reunión: 933 6081 7942 Contraseña: 437393 Números internacionales disponibles: https://stanford.zoom.us/u/abB50iqZNF ID de reunión: 933 6081 7942 Contraseña: 437393 SIP: [email protected] Contraseña: 437393 Tenga en cuenta que el grupo de apoyo no está destinado a servir como terapia u otros servicios de salud mental. NOTA: Solo adultos por favor. Preguntas? Envíe un correo electrónico a Beth a [email protected]

A fantastic overview of UDL (Universal Design for Learning). https://pin.it/5XrM8uP

A new tool for parents to help struggling students.

An excellent article on the importance of IDEA and FAPE, and how school districts are working against these laws and rights in their outdated, exclusionary practices when working with disabled students. https://www.forbes.com//advocates-parents-and-disabled-st/

A few weeks in to the new school year, what are you learning about your child’s needs in relation to distance learning? Take a look at these accommodations which can be integrated into your distance learning plan.

Hoping our district can see some of these funds too!

As children head back to school online across California and much of the nation, some of the disparities that plague education are growing wider. Instead of attending the same school with similar access to supplies and teacher time, children are directly dependent on their home resources, from Wi-Fi and computers to study space and parental guidance. Parents who work, are poor or have less education are at a disadvantage, as are their kids.

Free in the Simply Free Library! https://bit.ly/2YyAPds

Stay in touch with your child's teacher(s); let them know what worked or didn't work in Spring or over Summer. Share how best they can work with your child.

Don't hesitate to reach out for help. The counseling services request form is available online or call the numbers below. https://docs.google.com//1FAIpQLSdspX_UDjUa0jO-pk/viewform

Research supports the use of systematic and explicit reading instruction! #StructuredLiteracy #ScienceOfReadingCA

We are pleased to share that the California Department of Education is offering Glean Education's Understanding & Recognizing Dyslexia online course to all CA educators between 8/24/2020 and 9/24/2020 at no cost. https://courses.gleaneducation.com/courses/dyslexia-ca

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced today that he has appointed Heather Calomese as the new Director of the Special Education Division at CDE. The Spec...ial Education Division provides information and resources to serve the unique needs of individuals with disabilities so that each person will meet or exceed high standards of achievement in academic and non-academic skills. As schools continue virtual learning in the weeks ahead, Calomese will support CDE’s efforts to provide assistance to schools and engage families and educators in ways that ensure the unique needs of students with disabilities are met. Read more: https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr20/yr20rel69.asp

**10 Easy Ways to Create an Inclusive Virtual Classroom** "Using research-based teaching strategies and activities, teachers can build an online community that ...is inclusive of students with a wide variety of abilities and interests. Thus, not only will the student be present in the daily lessons, but he or she will also be an active participant." -- Nicole Eredics, The Inclusive Class https://www.theinclusiveclass.com//10-easy-ways-to-create-

Hello Magical Bridge Community! We'd like to introduce you to the Magical Bridge Kindness Kits! http://www.magicalbridge.org/kindness-kits Magical Bridge Fou...ndation knows that when people of all ages, abilities, and disabilities come together and play on the playground something special (and MAGICAL) happens. We want to bring a little of that magic into your home. In partnership with Changing Perspectives, we are thrilled to provide parents and caregivers with free opportunities for teaching kindness and empathy through short and sweet activities that can be done with common household supplies. Each Kindness Kit is grouped by developmental age, and contains activities, videos, books and discussion questions. Using the Kindness Kits you can create a daily routine that brings the whole family together to have valuable conversations about how we can all contribute positively to the challenges our communities are facing. *** Today as part of our week of kindness we are going to be watching a super fun video on how we can help others by making sure what they can easily get what they need! No matter how big or small our actions are, they can play big parts in making someone else happy! Have fun singing along and remember, whatever you do, think about what others need too! #kindnessKits, #magicalbridge Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3w68zY8m-U

¡En dos semanas! ¡Únase a un seminario web lleno de información para aprender cómo funcionará el aprendizaje a distancia para estudiantes con IEP en el Distrito Escolar de Redwood City!

Next Week! Join an information-filled webinar to learn how Distance Learning will work for students with IEPs in the Redwood City School District!

"Even during the summer when kids are having fun, taking breaks can be important for their self-regulation." Sketchnote via @kwiens62 Free download: http://nor...thstarpaths.com #ChildHonouringInAction @RaffiFoundation @Self_Reg #SelfReg

Take a peek inside Digital Life Skills Comprehension! https://bit.ly/2EE5eQ4

The Learning Rights Law Center joins Decoding Dyslexia in opposition to #SB614

Focusing on the formative ages of kindergarten through the fifth grade, Magical I Am addresses the key challenge for dyslexic readers the mastery of abstract words.

Create a digital IEP tracking planner for all your child’s teachers!

Twice-exceptional children those who are gifted and have a learning disability or neurological disorder like ADHD often struggle with issues related to social-emotional growth and/or regulation. As a result, many of these students battle anxiety, stress, emotional regulation, social anxiety, and executive dysfunction.