Welcome to “On the Horizon”
Issue 8: Springtime Planning for Transitions
On the Horizon is a weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their child’s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.
Summer’s Coming!
 A Note from Nicole: Autism Awareness Campaign and Summer Programs
Idea of the Week: Springtime Cookies
Feature Article: Springtime Planning for Transitions
Featured Resource: So Something Daily Calendar
Featured Program: Summer Camps 2008
Upcoming Events: Please Join Us
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Hi Everyone!
We’re all getting back into the swing of things around here after Spring Break last week. It was pretty quiet around here with most of our staff taking the week off, and our instructional kids gone. While the slower pace felt good, it’s also nice to have everyone back and our normal activities going on around the office!
Now that spring is here, most of you are no doubt preparing for upcoming IEPs and school transition meetings. This week’s article from Courtney will help you as you plan for the transitions that come at this time of year. Just a reminder that summer is around the corner and if you are interested in having your child attend our summer programs you need to sign up right away. Spaces are filling quickly and we don’t want you to miss out!
Reminder – our Autism Awareness campaign is still going on for the month of April. For each person who signs up for our email newsletter this month at www.horizonsautism.com, we will make a donation to the CORE Approach Scholarship Fund. Please help us spread the word about this important effort!
Looking to the horizon,
Springtime Cookies!
Pick one of your family’s favorite cookie recipes. Assign each family member a specific role to help make the cookie dough, and use cookie cutters to make a spring time collection of cookies. For example, umbrellas for April showers that bring May flowers; tulips that are starting to grow; birds that are returning; etc. Talk with your family about why these items represent spring. Once the cookies are baked, take out some icing and decorate. Get creative and enjoy!
Springtime Planning for Transitions
By: Courtney Wiersum
The sun is beginning to shine, and the fresh smells of spring are upon us. This time of year is always a favorite of mine, whether I am at school working with my students or walking through the park with my son. As a special educator, this time of year is always busy in the school systems. Special educators, parents, and support staff alike generally meet together for an annual Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for the coming school year. For those of you who are unfamiliar with them, IEPs are usually completed in the spring for students receiving special education services. When preparing for IEPs, it is essential for parents and educators alike to think about the conclusion of the current school year and the beginning of the next, and how they will support the child during this time.
During moments of transition from grade to grade, classroom to classroom, or school to summer, many children with disabilities begin to feel uncertain about what is to come for them in the future. This uncertainty can lead to increased in anxiety, which can be manifested in many different ways. As educators and parents, it is very important to plan not only for the upcoming school year, but also for the transitions in between. Here are several suggestions to make those transitions easier and less stressful for everyone involved:
Do Something Daily Calendar
$19.95 (Per Calendar) Each day includes ideas to inspire you and your children. Calendars are assembled by clients in our EmployAbilities program. $1.00 from every calendar will be donated to FARR.
Click on the image below to visit our store!
Summer Camps 2008!
Your child is going to LOVE the exciting adventures we have planned for this summer! Each week we will explore a different theme together, complete with lots of opportunities for movement, music, problem solving, working together, and indoor and outdoor fun. Our camps are design to offer a fun, safe, and therapeutic environment for children with developmental disabilities to engage with peers, try new things, and retain skills over the summer months. A low staff to child ratio ensures that everyone is supported. Principles of the Relationship Development Intervention (CORE Approach) Program are integrated throughout all activities, which provides oportunities for campers to improve communication, increase competence, enhance regulation, and build relationships.
For a brochure, click here
For a registration form, click here
To sign up online, click here
Please join us!
See our Event Calendar for more details…
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