
Welcome to “On the Horizon”
Issue 20: Feeding Difficulties in the Schools
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.
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Taking the stress out of school lunches
A Note from Nicole: Travels, RDI® Annual Conference;
Idea of the Week: Jell-O Dessert
Feature Article: Feeding Difficulties in the Schools
The Horizons Team Recommends: Feeding calendar/journal set; Instructional Program
Upcoming Events: Summer CAMPS; Parent Teleseminar; CORE Approach


Hi Everyone!
I’m busy getting things done here this week, as I’ll be away for 16 days starting this coming Sunday. Am I taking a great vacation? Sadly—no. I’ll be doing some clinical work in Minneapolis for my PhD program for the first part of the trip, followed by the RDI® Annual Conference in Houston. It’s a long time to be away. Thank goodness for a fabulous husband at home and an awesome team at the office!
Those of you who have children with feeding difficulties know that eating at school can create major problems. Over the years, many school professionals have also asked me how to address eating issues with students. In this week’s feature article, Erin provides some simple and effective strategies for dealing with feeding-related problems in the school setting. If this information is helpful to you, I also recommend that you take a look at the Explorations in Eating Calendar and Journal set below. They can be used in home and/or school settings and provide a wonderful avenue for addressing feeding difficulties.
Looking to the horizon,


Jell-O Dessert!
This is a great summer dessert! Select a favorite Jell-o flavor to make. Once the hot water is added, add a can of mixed fruit. Stir thoroughly and put in the refrigerator to cool and set. Once the Jell-o is ready, serve it with a thin layer of whipped cream on top. See what kinds of different flavor, color, and texture combinations you can come up with by using different Jell-o packets, fruits, and toppings!


Feeding Difficulties in the Schools
By: Erin Roon, MA, CCC-SLP
Children spend 7-8 hours per day within the school setting. During that time they eat at least one meal, and usually a snack. This can be an extremely difficult task for children with feeding disorders that can exacerbate the problem even more. How many of you find yourselves packing the same exact lunch every day, just to make sure your child eats something while they are at school? This can be very difficult for both you and your child.
There are several reasons why eating at school can be difficult for any child, but especially hard for children with feeding disorders.
Explorations in Eating Calendar and Journal
$19.95 (Per Calendar) or $34.95 (Per Calendar and Journal) Each day has ideas to expand your child’s diet and food preferences. 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!


Instructional Program
We have one opening for the 2008-2009 school year
Many parents express concerns about educational options available to their children with impairments. It seems there are few ideal educational settings, and even fewer that take a developmental approach to working on the core deficits of student difficulties.
Our instructional program, available for children ages 5 and older, is individualized to meet the unique and specific needs of each student. Parents and the instructional team work together to determine priority goal areas, which often include communication, problem solving / flexible thinking, socialization, sensory-motor development, academic skills, and self-care skills.
A certified Special Education teacher / RDI® Program Certified Consultant oversees the program. This program runs from September through June and is limited to a small number of students each year.
Schedule a Free Consultation:
To learn more about our Instructional Program, schedule a Free Initial Consultation by calling us at (616) 698-0306 or by completing our online form.

Please join us!
For more information on Summer CAMPS and Collaborate and Create, click here.
- Summer CAMPS July 14-17: Adventures in the Great Outdoors
- CORE Approach Parent Teleseminar
Horizons Families Only
Tuesday July 15, 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- CORE Approach Annual Conference
July 24-28 in Houston, TX
- Summer CAMPS July 28-31: Let’s Experiment
- Collaborate and Create! Session 2: July 29-Aug 14:
Environmental Experiences
- Summer CAMPS August 4-7: Pirates of the High Seas
- CORE Approach Parent Chat
Horizons Families Only
Tuesday August 5, 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- CORE Approach Parent Day Rejuvenating Your Remediation Program – the Latest in RDI and Research Updates
Horizons Families Only
Saturday August 9, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Summer CAMPS August 11-14: Wet N Wild
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday September 13, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
- Beginning CORE Approach 4-day Parent Seminar – Lansing, MI
November 10-13
Registration and Location Information To Be Announced…
See our Event Calendar for more details…
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