Unplanned Journey, a free virtual education series coordinated by Abilities First professionals for preschool parents and caregivers facing the daily life challenges of a family with a child with disabilities, will begin Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Each event conducted by a panel of professionals from Abilities First and special guests, will address a specific theme on a topic of concerns. Topics may range from survival tactics for settling into the school year, strategies for the holiday season, conquering food and sleep difficulties, helping the child develop social skills, and others. There will also be an opportunity at the end for a Q & A and open discussion.
Topics of the Oct. 12 event will include:
- Healthy habits
- Settling into the New School Year with Your student
- Good communication with your school
- Overview of your student’s school year with the IEP process
- Understanding Special Education Services
- The collaboration between your agency, school district, and county
- Discussing Wraparound Support Services
- Getting familiar with the OPWDD process
- Community resources
- Ask the Experts
- Open discussion with a O&A. Attendees can also submit their question before the live event to unplannedjourney@abilitiesfirstny.org.
The presentation will feature Camille D’Amico, Abilities First Executive Drive Preschool Principal, and Beth Poague, professional development specialist with NYSED OSE Educational Partnership’s Early Childhood FACE Center-Mid-Hudson.
Registration is required by emailing unplannedjourney@abilitiesfirstny.org. This free online event, made possible by the Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan, is open to all parents of preschool aged children. Enrollment at Abilities First is not required.