The SPARKS Group 2016 Back to School Resource Guide

Transcription

1 The SPARKS Group 2016 Back to School Resource Guide The SPARKS Group: 312 Marshall Street, Suite 102, Laurel MD 20724; office (240) fax (877)

2 Dear Parent/Guardian, Caregiver, Therapist, Can you believe it? We are already uttering the phrase back to school. Where does the summer go? Now is not too early to begin preparing your home and child/children for the upcoming school year On behalf of The SPARKS Group, LLC, I would like to introduce our Back to School Resource Guide. The goal of this guide is designed to assist you with a few resources in your community, which also provides links to national organizations, local parent groups, assistance, advocacy, education, and support related to autism spectrum disorders. We realize that trying to find the time to research various resources can be challenging, especially when you have a special needs child/children.. It is our desire that you will find this guide a helpful tool, which is a work-in-progress that will continuously grow over time. While in individual sections, you may find links for some resources on the internet this guide is designed to be utilized in a way that is most useful to you and your family. Please feel free to provide feedback to either your program consultant and or therapist. We welcome your suggestions and comments to ensure an effective and valuable tool. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter of introduction. We hope you will get good use of the information and will reap the benefits. Best Regards, Beverly T. Kirby Owner and Executive Director

3 4 Tips to Transition our Child who has Autism Back to School Going back to school can be extra stressful for children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People with ASD often have greater difficulty with transitions. This may be due to a greater need for predictability and routine, challenges in understanding what is coming next, or difficulty when a pattern of behavior is disrupted. Transition strategies can reduce anxiety; increase appropriate behavior and help students participate successfully in their school environment by making a more gradual entrance. Here are some ideas that may help with the back to school transition..these 4 tips are taken from blogger Chrissy Kelly (Life with Greyson Parker) who has two sons on the autism spectrum. You can read more of Chrissy's AutismSpeaks.org blog posts on Autism Speaks website. You will also find her on Facebook. These are tips that have worked for Chrissy and her family as they prepare to go back to school. 1. Spend time at school: A couple of weeks before school starts go and visit, hang out on campus and discuss the upcoming change. Talk about the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. If the school has a playground, that's a perfect non-threatening environment for your child to acclimate to the space again. Some teachers are available and open to a meet and greet, where you and your child can come visit the classroom and meet the teacher before school begins to take some pressure off the first day. 2. Visual supports: There are several research based, visual strategies that are used to support individuals with ASD in preparation for a transition. An easy way to prepare for the unexpected is by using Social Stories. This tool is a great way to identify a concern and develop a story that supports the desired outcome. The stories are written from a child's perspective using language that is appropriate for that child's development. Write in the third person if your child is not yet familiar with pronouns such as; me, my and I. Your story should also address any specific strengths and deficits your child may encounter during the school day, while always creating a positive outcome. For example, if your child has difficulty eating lunch in the cafeteria due to a large number of children, you can remind them of self-regulation strategies that have been successful in the past.

4 A page in your story might say, "Tommy does not like the loud noises at lunch. If it's too loud, he can cover his ears, or ask the teacher for his head phones to wear so that he can eat lunch comfortably with his friends. Be sure and address any of your child's concerns, whether it is sensory, social, transitioning etc. Greyson really looks forward to school recess, so our story will remind him of that preferred activity. "After lunch, Greyson has so much fun playing on the playground and climbing the monkey bars." Social Stories are great visual strategy to help a child organize and interpret events, know what to expect, as well as develop a better ability to self-regulate. Reading the story nightly for a few weeks before school begins can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with the upcoming change. 3. Dress Rehearsal There's nothing worse than stiff, brand new shoes or a scratchy shirt tag. But to a child with autism and sensory issues, these things have the potential to ruin their day and seriously impede their ability to learn and adjust. Break in new shoes and clothing before school begins. If you can, have your child use and wear these items for a few weeks before their first day. Depending on how much routine your child needs, you may want to use a new lunchbox or back pack several times leading up to the start of school. 4. Communication notebook Part of building a good relationship between school and family is communication. I know this tool helps put my Mommy transition anxiety at ease and it also helps to set your child up for success. A frequently used writing tool for home-to-school communication is a notebook the child carries home daily. Share some information about your child for the teacher and aides. You can also put your contact information and on the inside cover so the teacher has quick access. The most successful models contain a two way exchange of information. Just as we desire to know what our child is doing at school, the teachers desire to know if there is any information about your child that may affect them at school. Perhaps your child has been crying frequently, or woke up at 4 am and hasn't gone back to bed. Those are the types of things important for a teacher to know. Make sure your child's teacher is willing and able to contribute to this method of communication, and be sure and let them know what kind of information, and the frequency you are looking for. Establishing a trusting relationship is critical, especially when working through challenges that may occur during the school year. Despite all the planning and execution, it often takes a few weeks for students, teachers and parents to fall into a working routine, so be prepared for a few kinks along the way. As a mother, I know how hard it is to let your child out into the world, especially if they don't have the verbal ability to tell you about their day. But sometimes we must simply let go, and let them share their awesomeness with the rest of the world. The Autism Speaks blog features opinions from people throughout the autism community. Each blog represents the point of view of the author and does not necessarily reflect Autism Speaks beliefs or point of view.

5 Disclaimers: The SPARKS Group, LLC maintains the Back to School Resource Guide is a service to families as a reference tool. Every effort is made to ensure listings are upto-date. The SPARKS Group does not endorse or claim to have personal knowledge of the abilities of those listed. The resources listed on these pages are not intended as a recommendation, referral, or endorsement of any resource or as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any organization, product or professional. Users are urged to use independent judgment and request references when considering any resource associated with services related to autism.

6 Get your child ready for school by scheduling an appointment to receive all required vaccines Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria) Meningitis (Meningococcal) HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Tdap (Whooping Cough) Flu (Influenza) MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) Chickenpox (Varicella) Pneumonia (Pneumococcal) Hepatitis A (Hep A) Hepatitis B (Hep B) Meningitis (Meningococcal) Polio AGE VACCINE(S) AGE VACCINE(S) 2 months DTaP, Rotavirus 2 yrs, 6 months* Hep B 3 months* Pc, HIB 2 yrs, 7 months* Hep B, Flu 4 months DTaP, Rotavirus 3 years Hep B 5 months* Pc, HIB 4 years DTap, Polio, Flu 6 months DTaP, Rotavirus 5 years MMR, Flu 7 months* Pc, HIB 6 years Chickenpox, Flu 9 months Polio, Flu (optional) 7 years Hep A, Flu 12 months MMR, Polio 8 years Hep A, Flu 15 months Pc, HIB 9 through Flu each year 18 months DTaP, Polio 12 yea Tdap 21 months* Flu 13 to 14 years HPV (3 doses) 2 yrs Chickenpox 16 years Meningococcal

7 Table of Contents I. Back to School Supplies Free Giveaways II. Discounted School Supplies III. Resources for Clothing and School Uniforms IV. Local Schools for Special Needs Preschools Grade Schools Learning Centers Daycares V. Respite Care VI. Medical and Dental Specializing in Special Needs Services VII. Haircuts and Stylists for Special Needs individuals VIII. Afterschool Programs IX. Music and Dance Therapies X. Art Programs XI. Events and Recreational Activities Parents Corner My Back to School Activity Coloring Worksheets

8 Do you need assistance with school supplies? Listed below are locations where free supplies will be available. Giveaways are on a first come first serve basis. There will be games, food and fun activities. So do not miss out, get there early and have fun! Free Giveaways: Kiwanis Club Back 2 School Carnival When: September 24, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Where: 4400 Iowa Ave. NW, Washington D.C. About: Kids are invited to participate in a variety of carnival games, where they can win school supplies for the upcoming year. There will also be a picnic lunch provided for the kids and their families. World Changers Church - DC Back 2 School Giveaway When: August 28, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Where: Kellogg Conference Center at Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave. NE, Washington D.C. About: This fair is giving away free backpacks filled with school supplies to elementary, middle and high school students. Salvation Army When: Monday thru Friday Where: 1434 Harvard Street, NW, Washington DC Contact: Bonita Jonson ext.103 Martha's Table Clothing and Thrift Store When: Monday thru Friday Where: Th Street, NW Washington DC Contact: (202) About: This location is also a thrift store, so they sell clothing and items to the public. In addition, some vouchers for free linens, clothing, and household items may be distributed. Discounted School Supplies: Five Below - Washington - Washington, D.C th St NW, Street Thursday 9AM 9PM Friday 9AM 9PM Saturday 9AM 9PM Sunday 10AM 7PM Monday 9AM 9PM Tuesday 9AM 9PM Wednesday 9AM 9PM (202)

9 Discounted School Supplies: 5 Apps to Make Back-to-School Shopping Easy on Any Budget Back-to-school shopping is more expensive than ever. If you have missed out on tax-free week savings at your favorite stores, there are still some ways to take advantage of great deals and discounts on clothing, school supplies and electronics. Hopefully, one of these five apps can make back-to-school shopping on a budget much easier. 1. SnipSnap If you do happen to come across a coupon in the mail, or something in a circular catches your eye, forget about finding a pair of scissors to clip it. Use SnipSnap on your smartphone instead. This app allows you to scan, save and redeem printed coupons on your mobile phone. You can search for deals at all the popular retailers, It s a convenient and 100 percent free couponing app for deal-seekers. This could be just what you need to cut costs on back-to-school expenses this season. 2. shopkick Download shopkick to discover the latest deals and collect points just for walking in, scanning products and making a purchase. You can double up on the savings by not only securing the best prices on the items you need, but also earning rewards that you redeem for a gift card from one of your favorite stores. It s a simple and fun way to shop for those back-to-school musthaves. 3. PriceGrabber PriceGrabber allows you to subscribe to weekly specials across all categories and see a quick summary of the latest prices and reviews of top-selling items. Whether you re in the market for a laptop or athletic wear, you can browse dozens of categories to comparison shop and make more informed purchasing decisions right from your smartphone. 4. Cartwheel by Target If you re heading to Target for back-to-school clothing, school supplies and snacks, make sure you download Cartwheel by Target to get a discount of 5 percent to 50 percent off the regular price of many popular items. The savings program has been around for a couple years, but has only recently become more popular as shoppers are realizing they can double up on the savings by using manufacturer s coupons as well as Target in-store coupons. The app is free, and you can see all offers available by visiting the website from any desktop computer or mobile device. Claim your offers and then show the barcode to the cashier as you checkout. 5. Wal-Mart Savings Catcher If you prefer to shop at Wal-Mart for back-to-school supplies, download Wal-Mart Savings Catcherand you ll be able to confirm that you re paying the lowest price in town. If the app finds a lower advertised price, Wal-Mart will give you an electronic gift card difference. One of the key features of this app is you can just ask Google to scan your Wal-Mart receipt and show you the Value of the Day to verify pricing. You can also shop both online and in-store inventory right from your smartphone.. Download any of these apps which are all available on ios and Android before you head out for school supplies, clothing and more.

10 Resources for Clothing and School Uniforms Listed below are locations where these items may be available. Some locations offer free clothing and others at a discount. Clothing Bread for the City Clothing Room When: Tues/Wed/Thurs 10am-2pm Where: Southeast Center (1640 Good Hope Rd, SE) About: The mission of Bread for the City is to provide residents of Washington, DC, with comprehensive services, including food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services, in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Salvation Army When: Monday thru Friday Where: 1434 Harvard Street, NW, Washington DC Contact: Bonita Johnson, ext. 103 St. Martin's Ministries Where:14376 Benedictine Lane Washington, DC Contact: (410) About: Provides food pantry, financial assistance for security deposit, utility cut-off and eviction prevention to low income families in Caroline County and other mid-shore counties. Also operates a thrift store that is open to the public.services:1) FOOD PANTRY: Offers a 4-day supply of emergency food. Disposable diapers and baby formula occasionally are available. Must provide proof of income, social security cards for all family member, photo id and show monthly expenses. Pantry is open Tues, Thurs, Fri 8:30-11:30AM and Wed 6-7:30PM. Approved applicants may also receive a clothing voucher to be used towards items in the Thrift Shop. Goodwill Of Greater Washington Where: 2200 S. Dakota Ave. NE Washington, DC Contact: 220) About: The clothing vouchers allow people to shop for up to $40 worth of clothing And shoes at any Goodwill location Suited For Change Where: 1010 Vermont Avenue NW Washington, DC When: Monday thru Friday 9am to 5 pm Contact: About: Low income women, in a participating job training or readiness program, residents of DC, Prevention Of Blindness Society Of Metropolitan Washington Where:2216 Rhode Island Avenue NE, Washington, DC Contact: When: Monday thru Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm About: Operates a thrift store selling antiques, clothing, kitchen items, tools, toys, jewelry,

11 Need Help Looking for Specialty Schools Listed below are schools, preschools, and daycares which may fit your child s needs. Pre-School National Children's Center: School Program 210 Sheridan Street, NW Washington DC, DC NOTES: Kingsbury Day School th St NW Washington, DC (202) Level: PK-12 Enrollment: 154 Lt Joseph P Kennedy Jr Inst (Roman Catholic) 801 Buchanan Street NE Washington, DC (202) Level: NS-PK Enrollment: 150 National Children s Center Se Upper School 3400 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC (202) Level: PK Enrollment: 25 Psychiatric Inst Of Washington 4228 Wisconsin Av NW Washington, DC (202) Level: NS Enrollment: 45 Psychiatric Inst Of Washington (sped) 4228 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC (202) Level: NS and PK Enrollment: 45 St. Johns Community Services 5151 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 400 Washington, DC (202) Level: NS Enrollment: 45

12 Elementary The Episcopal Center for Children 5901 Utah Ave NW Washington, DC (202) Grades: 2-8 Enrollment: 61 NOTES: Kennedy Institute 801 Buchanan St NE Washington, DC (202) Grades: 5-12 Enrollment: 61 Kingsbury Day School th St NW Washington, DC (202) Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 154 The Lab School of Washington 4759 Reservoir Rd NW Washington, DC (202) Grades: 7-12 Enrollment: 342 National Children's Center nd St NW Washington, DC (202) Grades: 8-12 Enrollment: 40 High Road Schools of Washington, DC 711-A Edgewood Street, NE Washington, DC (202)

13 High Schools Kennedy Institute 801 Buchanan St NE Washington, DC (202) Grades: 5-12 Enrollment: 61 NOTES Kingsbury Day School th St NW Washington, DC (202) Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 154 The Lab School of Washington 4759 Reservoir Rd NW Washington, DC (202) Grades: 7-12 Enrollment: 342 Model Secondary School for The Deaf 800 Florida Ave NE Washington, DC (202) Grades: Enrollment: 162 National Children's Center nd St NW Washington, DC (202) Grades: 8-12 Enrollment: 40 St Coletta of Greater Washington 1901 Independence Ave SE Washington, DC (202) River Terrace Education Campus 405 Anacostia Ave NE Washington, DC (202)

14 Daycares and Learning Centers Lindamood-Bell Washington DC Learning Center 3201 New Mexico Avenue NW, Suite 320 Washington, DC (202) NOTES Name: Easter Seals Child Development Center - WA., DC Address: TH ST NW, WASHINGTON DC Contact Phone: (202) Capacity: 96 Age Range: 6 weeks to 3 years; Achievement and/or Accreditations: NAEYC Accredited Days of Operation: Monday - Friday Normal Open Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program: Yes Languages Supported: English, Spanish Type of Care: Daytime, Full-Time Transportation:, Field Trips Schools Served: Ward 1 Name: Nccfd Carver Terrace Cd Address: 2229 M STREET, NE, WASHINGTON DC Contact Phone: (202) License Number: CDC Capacity: 88 Age Range: Infant; Toddler; School-Age; Achievement and/or Accreditations: COA Days of Operation: Monday - Friday Normal Open Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program: Yes Type of Care: Full-Time Schools Served: Ward 5 Name: FULL GOSPEL TABERNACLE CHURCH CDC Address: TH ST NE, WASHINGTON DC Contact Phone: (202) License Number: CDC Capacity: 54 Age Range: Preschool; Days of Operation: Monday - Friday Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program: Yes Type of Care: Before and After School, Daytime, Full-Time Transportation: To/From School Schools Served: Ward 6 Child Care Resources Child Care Aware (800) (English/Spanish) National Child Care Information Center (800) (V; English/Spanish) National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care (800)

15 Respite Care Resources What is respite care? Respite care is a service in which temporary care is provided to children and adults with disabilities, or chronic or terminal illnesses. It enables caregivers and families to take muchneeded breaks from direct care. Listed below are locations and or individual professionals which offer respite care. National Family Caregivers Association (800) Navy Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Respite Care Washington, DC Easter Seals, in partnership with the National Association of Child Care Resources and Referrals (NACCRRA) and the Navy will provide 40 hours of FREE respite services to eligible Navy families. This service is provided through In-Home Respite Providers, Licensed Day Care/Family Child Care Centers, or Specialized Treatment Centers. To be eligible, the family must be enrolled in the Navy's EFMP. The EFM child must be between the ages of birth to 18 years, and is category IV or V. Professional Childcare Washington, DC ProAuPair provides professional Au Pairs for the childcare of your children. In particular, occupational therapists for families with children with autism. The Lollipop Kids Foundation 2001 S Street NW Suite 300 Washington, DC Contact Name: Debbie Sahlin Nancy Holland (202) Home (202) Cell In-home respite care provider for adults and children with disabilities. Serves the D.C. and the following areas in Maryland: Landover, Capitol Heights, New Carrollton, Upper Marlboro, Lanham, Bowie, Mitchellville and surrounding areas. Marjorie King In-home respite care provider for adults and children with disabilities Serves the Maryland, D.C. and surrounding areas Cell phone number: (301)

16 Resources for Dental and Medical Services Listed below are dental and medical providers who specialize in services for those with special needs. Dental Children's National Medical Center 111 Michigan Avenue, NW Washington, DC United States Accepts some insurance. NOTES HSC Pediatric Center 1731 Bunker Hill Road Northeast Washington, DC United States Developmental Pediatricians Children's National Medical Center, The Division of Developmental Pediatrics 111 Michigan Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20010, ; Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, Dr. Nina Scribanu, M.D., 3307 M St., NW, Ste. 401, Washington, D.C , , Spring Valley Pediatrics Dr. Sheila Shanahan, MD, FAAP 4900 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, , Ellen K. Hamburger, MD Phone: (202) Children s Pediatricians 2141 K St NW, Suite 401 Washington, DC William Gaillard, MD Phone: (202) Michigan Ave NW Washington, DC 20010

17 Developmental Pediatricians Roger Packer, MD Phone: (202) Michigan Ave NW, MS Washington, DC Phillip Pearl, MD Phone: (202) Children s Nat'l Med Center Center for Neuroscience Research 111 Michigan Ave NW Washington, DC NOTES Mary Latimer, MD Phone: (301) Reservoir Rd NW Washington, DC Cesar Santos, MD Phone: (202) Georgetown University Hospital, Peds-Child Neuro 3800 Reservoir Rd NW Pasquerilla Healthcare Center, Fl 2 Washington, DC Resource for Grooming Care Listed below is a grooming service provider who specializes in services for those with special needs. Haircuts and Stylists for Special Needs individuals Marcus Dockery Washington, DC Contact Madinspection@gmail.com Homebound Haircare is here to assure those in the Washington DC, Northern VA, and Maryland areas a safe and secure way of getting your child s hair styled and cut by coming to you. Sometimes it's too much stress getting to a salon. Please give us a call, as we are here to help those with difficulties by providing a safe and relaxing haircut/style in the privacy of their own home or any location needed.

18 Resources for Dental and Medical Services Listed below are dental and medical providers who specialize in services for children with special needs. Afterschool Programs Energizers Afterschool Club Dance Place s Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Creative Education Center th Street, NE, #102. Washington, DC Monday through Friday from 3:30-6:30pm Every day afterschool, youth participate in a creative education curriculum that includes cooking, arts & crafts, horticulture, reading, writing and math. The program provides physical play, weekly dance class (as part of our Kids on the Move classes), community service, homework help, fieldtrips and more. Pick up is available for youth attending charter schools located on 8th Street NE. Resources for Music and Dance Therapies Listed below are resources for music and dance therapies specializing in programs for children with special needs. Dance Programs ReVision Dance Company th Street NE, Washington, DC (202) blocks from the Brookland Metro ReVision is a contemporary modern dance company committed to artistic excellence and community building. Through performances, workshops and teaching residencies, ReVision works with diverse populations of professional dancers and novice movers. A unique aspect of our work is our dedication to engaging people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

19 Music Therapy The Levine School of Music 2801 Upton Street NW Washington, DC X1103 Contact Name: Leanne Belasco, MS, MT-BC, Director of Music Therapy The Levine School of Music offers Music Therapy services for individuals with special needs. Individual sessions and small group sessions are available. Resources for Art Therapies Listed below are art programs and therapies for children with special needs. Art Programs Art Enables 2204 Rhode Island NE Washington DC, DC United States Contact Name: Mary Liniger Resources for Events and Recreation Listed below are various programs and activities for children with special needs throughout the District of Columbia Events and Recreation Nova Cool Cats Special Hockey Verizon Center 601 F St NW Washington, DC Contact Name: David Debold Contact DDebold@gibsondunn.com Special Hockey Northern Virginia exists for the enrichment of the athlete with a developmental disability. In addition to physical hockey skills, the program emphasizes the development of desirable individual characteristics such as dependability, self-regulation Special Olympics D.C. 900 Second Street, NE, Suite 200, Washington, DC (202) The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

20 Events and Recreation Friday Night Fever Address: The HSC Pediatric Center 1731 Bunker Hill Rd NE, Washington, DC The Second Friday of Every Month7:00 pm - 8:30 pm September 9, 2016 Friday, October 14, 2016 Friday, November 11, 2016 Friday, December 9, 2016 Ages 11 and older, This event is open to the public Friday Night Fever is a chance for teens with disabilities to hang out with their peers. The program provides opportunities to participate in social events and make new friends. Activites vary month to month and include: teen dances, karaoke night, movies, game night, ice cream socials, various educational topics and more! For more information or to register, contact Robyn Winston Cohen at Address: Trinity University Gymnasium 125 Michigan Avenue, NE, Washington, DC Saturday, September 17, AM - 3 PM This event is open to the public The HSC Health Care System, in partnership with The HSC Pediatric Center s Kids in Action program, is hosting a free adaptive sports day. Children and young adults with disabilities ages 5 to 21 can choose from different activities, including wheelchair basketball, boccia, kayaking, wheelchair dance, wheelchair lacrosse, wheelchair tennis and more! All abilities are welcome to participate! Join us to learn more about adaptive sports available in the DC area. Provided: Free registration, adaptive instruction and equipment, lunch and parking A parent or legal guardian must be present to participate. Limited space is available. For questions, contact Robyn Winston Cohen at rwinston@hospsc.org

21 Events and Recreation Kids in Action An adaptive sports and social activities program for children and young adults with disabilities and their sisters and brothers. All kids should have the chance to play sports and be a part of activities with others their own age. We adapt our sports, social, and health-based activities and focus on each child's goals and strengths. Kids in Action began as a way for children with disabilities to participate in structured activities in the community. All events are supervised by licensed therapists so that anyone can participate. Who can participate? Children and young adults with disabilities ages 4 and older in the Washington, DC area and their sisters and brothers can participate. We welcome all abilities and make adaptations so everyone can participate. What do kids do? We host a wide range of activities for children of all levels: Sports and Activities. We offer team sports, like soccer, baseball, basketball, and other activities such as bowling, martial arts, yoga, and other activity-based outings. Teen Night. A regular teen night for ages 11 and older to hang out, make new friends, and join in the fun of social events. Social Activities. We host many activities, like game nights, dance workshops, ice cream socials, movies, talent shows and more! When are the activities held? Most activities happen on Saturdays. Some, like swimming, martial arts, and yoga are 6-8 week sessions and happen during the week. And don t wait. Some activities fill up, so sign up soon. Is there a cost and how do I sign my child up for activities? Most activities are free. Where can I find out more about Kids in Action? Contact Robyn Winston Cohen, our certified therapeutic recreation specialist. You can reach her at or rwinston@hospsc.org. Youth Athletic Program YAP Family and Community Development Center 2124 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE, Washington, DC When: Saturdays Where: Department of Parks and Recreation facilities throughout the Washington, DC area. Who: The Youth Athletic Program is designed for children with complex medical needs, but any young person can join as long as they are 5 years of age or older and live in Washington, DC. How to register call: English: Spanish: For more information, contact Cecil Doggett at or cdoggette@hscsn.org. Para información en Española favor de llama a HSCSN s Youth Athletic Program (YAP) is a sports program children (5 and up) with special health care needs and others. Children play sports like t-ball, soccer, golf, flag football, basketball and cheerleading. The Youth Athletic Program has these and other activities throughout the year: Spring: T-ball clinics Summer: Soccer and golf clinics Fall: Flag football Winter: Basketball and cheerleading We provide transportation to YAP events for HSCSN members. This is a program of HSCSN s Department of Family and Community Development

22 Parent s Corner and Activity Below are programs and activities just for YOU!! Parent Support Support Saturdays for Parents Parent Advocate Leaders Support (PALS) Group Meeting Sponsored by The HSC Health Care System-HSCSN When: Saturday, August 20, 10:00 am Where: Barry Farms Recreation Center 1231 Sumner Road SE, Washington, DC This event is open to the public Gain tools and knowledge on how to advocate for your child's special needs. Ensure that your child receives the right services at school. Take a break from the everyday challenges faced when caring for a child with special needs. Learn more about resources available to meet your child's special needs. Free breakfast, lunch, and child care provided. Skilled professionals will be available for monitoring purposes only - acting as first aid responders in event of an emergency. Transportation provided for HSCSN members only. Please RSVP by 1pm on the Wednesday prior to the PALS meeting. To RSVP, call Simona Wright-James at For more information, contact Cecil Doggett at A Day for Family Where: Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, Potomac, MD When: Saturday, September 10, 2016 Starts at 1:00 PM1:00 pm This event is open to the public 10th annual charity crab feast to support Kids in Action! The HSC Pediatric Center's Kids in Action program HSCSN is an adaptive sports program for children with disabilities and their siblings and includes team sports, social events and health classes. Admission includes all-youcan-eat crabs, (first come, first served!) burgers, hot dogs, sides, desserts and soda. Proceeds from the crab feast go to provide free, year-round events all funds raised will be matched by Kids in Action's sponsor, Beautiful Home Services. Space is limited!

23 Resources for Christmas Below is a resource to assist you with the upcoming Christmas holiday Santa s Helper Salvation Army s ANGEL TREE PROGRAM REGISTRATION 2016 Angel Tree is a program to help families in Washington, DC provides gifts for their children at Christmas. If your family needs assistance with gifts for your children ages 0-12 years old, then please register. August30 Sept. 30, 2016 Doors open at 9:00 AM The Salvation Army-SE Solomon G. Brown Building (Morris Road entrance) 2300 MLK Jr. Ave., SE October 4 Oct. 28, 2016 Doors open at 9:00 AM The Salvation Army-NW Sherman Avenue Corps 768 Morton Street, NW Please bring the following with you to registration: Picture ID (District Residents only) Birth Certificates for all children 12 years old and under Proof of Income(within 30 days) Proof of Residency (Current lease or rent receipt) All utility bills Please note: if you are not the lease holder, you must have a notarized letter stating that you and your children live there and pay $X amount for rent. You also must have other mailed documents (proof of income, pay stub, W2, etc ) at that address. Please also note: if you are residing at a shelter you must have a letter from the shelter stating the percentage you pay into escrow or any other fees you are responsible for. First 100 eligible families will be processed each day, first come, first served. *Registration for Angel Tree is subject to availability.* For more information, please call (202)

24 A DYI Activity for You to make for your child Weighted Lap Pad Weighted items are often requested by teachers to help kids who are fidgety, restless, and unfocused. Weighted items, including vests, lap pads, and neck wraps, are known to help children to focus. Deep pressure touch is soothing to a child because it can help a child to realize where their body is in space and produce a relaxed, calm feeling. To create a Do-It- Yourself weighted lap pad It literally cost $3.00 with items from the Dollar Tree and about fifteen minutes of effort. If you are a non-sewer, you could use a hot glue gun

25 How to make a DIY Weighted Lap Pad You need to buy: 2 washcloths or microfiber hand towels (I found these adorable ones with little animals) $ bag of beans (the bigger the better) $1.00 What to do: 1) Line the washcloths up with the seams together. Face the outsides (pretty sides) so they are touching. This way when you sew the first three sides together, they will be sewed neatly like a pillowcase. 2) Sew the first three sides together with a quick loop around stitch. I m sure that there is a sewing name for this, but I don t know it. 3) Tie off your third side with a strong knot. Flip your cloths inside out so the pretty sides are facing out now.

26 Buy two small bags of beans. Sew the sides really tight to avoid a bean burst. Sew a seam down the middle, to keep the beans evenly distributed. 1) Start off with your two pretty sides together, sew around three sides. 2) Measure the halfway across the middle mark. 3) sew a line straight down, separating your pillow into two long sections. Make sure your bags of beans will fit. 4) Open the bags and fill each section with beans. Sew the top closed. DONE! Voila!

27 My Activity Sheet Directions: Prepare your child for going back to school by helping him/her to color the activity sheet and talk about their school.

28 My Activity Sheet #2 Directions: Prepare your child for going back to school by helping him/her to color the activity sheet and talk about the supplies they may be use.