September 2018

Are you a subscriber? Receive this free email publication each month when you click here to subscribe!

Resilience helps us bounce back from adversity. It keeps us going when the chips are down and life gets tough. This acclaimed film shows how resilience has also become a movement of sorts, through research and innovative ways to treat toxic stress and trauma. The hour-long documentary, presented by Chester County's ACEs Coalition, explores adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the impact it has one one's overall health and well being. Tuesday, Sept. 25 7:30 - 9:30 PM The Colonial Theater, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville  Click here for free Tickets

Autism-Friendly Finds

Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown has been named a Certified Autism Center. It is the first zoo in the country to earn this certification. This month they expect to have sensory packs available for visitors. The packs will include such items as noise cancelling headphones, fidget toys and thinking putty. Visit the Elmwood Park Zoo website for more information.

The Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Autism Research (CAR) are offering a special autism awareness & education event and sensory friendly train ride on October 6. Find more information at this link .

The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts in Philadelphia has added sensory friendly performances throughout its 2018-19 season. Click link for more information.

Competence and Confidence, Partners in Policymaking at Temple University's Institute on Disabilities is offering a free training for families of children who receive Infant-Toddler Early Intervention or Pre-School Early Intervention Services Learn to navigate the PA Early Intervention System, Identify best practice supports and connect with community resources. Click here for the flier.

West Chester Area School District Hosts Preschool Fair Thursday, October 4 6:00 - 7:00 PM Spellman Education Center 782 Springdale Drive, Exton, PA 19341  Come learn about local preschool programs!

Promoting a Vision Throughout our lives, we strive for more than basic health and safety. Our conversations need to reflect that. We need to talk about our vision for a good life. In Pennsylvania, the LifeCourse framework is how we make our values and vision of everyday lives a reality. Learn more about charting a LifeCourse. C ontact Darcy Elks, Chester County Family Adviser, PA Family Network, at delks@visionforequality.org . 1-844-PAFAMILY  • 484-459-0538 Click for downloadable flier.

Chester County recognizes September as National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month. Visit the S uicide Prevention Task Force Facebook page and the Drug & Alcohol website for more info.

Join Chester County Early Intervention Connections! This group of parents and professionals meets every other month with information and presentations on a variety of topics. The group's current focus is on inclusion in preschool and school settings. We also plan social events and workshops for families. Click for the brochure with more information. Like our Facebook Page!

Stay informed with these resources! Use the underlined links to learn more .  PA Promise for Children website has information to help parents understand developmental milestones, tips to help children learn, advice on how to find the right child care for your family, strategies to manage challenging behavior, and much more! Healthychildren.org has an interactive tool for identifying delays and understanding what is typical for ages 0-5 - in English and Spanish. Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children Audiology Department announces their 5th Annual Audiology Conference for professionals serving children with hearing disorders in September. Chester County Early Intervention Connections has a Facebook page. Connect with us! Chester County Refer Web for social services in our area.

Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities www.chesco.org/mhidd Chester County Commissioners Administrator - Linda Cox Director, Early Intervention Services - Lori Gallagher