Spectrum Services Parent eNewsletter

Parent eNewsletter

Put Your Mask on First!

Sandy Brownsey, MS, CAS, Program Coordinator

This article was originally written in April 2018. I had developed it to use the instructions you hear on a plane: “Be sure to put your mask on first before helping those around you” to be a metaphor for taking care of yourself first.

Who knew two years later, we’d all be putting our masks on. So, I’m keeping the title and changing the points just a little. Taking care of YOU is relevant now more than ever.

As parents of children with special needs, you already know there is extra stress in your life. Writer and Life Coach, Heather Plett, writes a blog on self-care and believes all parenting necessitates caring for your primary vehicle: yourself. “If you don’t want to find yourself stranded and broken down at the side of the road on one of the most challenging journeys of your life, take good care of yourself.”

Hopefully all of you have at least one route to self-care. Maybe you’re walking more, cooking more or just enjoying the quiet for a few minutes in the morning?

This important type of self-care does not consist of spending the day at a spa or even require a babysitter. It can be done in small pockets of time throughout the day by doing little things that can make a big difference. An unrushed shower, a nap, full episode of you favorite Netflix show, or even leaving the sink full of dishes to get a longer night sleep are examples.

Remember, you can only help others with their “mask” when your oxygen is fully flowing.

What have you done

for YOU lately?

Parent Training Series Module 3: Functions

of Behavior

In the 3rd module of the series “Improving Challenging Behaviors and Creating a Positive Learning Environment at Home,” we'll focus on understanding the function or the “why” of your child’s behavior.

These trainings focus on the key components of reinforcement and how to maximize the effectiveness of potential reinforcers to foster lasting, positive behavior change within both the home and school settings.

Click Here for this module!

Join us for Parent Support/Discussion Groups through Zoom

All parents are welcomed to connect with others who are feeling similar needs and circumstances.

Come to share your story, provide and receive support from others, or just listen in and feel connected. You are welcome to join groups from either site.

In Kingston: ;

Wed. 8/5 6:30 – 7:30 PM;

Tue. 8/18 8:00 – 9:00PM;

RSVP to Leah Siuta to be sent a link for each workshop: Click Here .

In Ellenville:

Mon 8/1 8:30 – 9:30 PM;

For Ellenville’s parent group, please RSVP to Elizabeth Forte: Click Here .

Tips From Our Psychology Department:

Daily Living Skills

Work on daily living skills such as brushing their teeth, washing hands, bathing, dressing, toileting or tying shoes.

We have the time to practice the things we often have to do for our children because we are rushing to get them out of the door; now, we have time at home…

Break the task down into small manageable pieces, encouraging the child to become more and more independent with one piece at a time

We are actively working on our re-opening plan which is being submitted for State Education approval. We will be making this plan available to you in the next few days. Please watch your text messages and emails to find this information. It will also be posted on our website.

Many of your questions and concerns will be addressed in these documents. Any additional questions or comments can be emailed by Clicking Here.

Tips From the School Nurse: Handwashing

Handwashing has long been a mainstay in the fight against infectious germs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vitally important keep our hands germ-free, and to teach our children how to effectively cleanse their hands.

Soap and water is preferred over hand sanitizer. Turn on water and apply an adequate amount of soap to cover both sides of hands to the wrist.

Scrub hands for 20 seconds (the time that it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice) making sure to include fingertips, between fingers and under rings. Dry with a clean towel. Turn off water with a clean paper towel.

Hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of 60% or greater is acceptable if soap and water is not available. Apply an adequate amount to cover both sides of hands up to the wrists, and rub in until dry.

We’re all in this together. Please help us have a healthy and successful school year in 2020-21.

Eligible Food Benefits

I If your child receives free or reduced-price school lunch, you will receive $420 in food benefits from the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program. P-EBT is a new program to help fill the school meals gap for children who lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to COVID-19 school closures. This includes all children who attend a school that provides free meals to all.

Important highlights of P-EBT:

Each eligible child will receive $420 in P-EBT food benefits.

P-EBT benefits can be used to buy food at SNAP-participating stores.

There is no application. P-EBT benefits will be issued automatically between June and August. Families who receive SNAP, Public Assistance, or Medicaid will get benefits on their current EBT or Medicaid card. Others will receive a new EBT card in the mail.

Your immigration status does not matter for P-EBT. Using P-EBT does not affect your or your child’s immigration status. The public charge rule does not apply to P-EBT.

P-EBT is not SNAP, and does not replace other nutrition programs. You can use other programs, like summer meals, SNAP, and WIC, while using P-EBT. You can still get “grab and go” or delivered meals from your school.

Visit HungerSolutionsNY.org/PEBT to learn more.

Check Out These Free or Low-Cost

Webinars for Parents!

Autism Research Institute is offering a Free Webinar on August 5 ^th , 1:00 pm (Eastern Time). Preparing for Back-School During COVID-19.

Learn about how to help your loved ones on the spectrum cope with social distancing, distance learning and ongoing change: Click Here for details.

If you miss the live presentation, a recording will be made available in the future.

70 Kukuk Lane, Kingston NY 12401 - 4 Yankee Place, Ellenville, NY 12428

www.centerforspectrumservices.org