Jamey Wolff,
Program Director
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Reopening Parent Survey
We are beginning our thoughtful, coordinated effort to reopen our schools, but will not know more about the timing of in person sessions or what they will look like until our region moves into Phase Four of reopening and we have further guidance on safe school planning from the New York State Education Department and the Governor. A reopening committee of parents, staff, Board of Trustees and community members will assist in the planning process.
We also want to know what possibilities you would consider for your child. Please watch for a reopening parent survey that will be sent to you via a school messenger link at the beginning of the summer program. We also have a special email set up for your questions and comments by emailing
reopening@centerforspectrumservices.org,
Jamey Wolff
Co-Founder and Program Director
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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:
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Wed. 7/8 8:00 – 9:00 PM;
Thu. 7/23 10:00 – 11:00 AM;
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
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In Ellenville:
Tue 7/7 8:30 – 9:30 PM;
Wed 7/22 8:30 – 9:30 PM;
Mon 8/1 8:30 – 9:30 PM;
For Ellenville’s parent group, please RSVP to Elizabeth Forte:
Click Here
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Improving Challenging Behaviors Video
Improving Challenging Behaviors and Creating Positive Learning Environments at Home
Module 1: Pairing
In this module, parents will learn the important step of building a positive rapport before teaching.
Examples of how to join in play, condition people and environments with reinforcement will be discussed:
Click Here.
Picking Up Your Child's Belongings at School
If you haven't yet picked up your child's belongings, they are safely stored at the school. However, if you would like to retrieve items such as clothing, diapers, personal items, etc., we've added days for you to pick these items up.
This is also for students who will not be returning to school in the fall. Please let us know ahead of time what items you are requesting so that we will be sure to have them ready for you.
Click Here!
For Kingston Students:
Please email this list to
These items will be available for drive by pick up on:
Wed. July 15th from
9-12 and 4-6
Ellenville Students:
Ellenville will have their next pick date on: July 8th from 12-2.
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Food insecurities?
If you or someone you know is having a difficult time putting food on the table, t
hey are not alone. There is help!
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From the Desk of Tristia Ferris, Adaptive
Physical Education
"Tristia, these summer days have my son hopping to go outside, but I'm running out of ideas...HELP!"
Depending upon your child's abilities and sensitivities, you might want to try activities such as a backyard water slide, sprinkler, water table, water balloons, chalk, bubbles, and sandbox play.
Try bike or trike riding, hiking, or jumping on a low, safe trampoline. Also setting up obstacles, scavenger hunts, and even a car wash will keep them moving. Says Lisa Jo Rudy, writer and autism advocate, "It's important to find ways to help kids with autism participate in and enjoy physical activities."
Rudy adds that "regular exercise can prevent or reverse weight gain and has therapeutic benefits, too. Depending on the program and type of activity, participation can help with sensory integration, coordination and muscle tone, and social skills."
She also says that different forms of exercise benefit kids with autism in specific ways. Aerobic exercise may help decrease harmful self stimulating behavior and delivers the same health boosts as it does for neurotypical kids and adults: weight loss, heart health, stress relief.
Exercise that improves flexibility can help address problems associated with low muscle tone. Strength training can build a child's core muscles, which will in turn help with balance and coordination. Sports for Kids With Autism) Here are some are links for summer fun and exercise:
Click Here.
Easy exercises for kids—movements and games that they'll enjoy and benefit from, and that require no equipment, or large outdoor spaces, to do:
Click Here
.
Motivate kids to move on a hot day with these easy, inexpensive water play ideas for your backyard:
Click Here
.
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Tip from the
Nurse’s Office
The COVID-19 virus enters the body through the mouth, nose, and eyes, so special care needs to be taken to avoid touching these areas.
Wearing a mask when in public is a very effective way to prevent infection, along with thorough hand-washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol or greater).
Frequent disinfecting of common surfaces (desktops, doorknobs, faucets, etc.), is also critical in stopping the spread of this virus.
Please be careful and be safe.
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Tips for Zoom Sessions
By
Cheryl Engel, Ph.D
Get the most out of your child's Zoom lesson or therapy with these helpful hints.
Set up a designated work area (floor, desk, beanbag), minimize distractions (no TV on, no siblings, etc. in the room), and build in reinforcements (such as a sticker chart) to help create structure and motivation.
Prepare your child ahead of time for their Zoom session so they are ready when it is time to learn. For example, make sure they have used the bathroom alread, had breakfast or lunch so they are not hungry, did not just start a favorite movie or game that will be interrupted, etc.
Consult with your child’s team about using reinforcement during Zoom sessions if you are able to be there by their side throughout.This can be especially effective and reinforcing for them! (They have your attention and their tangible rewards!). If you cannot be next to them, be sure to have a promised reward ready for them after their Zoom session is done and they have succeeded!
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Thank you for working with us to make this happen! You are amazing!
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Prescriptions for Services
We are in the process of obtaining the prescriptions from your child’s pediatrician for summer and fall services. Please be sure to notify us if your physician has changed. Also note that your child may be due for a school physical. Some physicians will not write a prescription if the child is overdue for a physical.
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Increasing Your Child's Ability to Ask
In this video, Rebecca Robbins, Speech Pathologist and former CSS employee, gives creative ideas on how to increase your child’s ability to request.
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Check Out These Free or Low-Cost Webinars for Parents!
Dr. Aarti Nair,
Support for Individuals with ASD – Coping with Family and Virtual Interactions During COVID-19; (1 hour, 11 minutes)
Learn skills to manage day-to-day, provides some resources for virtual social interactions, and general guidelines about coping with the lockdown for individuals with ASD and their families. The first 30 minutes is geared towards individuals with ASD in general while the second half of the presentations is geared towards more verbal, pre-teen, teenagers with HF ASD. A copy of the power-point presentation is available.
https://www.autism.org/support-for-individuals-with-asd-coping-with-family-and-virtual-interactions-during-covid-19/
Amanda Tami, LPC, BCBA –
Coronavirus Impact: Talking to Kids about Changing Schedules, Altered Plans, and Disruption (1 hour, 5 minutes)
Ongoing schedule changes and uncertainty due to the spread of the Coronavirus can present special challenges. Learn ideas for providing compassionate support to individuals on the autism spectrum who are experiencing disruptions and anxiety related to the virus and its impact.
https://www.autism.org/coronavirus/
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70 Kukuk Lane, Kingston NY 12401 - 4 Yankee Place, Ellenville, NY 12428
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