weConnect- August 3, 2021

IT'S NOT TOO EARLY TO PREPARE FOR

BACK TO SCHOOL 2021

Tips:

Begin establishing a back to school schedule now, such as earlier bedtime and wake up time, taking medication, a home staging area to keep school supplies in one place, practice walking to the bus, etc.
Attend back to school events, or ask to visit the school so your child can become familiar with the building and staff. Take photos to create posters or social stories for children to help prepare them for the transition back to school.
Read books about going to school or create a social story to help prepare young children, and/or children with Autism or other conditions.
Review your child's IEP/504 Plan.
Communicate with the school about changes in your child's needs, concerns or questions.
Listen to your child's expression of feelings without dismissing them. No need to fix or talk him/her out of worry. More strategies to help them cope with their worries will follow as SD Parent Connection addresses back to school issues throughout August...

CHECK OUT THESE BACK TO SCHOOL RESOURCES FROM

SD PARENT CONNECTION

Parent Briefs

Parent Guides

On-Line On-Demand Training

Addressing Transitions and Graduation
Assistive Technology Tips to Help Level the Playing Field
Communication, AAC and the IEP
My Child Has Dyslexia. Now What?!
My Child is Being Bullied at School
Social Emotional Wellness for Children During COVID-19
Strengthening Relationships & Communication with Your Child's IEP Team
Supporting Social Emotional Development of Young Children at Home
Understanding How Children Learn to Read
Understanding Reading Challenges
Understanding Red Flags of Concern for Your Child
Understanding Social Emotional Development of Young Children
What Should I Expect if My Child Has MTSS at School?
2020 Back to School Re-Entry Series: Getting Ready for Re-Entry; IEPs and Evaluations; Transitioning Back into School; Supporting Your Child's Health, Safety and Well-Being; Strengthening Relationships and Communication; Procedural Safeguards (Parent Rights)

DON'T MISS OUT! A FEW LISTINGS FROM OUR EVENTS CALENDAR...

Sat., Aug 18 from 11am to 4pm. Free Back to School Resource Fair

Rushmore Mall, Rapid City. ? Lisa Merchen at (605) 348-0305 or email

Wed., Aug 18 from 12-1pm CT/11am-12pm MT. Free Webinar: “I Forgot My Homework… Again!” Fortifying Executive Functions to Solve School Disorganization

Wed., Aug 25 from 6-8pm. Autism Family Support Group. Sioux Falls, Center for Disabilities.

Sept 16 &17. Northern Plains Special Education Virtual Conference.**

Sept 28 - 30. South Dakota Conference on Developmental Disabilities.** Sioux Falls.

Oct 12 & 13. 2021 Virtual Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Conference**

**Financial assistance for registration fees may be available from SD Council on Developmental Disabilities

LONG COVID: OCR & OSERS GUIDANCE

Long COVID, Section 504 and the IDEA: A Resource to Support Children, Students, Educators, Schools, Service Providers, and Families

To date, many students have contracted COVID-19 and are still experiencing its effects, in the form of what has come to be called “long COVID.” This 8-page resource builds on guidance issued by the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services concerning long COVID as a disability and clarifies that, for young children and students, long COVID can be a disability that gives rise to IDEA eligibility and may also be a disability under Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

ADDITUDEMAG.COM ARTICLE

Using 'Social Stories' to Ease the Transition Back to School

"Social stories" are reassuring yet directive narratives that help children learn to manage problems or unfamiliar situations. Here, an expert teaches parents and educators how to use a social story to smooth the return to the classroom for students with ADHD and/or autism, including an example you can adapt.

By Kathryn A. Welby, Ed.D.

ONLY TEN DAYS LEFT TO ENROLL IN MARKETPLACE INSURANCE COVERAGE

There’s a Special Enrollment Period due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. You can enroll in or change Marketplace health insurance plans through August 15, 2021.

To learn more or enroll in a plan:

Visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov
Find local help at Localhelp.HealthCare.gov
Call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 / TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325
Assistance is available in 150 languages
The call is free

This e-publication was developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education Project Grant H328M2000666 and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant H328M140021, Family to Family Health Information Center, $96,750; and approximately 5% financed with non-governmental resources. The contents should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by US Department of Education, HRSA, HHS or the Federal Government.