Before the School Bell Rings

KidsAbility, Centre for Child Development, in partnership with KidsAbility School and K-W Habilitation Services will be conducting four parent information sessions entitled “Before the School Bell Rings”.  These sessions are for parents of children residing in Waterloo Region who will be entering school for the first time in September 2009, or leaving KidsAbility School.  These are children with 2004 or 2005 birth dates. 

To Register …
You may register for any or all of the sessions for a fee of $20.00 per family.  Please call Cindy Seftel at KidsAbility at 519-886-8886, Ext. 216 to register.  Cheques should be made payable to KidsAbility. Deadline for registration is December 12, 2008.

Resource Binder…
A binder is provided to each family who registers.  The binder contains information and worksheets for the sessions.

Cost …
There is a flat rate of $20.00 per family whether you attend one or more of the workshops.
All sessions will be held at KidsAbility, 500 Hallmark Drive, Waterloo,

• Session 1 and 5 – All About Me! An Advocacy Seminar
  This session will be offered twice:

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - Cambridge site

Registration - 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Program - 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

 

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 - Waterloo site
Registration  - 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Program  - 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Presenter:  Beverly Grant: parent of three children with special needs, actively involved in the Waterloo County Chapter of Autism Ontario. This experienced workshop leader helps parents become successful advocates for their children.
Program: How and why to compose a detailed advocacy document of your child’s special needs and useful strategies.

• Session 2 – Parents and School Working Together
  Saturday, January 17, 2009
  Registration  - 12:30 to 1:00 p.m.
  Program  - 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
  Presenters: A panel of parents will share their recent school entry experiences and will take questions from the audience.
  Program:  How to develop and maintain positive working relationships with your child’s teacher and principal.

The session will take place at KidsAbility,Waterloo site.

• Session 3 – The School System
  Thursday, February 12th, 2009

Registration  - 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Program  - 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Presenters: Representatives from the two Waterloo District School Boards, KidsAbility, K-W Habilitation Services and KidsAbility School
Program: Description of programs and services including therapy services offered by the two local school boards. Information about preparing for school entry.
The session will take place at KidsAbility,Waterloo site.

• Session 4 – Writing Effective Needs Statements
  Saturday, April 4, 2009

Registration - 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Program  - 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Presenter:  Lindsay Moir has many years experience in the education field as a parent, teacher, principal, Ministry of Education Consultant, private consultant and workshop leader.
Program: How to clearly communicate your child’s needs in language the school will understand.

The session will take place at KidsAbility,Waterloo site.