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Dear EFMP Families,
The EFMP office has a lot of things going on this spring and we hope you can participate in some if not all of the events! We have been working on our Healthy Living Series. The next workshop offered, Healthy Shopping, will take participants through the Camp Lejeune Commissary to locate healthy foods, teach families how to read labels, and provide suggestions for healthy eating habits. The Dietitian workshop on March 28 will focus on specific eating habits such as Gluten Free foods. We hope you can join us!
The workshop series Challenging Children is in full swing! Each session offers a different topic, and classes are scheduled during the day and night. Click for more information on the daytime events or the night events. We hope you can attend one, two or all of the classes.
Our EFMP Forum is scheduled for the 17th of March. It will begin at 1830 in the auditorium of the Russell Marine and Family Programs building. We will have many agencies attending and an opportunity for families to ask questions and learn of upcoming base events.
If you haven't noticed we have a new feature on our EFMP webpage! Our Google calendar shows the various workshops and classes offered. Check out the calendar on the Camp Lejeune Exceptional Family Member Program website.
Remember, FREE childcare is provided for all of our workshops. For daytime events a minimum of two weeks notice is required while evening events require a minimum of 3 days. For more information please call 451-4103 or 451-4394. |
| Respite Corner | | |
All families enrolled in EFMP are eligible for up to 40 hours per month of respite care reimbursement. Respite reimbursement starts at the CDC rate of $3.00 per hour.
All reimbursement requests are due by the 7th of the following month in which care was provided. When submitting your respite reimbursement request, please be sure to include the following information:
- Provider's original signature on receipts and reimbursement request form
- Times care was provided listed on receipts
- Parent's original signature on reimbursement request form
Once submitted, please allow 30 days (from the 7th to the 7th) to receive your reimbursement. For more information about respite reimbursement please contact Jeanna Rodriguez at 910-451-4754. |
| Another EFMP Forum on the Way! | | |
Our Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Special Needs Forum to be held March 17th, from 1830-2030, at the Russell Auditorium, Bldg 40, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
We would like to take the opportunity at the forum to highlight the new initiatives we are currently undertaking in collaboration with Semper Fit and MCCS Health Promotion, focusing on how exercise, meditation, and nutrition affects our state of being and quality of life. The forum will provide an "expo" type of experience in which families will have the chance to sample nutritious foods and walk away with delicious healthy recipes that they can easily master as well as learn the various ways in which to modified exercises based on their limitations or learn more about ways to reduce stress.
Enter our Healthy Cooking Contest by bringing a sample of your favorite healthy dish along with a copy of the recipe card. Recipes will be available online after the event at the EFMP website. The winner of the contest will receive a healthy living basket.
Please RSVP if you are planning to attend by calling Christina Diederich at 910-451-4103. |
| Housing | |
 EFMP families who may need an accommodation or modification made to their base living quarters may contact their EFMP Case Specialist. The Case Specialist will then notify Atlantic Marine Corps Community Housing office. |
| Navigating the Special Education Maze | |  By: Debbie Powell For many parents of special needs children, the educational system often seems like a maze that requires expert navigational skills. However, as a parent, you are your child's most important teacher and therefore should be your child's strongest advocate. You know your child better than anyone else and your input into the special education process is critical. As a parent you are a crucial player in all special education decisions and most importantly in developing an appropriate and effective IEP. So, as a parent of a special needs child...be prepared to participate! In order to be prepared a parent needs to do several basic things before attending educational meetings. Always request, in advance, a copy of any evaluation information and review that information carefully, making notes of questions you may have. Also, request and review a copy of all progress reports in all academic and behavioral areas. Before attending the meeting, be prepared to discuss your child's strengths and weaknesses, as well as academic, developmental and functional needs. You will probably also want to be able to discuss your concerns for enhancing your child's education and any special factors that need to be considered, such as behavior issues, language and communication needs, transitional needs, and assistive technology. Plan to have your materials and questions written down, so you don't forget once you get in the meeting. Remember, the school officials are there to help your child be successful and to help you understand the programs, so if you have questions, be sure to let them be known. The EFMP caseworkers are also available to help you understand special education issues. Always keep in mind that special education and the IEP is a process...so be prepared for your part in that process. |
| Disability Rights | | |
Suspensions/Expulsions and Manifestation Hearings
Often, I see frustrated parents who have a child with a disability who has been suspended from school. Many times, if the parent is seeking my advice it is because he or she has "had it up to here" with the school and feels helpless. Their child is getting into trouble and the school is suspending the child for actions the parent feels that the child may not be able to control. The parent is scared his/her child is being perceived by others as a threat and is afraid of the consequences of the disciplinary actions the school is taking. What rights does a parent have in this situation?
Students with disabilities can be suspended for not more than 10 days (short term suspensions) for violations of the school's code of conduct in the same manner as children without disabilities. However, the school cannot impose a suspension for more than 10 days (long term suspensions) or an expulsion as a punishment on a child with a disability without first convening a Manifestation Hearing. Please note and be aware that, under IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), that a series of removals that result in a pattern of exclusions that cumulate to more than 10 schools days may be considered a change in placement. Whether or not multiple suspensions create a "pattern" is determined by a number of factors, including the amount of time the student is suspended and the proximity of the suspensions to each other. For example, if a student is suspended for 5 days at the beginning of the school year and 6 days at the end of the school year, that would probably not be considered a change in placement.
Manifestation Hearings can be overwhelming for any parent. Generally, manifestation hearings should include all members of the child's IEP team and any other persons or professionals who can offer insight or information to the group regarding the child's behaviors, such as the child's psychologist or behavioral therapist. The purpose of the hearing is to determine if the actions of the child that created the need for discipline were a "manifestation" of the child's disability (i.e. was the bad act caused by or substantially related to the disability). Manifestation hearings are governed by 20 USC §1415(k)(1)(E)(i) and 34 C.F.R. 300.530(e)(1).
If you have concerns regarding your child's suspension(s) or if you have been notified that the school is going to hold a manifestation determination hearing, please seek the assistance of your case worker immediately for help in resolving this issue. If you still have concerns, please call or email me for legal advice. Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek help!
Vickie M. O'Brien
Attorney for Exceptional Family Members
Marine Corps Installations East
PSC Box 20005
Camp Lejeune, NC 28542-0005
(910) 451-9730
vickie.obrien@usmc.mil |
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ACT Today!
Autism Care & Treatment Today! | |
 Grant Program Notice ACT Today! is proud to offer a grant program for assessments, treatments, and life supports that may not otherwise be covered privately or by other third-party funding sources such as school districts, county programs, insurance, and/or other grant making entities. Applicants who meet the grant program criteria and complete the Grant Application will be considered for ACT Today! grants.
Applicants must demonstrate financial need and send in required documentation. Below is a list of the dates of the upcoming grant deadlines:
Applications Postmarked by: Recipients Announced by:
April 30, 2011 June 15, 2011
July 31, 2011 September 15, 2011
October 31, 2011 December 15, 2011
The grants are designed to provide access to individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Grant payments will be made directly to pre-approved treatment providers, assessors or materials vendors.
http://act-today.org/act-today-grant-program.php |
| In The Cage 4 Kids | |  A FREE Service for kids with special needs! In The Cage 4 Kids is a nonprofit organization that provides free facilities, training, special equipment and hold events throughout the year that sponsor and boost the confidence of children with diseases, illnesses and special needs through participation in mixed martial arts. In The Cage 4 Kids also works with other charities to support families, especially when parents have to take time off from work to travel or visit with children during hospital stays. The organization provides recreational and speech therapists to help students get the most of out their classes. For those who are unable to compete in martial arts, Baker said that they will search for other opportunities that they can participate in, including ring announcers and corner men for MMA events, advertisement and T-shirt design and community projects. "There's a lot of cool things they can do; it's all about imagination and teaching responsibility and how to deal with everyday life with a disability," Baker said. "It doesn't have to all be on the mat." WANT TO GO? In The Cage 4 Kids is operated at Combat Club Martial Arts and Fitness, located at 925 N. Marine Blvd. in Jacksonville. To set up an appointment or for more information, call 910-378-2003 or visit inthecage4kids.com. Full article available online from the Jacksonville Daily News. |
| Library Update | | |
The EFMP Library has several new
books that go along with our Healthy Living series. Come and see our selection of books including those listed below!
- Overweight - What Kids Say
- The Supermarket Guide - Food Choices for You and Your Family
- The Essential Gluten-Free Grocery Guide
- Your Child's Weight - Helping Without Harming
- Eat This and Live! For Kids
Families may check books out. If you are interested please let us know and we can assist you with the check-out process. |
| Healthy Living | | |
Nutrition Quiz taken from WebMd.Com
These days, we know better than to fall prey to food folklore, such as the myths that vitamins provide energy and snacking on chocolate is unhealthy -- right? Or did you think these two were true? Take this quick quiz to see how much you know about healthy eating.
1. Nibbling on chocolate may actually be good for you.
True - Researchers have found that cocoa, an ingredient in chocolate, may help prevent plaque from building up in the arteries and may reduce the risk of heart disease. Even though chocolate contains healthy ingredients, it is still loaded with fat and sugar and should be enjoyed in small portions.
2. Cottage cheese isn't a particularly good source of calcium.
True - There are about 65 milligrams of calcium in a ½-cup portion of cottage cheese, while an 8 ounce serving of milk or yogurt contains nearly 300 milligrams and an ounce of cheddar cheese about 200 milligrams.
3. Butter and margarine have about the same amount of calories.
True - There are about 100 calories and 12 grams of fat per tablespoon of stick margarine or butter. Margarine is made from a liquid oil that is turned into a solid through a process called hydrogenation. This process adds unhealthy trans fats, which increase the risk of heart disease. If you prefer margarine, look for trans fat-free margarine spreads that are lower in calories and fat.
4. Popeye was right...spinach really does build strong muscles!
False - Dark leafy green vegetables are rich sources of folate. Spinach also contains iron and is super-nutritious but what builds strength is exercise, not iron or any other nutrient. Eating a healthy diet and engaging in strength training is the recipe for building muscles.
5. Snacking doesn't always make you fat.
True - The bottom line is the total number of calories you eat, not how often you eat them. Snacking may even take the edge off hunger so you don't overeat at mealtime. In order to prevent snacks from causing weight gain, enjoy them between meals and choose snacks that are rich in fiber and lean protein and low in fat and calories.
6. Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables contain fewer nutrients than the fresh fruits and vegetables.
True - There's usually little difference. The canned or frozen varieties may even have more nutrients because they are processed at their peak, during harvest. What is most important is to enjoy nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day regardless of fresh, frozen, canned, or dried. |
| Recipe/Cooking Corner | | |
Vegetable Lasagna
Recipe donated by Maria Ready
Ingredients:  15 oz Lowfat Ricotta Cheese
3 cups Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
1 big Onion
1 big Bell Pepper
Olive Oil
1 box Lasagna (no boil) noodles
1 tsp salt
Garlic
Frozen Chopped Spinach - 9 oz.
2 1/2 jars Ragu (Chunky Gardenstyle Super Vegetable Primavera).
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350º.
Heat up sauce on low for approximately 20 minutes
Sauté onions, bellpeppers and garlic in olive oil until tender
Defrost spinach in pot add 1/4 cups of water and wait for boil, take fork, break apart; drain and squeeze water
Combine - Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan and salt. Add onions, bellpeppers and spinach.
In 9 x 12 pan, add sauce enough to cover bottom. Layer noodles, then cheese combo with vegetables, noodles, sauce, cheese combo, noodles, sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
Cook for approximately 40 minutes. Cover with aluminum and continue to bake for another 15 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes prior to serving. |
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Please let us know if you have any ideas for workshops or information you would like to see in future newsletters. We appreciate your feedback.
Don't forget to add us as a friend on FaceBook!
Sincerely,
Christina Diederich
MCCS-EFMP
The contents found at the hyperlinks and external websites are the views of the authors and editors. They are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the USMC and MCCS. The appearance of advertising on any external link does not constitute endorsement by the USMC or MCCS of the products or services advertised. |
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