50 logobelieving

 REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.

March 10, 2014 

 

This information exchange, sponsored by Reach, is by parents for parents.  It's content is  guided by Reach's mission to provide choices for families,  be family centered, facilitate inclusion, and  exist as a quality resource.  The information is meant to meet the needs of a multitude of families' interests.  We caution readers that Reach does not investigate all claims, and that claims  made  are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Reach. Readers are encouraged to undertake further investigation on their own of items noted. 

 _________________________________________________

top

Quick Links

 

Reach News 

Help a Parent?  

 Autism

 ADD/ADHD

 Down Syndrome  

Education  

FASD

Medical and Mental Health 

Sensory   

Technology

Transitions

Ministry Information

Workshops and Training

Seasonal

Other

Submissions and Questions?  

 _________________________________________________



Reach
Reach News
 

  • Volunteers Needed!

    Reach Child and Youth Development Society is a Ladner based non-profit organization that supports children with special needs. We are opening a small children's thrift store in downtown Ladner in April 2014 to help raise funds for our children's preschool.

    We need several volunteers to help make this thrift store a success.

    The thrift store, FINDS, will be open from 10am to 2pm three to five days per week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to at least one four to five hour shift per week. Sales and cashier volunteers must be available to work between 9.30am to 2.30pm at least one day per week. Sorting and pricing volunteers have more flexibility in hours (eg after school, evening or weekends are options depending on our volunteers' schedules).

    Examples of volunteer duties include, but are not limited to:             

    • Sorting and pricing
    • Sales
    • Cashier
    • Opening and closing the store

    Resumes please email here or fax (604) 946-6223 or mail to #3-3800 72nd Street Delta BC V4K 3N2  Attention Volunteer Coordinator.  We thank everyone for their interest but will only  contact candidates selected for an interview.

      
  • REACH in collaboration with the Delta Early Children's Development Committee present Workshops for Delta Parents. Positive Parenting: The Basics For Parents of children ages 2-12

    You will learn: Positive strategies for dealing with difficult behaviours,how to defuse power struggles, offer appropriate choices,be consistent,provide consequences, model appropriate behaviour and much more!You have three choices for times and dates - choose A, B or C! 

    And for those that have already taken Positive Parenting the Basics - please choose D - The Basics and Beyond! For parents of Children 2 - 18 - you must have taken the pre-requisite course of Positive Parenting the Basics. In this class you will learn further strategies for strengthening your relationshisp and go deeper into learning the meaning of your child's behavior and how to develop teaching strategies that are specific to your child's profile and situation.

     

    A

    two

    � Day classes

    B

    one

    Full Day

    C

    Two

    Evenings

    D - ADVANCED

    One

    Full day

    Day

    Tuesdays

    Saturday

    Thursdays

    Saturday

    Dates

    April 1 and 8th

    April 5th

    May 22 and 29th

    June 14

    Time

    10:00 - 2:00

    9:30 - 4:30

    6:30 - 9:30

    9:30 - 4;30

    Childminding

    NO

    YES

    NO

    YES

    Location

    Delta Assist

    9097 - 120th Street

    Delta BC

    Reach

    #3- 3800 72nd Street

    Delta BC

    Reach

    #3- 3800 72nd Street

    Delta BC

    Reach

    #3- 3800 72nd Street

    Delta BC

    Register by emailhere Or phone: 604-946-6622, ext.359

    $20workshop fee can be paid at the door. Cash or cheque only. Please let us know if you need childminding on the days it is provided. We need to know the ages of your children and if they require any extra special care. If you register for any of the following - April 1, 5, 8 or June 14th please feel free to bring a nut free lunch. 

       
  • 3 Evening Workshop: Parenting the Anxious Child. Do you feel like your child is showing some signs of fear or worry that affect his or her daily life? If you answer yes to this question, your child may be suffering from anxiety and there are things you can do to help. This 3 session workshop for parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 12 will address the biological, psychological and social aspects of anxiety with proven strategies to help your anxious child. Facilitator: Yvonne McKenna, Canadian Certified Counsellor
    Mondays, April 28, May 5 & 12 7:00pm - 8:30pm Reach Child & Youth #3-3800 72nd St. 
    • For more information call Yvonne at Reach Child and Youth Development Society
      604.946.6622 ext. 347  or email here 
    • Cost is $25pp/$40couple (payable at first session)
      Please call Yvonne at 604.946.6622, ext.347 or email: here 
  • Social Smart Group - Learning Social Skills and Using them!
    Social skills are one of the most important skills that children need to learn. More importantly, children need to have the opportunity to use the social skills they have learned. Social Smart Group is a program that provides a natural setting where children with Autism and special needs will be learning and practicing the social skills through playing, chatting, snacking, outing, and more. Social Smart Group is a 1.5-hour program that runs once a week for 10 weeks. There will be 8 children in the group, programmed by one behaviour consultant and one group facilitator. Throughout the 10 weeks, our goal is to help strengthen their social skills by guiding, coaching, and supporting their social interaction with their peers.
    • Who: Grade 5 - 7 boys and girls Time: Tuesday, 6:00pm - 7:30pm Dates: April 8th -June 10th, 2014 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $700 per child for 10 weeks
    • Who: Grade 2 - 4 boys and girls Time: Wednesday, 6:00pm - 7:30pm Dates: April 9th-Jun.11, 2014 Location: 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta Cost: $700 per child for 10 weeks
    • Registration - Monisha Jassi: TEL: 604-946-6622, ext 315 or
      Email here
       
  • FINDS - Thriftshop at REACH! Raising funds to help support Reach programs 
    Open Every Monday 9:00am - 11:30am  CASH ONLY purchases (no credit cards or debit cards) #3-3800 72nd Street, Delta, BC 604.946.6622 ext. 300
    Donations can be dropped off Monday to Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm
    Please bring in your clean, resalable quality items for children 12 years and under: children's clothing, shoes, bedding, books, toys, DVD's, and games including functioning electronic games. We will also accept and sell maternity wear. 
  • REACH PARENT SUPPORT GROUP  
    This group is for you if you are a parent or guardian of a child with additional needs who would like to talk with other parents about your struggles, concerns, successes and strategies. We meet to talk about certain topics and local resources, but mostly we are meeting to support each other in our journey with our children.
    Led by clinical counsellor, Yvonne McKenna, this monthly drop-in group might just be what you need.
    Where: Reach Play and Learn Centre, 11425 84th Ave, Delta
    When: The 2nd Tuesday of the month - 6:30 to 8:00 pm 
  • REACH PARENT CIRCLE: Parent Support Circle is a free, monthly, confidential parent gathering with a focus on parenting children with ADHD or behaviour challenges. Led by trained facilitators. The last Friday of every month from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.at Reach, #3 3800 72nd street Ladner
    To register call Robyn at 604-946-6622 ext.328 or email here
    or call Bella at 604-569-3110 or email here 
  • We're building a child development centre in the heart of the community  Click here  to find out how you can help.

Click here to see our WEBSITE! 

 

Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Donate online

back to menu

 _________________________________________________

Help
Help a Parent?
  •   
 

back to menu

 _________________________________________________


Autism

Autism

  • Reaching My Autistic Son Through Disney.  In the year since his diagnosis, Owen's only activity with his brother, Walt, is something they did before the autism struck: watching Disney movies. "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin" - it was a boom time for Disney - and also the old classics: "Dumbo," "Fantasia," "Pinocchio," "Bambi." They watch on a television bracketed to the wall in a high corner of our smallish bedroom in Georgetown. It is hard to know all the things going through the mind of our 6-year-old, Walt, about how his little brother, now nearly 4, is changing. They pile up pillows on our bed and sit close, Walt often with his arm around Owen's shoulders, trying to hold him - and the shifting world - in place. Click here to read more 
  • Anthony at Your Service: Errands, Pick-ups, & Deliveries within Edmonton.Anthony is a gentle, joyful young man with autism, who has started his own delivery business.  Anthony is a man in his mid-twenties who has autism. It's difficult for Anthony to talk, but he loves meeting people, visiting new places, and helping out. With the help of his family and his assistant Mike, Anthony started Anthony at Your Service, a small pick-up and delivery business. It gives Anthony meaningful work that he enjoys, and allows him to be part of the community.  Please click here to learn more and see his video! 
  • Autism diagnoses may drop by a third under new guidelines: study. New guidelines for defining autism spectrum disorders may reduce the number of diagnoses by almost one-third, according to new research from Columbia University. A review of relevant literature and data, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, raises questions about the future of children who have developmental delays, but no longer meet criteria for an autism diagnosis. Click here to read more 
  • Asperger Syndrome, a Trait in Great Demand.  Asperger syndrome has been long considered an obstacle in a child's harmonious social development, but nowadays this disorder on the autistic spectrum has become a trait in great demand, especially when it comes to the labor market. Even though it is still perceived by some as autism, what determined pediatrician Hans Asperger to nickname children suffering from Asperger syndrome "little professors" was the preoccupation they had for a certain subject and the reason why most of those who know how to channel their gift end up being prodigies. Click here to read more 
  • Fraser Valley Autism Society (FVAS) Click here for website!  
    •  The Fraser Valley Autism Society has resumed its free monthly meetings
      for the season. Meetings will alternate between Chilliwack and Abbotsford on a monthly basis.  For more information please visit Our website here or email HERE
      Karen Davis,President, Fraser Valley Autism Society

       

  back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

ADD

ADD/ADHD

  • The ADHD Food Fix Studies show that a high-protein, low-sugar, no-additive diet, combined with ADHD-friendly supplements, can improve ADHD symptoms. I've used nutritional interventions for hundreds of people with ADHD during the past 24 years. Dietary changes can result in significant improvements in symptoms of hyperactivity, concentration, impulsivity, and even oppositional behavior. Many people are eager to try foods and supplements to help manage ADHD symptoms, but often don't know where to start. Here are dietary changes that, I have found, deliver the most symptom relief. Click here to read more  
  • Benefits of Breakfast: ADHD and Nutrition A high-protein meal in the morning can help your ADHD child learn through the rest of the day. Maryanne knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but getting her son, eight-year-old Steve, who has attention deficit disorder (ADHD), to eat in the morning is difficult. Getting his clothes on, teeth brushed, and backpack filled leaves Maryanne little time to prepare a morning meal, let alone something Steve will eat. Click here to read more 
  • Keep Your Child Calm and Carry On. A pediatrician explains why many kids with attention deficit grow up to be anxious adults.Take a moment and think back to second grade. The teacher explains how to solve a word problem. You know, those awful problems that start out with, "If Johnny has 10 apples, and Suzy has three apples..." You listen, but your lovable dog Max pops into your head and you spend a few seconds or minutes (you are never sure how long) smiling to yourself about how you love Max. Click here to learn more 
  • Strategies to Help Your ADHD Child Fib Less. Understand why kids with ADHD are more prone to tell lies - and learn what you can do to help guide your ADHDer to honesty.
    Liar, Liar All children lie occasionally. But because of impulsivity and low self-esteem - and their tendency to make mistakes that they think need covering up - kids with ADHD are especially prone to stretching the truth. How should parents react when they catch their child in a lie? Use these strategies to help your child recognize the importance of telling the truth. Click here to read more 
  • Sensory Processing Disorder 101 FOR ADHD. Everything you need to know about Sensory Processing Disorder - from the definition and symptoms, to diagnosis and treatment. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition that makes it difficult for the body to receive messages from the senses and turn them into the appropriate motor and behavioral responses. A child with SPD finds it hard to process and act upon the information received through his senses: sounds, sights, movement, touch, smell, and taste.Click here to read more 
  • Support and Structure for the Sensitive Child The right routines and small changes at home can mean comfort, security, and success for kids with sensory processing issues.If you are raising a child with ADHD, you understand John's challenges. John has a hard time getting ready for school in the morning. He is nine years old, with ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). He doesn't take his ADHD medication when he first gets up, and his mom often finds him on the bedroom floor, distracted by a poster on the wall or a dust bunny under his bed.  click here to read more 
  • Emotional Control Strategies for ADHD Kids. When ADHD kids practice controlling their emotions and impulsive outbursts, they will be healthier and happier at school and at home. Here's how parents can help: Controlling emotions, or emotional control, is the ability to manage emotions in order to achieve goals, complete tasks, or direct behavior. Some kids with attention deficit handle their emotions just fine, others don't. Empathy works well with all children. click here to learn more   

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________



 DOWNS  Down Syndrome  

        

  • DSRF Family Skate Event:  March 21,2014
    • 5:15 - 7:30pm
    • Burnaby 8 Rinks, 6501 sprott st. burnaby 
    • skate and helmut rentals included
    • for tickets contact hina mahmood 604-444-3773 or email here 
    • rsvp by March 14, 2014
  • Cristina's Tortina Shop: Our unique Cupcakery was created for my daughter Cristina and other individuals with Down syndrome. CTS creates equal employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome, Autism and other Special Needs.  As a team, we are advocates for recognizing and supporting the abilities of these individuals. Cristina's Tortina Shop will "Showcase their Capabilities" to customers who visit the shop and enjoy beautifully prepared and always delicious desserts. CTS employees will also develop a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their own learned abilities to make unique cupcakes, specialty cakes, cookies and other treats as they share their skills with customers and develop a sense of leadership and camaraderie as a member of the cupcake team and society.Please check out their website here 

     
  • 2014 Mission Possible Down Syndrome Cruise Conference
    7 nights round trip to Alaska ! On board Celebrity's Solstice Ship - the Jewel of Alaska
    Departs July 4, 2014 from Seattle, Washington.Please join us for the next Mission Possible Down Syndrome Cruise Conference.  This conference will have speakers covering Education, Biomedical and Therapies for Down Syndrome.  It is open to:
    �         Children and Adults with Down syndrome
    �         Parents
    �         Caregivers
    �         Teachers
    �         School Aids
    �         Homeschool community �         Therapists
    You will all benefit from our fantastic group of speakers.  The networking and connections made on this Cruise will be a wonderful experience for everyone who joins us. Click here for more information 
  • You are Invited to a Delta Down Syndrome Support Group meeting: OUR GOALS ARE
    � To provide guest speakers (Reach therapists, community
    professionals and other programs) to discuss common issues
    � To provide support and information to families in Delta who
    have a child with Down Syndrome
    � To help connect parents of children with Down Syndrome
    � To provide monthly meetings for parents and their children
    � To provide on-site child minding while you attend the
    discussion
    When: First Thursday of each month
    Where: Reach Developmental Preschool North Delta
    10921 - 82nd Avenue, Delta, BC
    Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
    Cost: No charge
    Light refreshments provided
    Please RSVP to Sarah Garnham at 604-946-6622 extension 321.
    or email here 

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

Education

Education


  •  

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

FASD

FASD

 

  • Langley - FASD adoptive and foster parents. Monthly support group meetings for those with children who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Info: Jamie, 604-530-5917.

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

Sensory
    • Please check this out - the Rapid Prompting Methold! 

 _________________________________________________

 

MedicalMedical and Mental Health

    

 

  • The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and the FORCE Society for Kids' Mental Health are pleased to announce an amazing lineup of educational events  To find out more about the dates, topics, and how you can join in, view our poster or visit our website HERE .
    Time Thursdays, 12-1pm (PST)
    Registration PHONE 604-875-2084 or 1-800-665-1822
    EMAIL HERE
    WEB HERE  
  • Mind Matters e-newsletter provides new resources and programs offered by Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division and is committed to the mental health of British Columbians. Click here for the current edition    

 _________________________________________________

Technology

Technology

 

 

back to menu 

Technology

Transitions  

 

 

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

Ministry

Ministry Information  

 

  • Community Living British Columbia:
    Responsible for delivering services and supports for adults with developmental disabilities   
    • NEW Scholarship Fund Launched for Adults with Developmental Disabilities 
      Community Living BC (CLBC) and the BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) today launched a $100,000 scholarship fund to benefit adults with developmental disabilities being served by CLBC across the province. The fund was established as a result of bargaining negotiations between CLBC and BCGEU. Starting today, people being served by CLBC will be eligible to apply for a scholarship to support their personal and professional development. Applications for 2014 will be accepted until March 3.A maximum contribution of $2,500/person will be established and funding priorities will focus on:
      • skills training related to securing employment opportunities
      • training courses being offered by accredited BC institutions
      • indirect costs associated with attending post-secondary education and training
      • community recreation activities that promote quality of life and new skills
        

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________


WorkshopsWorkshops and Training 

  • Asperger syndrome in adulthood: Our kids are growing up.Tuesday, March 11, 2014 Time: 07:00PM - 8:00PM SF Walker is a behaviour consultant and the co-owner of Coach Family Services. She also has Asperger syndrome and will be sharing anecdotes and insight about life on the spectrum. The cost is $10, payable in cash or cheque at the door. NO CHARGE for Self-Advocates! 11295 Mellis Drive Richmond, BC To register contact us: here 
  • THROUGH THE CHILD'S EYES: SENSE AND SENSITIVITY. DR. VANESSA LAPOINTE
    This workshop is suitable for all parents, early learning and child care professionals and child-involved professionals.For some of our children, the world is simply too much. There is too much noise,bright lights, intense emotions...too much, too much, too much!! It is as thoughone or more parts of their sensory systems have been born with no protection.
    Sometimes it is a sensitivity in terms of emotions, sometimes a sensitive with one or more specific sensory systems (e.g. tactile, taste, smell, etc.). Regardless, it often leads to a child who appears easily overwhelmed, who can have interesting and challenging behaviours, who may withdraw or tune out, and who may begin to experiencing anxiety and frustration. In this workshop we will work to understand the experience of the sensitive child. We will discuss the underlying causes of sensitivity, the developmental risk that presents for the sensitive child, and ultimately, ways to support and respond to the needs of the sensitive child. Participants can expect to leave with a clearer understanding of how to make sense of sensitivity. Dr. Lapointe is a registered psychologist who has been supporting families and children for 15 years. Child Care Options #100-6846 King George Blvd. Surrey $30.00
    Call Child Care Options to Register 604.572.8032
  • Domestic Violence Focused Couples Treatment: A Safe Model. Dr. Sandra Stith will present a successful model for treating mild to moderate domestic violence. Contrary to accepted wisdom situational violence can now be safely addressed in couples treatment, with this safety focused model.The treatment is based on a solution-focused therapy and targets couples who choose to stay together after experiencing situational Intimate Partner Violence. The treatment program is offered to individual couples and to couples participating in multi-couple groups. The 2-day workshop will include suggestions for screening appropriate clients and a clear description of the treatment model. Participants will be encouraged to share their own success stories and the challenges they experience working with these couples. Dr. Stith illustrate the model using video from her work.
    • March 27 & 28, 2014 La Perla Ballroom , New Westminster, BC #230 - 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC For more information, please contact Jenny Lee at 604-434-9101 Ext.334 or email here 
  • Building Learning Rich Schools! EVERYONE WELCOME! What's in it for all of us? Join us for a conversation about:
    • how do we enrich the learning outcomes for all students
    • how do we ensure that all children feel that they belong
    • Saturday April 5, 2014 8:30am - 1:00pm McMath Secondary School 4251 Garry Street, Richmond BC
    • Keynote Speaker: Bruce Beairsto
    • Interactive student and adult panels
    • Research presentation
    • To register please contact 604-279-7040 or email email here  BY MARCH 28, 2014
    • sponsored by the Richmond Society for Community Living and the Richmond School District
  • AMY WETHERBY IN BC!! Friday & Saturday April 4 & 5, 2014 SFU Downtown Campus - Harbour Centre Vancouver, B.C.  Diagnosing and Treating Young Children with ASD
    the Potential of Community-based Diagnosis & Treatment.This presentation will demonstrate that it is possible to achieve a reliable diagnosis and provide developmentally appropriate, evidence-based intervention for young children in community settings by training community professionals and parents. Dr. Wetherby will also review the newly implemented DSM5 - she served on DSM5 Committee on Neurodevelopmental Disorders that established the new criteria for ASD diagnosis. Click here for more information 
  • REACH in collaboration with the Delta Early Children's Development Committee present Workshops for Delta Parents. Positive Parenting: The Basics For Parents of children ages 2-12. 

    You will learn: Positive strategies for dealing with difficult behaviours,how to defuse power struggles, offer appropriate choices,be consistent,provide consequences, model appropriate behaviour and much more!You have three choices for times and dates - choose A, B or C! 

    And for those that have already taken Positive Parenting the Basics - please choose D - The Basics and Beyond! For parents of Children 2 - 18 - you must have taken the pre-requisite course of Positive Parenting the Basics. In this class you will learn further strategies for strengthening your relationshisp and go deeper into learning the meaning of your child's behavior and how to develop teaching strategies that are specific to your child's profile and situation.

     

    A

    two

    � Day classes

    B

    one

    Full Day

    C

    Two

    Evenings

    D - ADVANCED

    One

    Full day

    Day

    Tuesdays

    Saturday

    Thursdays

    Saturday

    Dates

    April 1 and 8th

    April 5th

    May 22 and 29th

    June 14

    Time

    10:00 - 2:00

    9:30 - 4:30

    6:30 - 9:30

    9:30 - 4;30

    Childminding

    NO

    YES

    NO

    YES

    Location

    Delta Assist

    9097 - 120th Street

    Delta BC

    Reach

    #3- 3800 72nd Street

    Delta BC

    Reach

    #3- 3800 72nd Street

    Delta BC

    Reach

    #3- 3800 72nd Street

    Delta BC

    Register by email: here Or phone: 604-946-6622, ext.359

    $20 workshop fee can be paid at the door. Cash or cheque only. Please let us know if you need childminding on the days it is provided. We need to know the ages of your children and if they require any extra special care. If you register for any of the following - April 1, 5, 8 or June 14th please feel free to bring a nut free lunch.  

       
  • FASD: Changing the Conversation 6th National Biennial Conference on Adolescents and Adults  with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    April 9 to 12, 2014 | Hyatt Regency Hotel | Vancouver, BC. The conference will bring together a diverse group of professionals, families and individuals with FASD to discuss research, evidence, model practice and ideas to expand how we sustain and enhance the lives of individuals with FASD. Participants will consider and debate how we continue to build on strengths and modify existing programs, services and systems to address barriers to ethical practice in healthcare, housing, social services, mental health, criminal and civil justice, employment and education. Participants will explore ideas for the creation and provision of integrated and collaborative approaches across systems with an emphasis on inclusion, creating a good life, social justice and practicality. Click here to learn more 
  • Sharing the Autism Diagnosis with your child:What will they think? How will they react?
    When is the right time? right age? What do we say? Who else do we tell? when and why?
    Sharing the autism diagnosis with our children can be scary. Come and learn how you can positively share this information with your child so they can feel great about themselves and learn to become their own advocates. Presented by Pam Collins.
    April 9, 2014 7 - 9 pm
    Richmond Caring Place 340 - 7000 Minoru blvd, Richmond
    Free, but registration required.
    To register, please contact Llaesa Brownridge at 604-279-7014 or email here
    sorry, childcare not available
  • Reach 3 Evening Workshop: Parenting the Anxious Child. Do you feel like your child is showing some signs of fear or worry that affect his or her daily life? If you answer yes to this question, your child may be suffering from anxiety and there are things you can do to help. This 3 session workshop for parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 12 will address the biological, psychological and social aspects of anxiety with proven strategies to help your anxious child. Facilitator: Yvonne McKenna, Canadian Certified Counsellor
    Mondays, April 28, May 5 & 12 7:00pm - 8:30pm Reach Child & Youth #3-3800 72nd St. 
      • For more information call Yvonne at Reach Child and Youth Development Society 604.946.6622 ext. 347  or email here 
      • Cost is $25pp/$40couple (payable at first session)
        Please call Yvonne at 604.946.6622, ext.347 or email: here 
      
  • My Tween & Me Leader Training
    Date: May 7th - 8th, 2014 Location: Vancouver Early Bird Training Fee: $360.00*
    *Ends March 15, 2014. Register Now. This interactive, two-day training session prepares program leaders to deliver the My Tween and Me parenting program. Get the tools and know-how to help parents maintain a strong connection with their children as they move into the teen years.  After attending this training you will have developed:
    Increased knowledge of tweens' developmental milestones
    Awareness of risk and protective factors that affect children as they move through the tween years and into adolescence
    Strengthened understanding of the issues parents of tweens face in diverse cultural and linguistic communities in BC
    Enhanced practical skills to help parents strengthen their relationships with their pre-teens
    Packed with information, discussion and activities, the My Tween and Me leader training session incorporates current research along with practical communication skills for parents.  Click here for more information and to register  
  • Heart-Mind 2014: The Science of Kindness
    Thursday, May 8, 2014 - Saturday, May 10, 2014 Old Auditorium, UBC, Vancouver, BC

    Heart-Mind 2014 brings together scientists, educators, parents, out-of-school care providers, health and wellness professionals, recreation and community leaders - and all those who want to help children flourish.

    The theme of this year's conference is The Science of Kindness.

    Compassion, empathy, altruism and kindness are positive qualities we intuitively want our children to have. These qualities help a child to be successful in all aspects of life. Scientific research shows that when children perform acts of kindness they are happier and have more friends. Bullying is reduced. Some studies even show that helping others helps them stay healthy by diminishing the effect of diseases and disorders-both psychological and physical.

    Heart-Mind 2014 will share the most up-to-date science and practice related to how adults can cultivate kindness, empathy, compassion and altruism in children and in themselves - in families and schools, during recreational activities, and throughout the community. Kindness towards people, other living creatures, the environment and themselves. Click here for more information

  • Live Your Best Life: Are you tired of feeling like you are not moving forward in your life? Do you feel like you are never given the breaks that you need? Is there something that you have always wanted to do but have not been able to achieve it? There are times in our lives when we want to stop feeling like a spectator on the sidelines and start creating the life we want. Debbie Holmes and Scott Robertson will give you a clear understanding of how to obtain and maintain balance in life even when it seems impossible due to a busy lifestyle or a stressful vocation. You will be given opportunities to assess your health, both physically and mentally, so you can achieve your goals. They will lay out a fool-proof plan to develop your skills with step-by-step methods that will enhance your opportunity to Live Your Best Life! 
    • May 2, 2014 @ Newlands Golf & Country Club 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
      May 16, 2014 @ Burnaby Village Museum 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
      Click here to register 
  • Summer Institute 2014 Creating the Future- Partnerships for Inclusive Learning is a summer conference designed to provide a robust learning environment that will facilitate strategic approaches to inclusion and belonging for all students in B.C.'s elementary and secondary schools.
    Many of the support calls that FSI gets in our office and through our volunteer network are school based challenges. Many of our families want for their kids to be included, adored, have access to a good solid education, and have a network of friends who celebrate their abilities and accomplishments. We know schools are filled with educated well-meaning professionals who are looking for tools to help them deal with the complexity of classrooms and diversity. We have designed this Summer Institute to bring school based team members from all over BC together to look at ways to create inclusive schools for all kids.Registration is now open!
  • This three-day conference will take place on August 25-27, 2014  at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Participants will include administrators, teachers, parents, paraprofessionals, therapists and other members of a school based team.

    This year's chosen topics of study are Universal Design for Learing (UDL), Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS), Literacy, Transition, Inclusion in the BC Context, Parent-Professional Relationships, and Social Networks.

    Cost is $250 per person (15% discount to teams of 3 and more from the same school). Early bird $200 by April 30th, 2014. Click here for more information 

    •  

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

SeasonalSeasonal 

 

  • SPRING BREAK IS ALMOST NEAR

    We are expanding to take on more clients that want to be a part of fun activities and adventures

    • Looking for after school or respite care for your special needs child look no further.

    124 & 94- SURREY

    778-968-7828

    We are a team of qualified care workers that have over 15 years of experience

     
  • NEWS FROM EASTER SEAL CAMPS: Dear Parents and Guardians
    The cost of running one week of an Easter Seals general camping session is approximately $2400. In the past the Lions Society has been able to subsidize 100% of this cost and up until 2012 our camper families have not had to pay anything. Unfortunately times have changed and our traditional funding sources have diminished over the years. In order for us to continue offering exceptional camping programs for children with disabilities, we need to change the paradigm with which we approach summer camping.
    Starting this summer, we will be charging a fee of $500 (26% of the cost) for a week of general camping. The Lions Society will subsidize the balance of $1900. This was a hard decision for us but a necessary one. Why was it necessary?
    For over 40 years we offered free camping for kids with disabilities and that is an amazing thing. We are truly proud of that feat. However, competition for the charity dollar has increased at a very fast pace over the last 10 years. There are thousands of more not for profits that have emerged. Special events are no longer being run by a few charities but every organization is trying their hand at this form of fundraising. Individual and corporate donations have been shrinking partly due to the economy and partly due to increased demand from other organizations.  And government funding has become impossible to access due to their budget balancing and many more new community requests. 
    Our camping program is special and unique. We want it to continue. We are going to do what it takes to keep this program running for as long as there is a want and need for it. It is our goal to be able to provide the highest quality camping experience to children with disabilities in five years, ten years and fifty years from now.
    In the coming months we will be sending out information on different subsidy programs and money that is available for families who can demonstrate financial need or wishes to access respite funds. We recommend that parents and guardians also look into what is available. There are a lot of options. We firmly believe that this cost will not be a barrier for anyone who really wants to come to camp.
    We have also had to make some changes to our summer schedule. We have tried to keep the changes small though. The 2014 summer schedules are now available on our website.
    If you have any questions or concerns or even any ideas or helpful tips for other parents please feel free to contact myself or James Gagnon, our Director of Camping, [email protected].
       

              back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

Other

Other                

  • Parents/Caregivers of Special Needs Children in Surrey!
    If your child has "special needs" (any special need, diagnosed or not), you are invited to come to Surrey Kids Voice. The meetings will be held at: Surrey College Room 110, 9260 140 Street, Surrey,  Currently, childcare is not available. See you there! No need to pre-register. For more info, please contact Cheryl at 604-690-5649 or email here.  
  • Langley Parent Support! The FiT Network Society A Social Educational Network created to get Families in Touch. Monthly FiT meets, seasonal family fun events and casual coffee nights provide opportunities for families who have children with special needs to "Get FiT*" - *Families in Touch. Click here for their website and current events

back to menu 

 _________________________________________________

SubmissionSubmissions or Questions?

To submit for our newsletter or have a question for Pam to research please contact her at

Parent Network 

or 604-946-6622 ext 359.  

You can sign up at the Reach Child and Youth Development Society website to receive this newsletter directly.

 

back to menu 

 

 

Reach | [email protected] | delta, BC |