Parent Resource Coordinator
FHSD's Parent Resource Coordinator, Alycia Champion, manages the BRIDGES parent support group and provides information on special education processes, laws, support groups and resources to parents and the district so both can work collaboratively to help each child be successful. She is the parent of a child with special needs and therefore has a shared perspective that helps her address questions and concerns with compassion, as well as provide valuable assistance to parents.
Informational Article of the Month:
September 2020: Back-to-School Anxiety in Kids: What to watch out for this year
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center shares upcoming events here.
The popular Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s Toilet Training 2 day class is returning via Zoom on Thursday, November 5th, and Thursday, November 12th. Parents are expected to attend both sessions and there is a cost of $10.00. For more information or to register, contact Jennifer Gastright at jennifer.gastright@cchmc.org or call 513-636-2742. Registration closes at 9:00 a.m. on October 29th.
Hamilton County DDS is hosting Home Think Tank on September 3rd from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Zoom. Learn about technology to improve safety and independence in the home, regional Smart Home and resources available to families, and off the shelf technology and funding ideas. Register here.
The Empowering Families Symposium presents Building Belonging: Advocating for Children & Adolescents with Special Needs, September 23rd - 25th, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Each day there will be three virtual sessions focusing on three tracks: Educational, Medical, & Community. These sessions are free for families. Learn more and register here.
Returning Virtually - The S.A.L.T (School to Adult Life Transition) Series kicks off September 9th with Understanding the Fundamentals of Guardianship and the Alternatives with attorneys from Butler and Hamilton counties presenting. Learn more and register here.
Recruitment is open for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (grades 9-12 or deferred graduation) without an intellectual disability (IQ>70) for our daily living skills intervention research study. As part of the study, families receive a brief updated assessment (i.e., ADOS-2, cognitive testing, adaptive behavior skills). If families are eligible, they will then be randomized to either a daily living skills intervention or the PEERS social skills intervention that will be conducted remotely via Zoom. Both interventions are 14-weeks long and there is a parent and a teen component. The daily living skills intervention focuses on teaching hygiene, self-care, laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, and money management. The social skills intervention focuses on teaching skills such as having a back and forth conversation, entering and exiting conversations, arranging get-togethers, etc. Families may receive up to $325.00 for participating. For more information contact carrie.fassler@cchmc.org or call 513-803-3580.
RESOURCES
A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education
Ohio Operating Standards for Students for the Education of Children with Disabilities, a guide to state rule and regulations for students with disabilities in Ohio.
Lending library - books, videos, magazines and other resources focused on various disabilities and available through the Parent Resource Coordinator
Family Resource Network - special education information, links and other resources
"Who Are Parent Resource Coordinators and BRIDGES Parent Representatives?"
The Center for Parent Information & Resources - nation-wide hub dedicated to sharing information with families and parent centers who serve families of children with disabilities
The Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities - Ohio's parent center
Past BRIDGES Presentations
Recognizing Signs of Depression and What to Do About It (February, 2019)
Navigating Social Norms - March 2018 parent presentation
Targeting Daily Living Skills in Children and Adolescents -- January 2018 parent presentation
Sensory Processing Skills and Self-Regulation -- November 2017 parent presentation
When Behavior Is a Challenge -- March 2017 parent presentation
Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports and Response to Intervention - November 2016 parent presentation
Understanding Sensory Integration - October 2019
Supporting Your Student's Executive Functioning - February 2020
COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources
Federal Guidance
United States Department of Education FAQ on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities during COVID-19
Fact Sheet: Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Schools While Protecting the Civil Rights of Students
Ohio Department of Education Guidance
COVID-19 Information for Ohio’s Schools and Districts -then click the button labeled serving students with disabilities
FHSD Guidance
Special Education Return to Learn Guidance (Aug 2020)
FHSD Guidance & Parent Update related to COVID-19 closures (May 2020)
FHSD Guidande for Special Education Instruction/Access during the COVID-19 Updated 3/30/2020
FHSD Remote Learning FAQ for Families of Students with Disabilities
Anxiety Resources
Ohio Department of Health - Coping with COVID-19 Anxiety
General Resources
COVID-1 Whiteboard Social Narrative Video
ODE review informational update:
December 2019: FHSD provides an update on the action plan
August 2019: FHSD creates action plan following Ohio Department of Education on-site review
SERVICES
- supporting parents through the Special Education process
- attending IEP, ETR, or other meetings per parent or school request
- providing a lending library of books, videos, magazines and other resources focused on various disabilities
- work with parents to address issues and concerns
- sharing information and resources about a specific disability
- making referrals to other sources of support
- BRIDGES, a Forest Hills School District support group that provides informational and emotional support for families of children who are struggling in school or utilize an IEP (Individual Education Program) or a 504 plan
Alycia Champion
Parent Resource Coordinator
7946 Beechmont Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45255
513-231-3600, ext. 2946