Educational Programs

Our programming for the 2023-24 school year is still in progress. Please check back soon for our new schedule.

Our programs are open to all members of the community, and provide an opportunity to meet other parents and caregivers. If you have comments or suggestions for future events, please contact programming@needhamsepac.org.


Upcoming programs:


OVERVIEW OF NEEDHAM’S SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES & PROGRAMS

October 10, 2023


Please join us for our annual overview of what Needham has to offer students with all types of needs at all of our schools, from preschool through age 22. This is an opportunity to meet all of the Special Education Directors and Building Coordinators, gain a general understanding of special education in Needham, and hear about what will be new this year.


Tuesday, October 10, 2023 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Zoom  •  Meeting ID: 617 696 9653  •  Passcode: 383531 

 


Past programs:


OVERVIEW OF NEEDHAM’S SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES & PROGRAMS

October 6, 2022


Please join us for our annual overview of what Needham has to offer students with all types of needs at all of our schools, from preschool through age 22. This is an opportunity to meet all of the Special Education Directors and Building Coordinators, gain a general understanding of special education in Needham, and hear about what will be new this year.


Slides



A PANEL OF SENSORY INTEGRATION DISORDER EXPERTS DESCRIBE THE DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE AND UNDER-DIAGNOSED CONDITIONS THEY TREAT

November 21 , 2022


It's the job of the brain to make sense of what we hear, what we see, and how our body moves through space, by interpreting the sounds, sights, and other information that our senses send to it. A Sensory Integration Disorder occurs in people whose brains are not able to process sensory information in a typical way. From Audiologist Kaitie Ryan, Behavioral Optometrist, Michael Smookler, and Occupational Therapist Abby Yelensky, you will learn how Sensory Integration Disorders are diagnosed, treated, and often misunderstood.


Kaitlin Ryan, Doctor of Audiology, has been involved with diagnosing and developing plans of care for individuals with auditory processing disorders for nearly 4 years. Kryanaud@gmail.com


Dr. Michael Smookler, OD., is a General and Behavioral Optometrist who works with children (and adults), many of whom have undetected vision problems such as tracking, focusing, and eye teaming, which affect learning, reading and school success. He also works with patients who have had concussions and head injuries. www.drsmookler.com 


Abigael Yelensky, MS, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist in private practice focusing on neurorehabilitation, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and sensory integration difficulties. Abby is the owner of New England PossibilOTs, LLC. nepossibilots@gmail.com


Recording



ALTERNATIVES TO NEEDHAM HIGH SCHOOL: PARENTS OF KIDS AT MINUTEMAN HIGH SCHOOL AND NORFOLK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL DESCRIBE THEIR EXPERIENCES

December 20, 2022


From Needham parents with kids at Minuteman Tech and Norfolk Aggie, you'll learn the factors that led their kids to seek these in-district alternatives to Needham High School, the preconceived notions their experiences dispelled, and generally how they are faring and planning for the future. Bring candid questions and concerns to this uncensored and not recorded discussion. Special guest appearance by a Minuteman student.



BASIC RIGHTS: EVALUATION AND ELIGIBILITY

January 26, 2023


This presentation covers the referral and evaluation processes that determine whether a student is eligible for specialized support via an IEP or 504 as described in the Disabilities Education Act and related Massachusetts laws. You will learn about the differences between an IEP and 504 as well as about team meetings, related documents, and accountability measures.


Lynne Hanley is a retired special needs teacher, who taught in Lowell for 37 years. She currently works as an educational advocate and a presenter for the Federation for Children with Special Needs.


Handout



UNDERSTANDING PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATION FOR KIDS

February 27,  2023


Children with anxiety, hyperactivity, aggression, and sleep difficulties, particularly those who also have autism, can benefit from psychiatric medications as long as the prescribing doctor understands the specific behaviors they are treating and, through careful monitoring, assesses the side effects. Dr. Todd Levine will discuss how he engages in this process to help families be informed consumers as they seek the best care possible for their loved ones.

Dr. Todd Levine's research and clinical work focuses on behavior difficulties in children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) with particular attention towards anxiety.  He provides his clinical services at Phoenix Children’s Hospital where he treats children and young adults with ASDs and behavior difficulties. 


Please contact programming@needhamsepac.org for slides



EDUCATING AND PARENTING WITH TRAUMA SENSITIVITY

March 22, 2023


Many kids struggle with communication and learning when they have invisible and often inconsistent social and emotional deficits formed by traumatic experiences. From Jennie Dunkley's presentation, you'll begin to see how to channel a child's unpredictable behavior into a meaningful opportunity for growth and learn how to advocate for an IEP that serves your whole child with non-stigmatizing, systemic practices that can be integrated at home as well as at school. You'll leave knowing how to elicit, hear, and amplify the most important voice of all -- the child's. This presentation welcomes an audience of parents, educators, and high school and older-aged students.


Jennie H. Dunkley has been a special education consultant, advocate, trainer, mentor, and presenter for over 20 years. Her special education process training includes advanced programs at William & Mary Law (ISEA) and Suffolk Law Schools, the COPAA and OSEP-developed Special Education Advocacy Training (SEAT 2008) with a practicum at the Disability Law Center, the Federation of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) Parent Training Institute and Wrightslaw. She is a co-instructor for COPAA’s SEAT 3.0 “The Business of Advocacy.” She created and taught “Autism and the Law” for AANE’s MA Professional Educator Autism Endorsement. Jennie has served on many boards and committees, is a Special Education Surrogate Parent, and of most importance, is an enormously proud parent of a young adult on the autism spectrum.



PICKY EATING AND THE FEEDING RELATIONSHIP: HOW PARENTS CAN HELP WITHOUT HARMING

April 11, 2023


Many parents experience daily frustration, stress, and concern over their child's eating habits. We wish we could offer meals in a way that takes less energy, decreases power struggles, and increases confidence that our kids are getting the right nutrition. You will come away with a long term approach that will help provide comfort through moments that are difficult, notice when kids are making progress with picky eating, and promote more variety without adding stress or pressure.

 

Alison Kaufman, MS, RDN, LDN is a Newman parent, and has been a registered dietitian for over 18 years, specializing in picky eating, family feeding, and eating disorders. She works with parents to help set up a supportive environment for parents and kids to be successful with meals, and with clients to heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Her private practice is located in Wellesley, MA. www.peacewithinnutrition.com


Handout

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