Westchester Institute for Human Development

“How to Support Your Child’s Vocabulary” (Explicit Vocabulary Instruction for Parents)
2021-03-30 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting
Parents and caretakers will be able to explain the importance of vocabulary instruction for their child in the elementary grades. Participants will also be able to describe ways to incorporate explicit instruction and vocabulary instruction in the home. Zoom links and additional materials will be shared following registration.
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Strategies for Supporting Students with Special Needs & Countering Isolation During Hybrid & Remote Learning
2021-03-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom Meeting
Please join us for a Zoom webinar featuring Dr. Peter Faustino, PsyD. Sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Special Education Task Force.
Dr. Faustino is a school psychologist at Scarsdale High School and has a private practice with the Developmental Assessment and Intervention Center (DAIC), specializing in adolescent behavior, anxiety disorders and Autism. He is also on the Board of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and serves as a member of NASP’s Government and Professional Relations Committee advocating for children’s mental health at the state and national level.
*Upon registration, a link will be sent to you to access this event which will have closed captioning.
Questions? Contact Renee: rfbadvocacy@gmail.com
ASL interpretation available upon request. Contact Nancy: nancy.nowak@drny.org
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Post Secondary Pathways for Students with Disabilities: Supporting Families in Understanding Options
2021-03-24 17:00 - 18:30 | Zoom Meeting
This discussion will introduce families to various options for students with disabilities exiting high school (i.e., college, adult education, vocational training, employment and day programs); and how to approach transition planning with their high school Committee on Special Education (CSE) in to prepare for their post-secondary goals.
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How to Support Your Child’s Vocabulary (In English with Spanish translation)
2021-03-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Meeting
Come to this session for parents and caregivers to learn how to support your child’s development of new vocabulary, the importance of vocabulary instruction and ways to incorporate vocabulary instruction at home for your children who are in Pre-K through grade 6. A Zoom link will be shared following registration and materials shared during the session.

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Do's and Don'ts for Participating in Virtual CSE Meetings
2021-03-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom Meeting
Hosted by: The Lower Hudson Special Education Task Force
Panel Discussion – Join the conversation and learn how to make the most out of virtual CSE meetings; learn strategies to improve virtual CSE meeting preparation, dialogue and consensus building; and explore tips for virtual CSE technology troubleshooting.
Panelists include:
Stefanie Shabman, Esq., Legal Director, Student Advocacy, Inc.
Celia Strino, Secondary Special Education Director, White Plains Public Schools
Suzanne E. Volpe, Esq., Keane & Beane, PC
If you have problems registering, please call: 845.228.7457 x1108 or email jbaumann@putnamils.org
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Lunch and Learn: Positive Behavior Solutions for Families
2021-03-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-03-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from March 9 – May 25th
This six series parent training will provide information for families on how to promote children’s social and emotional skills, understand their problem behavior, and use positive approaches to help children learn appropriate behavior. The trainings are designed to give parents key strategies that may be used with all children under 5 years old. (Sessions are not designed to offer parents specific advice for their child’s individual issues).
In the last session, parents will be offered a routine guide that offers advice for supporting their children across common family routines.
Topics will include:
Making Connections – Relationships, Quality Time and Encouragement
Making It Happen – Play, Friendships and Positive Behavior
Why Do They Do What They Do? – Behavior, Expectations and Rules
Teach Me What to Do – Emotional Vocabulary, Anger and Disappointment, Problem Solving
Facing the Challenge Part 1 – Strategies to Promote Positive Behavior
Facing the Challenge Part 2 – Challenging Behavior and Everyday Routines
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Virtual Learning: Strategies for At-home Learning
2021-03-22 16:30 - 18:00 | Zoom Meeting
This workshop will explore common difficulties families are facing during distance learning. We will discuss strategies to plan for success and behavioral supports to help motivate your child to succeed. Discussions will include general household tips and ways to promote engagement. There will be opportunities to ask questions and brainstorm solutions.
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Soluciones Positivas Para Familias (Positive Solutions for Families)
2021-03-18 19:30 - 20:30, 2021-03-04 19:30 - 20:30, 2021-02-18 19:30 - 20:30 | Zoom Meeting
Una serie de seis entrenamientos que proporcionará información a las familias sobre cómo promover las habilidades sociales y emocionales, comprender el comportamiento y utilizar enfoques positivos para ayudar a los niños a aprender el comportamiento apropiado. Los entrenamientos están diseñados para dar a los padres estrategias clave que se puedan usar con niños menores de 5 años. Los materiales se enviarán antes de cada sesión.
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Family Engagement: Communication and Culture Online Workshop
2021-03-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Webinar
This webinar is designed to introduce educators to concepts of communication and culture that impact the ways educators and educational organizations (EOs) interact with families. Some of the key ideas that will be discussed in the two-part webinar;
● Examine the role of communication in schooling and how culture influences the way we communicate in our respective roles (administrators, teachers, etc.).
● Explore the concept of culture & connect with the idea of Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education.
● Explore strategies for effective collaboration between families, caregivers, and schools to support students in the special education process.
Registered participants will receive all relevant links 24 hours before the day of the workshop.
After the Live Zoom, participants will and complete all assignments at their own pace and submit all work by 9 pm. Upon completion of all assignments and attendance to the mandatory live Zoom session participants will receive 4 CTLE credits.

Transition Planning: Work Skills
2021-03-17 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom Meeting
Transition Planning: Work Skills
Featuring: Yes She Can, intern program for women

Join CSN and featured speaker Lesli Cattan of Yes She Can in a discussion about Employment, Job Skills, and how those skills can be developed during transition planning. Parents and current students or those who have recently exited school interested in acquiring job skills are welcomed to attend. This session, while featuring a program oriented to women, will also discuss skills relevant to all

Zoom Registration Link
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“What’s Next?” Parent Q&A Series Navigating Adult Services
2021-03-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
Session Focus: College Disability Services
Join us for a brief discussion and receive resources to recognize various adult service agencies and the different types of services available in NYS as well as the eligibility, referral and application process for the agency/service system listed above.
College Disability Services will include an overview of key differences between high school and college, disability documentation and types of accommodations. Participants are encouraged to come with questions and leave with answers to “What’s next?” in their young adults’ transition to adulthood.
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Transition from Early Intervention to Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
2021-03-16 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom Meeting
This workshop is for parents of children turning 3 this school year and/or aging out of Early Intervention. Come learn about important timelines, your role, and how to prepare for your meeting with the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) in your district.
*Este taller estará disponible en español. Indique su preferencia de idioma cuando se registre.
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Parent and Family Engagement within the Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) & Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP)Process
2021-03-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom Meeting
Families, Caregivers, and Guardians, will understand the definition of an FBA/BIP, when it is needed, and how it is conducted/developed and the role they play as part of the various teams. Participants will also understand how the FBA/BIP process is part of the Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) /Committee for Special Education (CSE) process, as well as the guidance regarding the New York State (NYS) Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, Part 200. Professionals will explore how to engage families within the FBA/BIP process, when/how to include them as part of the team, and how they can provide critical information to support the development and implementation of an FBA/BIP.
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Talking to Our Children about Learning Differences
2021-03-15 17:00 - 18:30 | Zoom Meeting
Promoting Self-Awareness and Self-Determination
How do I talk to my child about his disability?
This presentation will allow participants to discuss freely the issues surrounding a discussion with your child about their disability or learning differences, with a positive eye toward self-awareness and self-determination. The workshop will explore tools to support students in expressing themselves as a member of their CSE, so as to develop a quality IEP that respects and accommodates unique individual needs.
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Hear Our Voices - Self Advocacy - Internet Dating Workshop for Self Advocates
2021-03-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom Meeting
Damona Hoffman, Relationship and Internet Dating Specialist, will provide a workshop for the HOV members, focusing on the appropriate and safe usage of internet dating apps with the goal of making connections with others as friends and life partners. This will be a ZOOM Meeting

It’s important that everyone have a family member or friend join the workshop to support you in exploring your options for internet dating!
The Registration information is for Self-Advocates ONLY. Please provide the name and email address of your participating family member or support person.
Space is limited! Register today!

Here is more information about Damona: Damona Hoffman – Love As You Are https://damonahoffman.com/
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TRANSITION Workshop Series - SELF DETERMINATION
2021-03-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Meeting
• Learn about the skills that allow individuals to make choices and plan their lives
• Explore the many aspects of self-determination, and their importance to the transition planning process
• Discover ways that individuals with disabilities can have a voice in planning their life after high school, and ensure that families, schools, and agencies are effectively supporting them
This workshop will be held virtually via Zoom from 7:00-8:30pm.
You must RSVP in order to get the link to participate.
Contact Dawn Kitz at dkitz@rboces.org
or (845) 624-5833 to register.
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Planificación de Transición de Educación Especial Preescolar a Kindergarten (CPSE a CSE)
2021-03-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom Meeting
Este taller apoyará a los padres mientras se preparan para la transición de su hijo de la educación especial preescolar al kindergarten. Los temas cubiertos incluyen: Entender las diferencias entre el Comité para la Educación Especial Preescolar (CPSE) y el Comité para la Educación Especial (CSE), entender el proceso de transición de CPSE a CSE, aprender cómo ser un miembro activo del equipo de transición, entender el propósito de un Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP). Este taller se llevará a cabo a través de ZOOM.*
*Este taller estará disponible en español. Por favor, especifique si prefiere materiales en español y traducción en Español para la sesión en vivo. *
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Transition Planning from Preschool Special Education to Kindergarten(CPSE to CSE)
2021-03-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom Meeting
This online training will support parents as they prepare for their child’s transition from preschool special education to kindergarten. Topics covered include: understanding the differences between Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committee for Special Education (CSE), understanding the transition process from CPSE to CSE, learning how to be an active member of the transition team, understanding the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
This workshop will be held via ZOOM
*This workshop will be available in Spanish. Please specify if you prefer Spanish-language materials and Spanish translation for the live session*
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Positive Behavior Solutions for Families
2021-03-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Meeting
This six series parent training will provide information for families on how to promote children’s social and emotional skills, understand their problem behavior, and use positive approaches to help children learn appropriate behavior. The trainings are designed to give parents key strategies that may be used with all children under 5 years old. (Sessions are not designed to offer parents specific advice for their child’s individual issues).
In the last session, parents will be offered a routine guide that offers advice for supporting their children across common family routines.
Topics will include:
Making Connections – Relationships, Quality Time and Encouragement
Making It Happen – Play, Friendships and Positive Behavior
Why Do They Do What They Do? – Behavior, Expectations and Rules
Teach Me What to Do – Emotional Vocabulary, Anger and Disappointment, Problem Solving
Facing the Challenge Part 1 – Strategies to Promote Positive Behavior
Facing the Challenge Part 2 – Challenging Behavior and Everyday Routines
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TRANSITION PLANNING FOR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: An Introduction to the Process for Families
2021-02-25 17:00 - 18:30 | Zoom Meeting
This free workshop will provide parents of students with disabilities with information on the school to post-school transition planning process. Families are essential partners with the school district and collaboration with the Committee on Special Education (CSE) team is extremely important to fully understand considerations for successful career development and transition to adulthood. The workshop will help parents to think about their children today, their children in the future and the support required to help them achieve long-term goals after high school.
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Inclusive College Experience Programs For Students with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
2021-02-25 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom Meeting
Focus: Self Direction Budgets
How can I apply my child’s self-direction dollars to support his/her participation in a non-matriculated college experience
program? Can the self-direction budget help with tuition? housing? 1:1 support? Listen to a college administrator, self-direction broker, and parent of a college student discuss how to
navigate the use of self-direction dollars for college programs. COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION AND ASK YOUR QUESTIONS!
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Planificación para Transición de Educación Especial Preescolar a Kindergarten (CPSE a CSE) (Transition Planning from Preschool Special Education to Kindergarten(CPSE to CSE))
2021-02-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom Meeting
Este taller apoyará a los padres mientras se preparan para la transición de su hijo de la educación especial preescolar al kindergarten. Los temas cubiertos incluyen: Entender las diferencias entre el Comité para la Educación Especial Preescolar (CPSE) y el Comité para la Educación Especial (CSE), entender el proceso de transición de CPSE a CSE, aprender cómo ser un miembro activo del equipo de transición, entender el propósito de un Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP). Este taller se llevará a cabo a través de ZOOM.
*Estará disponible en español. Por favor, especifique si prefiere materiales en español y traducción al español para la sesión en vivo.*

Los participantes registrados recibirán acceso a un paquete de capacitación autoguiada el 23 de febrero. Esto incluirá un seminario web de formación en tres partes.
Los participantes escucharán las 3 partes a su propio paso (cada una dura aproximadamente 20 minutos).
Los participantes recibirán documentos a los que podrán acceder y guardar o imprimir, así como recursos útiles.
Los presentadores llevarán a cabo una sesión de preguntas y respuestas en directo a través de Zoom (se mandará el enlace) el jueves, 25 de febrero, de 10 am a 12 del mediodía.

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Transition Planning from Preschool Special Education to Kindergarten(CPSE to CSE)
2021-02-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom Meeting
This online training will support parents as they prepare for their child’s transition from preschool special education to kindergarten. Topics covered include: understanding the differences between Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committee for Special Education (CSE), understanding the transition process from CPSE to CSE, learning how to be an active member of the transition team, understanding the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
This workshop will be held via ZOOM
*This workshop will be available in Spanish. Please specify if you prefer Spanish-language materials and Spanish translation for the live session*

Registered participants will receive access to a self-guided training package on February 23rd. This will include a three-part training webinar.
Participants will listen to the 3 parts at their own pace (each is approximately 20 minutes long)
Participants will receive handouts that they can access and save or print as well as helpful resources
The presenters will host a Live Q&A Session via Zoom (link will be provided) on Thursday, February 25th, 10 am – 12 noon. Participants can ask questions live or submit them in advance.

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ANNUAL REVIEW - Parent Q & A
2021-02-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Meeting
Parents are integral partners in the special education process. Join this conversation as we explore how parents can effectively prepare for the annual review and be an effective member of the CSE. Learn about planning strategies, approaching differences of opinion, and keeping the focus on your child.
ALL ARE WELCOME
Please RSVP to maryannelharrison@gmail.com, with your name. You will be sent a zoom link via email one day prior to the meeting.

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“What’s Next?” Parent Q&A Series Navigating Adult Services
2021-02-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
Session Focus: Office of Mental Health(OMH), Independent Living Centers(ILCs), and NYS Office of Children & Family Services(OCFS)
Join us for a brief discussion and receive resources to recognize various adult service agencies and the different types of services available in NYS as well as the eligibility, referral and application process for the agency/service system(s) of focus, that are listed above.
OMH includes a focus on providing hope and recovery for children with serious emotional disturbances; ILCs teach skills required for independent living, and provide other services including advocacy, counseling, support groups, assistance with housing, and referrals; and OCFS provides a system of family support, juvenile justice, child care and child welfare services that promote safety and well-being.
Participants are encouraged to come with questions and leave with answers to “What’s next?” in their young adults’ transition to adulthood.
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Hear Our Voices - Self Advocacy Group Meeting
2021-02-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
“Hear Our Voices” – Self Advocacy Group Meeting WIHD’s Speaker Network!

We are looking for Self-Advocates Tell your story! Connect with people and Organizations! Become part of the WIHD’s Speaker Network!
Educate others on what’s important to you!
WIHD and the Hear our voices group has a new and exciting project that will empower YOU to tell your story in an impactful way. Work at your own pace and with your one-on-one coach.
Hear one of our own self-advocates share their presentation and show us how to tell our story.

To hear more about this project email please send an email to Mariela at Marielaadams2@gmail.com indicating that you want to be a part of it.
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How to Support Your Child’s Vocabulary (In English with Spanish translation)
2021-02-19 08:00 - 17:00 | Zoom Meeting
Come to this session for parents and caregivers to learn how to support your child’s development of new vocabulary, the importance of vocabulary instruction and ways to incorporate vocabulary instruction at home for your children who are in Pre-K through grade 6.
A Zoom link will be shared following registration and materials will be shared during the session.
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