The FACE Center

Being a parent member is one of the roles of highest involvement a parent can have with a school. The FACE Center is offering a training to certify you.

We invite you to join us Tuesday, 08/04 at 9:30 AM to better understand what a parent member is but also how special education meetings work and what families should know about their rights and roles.

Tuesday, August 4th

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM EST

Via Zoom

Link to register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/xm8h9sr

Our team at Measurement Incorporated is proud to support the FACE Center in delivering this NO COST training: Special Education 101: Training of the Parent Member. A session designed to help families make sense of the special education process, understand what’s outlined in education laws and regulations, and get familiar with the different members of CPSE and CSE teams—especially the role of the Parent Member.

You’ll learn how to:

Understand how special education laws shape services

Know who’s who at CPSE and CSE meetings

Explore the role of the Parent Member

Gain tools to participate meaningfully in the process

Got questions? Message us anytime—we hope to “see” you there!

—MI’s team at the FACE Center

Could your experience help another family? 💙
If you've been through the special education process with your child, your voice could make a meaningful difference for another parent.

Parent Members are experienced parents or caregivers who serve on CPSE/CSE committees, helping families feel heard, supported, and empowered during meetings. They understand the journey because they've lived it.

Interested in becoming a Parent Member? Join our upcoming Parent Member Training which counts as your official certification!

🗓 Tuesday, August 4
🕘 9:30–11:30 AM (ET)
💻 Virtual via Zoom
🔗 Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/xm8h9sr

Whether you're ready to volunteer or simply want to learn more about the role, we'd love to have you join us!

-MIs team at the Capital District FACE Center 🔹

As a parent of a student with a disability, what's something you wish you heard more often? 💙

Maybe it's, "We noticed how much your child has grown." Maybe it's, "Thank you for sharing your perspective—it really helped us."

Or maybe it's, "We're here to partner with you."

We'd love to hear your answer in the comments. ⬇️

-MIs team at the CD FACE Center 🔹

For some children, factors such as wandering (elopement), communication differences, sensory interests, impulsivity, or mobility needs can create unique water safety considerations.

According to the National Autism Association, children with autism are 160 times more likely to d*e from drowning than the general pediatric population. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death associated with wandering among autistic children.

While statistics can be alarming, prevention is where families can make a difference.

Some strategies families may consider include:
💧 Maintaining active supervision around water
💧 Securing pools, gates, and home exits
💧 Developing a family safety plan
💧 Teaching water safety skills early and often
💧 Exploring swim lessons when appropriate
💧 Using identification bracelets, GPS devices, or other safety tools when needed
💧Sharing safety information with caregivers, schools, and community programs

Water safety planning often extends beyond the pool. Families may benefit from identifying water hazards in their neighborhood, informing trusted neighbors of safety concerns when appropriate, and creating a plan for caregivers and family members to follow if a child goes missing. Knowing where nearby water sources are located—and checking them immediately in an emergency—can be an important part of a family's safety planning.

Water can be a source of recreation, exercise, sensory enjoyment, and family fun. Taking steps to plan ahead can help children enjoy those experiences more safely.

We recognize that not every strategy will be appropriate, accessible, or feasible for every child and family. Our goal is simply to share information that families may find helpful when considering their own safety planning needs.

— MI's team at the CD FACE Center 🔹

Harry Hoag Elementary is accepting donations through the next few days!

Snacks and clothes and accepted!

-MIs team at the CD FACE Center 🔹

What happens when the school says your child’s behavior is becoming a concern?
What can schools actually put in place to help?
What does the school do when your child misbehaves and you're not there?
How is a child’s behavior identified as interfering with learning — and how are they taught replacement behaviors or what to do instead? 💭

We want families to feel more informed, prepared, and confident navigating school behavior supports and understand what systems may be put in place in the classroom when challenging behavior persists.

Join our team in the Capital District for a virtual learning session focused on understanding the FBA/BIP process and how schools respond when behaviors begin interfering with learning or school functioning.

📅 Monday, July 27, 2026
⏰ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM EST
📍 Virtual Training via Zoom
🔗 Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/m4fcqv5

During this session, participants will learn about:
🔹 The purpose and process of a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
🔹 What a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is and how it is developed
🔹 The roles of families, school staff, and team members in the process
🔹 How behavior supports are intended to help students succeed in school settings

Whether you are a parent, caregiver, educator, or community member wanting to better understand school behavior processes, we hope you’ll join us.

— MI’s team at the FACE Center

Register now!

A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD 🧩
Learn about OPWDD supports & services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

🗓️ Aug 4 | ⏰ 12 – 1:30 pm
👉 Register: https://tinyurl.com/P2PNYS-OPWDD

⚽🏀🏊‍♀️ Did you know?

Research from the CDC and WHO has found that children with disabilities are often less physically active than their peers, which can mean fewer opportunities for recreation, social interaction, and community participation.

When appropriate:

• Regular physical activity in children with disabilities is associated with improvements in muscle strength, balance, coordination, and overall motor function, supporting greater independence in daily activities.
• Research shows adaptive and inclusive physical activity can improve cardiorespiratory fitness, mobility, and physical endurance, helping children engage more fully in school and community life.
• Physical activity is also linked to reduced sedentary time, which is especially important for children with disabilities who may spend more time in structured or seated settings.
• Participation in movement-based activities can support better posture, joint flexibility, and functional strength, which can make everyday tasks (like stairs, playground play, or self-care routines) easier.

In summary, studies suggest participation in sports and recreation may help children:
✅ Build friendships and social connections
✅ Develop confidence and self-esteem
✅ Strengthen communication and teamwork skills
✅ Increase independence and community involvement
✅ Improve overall physical and emotional well-being

As part of our commitment to sharing community resources, we're highlighting a summer opportunity that some families may find helpful: Teens ages 14–19 can work out for free through August 31 through Planet Fitness's High School Summer Pass program at participating locations across the U.S. and Canada. Teens must register and complete a waiver with a parent/legal guardian at PlanetFitness.com.

We also recognize that access to sports and recreation can look different for every family. Cost, transportation, accessibility, and individual support needs can all play a role when deciding which activities are the right fit.

At the CD FACE Center, we support families by sharing information and resources that may help them navigate their child's special education journey both in school and in the community. For many children with disabilities, opportunities for physical activity, recreation, and inclusive sports can support skills that contribute to success in a variety of settings, including communication, social interaction, self-confidence, self-regulation, and independence.

— MI's team at the CD FACE Center

☀️ Looking for fun, family-friendly activities this July? Here are a few local events that offer opportunities for learning, social connection, and exploration for children of all abilities!

🎶 Songs & Stories at Grafton Library (Wednesdays, 10:30–11:15 AM)
Enjoy a themed storytime filled with songs, books, and play! Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to stay after the program to explore the children's section and socialize. Some sessions even feature a live guitarist, making this a great option for children who enjoy music, movement, and interactive experiences. Storytime can help support early literacy, communication, social skills, and sensory exploration.

📚 Museum Storytime Adventures at the New York State Museum (Wednesdays at 10:30 AM)
Head to Kids Cove for engaging stories and interactive readings hosted by the New York State Library. This free program encourages a love of books while supporting language development, imagination, and social interaction.

🐞 Summer Hike-a-thon Scavenger Hunt (July 1–31)
Does your child love nature, insects, or exploring outdoors? Search for hand-crafted butterflies, beetles, and bees hidden across 23 local preserves! This self-paced adventure encourages observation skills, physical activity, and family connection while fostering curiosity about the natural world. Participants who submit a selfie with a bug they find can earn free ice cream and be entered into prize drawings!

Register here: https://www.mohawkhudson.org/event-registration-pages/event-registration-scavenger-hunt
🎳 Kids Bowl Free
Kids ages 15 and under can register to receive two free games every day all summer long at participating bowling centers. Bowling can help build motor skills, coordination, confidence, and social interaction in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Local participating centers include:
• Del Lanes (Delmar)
• Apex Entertainment (Albany)
• Spare Time (Clifton Park)
• East Greenbush Bowling Center
• Uncle Sam Lanes (Troy)
• Sportsman's Bowl
• Towne Bowling Academy
Families can also purchase an optional Family Pass so adults can bowl alongside their children.

Which of these summer activities would your family enjoy most? 🌻

- MI's team at the CD FACE Center

Looking for weekend plans? Sensory Sunday at miSci offers a welcoming environment for guests of all ages with sensory needs. We hope to see you there!

Flyer typo: DATE is July 12th!

Bring your family for a relaxed museum experience featuring dimmed lights, reduced sounds, interactive exhibits, and private planetarium time. Tickets can be purchased at the front door and are $12 per person.

The FACE Center will be there sharing resources, information, and giveaways. We hope to see you there!