Candler County Program for Exceptional Children

10/02/2026

09/30/2026

Helping Every Child Become a Strong Reader
Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00 pm

Register here: https://ga.dyslexiaida.org/event/2026oct7/

09/26/2026

🚨 What happens if your child’s behavior leads to police involvement? Would you know what to do?

It’s a situation no family wants to face, but having the right information before a crisis happens can help you feel more prepared.

Parent to Parent of Georgia is hosting a FREE webinar with DJ Jeyaram, Attorney & Judge, and Charles Cullen, Criminal Defense Attorney, who will walk families through practical legal information about what to do before, during, and immediately after an interaction with law enforcement.

📅 Thursday, October 22
⏰ 6:00 PM
💻 FREE webinar — registration required: https://tinyurl.com/9j7ahnhn

If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child or young adult with a disability or special healthcare need, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

👉 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register, and please share with another family who could benefit! 💙

09/23/2026

Marcus Autism Center is one of only a few specialty clinics in the nation offering intensive interventions to help families of children with severe autism. Recent research demonstrates our specialized clinical program reduces externalizing behavior, such as self-injury, by more than 90%. Read the study: https://bit.ly/4vRbAPT.

09/23/2026

📅 Mark Your Calendar!

We have several opportunities coming up to learn, connect, and find support with Parent to Parent of Georgia! 💙💚

Join us for upcoming virtual trainings and support group meetings covering topics and experiences important to Georgia families of children and youth with disabilities. Whether you’re looking for helpful information or a chance to connect with other families, we hope you’ll join us!

📌 Check out the dates and details below, or visit https://tinyurl.com/343h5fbk to view our full calendar of upcoming events.

Please share with a family who may benefit!

09/22/2026

Applying for SSI disability benefits and unsure where to start? Join the BDI Empowers Webinar session on Thursday, September 24 from 6 - 8 pm about how to apply for SSI in 2026 with Anna Maki, Director of Program Services here at BDI, for a step-by-step walk through the application process.

Register now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-do-you-apply-for-ssi-a-step-by-step-guide-to-the-application-process-tickets-1994607837736?aff=oddtdtcreator

We hope to see you there!



ID: A promotional graphic for a webinar in the BDI Empowers Webinar series. At the top of the graphic, the title "BDI Empowers" is in teal text, with "Webinar" displayed underneath it in bold white text, over a navy-blue background. Below the title, the subtitle in a smaller font reads, "How Do You Apply for SSI? A Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process." The center of the image features one circular photograph of the speaker, framed in a light blue circle. Below the photo is her name and title in navy-blue text: Anna Maki, Director of Program Services at BDI over a white background. At the bottom of the graphic, the date and time of the webinar are displayed: "Thursday, September 24 · 6 - 8 pm EST." Below that is a registration button depicted in magenta with white text reading "Register."

09/11/2026

On August 25, Parent Mentors from across the Southeast region gathered in Liberty County for a day of collaboration, networking, and professional growth. Experienced and new Parent Mentors shared ideas, resources, and successful strategies for supporting families and strengthening parent engagement within their LEAs.

Attendees also received updates from the Georgia Department of Education and Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation, helping them stay informed about resources and opportunities that support students with disabilities and their families.

These regional meetings play a vital role in strengthening the statewide Parent Mentor Partnership network through collaboration, learning, and shared success.

09/09/2026

Marcus Autism Center is offering an eight session series to help families navigate and learn helpful strategies related to autism.

Register here:
https://survey.qualtrics.emory.edu/jfe/form/SV_0v0q3KNdFoSLhfo

09/04/2026

🪨FOUNDATION FRIDAY | CHANGE THE ENVIRONMENT BEFORE THE BEHAVIOR

What if we stopped asking only, “How do we respond when the behavior happens?”

…and started asking:

“What can we change BEFORE it happens?”

Sometimes, a small change in the environment can make a big difference in a child’s ability to be successful.
For example, imagine a child who frequently becomes upset when it’s time to leave the playground.

Instead of waiting for the meltdown and then figuring out what to do, we can make changes before the transition:
✨ Give a 5-minute warning�✨ Use a visual timer�✨ Let the child choose which activity to do one last time�✨ Teach them how to appropriately ask for “one more minute”�✨ Tell them what they can do when they get home�✨ Make the transition predictable

We haven't “given in.”

We've changed the environment to make success more likely.

This is an important part of ABA called antecedent manipulation—changing something that happens before a behavior in order to prevent challenging behavior or increase the likelihood of a more appropriate response.

And this doesn't mean we can prevent every challenging behavior.

It means we recognize that behavior doesn't happen in a vacuum.

The environment matters.

The expectations matter.

What happens immediately before the behavior matters.

And sometimes, the most effective intervention isn't waiting for the behavior to happen...

It's changing what happens BEFORE it does. 🌱

At First Foundations, we believe meaningful behavior change starts with understanding the whole picture—not just reacting to the behavior we see.

Strong foundations. Meaningful progress.

09/02/2026

This month’s Success Story honors Deaf Awareness Month!

Meet Alex Foster, who was born prematurely at just 23 weeks and is DeafBlind. With the support of his parents, educators, and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), Alex has built a path toward greater independence and meaningful employment.

Through GVRA’s Pre-Employment Transition Services, assistive technology, and customized employment, along with a strong team of supporters, Alex discovered a unique skill and passion: document shredding.

Today, Alex works part-time as a document shredder for a payroll and bookkeeping business in St. Marys, putting his skills to work and continuing to grow his independence.

Read more about Alex's inspiring journey: https://gvs.georgia.gov/blog/2026-09-01/celebrating-deaf-awareness-month-deafblind-client-finds-his-niche-thanks-assistance

Helen Keller Services Easterseals Southern Georgia Georgia Sensory Assistance Project