ConnectEd Education & Developmental Specialists

At ConnectEd we are so grateful for all of the teachers we are so lucky to collaborate with. We thank all of the teachers who support learners of all needs. The expertise it takes to individualize instruction and implement the various support plans within one classroom is astounding. The extra patience and encouragement you give to your neurodiverse students is huge. Thank you!

Excited to be hosting this parent education talk with Nancy Quinn, OT next Thursday
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sensory-integration-and-emotional-regulation-in-early-childhood-tickets-265332866747

In our PlayDate! Groups one of our featured concepts this session is Executive Function skills. We are working to build an understanding and self-awareness of how we use executive skills to learn, interact with others, and to stay connected to the task. We are building an initial EF skills profile for each of our middle grade and middle school kids which will be checked throughout the session.

In our PlayDate! Groups this week our featured tool is Asking For Help. This is such an important tool, but not always the first tool many kids try. We are teaching kids to think about how and when to ask for help as well as expanding their list of go to people. Of course we would think first to ask a parent or teacher for help when feeling like our other tools just aren’t working or we are stuck, but peers and siblings are such important helpers too.

Do you have a space for self-regulation in your homes or classrooms? What elements work for you?

Creating a Mindful Space for Self-Regulation Setting aside a quiet room for elementary students who need time and strategies to regulate their emotions helps them return to class feeling ready to learn.

Getting kids ready to go back to school with Jumpstart! ConnectEd’s annual week long intensive group session. Today we are setting goals -both social and academic. Heather Erba, developmental specialist and founder shown here leading the group.

Want to start the school year off right? Your neurodivergent child needs the right kind of introduction to their new teacher. Give their new teacher the one page cheat sheet that they will want to read and reference all year.

A one pager is a reader-friendly reference that introduces your child’s strengths/interests, general support goals, classroom strategies, and social emotional supports that work for your child.

Get a free one-pager template and example by:
1. Follow .dev on Instagram
2. Comment on this post
3. Send us a DM

Recommended Books from ConnectEd's bookshelf

Join our private parent's forum for sharing resources: articles, podcasts, books, local events and more! Current and past families from ConnectEd are all welcome!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/538030434059072/

Summer is a great time to bolster your child’s executive function by making a summer bucket list. Encourage your child to come up with creative ideas, make a list and post it somewhere accessible. Next time you hear “I’m bored!!” direct them to the list. Novelty-seeking kids with ADHD can be triggered by boredom, so the bucket list can help to keep their day stimulating. Helping your kids to plan and execute a larger project like a lemonade stand or large recycled art project flexes those executive functions.

Although Summer is full of fun and a nice break for most kids, it can be especially challenging for kids who struggle with flexibility such as those with ADHD and Autism. As kids’ routines are upended with vacations, weekly camps, and playdates there may be increased dsyregulation, meltdowns, or oppositional behavior. We can keep summer cool and calm by maintaining simple routines with visual supports. Start the routine with a clear bedside table and put distractions away. Reinforce the routine with a self management system like so kids can hold themselves to account and get rewarded for expected behavior.