FALL 2019 VOLUME 23 ISSUE 3
The PCCD Your Child - Your Family - Our Mission 32 Osgood Street Andover, MA 01810
439 S. Union Street, Building 1 Suite 110 Lawrence, MA 01843
THE ABC’s OF A SUCCESSFUL HOME VISIT A - Ask questions or for help if needed B - Be involved in the visit C - Continue to advocate for your child D - Demonstrate learning opportunities in every day activities E - Expectations are limitless F - Fun filled home visits are the best G - Gain knowledge of how to help your child
H -
I J K L M N O P Q R S -
Home visits… not always at home Inventing games and activities to work on goals Join in the activity and get the family involved Keep the distractions down – turn off TV, computer and phone Looking for positives in even the smallest accomplishment Motivation helps little learners Navigate state services and resources with help from staff Overcoming challenges in your baby’s development Play, Play, Play – that is how children learn Quality follow through – the family will do most of the work Reinvent play activities with the child’s existing toys Safe space to explore new ideas
T - Talk through joys and challenges U - Understanding transitions V - Value parent’s opinion & input W - Wash hands and toys X - X marks the spot - designate an area for the home visit
Y Z -
You are the expert Zero judgment
In photos: Alexis Latsey, BSN, RN, working with Alan and brother Alvin helping.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
3 Early Intervention & RCP 4 Toddler Groups 5 Preschool 6 Day School www.theprofessionalcenter.org Andover 978.475.3806 Lawrence 978.688.5070
Partnering with Your Family A new school year is always a time of great energy, excitement and anticipation. Perhaps this is because we are rested from summer vacations or because we are just ready to send our children back to school and settle into a routine. Either way the energy is powerful and exciting. Here at The PCCD we have used the summer to prepare for our new school year, bringing on two new team members. Hilary Odoy who will oversee our Early Childhood Program and Deanne Cefalo, who will guide our Development Day School. Both come to us with extensive knowledge and experience in their fields. We look forward to them sharing this knowledge with our team and the children within their programs. Under Cheryl Bruk’s leadership, our Early Intervention Program including the Toddler Groups, has grown and expanded its offerings available to the community. While the Regional Consultation Program Director, Rachel Daniels, has been organizing new trainings and opportunities to support EI children with medically complex needs. I’d also like to recognize the passing of Jeanne Gable and Dean Webster. Both extraordinary individuals who were instrumental in the founding of PCCD. Their contributions made the difference in the lives of so many children. PCCD would not be who we are without the support they provided. Executive Director - Chris Hunt | chunt@thepccd.org
Regional Consultation Program (RCP) Director - RACHEL DANIELS, MS, OTR/L, ATP rdaniels@thepccd.org
For Parents of Children with Special Healthcare Needs, enrolled in the Northeast Regional Consultation Program SAVE THE DATE RESTORATIVE YOGA
Sunday, October 27th 4:00 to 6:30 pm 32 Osgood Street, Andover, MA Restorative yoga uses soothing, supportive postures to allow your body to let go of tension. No muscle strength or experience is required. Our restorative yoga will be followed by a light dinner and chance to meet other parents in the Northeast Regional Consultation Program. Program Note: RCP Parent Meeting - October 1st 6:30pm-8pm 2
Early Intervention (EI) Director - CHERYL BRUK, MS, CCC-SLP, CEIS | cbruk@thepccd.org
I Have Questions About My Child’s Vision Infants, babies and toddlers learn about their world every day. Vision is one of the most important senses our children use to organize and learn about the world around them. It is essential to know if a child has vision issues as soon as possible. The introduction of interventions related to sight may help a struggling child reach age-appropriate developmental milestones. Early Intervention Specialists at PCCD encourage you to talk to them and your child’s doctor, if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s vision. According to the website childrensvision.preventblindness.org, parents and caregivers who have questions about vision… take a look at your child’s eyes and actions. Take a look at your child’s eyes; • • •
Do they look unusual in any way: Crossed, drooping eyelid, wandering or looks off in different directions. Are the eyes puffy, red, crusty or watery Does one eye appear different than the other
Take a look at your child’s actions; • • • • • •
Avoids eye contact, squints or rubs eyes Former student, Alexis sees the world with the Does not recognize objects, faces or places help of her beautiful pink glasses! Is your child shy, quiet or clumsy Do they tilt heat to one side or cover and eye to look at something Have trouble with hand-eye coordination, such as picking up a small toy Do they hold objects close or stare at bright lights
Your child may need to see a specialist, such as a pediatric ophthalmologist or pediatric optometrist. If any vision problems are detected, follow the doctor’s treatment plan and share the report with Early Intervention. Together with the family we can build on the child’s strengths and encourage ongoing development.
Anyone can refer a child to Early Intervention. Call us today at 978.475.3806 or visit our website at www.thepccd.org. Watch a How-To video on our Facebook page.
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Toddler Groups Coordinator - AIMEE PHLEGER, BS, SPED, CEIS | aphleger@thepccd.org
The Importance of Toddler Friendships Did you know a two year old is developing a friendship when he/she is playing next to or side by side a peer? This is called parallel play. Your child may be playing with a different toy from another child but he/she is developing a variety of skills. Toddlers learn so much from observing or watching other children and this is the beginning of developing friendships. Toddlers begin with parallel play and then become aware of the other children playing nearby. They are watching and checking out what other toddlers are exploring. Toddlers will look up, watch others and maybe even imitate what a peer is doing, such as pushing cars on a play mat, feeding a baby doll or banging on a drum. This is the beginning of developing relationships at an early age. As a parent or teacher, we can help toddlers with developing friendships by providing positive play opportunities for the child. Setting up play opportunities with three or four children is a great way to start. Always have two or three of the same item, this will help with choices. Sharing toys takes time to learn so always have extra or multiple toys to lessen the chance of a conflict. It is important to model for the toddlers. Family and professionals should get down on the floor or in the sandbox with toddlers and play with them. Using language in a friendly tone, describing the action such as “look the bucket is empty, now let’s fill it with sand, Johnny can you help ..now lets give Suzie a turn too.” Toddlers love to imitate and copy so these simple comments are great teaching moments. As a parent or teacher we can’t force friendships but we can develop opportunities to expose toddlers to kindness, compassion and empathy which will foster the development of a friendship in their future.
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Early Childhood Program Director - HILARY ODOY | hodoy@thepccd.org
WELCOME TO PRESCHOOL We are looking forward to a strong start for fall in Preschool. Please take a moment to stop by and see some of the changes that we’ve made to the classroom space, we would love to show you around! Above all it is important for any child in care, to feel safe and comfortable in their surroundings while they are away from their loved ones. Time was taken to think about elements that make us feel safe and cozy, such as natural materials, plants, lighting and a spot to sit. We also thought about the classroom environment and worked to find materials that call to home. Baskets, pillows, and cushions for sitting were added and displayed in a way that invites wonder and inquiry. Our block area is filled with items that speak to ‘power, speed and motion’... so that children can explore their ideas and their strengths as they use ramps, balls, tubes and blocks. The Preschool will soon be welcoming a light table, in order to encourage light as an element of play. Our entry is set to welcome and soothe. Our new fish tank invites you into the space, where sensory play is the first welcome of the morning to all who enter. Above all, we truly believe that there can be ‘Nothing Without Joy’. This phrase is borrowed from Loris Malaguzzi, the founder of the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. We aim to be inspired by best practice across the early childhood field, where the child is central to their own learning. Through wonder, exploration and joy, we are set to begin an amazing journey with our incoming preschoolers.
SPACES STILL AVAILABLE! • • • • •
9am-3pm Before & after school program also offered Child centered curriculum Predictable but flexible classroom schedule Creative environments providing learning opportunities for all children • Enrichment programs For more information or to schedule a tour contact: Hilary - hodoy@thepccd.org | 978.475.3806 x226 We look forward to hearing from you! 5
Developmental Day school Director - DEANNE CEFALO, M.Ed., B.C.B.A | dcefalo@thepccd.org
Water was the theme this summer. The students learned about aquatic animals, boats, and different bodies of water. They enjoyed listening to stories, singing songs and engaging in water play. Some students participated in our Cruiser Car Wash with the Andover Police Department, which was also a favorite activity this summer. The young learners enjoyed spending their mornings outside on the playground socializing with their friends in the other PCCD Toddler Groups and Preschool. Some of their favorite activities included the water table, swings and the sandbox. Playing outside allowed them to explore their environment, work on motor-planning, coordination and sensory integration. We welcomed the Day School students back on September 4th along with our new director, Deanne Cefalo. The theme for September is “Back to School – All About Me”. We are so excited to start a new school year with our amazing students. Officers Christopher Lippi and Glen Ota of Andover Police Department with students George Phinney and Avery Wright.
PCCD Day School Program Highlights • • • •
Low student-teacher ratio Nurses in classrooms Individualized instruction Curriculum aligned with MA Common Core Standard • Augmentative & alternative communication • Certified assistive technology professionals 6
• • • • •
Feeding specialists Vision accommodations Integrated therapies Social work Opportunities for on-site inclusion • On-site equipment, • Orthotics, & assistive technology clinics
CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
2019 Trot For Tots Team Fundraising Can you help us reach our team fundraising goal of $10,000!? All you need to do is to create your own Facebook fundraising page benefiting PCCD. You don’t even have to be present at the event! The team raising the most funds will win a prize! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need assistance. eanderson@thepccd.org
Community Guest Readers Thank you to our recent guest readers including; • Author Todd Civin • Maggie King who read a story with the assistance of her Tobii communication device • Andy Vargas, MA State Rep. • Dr. Craig Andrade, Director, Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition at Massachusetts DPH. Pictured here with PCCD students and staff.
UPCOMING EVENTS For more information visit us on: www.theprofessionalcenter.org Don’t forget to follow us on social media! #thisispccd
Trot for Special Tots Road Race October 6, 2019 | 8:30am Turning Three Workshop October 17, 2019 | 6:30pm-8:30pm Sign Language Series for parents and professionals November 12, 19, 26 | contact rdaniels@thepccd.org PCCD Holiday Party - West Parish Church, Andover December 14, 2019 | 10am-12pm 7
Celebrating Your Child’s Success
“Donuts with Dad” - Summer 2019 Fathers and children from a variety of PCCD Programs enjoying time at our Andover center.
From left to right: John and Marina Hashem, Jeff and Natalie Martin, Adrian and Kamryn Williams.
PCCD BOARD OF
OUR MISSION
DIRECTORS
Eliminate Barriers to Growth and Development for Children ages birth to 10.
BRIAN LATINA Chairman
Our Mission is to provide educational and therapeutic services for children of all abilities and their families, working with each child to develop to his or her full potential. We strive to eliminate barriers to growth and development for children with disabilities and families coping with health issues and challenges. The Professional Center for Child Development places children on a path leading to achievement by providing support services so that children of all abilities may remain in a secure environment, teaching parents and caregivers to be successful advocates for children, working to transition children into settings beyond our classrooms and educating public organizations on how to provide continued community-based support for children with and without special needs.
NEAL BESWICK Vice Chairman JOHN DECOURCY Treasurer MARK PASCARELLA Clerk SEAN CHENG JOSE CRUZ JULIE PALMACCIO