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Registration is required for these programs. Register online: www.connectingforkids.org/register, via email: info@connectingforkids.org or Call/Text: 440-570-5908, para español 440-907-9130.
Virtual Zoom Early Childhood Education Series: Behavior “First Aid Kit”
Thursday, October 1, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Do you wish you had a ready-made kit filled with “tools” you could use to help with problem behaviors? Join CFK Early Intervention professionals Paula C. Papp, M.A.Ed., and Neysa McKenney, M.A., CCC-SLP, to learn how to use visual schedules, first…then boards, signs and other materials to help your child aged 18 months – 6 years control behavior. In addition, they will teach you how to help your child gain skills to regulate and manage emotions. Paula & Neysa will also answer your questions on a variety of topics, which can be asked during the program or submitted upon registration. This program offers a safe space to connect with both our professionals and other families and will not be recorded. The first 20 households who register and sign on to Zoom will get a free behavior “first-aid kit” complete with the materials discussed during this class. Register using the link below and you will be emailed information about how to join the program using the free Zoom app or by calling in using a toll-free number. This program is presented in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library and is supported by a grant from GPD Employees’ Foundation. The Virtual Early Childhood Education Series is sponsored by the Westlake Early Childhood PTA. *One free kit per household*
Virtual Zoom Interactive Workshop: Families Building Partnerships for Success
Saturdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 1:00-2:00 pm
Dealing with health and education issues can be tough. This can be even harder for families that identify as Black Americans, who often deal with unequal treatment and outcomes. Do you want to learn how to overcome racial biases and find solutions for your child when working with health care providers, therapists and educators? If so, register for this four-week course that focuses on Black American families working with professionals and dealing with disparities. The course, led by CFK’s Family Education Research Analyst Nikki Montgomery, M.A., M.Ed, GPAC, is designed to be a safe space for Black American parents and caregivers of children aged 0-12 years to talk about challenges and work on solutions. This program will not be recorded. If you are interested in learning more about the program, register using the link below and you will be contacted by a Connecting for Kids staff member. This program is presented in partnership with Lorain Public Library System and supported by a grant from Lakeland Community Fund. Six slots will be reserved for residents of Lorain County because of this generous grant.
Virtual Zoom Speaker Series: How to Communicate Effectively with the School
Tuesday, October 6, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
What are some ways you can improve communication with your child’s school? How can you more effectively ask for support? Join Karla Fitch, MTSC, of Connecting for Kids as she teaches families how to create and use a communications binder. Karla will walk attendees through the documents a family should have readily available and discuss the importance of each. She will also demonstrate ways to use the binder throughout the year to communicate your child’s needs. Register using the link below and you will be emailed information about how to join the program using the free Zoom app or by calling in using a toll-free number. Register and attend this program to earn supplies to put together your own communications binder! During the program you will learn how to obtain your free Back-to-School Distance Learning Care Package which includes school supplies and parent self-care/support items. This program is presented in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library and is supported by a grant from the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River – Sunrise and Noon Clubs, Rotary Club of North Ridgeville, Rotary Club of Westlake-Bay Village, and West Shore Rotary. This program is for adults only and a portion of it will be recorded. *One kit per household while supplies last*
Virtual Zoom Coffee and Chat: Music for Mental Health: Coping Skills for Caregivers
Tuesday, October 13, 7:00-8:00 pm
Are you feeling anxious and overwhelmed as this pandemic continues to sweep our nation? Did you know that music can serve as an outlet for any frustration or stress you might be experiencing? Come and connect with other families as we use music to cope with these ever-present struggles. During this session, a board-certified music therapist will guide parents and caregivers through music experiences such as lyric discussion, meditations, songwriting and more. Attendees will listen to live music, discuss everyday stressors in their lives and learn new ways to manage anxiety. Register using the link below and you will be emailed information about how to join the program using the free Zoom app or by calling in using a toll-free number. This program is supported by a grant from the Nordson Corporation Foundation. This program is for adults only and will not be recorded.
Virtual Zoom Speaker Series: Stop Accommodating and Start Addressing Your Child’s Anxiety
Wednesday, October 14, 7:00-8:00 pm
Does your child struggle with anxiety? Have you found yourself accommodating anxious behavior? Maybe you are not inviting friends over if your child has social anxiety or repeatedly answering the calls of a child with separation anxiety. In some cases, this can only perpetuate the symptoms of anxiety. Join Beth Mishkind Roth, MSSA, LISW-S, of Cleveland Integrative Counseling, to learn how altering your response can help de-escalate your child’s behavior and help them gain confidence in their ability to cope. Beth will introduce SPACE (Supportive Parenting Through Anxious Childhood Emotions), a program which parents and caregivers learn that by changing their own behavior, they can avoid much of the escalation that stems from trying to force their child to act differently. Register using the link below and you will be emailed information about how to join the program using the free Zoom app or by calling in using a toll-free number. A portion of this program will be recorded. This program is presented in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library.
CFK Virtual Zoom Sensory Consult Information
October 15, 6:30-8:00 pm
Does your child hate “itchy” clothes? Is your child bothered by noises or have difficulty with busy environments? Are you concerned about your child’s frequent meltdowns and difficulty interacting with others? Does your child frequently spin, jump and crash his or her body into things? If so, sign up to attend our virtual Sensory Consult where you and your child will meet via Zoom with a pediatric occupational therapist from Abilities First, LLC and The Mobile OT. This consultation is open to children ages 18 months-12 years. Your child will be encouraged to engage in some virtual activities and parents/caregivers will be asked to complete a checklist. You will also learn strategies to help him or her at home. Register for a consult using the link below and you will be emailed information about how to join the consult using the free Zoom app or by calling in using a toll-free number. connectingforkids.org/consult
Virtual Zoom Interactive Workshop: Healing from Trauma of Institutional Racism
Saturdays, October 17, 24, November 7, 14, 21 and December 5, 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Do you identify as a Black American who feels the effects of institutional racism? Are you currently raising a child aged birth – 12 years? If so, join Anna Jones, LISW, of Cleveland State University for this six-week course, which will help you move forward despite the trauma. She will help you see and stop patterns of trauma survival that can affect you and your children. The course is designed to be a safe space for Black American parents and caregivers of children aged 0-12 years and will not be recorded. Anna will help you develop coping skills to thrive, even in a society where institutional racism continues to exist. This course is open to Northeast Ohio residents only. This program is presented in partnership with Mycom and Cuyahoga County Public Library who will have devices or hotspots available if you need them to participate. Participants will receive a self-care kit with course materials that can be picked up at their local branch.
Virtual Zoom Early Childhood Education Series: Fostering Early Language and Literacy Learning
Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
During the pandemic, do you find that you have extra time at home with your children? Do you know how to read WITH them, not just to them? Join CFK Early Intervention professionals Paula C. Papp, M.A.Ed., and Neysa McKenney, M.A., CCC-SLP, to learn a new conversational approach to reading together for children aged 18 months – 6 years, which will enrich their learning language. Paula & Neysa will also answer your questions on a variety of topics, which can be asked during the program or submitted upon registration. This program offers a safe space to connect with both our professionals and other families and will not be recorded. The first 20 households who register and sign on to Zoom will receive a free book with repeating words and phrases to encourage language and literacy at home. Register using the link below and you will be emailed information about how to join the program using the free Zoom app or by calling in using a toll-free number. This program is presented in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library and is supported by a grant from GPD Employees’ Foundation. The Virtual Early Childhood Education Series is sponsored by the Westlake Early Childhood PTA. *One free book per household*
Virtual Zoom Coffee and Chat: How to Use Mindfulness to Deal with Worry for Families of Children with Moderate-to-Severe Disabilities
Thursday, October 22, 8:30-9:30 pm
This pandemic has created even more challenges for the parents and caregivers of children with moderate-to-severe disabilities including loss of services and respite care, and in some cases, overwhelming worry for a medically fragile child. This monthly group is a way for families to share their struggles, challenges and encourage one another. Join Terri McNeely, LISW, MEd, of The Child & Family Counseling Center of Westlake as she facilitates this private session to help deal with feelings of overwhelming worry using mindfulness. Register using the link below and you will be emailed information about how to join the program using the free Zoom app or by calling in using a toll-free number. This program is supported by a grant from Nordson Corporation Foundation. This program is a safe space and will not be recorded.
About Connecting for Kids
Connecting for Kids (CFK) provides education and support to families with concerns about their child. We serve all families, including those children with and without formal diagnoses. CFK offers educational programs, support groups, a Parent Match Program and numerous resources.
