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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.
Registration is required for these programs. Register online: www.connectingforkids.org/register, via email: info@connectingforkids.org or Call/Text: 440-570-5908.
Speaker Series
Join us for interactive presentations on various childhood topics by local pediatric professionals and connect with other families. For all in-person programs, free, supervised children’s activities are available, but adults and children must register separately. connectingforkids.org/speakerseries
Overscheduled & Stressed
Do you spend a good part of your day in the car driving between activities? How can you tell if your child is overscheduled? Join Meghan Barlow, PhD, of Barlow & Adams Behavioral Health, as she discusses how to know when it’s time to say “no” to an activity. She will provide tips for helping your family decide what is too much or not enough as well as ways to find balance. Dr. Barlow will also address whether in today’s culture, saying “no” will make your child lose the competitive edge and if allowing a child to quit sends the wrong message. Westlake Porter Public Library: Tuesday, April 25, 6:30 p.m.
Share & Support Group
Join our interactive support groups and meet other families facing similar struggles. For all in-person programs, free, supervised children’s activities are available, but adults and children must register separately. connectingforkids.org/support.
Parent Match Connect
Would you like to meet other parents who have similar experiences to your own but are further along on the path? Would it be nice to have someone to share your joys and frustrations? Do you just need someone who “gets it” and can listen? If so, attend Parent Match Connect where you’ll meet our Parent Match Volunteers who will introduce themselves and their stories. Afterward, we’ll break into small groups to give you the opportunity to connect with the volunteers as well as other families. Lakewood Public Library, Main Branch: Thursday, April 20, 6:30 p.m.
Teach Me to Play
You will have the chance to interact with our experienced Early Intervention Specialist and Speech-Language Pathologist who can provide strategies for dealing with problem behaviors or tips for increasing your child’s communication skills. This program is specifically designed for caregivers and children ages 18 months to 6 years who are struggling in an area of development. connectingforkids.org/play.
Thursday Preschool session begins at 6:30 p.m., Friday Preschool session begins at 9:30 a.m. and Friday Toddler session begins at 11:30 a.m. Westlake Porter Public Library: Thursday, April 20 • Friday, April 21
Music Therapy & More
This program is designed for families and their children, ages 0 – 6 years, who are struggling in an area of development. Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child’s academic, motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior. This program is led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist. connectingforkids.org/music. Lakewood Public Library, Main Branch: Session begins at 9:30 a.m. – Saturday, April 15
Virtual Programs
Behavior Chat
Do you want strategies to motivate your child towards positive behavior? Join Ochanya McRoberts-Wells, MEd, who will lead a discussion guided by your questions on a variety of behavior topics. Submit your questions before or during the session and learn how to use the tools in our Behavior Toolkit to help your child. Each session will focus on a new behavior tool, but questions on any behavior concern are welcome. The content in this program is geared toward caregivers of children ages 18 months – 6 years (with or without developmental concerns). Each attendee will receive a free Behavior Toolkit. connectingforkids.org/behavior-chat. Tracking and Tackling Problem Behaviors: Tuesday, April 18, 6:30 p.m.
We Dare Be Brave Book Discussion for Black American Families
How can you overcome challenges to get the best outcomes for your child with a disability? Join the authors of “We Dare Be Brave” as they lead a discussion of their book and encourage participants to reflect on the emotions and challenges involved in their parenting journeys. Salina Miller, AA; Patricia Parker, BA; and Nikki Montgomery, MA, MEd, GPAC, will facilitate the discussion as well as share tips for finding meaning as a caregiver. Register and a copy of the book will be mailed to you. Thursday, April 27, 6:30 p.m.
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.\
