 CASA Jefferson, Inc. Executive Director’s Newsletter August 2024 Dear Advocates and Supporters, I am delighted to share the success of our recent school supply drive. Thanks to your generous contributions and unwavering support, we were able to collect an abundance of supplies to ensure our children are well-prepared for the upcoming school year. Your dedication to our mission continues to make a profound impact on the lives of the children we serve. I would like to remind our advocates to contact their supervisors for backpack pickups. It is our goal to distribute all supplies before the start of school, ensuring that every child has what they need to succeed from day one. As we enter August, I am excited to announce an upcoming in-service event that you will not want to miss. We have planned a special session with our three judges, providing a unique opportunity for learning and engagement. Please be on the lookout for an electronic invite and registration details. This in-service promises to be an enriching experience, and I encourage all advocates to attend. Additionally, I am pleased to welcome our newest staff member, Sarah Letourneau, to the CASA Jefferson family. Sarah joins us as the Family Support Coordinator and will be monitoring visits for family preservation for East Bank families. Her expertise and dedication will undoubtedly enhance our support for families, and we are thrilled to have her on board. Thank you for your continued commitment to CASA Jefferson and the children we serve. Together, we are making a difference and building a brighter future for our community. --Wendy  Back-to-School anxiety: Ways to help your child cope A new school year can cause stress and anxiety in kids. A pediatric psychologist shares seven ways to help. Going back to school is exciting for some kids, while others may feel worried or nervous about returning to the classroom. Young children can get nervous about leaving their parents, especially when starting at a new school. Older children may feel anxious about academics or how they'll fit in with their friends. Nicholas J. Westers, Psy.D., ABPP, a clinical psychologist at Children's Health℠ and Associate Professor at UT Southwestern, shares advice about identifying anxiety in children and ways parents can help. Why do children get back-to-school anxiety? Most students have a few nerves about going back to school. This is normal with the change in routine and unknowns of what a new school year will bring. School may also bring unique worries and pressures that cause anxiety, such as: - The need to fit in socially and make friends - Fears of bullying or peer pressure - Academic pressure to make good grades - Athletic pressure to make the team or to perform well on the field - Life changes, like entering a new school - Anxiety about security and safety at school "Some children returning to school may feel anxious because of hearing about tragic events such as school shootings," says Dr. Westers. "If you sense your child is anxious about this, check in with them and listen to their concerns. It's important to reinforce that they can always come to you when they need support." What are signs your child is feeling anxious about school? Children show anxiety in different ways. If you're concerned your child is feeling anxious about school, look for changes in your child's behavior and mood. Signs of anxiety can include: - Disturbances in sleep - Increased defiance or irritability - Lack of concentration Less energy - Loss of appetite - Physical symptoms like nausea, stomach aches, muscle tension or dizziness - Refusal to go to school - Sadness or crying How can parents help with school anxiety? How you support your child as they return to school may depend on how they feel and their age. Younger children are more likely to have separation anxiety and need reassurance about being away from you. Older children may feel more anticipation about social or academic pressures. Here are seven tips to help manage your child’s back-to-school anxiety: 1. Ask questions/Be supportive 2. Validate concerns your child may have by asking open-ended questions. To start the conversation, parents might state, " What is it that you're most worried about right now?" 3. Pay attention to your child's feelings and listen to their concerns. Help your child feel prepared – Explain to your child what you know about what the school year or classroom will look like to help them mentally prepare. 4. Show children how to behave and how to feel about themselves, even in the midst of anxiety.parents might say, "I sometimes get worried, too. When I feel this way, I [insert healthy coping strategy here, e.g., take deep breaths, think about how much I love you and our family]." 5. Establish routines – In a world where so many things are unpredictable and anxiety-provoking, being consistent with bedtime, mealtime, playtime, screen time. Ensure your child is getting enough sleep, being physically active and eating healthy food. 6. Coach your child through relaxation exercises – Have your child try deep breathing when they feel anxious — teach them to take a deep breath, count to eight and release. 7. Show encouragement and celebrate the wins – Consider sending positive or encouraging notes in your child's lunch or backpack. Small actions can show you are there for your child. Seek mental health support if needed – Although children are resilient, It's important to pay attention to signs of anxiety. If your child is prone to anxiety and continues to have difficulty coping, do not hesitate to seek professional help. See mental health resources for kids and teens. Coping With Back-to-School Anxiety – Children's Health (childrens.com) Everything You Need to Know About IDEA, IEPs, and 504 Plans What Is an IEP? An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is guided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and provides special education and related services to a student who is identified as having a disability that negatively impacts her ability to receive academic instruction. A student who receives special education services is entitled to modification of curriculum, classroom accommodations, specialized instruction, and related services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and/or counseling. A student with an IEP is re-evaluated every three years to determine continued eligibility. However, a parent can request a re-evaluation sooner than three years, but not less than one year. An IEP is also reviewed annually. What Does an IEP Include? A good IEP will include the following components: 1. Present Levels of Performance (PLP) This is a summary that describes current specific, measurable, objective baseline information for each area affected by the disability. 2. Goals: These are descriptions of what a student can reasonably be expected to accomplish within a 12-month period with the provision of special education services. 3. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): According to IDEA, IEPs should provide the greatest exposure to and interaction with general education students and persons without disabilities. 4. Assistive Technology (AT): Every IEP must consider technology programs, services, or devices that a student must have to be successful. 5. Description of Special Education Services: This indicates the time, frequency, and any related services that the student needs, as well as the amounts of time these services will be provided. The amount of time and areas in which the student will be removed from the general education setting are also identified. What Is a 504 Plan? A 504 Accommodation Plan is guided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that a student with a disability has access to accommodations that improve academic functioning. In order to qualify for a 504 Plan, a student must have a diagnosis for a physical or emotional disability, or impairment (e.g., ADHD) that restricts one or more major life activities (e.g., attention, class participation). 504 Accommodation Plan can also provide extended time or small group administration for statewide testing for your child. It can allow for accommodations like frequent breaks, fidgets, or modified homework assignments. Who Qualifies for an IEP or a 504 Plan? IDEA regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Education in 1999 make it clear that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is included in the list of “other health impairments” that could render a child eligible for special education services in an IEP. However, not all children with ADHD qualify for an IEP. To qualify, the ADHD must adversely affect a child’s educational performance. Section 504 is actually a civil rights law, designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal assistance from the Department of Education. A student is eligible as long he/she currently has or has had a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity. Students who have ADHD may qualify if their ADHD “substantially limits” their ability to learn. Instead of having an IEP, students who qualify under Section 504 are required to have a plan that specifies any accommodations that will be made in the classroom. Accommodations for the ADHD student may include allowing extra time to complete assigned work or breaking long assignments into smaller parts. ADVOCATES, IF YOUR CASA CHILD MAY BENEFIT FROM AN IEP OR 504 PLAN - CONTACT THEIR SCHOOL AND SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH THEIR TEACHER.  
  Volunteer Advocate August Birthdays Ann Palmisano Leslie Smith Rodreca Gant Venessa Stemley  Volunteer Advocate August Service Anniversaries Mary O'Cain – 6yrs Janet Emig – 2yrs Jean Curran – 2yrs Rebekah Brocato – 6yrs Sandra Huston – 5yrs  CASA JEFFERSON's Mission is to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect through volunteers advocating for safe, nurturing, and permanent homes for foster children in our community. CASA JEFFERSON's Vision is to have volunteers recruited, trained and assigned to every child in the foster care system in Jefferson Parish. As of August 1, 2024, we have 38 children waiting for a volunteer to advocate for them. If you know anyone who would be interested in becoming a volunteer, have them call our office (504 533-8757) and/or visit www.casajefferson.org.  |
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