Thanks for Being Rock Stars!
More than 2,300 people celebrated 97 Special Buddies at the 19th annual Columbia Buddy Walk on October 21 at Saluda Shoals Park. The event raises awareness while promoting acceptance and inclusion of those with Down syndrome.
Take steps to ensure safe sleep for babies
Why are we still talking about this issue?
Because
each year, about 3,500 infants die unexpectedly during sleep from
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or accidental suffocation. The rates
of accidental trauma and injuries due to unsafe sleep
environments/bed-sharing is increasing. From 2010-2017 in Greenville
County alone, 60 infants died due to SUID – accidental suffocation and
strangulation in bed. (Source: South Carolina Birth Outcomes Initiative
SCDHHS 2017)
Blue Ribbon Schools Named
South Carolina Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman recently announced that five South Carolina schools were recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools.
The five South Carolina schools named National Blue Ribbon Schools are:
- Beech Hill Elementary School, Dorchester County School District 2, Summerville
- Fort Mill High School, York School District 4, Fort Mill
- Mount Lebanon Elementary School, Anderson School District 4, Pendleton
- Tigerville Elementary School, Greenville County School District, Taylors
- York Preparatory Academy, South Carolina Public Charter School District, Rock Hill
“I am so proud of our schools that have been recognized nationally for their academic excellence,” said State Superintendent Molly Spearman.
IEP or 504?
Learn more about 504s
The
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law
that requires schools to serve the educational needs of eligible
students with disabilities. If your child is eligible for special
education services, you’ll work with a school team to develop an IEP.
Other
students qualify for a 504 Plan. This plan ensures that a child with a
disability identified under the law receives accommodations that will
ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.
Developmental Screenings are key
Every
parent wants to raise a healthy, happy child. Because children grow and
learn on their own time tables, it can be hard to know if your child is
behind in certain areas of development. Monitoring and being aware of
your child’s progress is the best way to ensure he reaches his full
potential in the early years of development and as he journeys through
life.
A Developmental Screening is a brief standardized tool to help
identify children at risk of a developmental disability. It is
administered in the medical home or by trained providers and teachers in
some day cares or early learning centers.
Ready to serve you!
Did
you know that Family Connection has Family Engagement Managers
statewide who are trained and ready to provide support and resources?
Need help navigating the education system and seeking services or accommodations for your child? We can help!
Questions about insurance or medical care?
Our healthcare coordinators can help with insurance and Medicaid questions and applications, as well provide assistance on navigating healthcare systems, such as: Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers, TEFRA, appeals, managed care information, finding a doctor or finding a medical home.