Parent Connections
A Parent Support Group and Training Initiative of the North DuPage Special Education Cooperative
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Through monthly meetings, Parent Connections strives to provide parents with the opportunity to meet and network with other parents, while also expanding their access to resources via professional presentations. Established in 2017, Parent Connections is parent driven, meaning parents share their needs and we schedule presenters based on their input. This program is available to parents of students in NDSEC programs, as well as parents of students receiving Special Education services in our member districts (Bensenville District 2, Addison District 4, Wood Dale District 7, Itasca District 10, Medinah District 11, Roselle District 12, Bloomingdale District 13, Fenton High School District 100, and Lake Park High School District 108).
Childcare is provided by NDSEC employees to enable parents to participate in support group meetings.
Childcare is provided by NDSEC employees to enable parents to participate in support group meetings.
Contact Information:
Nicole Melquist, Parent Connections Committee Coordinator - nmelquist@ndsec.org / 630-994-4592 (English)
Yolanda Garcia - ygarcia@ndsec.org / 630-980-3949 (Espanol)
Parent Connections Meeting Presentations and Presenters to Date:
Parent Connections Meeting Presentations and Presenters to Date:
Understanding IEP's and Your Rights as a Parent (NDSEC Administrators and Parent)
Government Benefits (Sherri Schneider, Family Benefit Solutions, Inc.)
Government Benefits / Financial Planning (Mary Anne Ehlert, Protected Tomorrows)
Guardianship and Alternatives (Brian Rubin, Rubin Law)
Everyday Sensory Strategies for the Home (NDSEC Occupational Therapists)
Fitness & Special Recreation Opportunities (NEDSRA and WDSRA)
First Responders and Disability Awareness (Local Fire Departments, Police Departments, Dispatch)
PUNS and Adult Services (Service, Inc.)
Anxiety at School and Home (Dr. Patrick McGrath, Alexian Brothers)
Facilitating Communication at Home (NDSEC Speech Language Pathologists)
Behavior Supports for Home and Community (NDSEC Intervention Strategies Team)
Understanding and Managing Parent Burnout (Alex Gohla, LCSW)
Caregiver Fatigue (Melissa Bricka, LCSW)
Sibling Supports (Tara Conley, SIBS Network Founder)
Nutrition 101 (Christine Conover, MS, RD, LDN)
Youth Mental Health (Dr. Patrick McGrath, Chief Clinical Officer, NOCD)
Transition Series:
Life After School: College, Work and Recreation (Division of Rehabilitative Services, Bensenville Community Public Library, NEDSRA, Bensenville Park District, College of DuPage, Elmhurst University/ELSA, RTA/Pace, Parents Alliance Employment Project)
Life After School: Vocational, Day and Residential Services (Service Inc, Clearbrook, UCP Seguin, Helping Hand, Marklund, Aspire, Ray Graham Association, NEDSRA)
***In addition to meetings/presentations, we are now offering an annual Social Event***
THANK YOU Parent Connections Committee for your support of NDSEC families!
THANK YOU Itasca District 10 for your partnership and use of Peacock Middle School for meetings!
THANK YOU parents for your participation!
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