Early Childhood Special Education
May 2024
The mission of the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Department is to build independence in all preschool students to enable them to reach their full potential in preparation for kindergarten.
Director's Corner
Thank you,
For entrusting staff to support your child and your family through this year of learning. For the partnership in education. For "all" of the things, thank you!
In this newsletter there are a number links to activities and places to look for activities to do over the summer. Some may not be appropriate for our younger age group. So I wanted to share one resource that definitely provides fun for the little ones...We Rock The Spectrum Gym, currently located in Fenton, MO. There was one in North County on St. Charles Rock Road, but it says "Closed for Repairs." Not sure if it will be open this summer.
As we are wrapping up the school year I want to remind you of your homework for the summer.
- Have fun with your children
- Read to your children
- Embrace you inner child and do something fun for yourself
- Enjoy!
Stacy M. Sturdivant
Director of Early Childhood Special Education
Activities at the Park
Did you know that St. Louis County Parks and Recreation offers over 400 programs and events each year? From hiking and biking trails to ice rinks, pools and camps, they have something for everyone. Head over to their website and see what they have to offer your family.
St. Louis County Library
Did you know that the St. Louis County Library offers more than just books? They offer a whole host of events at each of their locations throughout the County. Visit their events webpage today and discover what interests you!
Recreation Council
Discover the what, why and how behind the incredible work we get to do every day for individuals with disabilities. Download our latest newsletters and area guides to learn more about the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis and ways you can get involved with programs or events.
IT’S ARRIVED. 2024 Summer Guide can now be viewed and printed. Plus, check out these resources:
Explore St. Louis
The last of the area Spring breaks are here. Thankfully St. Louis offers many opportunities for families to get out and about together. Explore St. Louis has a robust directory of local museums and galleries. Get out and see what St. Louis has to offer.
Follow SSD on Instragram
SSD launched a new Instagram account in October and would love for you to follow. The District will be sharing photos and updates from all across the District, including our students and staff in partner districts. Follow us to stay connected and see what we are up to: www.instagram.com/ssdstlco/
SSD Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
Greetings, PAC Families, Summer is around the corner!
· Visit the St. Louis Recreation Council website and check out spring break and summer activities.
· Now is the time to sign up for summer camps. Check out our SSD PAC YouTube channel and watch the January meeting recording that was all about camps and funding.
· While you’re there, check out our recent Valentine’s Day meeting on Alternatives to Guardianship.
Mark your calendars for May 8 - our end of year party at SSD Central Office!
Best,
Rebecca Flieg
President, SSD Parents Advisory Council
Remember this free book opportunity from Dolly's Imagination Library.
Miriam School Summer Camp
Registration is open for the 2024 Miriam School and Learning Center's academic and therapeutic summer camps! Individualized instruction, research-based interventions, and certified/licensed professionals will ensure your child builds confidence and skills in reading, writing, speech, or social/emotional development.
Learn More about SEF's Kid-to-Camp Program
Looking for camp resources this summer? The Special Education Foundation's Kid-to-Camp program supports children served by SSD to attend camp during school breaks. Camp experiences extend beyond the classroom, fostering social growth, friendship, and independence. Applications for financial assistance are accepted year-round, offering invaluable opportunities for students. Visit https://sef-stl.org/what-we-do/kid-to-camp.html for more details or assistance with the application process.
Special Education Foundation Gives
The Special Education Foundation helps support SSD teachers to implement their creative project ideas with our Classroom Innovation Grant program. We are excited to announce that we will be funding $65,000 for 89 teacher projects for the 2024-2025 school year. See the list of winners here.
Join SEF for Golf and Giving this October!
The 22nd Annual Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament and Auction is back and better than ever! Set to return at the prestigious Norwood Hills Country Club on October 14th, 2024, this event promises a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the joy of giving back—all in support of the Special Education Foundation's mission to support students with disabilities in St. Louis County. Sponsorship and golf registration are now open as well as opportunities to volunteer. Come be a part of this great cause!
Join the Special Education Foundation's first annual Starfish Awards
We will recognize those who have made a significant impact in the lives of students and families supported by the Special School District. Celebrate an evening of excitement at CITYPARK Stadium, home of the St. Louis CITY SC. Together we'll honor special individuals who have made a significant impact through their seemingly small, yet profoundly meaningful actions. Visit www.starfishawards.org to register and see the award recipients.
The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC) will be available at the SSD Family Resource Hub (located inside North Tech High School) on Friday, May 3rd, from 10am-2pm to provide information and access to many of their programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) and Water Assistance Program (LIWAP).
Resources:
- Special School District Website; Here is the Special School District Website. Please explore to learn further.
- Family and Community Engagement: The mission of the FACE department is to partner with students, families, and staff to support students' specialized academic, social, and emotional needs to promote self-determination, equitable opportunities, and authentic inclusion.
- Parent Advisory Council of Special School District ; Please visit this site to learn details about the Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
The ECSE Administrative Team
Director of Early Childhood Special Education
(314) 989-8411
Special Education Coordinator
Ladue & Ritenour
(314) 989-8374
Special Education Coordinator
Affton, Bayless, Hancock, South County Head Start, &Webster
(314)-989-8546
Special Education Coordinator
Brentwood, Lindbergh & Valley Park
(314)989-8376
Special Education Coordinator
ECSE Deaf/Hard of Hearing
(314)-989-8298
Special Education Coordinator
Evaluation Teams & Parkway Step Program
(314) 989-7831 or (314) 415-4980
Special Education Coordinator
Parkway ECC, Parkway North Preschool, & Satellite Sites
(314) 415-4983
Special Education Coordinator
Maplewood-Richmond Heights, Jennings, Normandy, & Riverview Gardens
(314) 989-8213