Frisco ISD Special Needs Resources

Our training this month will be "Social Skills" (4/12). Information about this events as well as additional learning & social opportunities are shared below.

Don't forget to check out our website for visuals, training videos & much more: http://www.friscoisd.org/in-home

If you were not able to attend our trainings, you can access videos of the presentations here:

http://www.friscoisd.org/departments/in-home-parent-training/group-parent-trainings

LIKE us on Facebook, where we post events, resources, and celebrations: https://www.facebook.com/FISDSpecialNeedsEvents

Sign-up for notifications of events through Remind:

http://rmd.at/fisdin or text @fisdin to 81010

We hope to see you soon!!

Social Skills Tool Time Training: Friday, April 12th, 8:30am-10:00am

Early Childhood School- 10330 Red Cedar Drive Frisco, TX 75035

Join us to learn the In-Home/Parent Trainers' favorite strategies to increase social skills!

• Register here: https://whoozin.com/HWN-N3J-JUDF-U76A
  
• As a courtesy to all parents, children may not attend this training.

Summer Behavior Plan Training: Thursday, May 2nd, 10:00am-11:30am

Early Childhood School- 10330 Red Cedar Drive Frisco, TX 75035

Monica Piper, BCBA of Stepping Stones will inspire you make a plan for preventing/managing behavior this summer.

• Register here: https://whoozin.com/R36-J36-3C9F-H4CH
• As a courtesy to all, children may not attend this training.
  

The Parent Sanctuary is a place for all FISD parents to find resources and support. The Lending Library contains books related to general parenting, parenting children with special needs, and children's books about special needs. We also have books on sensory strategies, social skills, behavior strategies, raising gifted children, siblings, teaching tools, and so much more! Parents and educators can check out various sensory kits, weighted items, and games/activities to try at home or in the classroom. We also have binders FILLED with visuals, strategies, and local resources. Parent volunteers are available every Monday & Wednesday from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Parent Trainers are available to provide support every Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm. No appointment, referral, or RSVP is ever needed!

Pictured above is a small sampling of the games available to families.

We have a large selection of games for all ages and abilities.

Games pictured:

• UNO Dare!- a twist on the classic card game for ages 7+
• Heads Up- ages 8+; perfect for higher level language skills
• Trigger!- ages 8+; fun way to target increasing reaction/processing times
• Whatchamadrawit- perfect for those who enjoy drawing
• Friendship Island- fun way to target problem-solving & social skills
• Remote Control Anger Control- engaging format to learn anger management skills
• Tell Tale- ages 5+; giggle-inducing story-telling game, great for building imagination/creativity
• 5 Second Rule- ages 10+; great for higher level thinking skills
• What's Gnu- ages 5-8; fun way to practice spelling and vocabulary
• What Should You Do?- ages 5+; great for mealtime chats about problem-solving
• Inference School Days!- fun way to target inference skills
• Table Top Quoits- ages 6+; great for increasing hand/eye coordination
• Chill Skills in a Jar- ages 12+; perfect way to brainstorm problem-solving & anger management with teens

Please let us know if there is something that would benefit your family! If you have gently used books, weighted items, or games you would like to donate, we would be ever-so-grateful to add them to our library! You are welcome to drop your donation at the Early Childhood School or contact one of the Parent Trainers (contact information above) and we will arrange to pick it up from you!

Join us on a virtual tour of the Parent Sanctuary by opening the video above,

or following the link below:

https://youtu.be/DZgUeDBqdpw

We hope to welcome you in soon!

STARCATCHERS MUSICAL WORKSHOP CLASSES- Mary Poppins, Jr.: This workshop is perfect for students who need a smaller and more attentive setting, but still want to take the stage. Musical productions are unique for uniting all art forms. Through the combination of drama, song, dance, and visual art, characters and stories come to life. In this workshop, students will learn musical numbers from everyone’s favorite Broadway and Disney musicals. Ending in a showcase, this class aims to give youth and adults with special needs the opportunities to express themselves with song and dance in a fun and supportive environment. They will learn basic singing technique, choreography, and even a little bit of acting. Through these rehearsals, students further their social, motor, and music skills.

North Texas Performing Arts – Frisco

6500 Preston Road, Suite 101

Frisco, TX 75034
Casting Grades:Age 8 and up

Performances:Saturday, June 8 at 5:00 PM and Saturday, June 15 at 5:00 PM

Director:Nick Mann

Tuition:$175 - Each family will be required to sell or purchase 4 tickets to this show.

Rehearsal:Mondays, 6:30-8:30 PM, starting April 1

Assistant Director: Gabby Banzon

Learn more here: https://northtexasperformingarts.org/event/2019starcatcherspoppins/

FRISCO SAGE COFFEE TALK: Frisco SAGE is a non-profit that exists to meet the needs of families with diverse learners of all ages in Frisco and the surrounding communities.

They would love for you to join them at their next Coffee Talk! This event is a great opportunity for parents in Frisco and surrounding areas to come together, network, and share information with families. If there is a topic you specifically want to discuss, please email programs@friscosage.org. Coffee Talk dates for April:

• April 4th at 9am at Detour Donuts. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1997839697188332/
• April 25th at Starbucks. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/2246936655531041/

brickLAB SOCIAL SKILLS CLASSES: brickLAB in Frisco (2552 Stonebrook Parkway) is hosting Social Skills classes every Friday in April, beginning April 5th. Ages 5-8 will meet from 3:30pm-4:15pm and ages 8-12 will meet from 4:30pm-5:15pm. The classes are 45 minutes in length; investment is $34.95/month for members and $39.95/month for non-members. To register, please email Jenni Jensen: jenni.brickLAB@gmail.com or call 469-952-7607. Space is limited, so please reserve your spot if interested!

HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER CONFERENCE: Are you searching for answers on how to be an effective caregiver? Are you looking for tips about managing the financial and legal aspects of caregiving? Are you feeling exhausted and in need of understanding how to manage the stress you are experiencing? Join Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano for their "Hope for the Caregiver" Conference on April 6th from 9am-3pm! You will choose from more than 30 breakout sessions and visit with over 30 local vendors who can assist you in caring for your loved ones. The cost is $10 per family and includes lunch, refreshments, and childcare for those with special needs (please indicate need for childcare at registration). For more information, please visit: www.prestonwood.org/caregiver or call 972-820-5325

STUDIO MOVIE GRILL SCREENINGS: Studio Movie Grill continues to host sensory-friendly special needs movie screenings each month, at no charge for children with special needs (sibs are free, too!). All others pay $6. On April 6th at 11am, they will screen "Dumbo" (PG). On April 13th at 11:00am, they will screen "Shazam!" (PG-13). On April 20th, they will screen "Missing Link" (PG). For more information, please visit: https://www.studiomoviegrill.com/Movie/Film-Series/Special-Needs-Screenings

SENSORY-FRIENDLY JUMP TIME: Saturday, April 6th from 9am-11am. Jump Street hosts a semi-private event on the first Saturday of each month for children with special needs & their siblings. 9am-10am- only open to families of children with special needs; 10am-11am open to the public. Children ages 5+ can jump for 2 hours for $8, ages 4 and under are $4. Parents are free. To learn more, please visit: https://www.gotjump.com/texas/plano/

WALK TO END EPILEPSY: Has it been too long since you said hello to the elephants and hippopotamuses? Revisit these and more of your kids’ favorite exotic creatures at the Fort Worth Zoo on Saturday, April 6th, when the Epilepsy Foundation Texas hosts its springtime family-focused Walk to End Epilepsy events at both locations. $35 per person or $125 for family four-pack; includes games and entertainment after the walk, plus day admission to the zoo. For more information, call 713-789-6295.

FRISCO SAGE FAMILY NIGHT: Frisco SAGE (Special and Gifted Education) is a non-profit that exists to meet the needs of families with diverse learners of all ages in Frisco and the surrounding communities. Family Night is a great opportunity for parents in Frisco and surrounding areas to come together, network, share information and discuss issues of concerns to our families. Join SAGE on April 9th from 5pm-8pm at Dillas on Preston. Mention Frisco SAGE & get a 10% discount. Even if it's a quick hello, they would love to meet you and your family. If there is a topic you specifically want to discuss, please email programs@friscosage.org and they will do everything we can to have resources on that issue.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING: LifePath Systems Behavioral Health will be hosting a (no-cost) training for parents, caregivers, and professionals to learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance abuse. This 8-hour training will teach the skills needed to provide initial support and connection to care for someone experiencing difficulty with mental health or substance abuse. Next training date: April 12th (Adults helping adults). More info here: https://www.lifepathsystems.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/03-15-04-12-Info-Flyer.pdf and here: https://www.lifepathsystems.org/get-involved-public-input/mhfa

FRISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY'S SENSORY STORY TIME: The Frisco Public Library invites you to Sensory Story Time on Saturday, April 13th at 11am! To learn more, please visit: https://friscolibrary.com/event/sensory-story-time

FRISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY'S SOCIAL READERS LEAGUE: The Frisco Public Library invites you to the Social Readers League on Monday, April 15th from 6pm-7pm! SRL is an exciting hour for tweens (grades 4th-8th) in Functional Academics (FA) and Resource to make connections, build friendships, improve reading skills, and have fun! To learn more, please visit: https://friscolibrary.com/event/social-readers-league-1

AN HOUR OF HOPE SUPPORT GROUP WITH JENNI JENSEN: Join fellow special needs parent, Jenni Jensen in the Parent Sanctuary for hope, fun and encouragement on April 15th from 12:30-1:30. If needed, you are welcome to bring your children. The Parent Sanctuary is located within the Early Childhood School, located at 10330 Red Cedar Dr. Frisco, TX 75035.

SHONNA'S AUTISM HOUR SUPPORT GROUP: Join fellow Autism parent, Shonna Cole in the Parent Sanctuary on Wednesday, April 17th from 9:30-10:30 for some laughs, tears & cheers. If needed, you are welcome to bring your children. The Parent Sanctuary is located within the Early Childhood School, located at 10330 Red Cedar Dr. Frisco, TX 75035.

ESPECIALLY NEEDED EASTER EGG HUNT & RESOURCE FAIR: April 20th, 1-4pm at the McKinney National Airport. Join Especially Needed for a resource fair, bounce houses, bunny pictures, games and more! Families can register here: https://eneasterhunt2019.eventbrite.com

SENSORY-FRIENDLY CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE: Crayola is hosting a sensory-friendly experience on Sunday, April 21st from 9–11am. Join them to experience specially-designed arts & craft activities inside the Crayola Experience Plano attraction. Families of children with special needs get exclusive access to the entire 60,000-square-foot attraction from 9–11am; the attraction is open to everyone at 11am.

• Lights will be dimmed
  
• Music will be turned off
  
• Quiet room/space available
  
• Special appearance by Crayola character Tip (such as Mango Tango or Bluetiful)
  
• $21.99 plus tax per person. Online price $19.99. Free for 2 and younger. Senior Citizens age 65 and older are $19.99 plus tax each.
  

To learn more, visit crayolaexperience.com/plano or call 469-642-2901.

DALLAS CHILDREN'S THEATER SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE: DCT offers specially-adapted plays for the enjoyment of those with sensory needs. Throughout the course of the year, Dallas Children's Theater will present a variety of plays from which you can choose. Some stories, especially fairy tales, may be disturbing to some children, for example, the villain or conflict in the story. If you would like to arrange a pre-visit to the theater or have additional questions, you can contact Gina Waits at: 214-978-0110 or gina.waits@dct.org.

DCT wants to make sure families have no barriers that would prevent them from at least sampling these great opportunities created especially for them! Tickets are only $5 per person. Regular DCT show prices range from $15 to $30.

• 12:30pm - 1:30pm Optional pre-show activities such as face painting, clown performances, music therapy and others.
• 1:00pm Doors to the theater are opened
• 1:30pm Show begins

• Next performance: The Island of the Skog on May 4th at 1:30pm. The best laid plans of mice and well, Skog, are upended in this lively musical adventure that navigates land and sea. When Jenny and her mice friends grow weary of ravenous cats, noisy humans, and peril on the streets, they decide a new island paradise is the order of the day. Led by the surly Captain Bouncer, the Rough-riding Rowdies think they've hit the jackpot until they discover that a "giant" already has dibs on their newfound home. The Rowdies and Skog each devise a survival of the fittest plan that, in the end, only points out the flaws that come with assuming the worst and refusing to compromise. A delightfully charming and gentle story that brings to life the author's beloved illustrations and characters. Recommended for ages 3 and up

• To purchase tickets, please call the DCT Box Office at 214-740-0051. Seating for the sensory-friendly performance will be general admission. If someone in your group needs wheelchair accessible seating, please contact them at least 24 hours in advance so they can ensure your time at DCT is organized and well-spent. You can even visit their website to view/print a production-specific social story AND a parent tipsheet: https://www.dct.org/sensory/

SUPER DUPER TENNIS DAY: Frisco Parks & Recreation is working with their awesome tennis instructors to host "Super Duper Tennis Day" on May 11th at the Frisco Athletic Center. This event is open to all FISD students with special needs (ages 6-21). Tennis training will be taught by tennis pros from the Frisco Tennis School, along with FISD high school tennis volunteers. They’ll feature different stations for skill introduction/training. All tennis equipment will be provided; tennis shoes recommended. Wheelchair accessible.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Full details and registration info found here: https://friscotexas.perfectmind.com/23114/Clients/BookMe4LandingPages/CoursesLandingPage?widgetId=15f6af07-39c5-473e-b053-96653f77a406&embed=True&redirectedFromEmbededMode=True&courseId=d302c321-0033-4540-ba2c-1c7240684793

BUDDY BREAK RESPITE: Would you enjoy some time to relax or run errands while your child with special needs is treated as a “VIP”? A lovely & passionate woman brought the Buddy Break respite program to our area and would love for your family to join them! Each event is free and will be held at Chase Oaks Church in Plano from 10am-1pm. The next event is Saturday, May 18th (future date: June 22nd). For additional information/registration, please visit: http://www.chaseoaks.org/connect/kids-students/buddy-break/For registration issues or to volunteer, please contact Sara Chacon: buddybreak.coc@gmail.com

UNT SUMMER PRESCHOOL LANGUAGE & LITERACY PROGRAM: UNT is hosting a summer preschool program this summer! All children ages 4-7 who would benefit from language and literacy enrichment are welcome. The program runs June 11th-August 1st. The program will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 at the UNT Speech and Hearing Center in Denton. Full or partial scholarships are available to offset program fees. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Kathy Shelby (940) 565-2292 or email Dr. Kouri at theresa.kouri@unt.edu

iCAN BIKE: Research shows that over 80% of people with Autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never experience the thrill of bike riding. This camp exists to defy those odds! The iCan Bike camp will be held at UTD in Richardson, TX from July 15th through July 19th. For information or to register for this bike camp please e-mail Samantha Escherich directly at samantha@downsyndromedallas.org or call 214-267-1374. You can also learn more by visiting: http://downsyndromedallas.org/ican-bike-camp?fbclid=IwAR10N3xEf5Eg-TqkFutWB6ONC2QeaxphLfKw_B7Qaw7BX4HevsBpK3n-H1o

iCAN SWIM: Creating an effective swimming program for people with disabilities takes a patient understanding of each swimmer as well as a well-thought-out plan for how the lessons can be adapted to each child. The iCan Swim camp will be held in Dallas at the Moody YMCA June 17th – 21st. For questions about this swim camp please e-mail Samantha Escherich: samantha@downsyndromedallas.org or call 214-267-1374.

To learn more, please visit: http://downsyndromedallas.org/ican-swim-camp?fbclid=IwAR0wHbwsuHa6g_4_O7ISjAyFcFeQ2aHIQp_t4JGqCY9ti2zFaa8Fk79Z8jM

DOWN HOME RANCH CAMPS: Down Home Ranch is located in Elgin, Texas (NE of Austin). Over the course of the week-long camp, campers will care for animals, learn to fish, swim, run races, toast marshmallows, paddle a boat, go for hikes, put on plays and sing camp songs.

• Campers are 18+ years old and have a range of cognitive disabilities.
• Ranch Camp is for campers who enjoy group activities and the hustle and bustle of camp life.
• Campers who are disturbed by loud noise, crowds of people and disruptions in routine may not enjoy Ranch Camp.

First Session: June 9 – 14

Second Session: June 16 – 21

Third Session: June 23 – 28

The cost of camp is $900 per session. They accept the following funding options:

• Private pay
• Contracted rates through Texas IDD waivers including Home and Community Based Services (HCS), Texas Home Living (TxHmL), Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) and other programs that offer respite in their service array
• Contract General Revenue (GR) rates from the Local Intellectual Development Disability Authorities (LIDDA).

To learn more, please visit: https://www.downhomeranch.org/ranch-camp/

CHAMPIONS DAY CAMP: Champions Special Ministries is a nonprofit organization based in Overland Park, Kansas that offers national and international day camps for children and young adults with special needs. They will be in Dallas this summer at The Village Church Dallas Northway for their sixth Champions Day Camp from June 24th-28th! CSM Day Camp is intended for children and young adults ages 6+ with an intellectual, cognitive, or physical disability. Along with a staff of incredible college students, their community-based volunteers function as "coaches," serving as 1-2 or 1-1 camper to volunteer ratios during our week of camp. They will have 5 days of "high-energy, high fun" activities, including: games, sports, dance, arts, crafts, Bible stories, worship, music, and themed parties.The Village Church Dallas Northway is located at 3877 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas TX, 75229.

The camp will be held Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 4:00pm and Friday from 12:30pm to 8:00pm.

Camp Tuition:

Early Registration - $310 + $15 (registration fee) *Ends May 27

Late Registration - $345+ $15 (registration fee) *Ends June 17

Register here: https://www.championsspecialministries.org/campers/summer-day-camps/dallas-camp-registration

RED RAIDER PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER ACADEMY: The summer academy is a one week summer program for youth with disabilities, ages 16-22, who are interested in pursuing a post-secondary education. Participants will interact with faculty, staff, and students in order to gain experience in navigating a college campus/college life. This program will be held July 15th-19th at Texas Tech University; applications are currently being accepted. To apply/learn more about this opportunity, please contact Rebecca Sametz: Rebecca.sametz@ttuhsc.edu.

SOUND STARTS MUSIC CLASSES: Sound Starts is hosting "Little Jammers", an early childhood music group for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. One visit is $20, monthly (4-5 visits) is $60. To learn more, call 469-443-6224 or visit http://soundstartsmusic.com

COMMUNITY BAND: Sound Starts Music is excited to announce a Special Needs Community Band! This program is specifically for middle and high school children with special needs who are looking for support in playing a band instrument as well as additional opportunities to make music with like-minded peers. The program will be supported by a board-certified music therapist in collaboration with a certified band teacher. To learn more, please visit:https://soundstartsmusic.com/communityband/, email mary@soundstartsmusic.com, or call 469-443-6224.

TEXAS A&M'S COACH TO COMMUNICATE PROJECT: C2C provides a webinar and face-to-face/online individual parent coaching sessions at no cost for parents, caregivers, teachers, and service providers of children with Autism. Participants will be instructed in how to improve the communication skills of their children/students. This (no-cost) project serves Texas parents, caregivers, teachers, or service providers who have a child up to age 22 with Autism or communication disorders who need instruction in communication skills. To learn more, please visit: https://autism.tamu.edu/about-us-2/

29 FRIENDS SOCIAL EVENTS: "29 Friends" hosts social events for young adults (16+) and adults with Autism. To learn more about 29 Friends or to join the group, visit their website: https://29acres.org/programs/29-friends/

THE PARENT-DIRECTED TREATMENT PROJECT will provide a webinar and face-to face/online individual parent training sessions at no cost for parents, caregivers, teachers, and service providers of children with Autism. You will be instructed in how to improve your child’s communication skills. This project is intended for parents, caregivers, teachers, or service providers who have a child up to age 22 with ASD or similar characteristics and who need instruction in communication skills. If you and your child decide to participate in this project, you will participate in one webinar and individual parent training sessions to learn to implement a communication intervention with your child. Your child will receive communication/behavioral assessments and a communication intervention which will be implemented by you. The individual parent training sessions will be conducted for approximately 12 to 14 weeks in total for 1 hour per session. This project will have ongoing enrollment throughout the next one and a half years, so you may participate right away or your services may start later in the year. If you are interested in participating in this project, complete the online application form athttps://u.tamu.edu/parenttraining or contact the project coordinator, Ching-Yi Liao atTAMUAuParent@tamu.edu.

TEXAS STATE PARKS: Have you ever wondered if Texas State Parks would be a good it for your family? This article details special needs accommodations at Texas State Parks: http://www.dfwchild.com/features/3653/texas-state-parks-kids-special-needs

PATH PROJECT: If you would like to learn more about the PATH Project’s events, you can find their calendar here:http://prntexas.org/events/month/

NAA-NT: The National Autism Association of North Texas (NAA-NT) is a great resource for families of children with Autism. To learn more about their mission, events, and resources, visit their website: http://www.naa-nt.org/

UNDERSTOOD: For the first time ever, 15 nonprofit organizations have joined forces to support parents of the one in five children with learning and attention issues throughout their journey. Understood have a wealth of resources on their website for families: https://www.understood.org/en

We host a variety of parent trainings throughout the school year. We know planning in advance is crucial for many families. Please find the dates for this year's group trainings below:

TOOL TIME TRAININGS

FISD Early Childhood School

10330 Red Cedar Drive Frisco, TX 75035

April 12th- 8:30-10:00: Social Skills

*If you are unable to attend a training, you can view a video on our website: http://www.friscoisd.org/departments/in-home-parent-training/group-parent-trainings