FACE to Face

November is Family Engagement Month, a time to celebrate the vital role that families play in the success and well being of children. As natural advocates, families bring unique insights, love, and understanding to support students in their journey. When families and students come together to voice their goals, concerns, and dreams, they help shape plans that promote success in school and beyond.

In this newsletter, you will find many ways to engage with us to support your student and family. From events and activities to helpful resources and tips, we are committed to providing you with opportunities to stay connected and involved in your student's learning and growth. Together, we can build a strong, supportive community where every student can thrive!

Join FACE for a Family Cafe! Cafes are hosted by families for families. They provide parents and caregivers with a safe and welcoming space to connect and learn from each other. They are centered on the Strengthening Families Protective Factors: Resilience, Relationships, Knowledge, Support, and Communication.

Family Cafes are hosted in the North Tech High School Library (1700 Derhake Road, Florissant, MO 63033). Interpreters can be provided but must be scheduled in advance. Please contact a FACE representative by emailing face@ssdmo.org. Childcare is not provided for these events.

SSD's FACE welcomes all families into Special School District with a Virtual Open House. Families can receive an introduction to the services and resources available through SSD. These virtual meetings invite all families into our learning community as equal partners throughout the learning process, symbolizing that FACE's door is always open!

Family Leadership Institute (FLI) participants have the opportunity to learn about special education from educational leaders and family experts. FLI seeks to build your knowledge of processes, tools, and available resources within SSD. It's also a great time to network with other families.

FLI is held during three in-person sessions at SSD's Central Office, from 5:30-8 PM. This year's dates and topics are:

• Nov. 7 2024 - Supporting Self-Determination in Your Student
• Nov. 14, 2024 - Special Education Process - Advocating During an IEP Meeting and Beyond
• Nov. 21, 2024 - Utilizing Charting the LifeCourse Tools to Communicate and Plan for Your Student

Registration for this event is required, as space is limited. Learn more about FLI and hear testimonials from FLI Graduates on FACE's webpage.

Join SSD's FACE for an in-person workshop on de-escalating challenging behaviors for families and caregivers. This workshop will be held at SSD's Learning Center (900 Hornet Drive, Hazelwood, MO 63042).

De-escalating Challenging Behaviors: Training for Families and Caregivers is a research-based program developed in partnership with the Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School. It teaches participants the skills to prevent crises before they occur and provides strategies to intervene in an effort to de-escalate crisis situations.

Disclaimer: The techniques in this presentation are intended only toward de-escalation and are not a substitute for consultation with police and healthcare professionals, who should be consulted prior to implementing any intervention plan.

Registration is required for this event.

SSD’s FACE is excited to offer a virtual Lunch & Learn series for SSD families and stakeholders, involving community organizations sharing information about their work. Representatives from community organizations and SSD departments will participate to increase awareness about their agencies or programs and make connections with those in our SSD community who may benefit from their programs and services.

Events are held virtually through YouTube Live. Videos will not be available to view until their scheduled date and time.

Visit with partners in the Family Resource Hub, located inside North Tech High School, as they provide resources, information, and additional supports to our families.

Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC) provides our community with additional support and access to resources that promote healthy families and thriving communities. A representative from CASSTLC will be available to provide information and access to many of their programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) and Water Assistance Program (LIWAP).

The information in the Partners for Success Booklet is provided to support families seeking to engage with staff on their student's educator team. This tool provides a guide to support two-way communication, self-determination, advocacy, and networking.

We are always interested in hearing from you. Please take a moment and share your thoughts about topics you'd like our learning opportunity to support.