SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (SPED PAC)
To support students with special needs and their families to successfully navigate the support services offered by Knox County Schools and the surrounding community.
Email: Advisorycouncil@Knoxschools.org
Website: knoxschools.org/pac
Location: 505 West Summit Hill Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN, USA
Phone: 865-594-9582
8 Ways to Help Children with Executive Functioning Challenges
The effects of having challenges with Executive Functioning become more apparent as your child goes through school. (Executive function is a set of mental skills that includes working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control). As the demands of school require more independent organizational and time management skills, many students and parents feel overwhelmed. In the article below, learn about some of the more common challenges your child may face and what you can do to help smooth out the transition. (Click on the the article below to learn more.)
Supporting Your Child's Development Through Conversation
Although most families know that it is important to have regular communication with their child, many parents and caregivers are not sure how to start. Use the list of questions from the button below (adjust them to your child as needed) and number each row 1 to 5. Have your child pick a number between 1 and 5 and that will be the questions you ask. For example if they choose 3, you would ask:
"What is taking up your mental energy these days?
"What new activities, music or hobbies do you want to try?"
This is a great way to get your child engaged in a fun environment.
(See list of questions below "Weekly Check-in")
Helping Youth Learn Life Skills
Can you remember the last time you tried to do something new independently for the first time? It can be difficult for anyone to start a job, rent an apartment, or go to the grocery store for the first time. As our children grow to adults, many families struggle with how to help their child with disabilities develop skills needed to be a successful adult (In school, these skills are called Life Skills). In the article below, tips are offered breaking down the process to help make a successful transition towards encouraging independence. (Click on the article below for more information)
Ways to Deal with Stress for Teens
Transitioning into school routines can be stressful as you consider navigating through classes, friendships, and extra curricular activities. As school schedules gear up, this article gives 8 simple things teens can do to lower their stress levels. Click on the button below for tips to manage High School stress.
Parent Tip Sheet
Ensuring our children remain safe & follow family rules is one of a parent’s hardest & most important jobs! As children grow, their brains are changing and what’s positively reinforced strengthens the part of their brain that helps with good decision making. Positive discipline gives children the opportunity to learn from their mistakes & lowers the chance they’ll repeat those mistakes again. (Click on the button below for more information)
Parent Training Series (Offered by Special Education Department)
This year, KCS will be offering a free monthly Parent Training presented by partners and nonprofits in the community. Some of the topics offered for the next couple months include:
- Effective Child Advocacy
- Understanding Anxiety (How to help your child )
- What is Transition? (Preparing for life after high school)
- What is the difference between Supportive Decision Making and Conservatorship
