Exceptional Children's Advocacy Group (ECAG)

Navigating the special education system can often feel overwhelming. Parents who have children with exceptional needs can rely on unbiased assistance, which can make a huge difference along the educational journey. Reaching Heights, in partnership with the CH-UH school district, provides the following services to families with special needs students throughout the year:
Parent Mentor Services
Joy Howard:
-
Support for families to answer questions and concerns about the special education process via in-person meetings, by email or over the phone
-
Guidance and information about the CH-UH special education program
-
Preparation, support and guidance for IEP meetings
-
Resources relating to special education within and around the CH-UH community
-
Host and promote community engagement events, workshops and special events
Amy Kerr-Jung is our district's Parent Mentor and brings a strong background to this position as a former educator, a public sector researcher, an active community member and parent of a child with special needs. If you need assistance in any of the above mentioned areas, Amy can be reached by calling the office or by email at amy@reachingheights.org
"As a mother of a child with an IEP, I know how discouraging the process can feel sometimes and how truly amazing our children are. My goal is to help families build strong toolkits so they can be their children's best and strongest advocates."

Contact Joy at joy@reachingheights.com or (216) 236-3616
ECAG Events & Resources
As Cleveland Heights-University Heights parents/caregivers of those living with disabilities, we believe ALL children deserve the right to learn and thrive in proactive, integrated and rigorous learning environments in a community that provides opportunities, education and collaboration to help them live up to their full potential.
We warmly invite everyone to join us for our monthly meetings held most 3rd Mondays of the month from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm, unless special programs are happening that month. Meet other parents who share similar life experiences raising special needs children and have navigated the myriad of choices that must be made to support their children. In addition to providing support, the group also addresses specific needs parents may have by connecting them to the resources and training they need. It is also during these monthly meetings that we plan collaborative events with the school district in an effort to improve its special education program. Meetings are currently VIRTUAL. Zoom link is always: https://bit.ly/ECAGCHUH
events


Cain Splash Park
June 24, 2022, 4 pm - 6 pm
ECAG Splash Party is Back!
Come for Water Splash Fun at the Cain Park Splash Pad.
Kids can enjoy peers while making a splash. Preschoolers and children under 48 inches in height are permitted when accompanied by a parent/adult (18 and older) with a Cleveland Heights Recreation ID Card.
If you have any questions, please email Joy at joy@reachingheights.org
Location: Cain Splash Park
14591 Superior Road Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
announcements
Swings & Things Park
Swing-N-Things has provided M2M with a special package of $9.99 which covers our individuals with disabilities (only) with unlimited: Outdoor Laser Tag, Bumper Boats, Miniature Golf, and Kids Korner.
The caregiver/ parent will be admitted for free, if you would like to bring other children/ family members they will have to pay the regular price for all of the park's attractions.
**Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch **
Sat, July 14, 2022, at 12 pm -4 pm
Location
8501 Stearns Road
Olmsted Falls, OH 44138

Video
The PACTS special education program received a special message from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson!

Join Us Virtually on July 18, 2022 at 6:30 pm to learn ways how to best advocate for your exceptional child (ren) from Milestones Autism Resources, Nathan Morgan, MSS, LSW, Self -Advocate.
I can't wait to share this valuable, and important information with the ECAG families on July 18, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom https://bit.ly/ECAGCHUH
resources
CH-UH school district special education information
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Cuyahoga Board of Health Provide direction, support, and coordination in preventing, preparing for, and responding to events that threaten the public's health.
Milestones Autism Resource Toolkits for diagnosis, behavior, and much more.
Redtreehouse.org Supporting the well-being of Ohio's families and children with challenges, disabilities, and health care needs.
CH-UH School COVID-19 Information
Local Pantry and Crisis Contact List
ECAG and Parent Mentoring programming are generously supported through CH-UH Schools' IDEA funding.