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:
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Parent Mentor Services
Joy Howard:
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Support for families to answer questions and concerns about the special education process via in-person meetings, by email or over the phone
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Guidance and information about the CH-UH special education program
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Preparation, support and guidance for IEP meetings
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Resources relating to special education within and around the CH-UH community
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Host and promote community engagement events, workshops and special events
Joy Howard is our district's Parent Mentor and brings a strong background to this position as a former healthcare worker, an active community member and parent of a child with special needs. If you need assistance in any of the above-mentioned areas, Joy can be reached by calling the office or by email at joy@reachingheights.org or by phone at (216) 236-3616
"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."
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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 parent support group meetings held every other month on the 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
Exceptional
Children's
Advocacy Group (ECAG) fostering
risilience
workshop
December 8, 2023
6 pm - 7:30 pm
Fostering Resilience: Empowering Parents of Children with Exceptional Needs
Join us for an inspiring event that aims to support and empower parents of children with exceptional needs. This in-person gathering will take place at Coventry Peace Campus 2843 Washington Boulevard, Cleveland Heights, OH, 44118.
We believe that every parent deserves the tools and knowledge to help their child thrive, no matter the challenges they face. Through engaging talks, and networking opportunities, we will explore strategies for fostering resilience in both parents and children.
When: December 8, 2023 at 6pm-7:30pm
Where: Coventry Peace Campus
2843 Washington Blvd,
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Registration is Required: https://bit.ly/3snwJXm
If you have any questions, contact Joy at joy@reachingheights.org
special events
Sensory-friendly "A Christmas Carol"
A very special event for children/adults on the autism spectrum and their families, as well as patrons who need a friendly audience environment.
Wednesday, November 29th
11:00 a.m. at the Mimi Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square
1519 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115
Fee: $14
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Great Lakes Theater is proud to present a sensory-friendly/adapted performance of "A Christmas Carol, a very special event for children/adults on the autism spectrum and their families, as well as patrons who need a friendly audience environment.
For this special performance, accommodations will be made, including a supportive audience environment, designated quiet areas, adjustments to light and sound, and online resource materials.
Tickets are on sale now!
Contact: Phone: 216-453-4443
Website
Video
The PACTS special education program received a special message from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson!
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
6 pm
CONNECTING FOR KIDS
FREE PROVIDER SHOWCASE EVENT.
Register at
connectingforkids.org/showcase
Have you been told your child is at risk for dyslexia? Are your child’s reading or math skills lagging behind? Would you like an easy way to meet tutors to see if they are a match for your child’s needs?
The Learning Disability Provider Showcase will provide the chance for you to meet with more than 40 area providers offering tutoring and other learning disability services.
During the event, Connecting for Kids staff will be available to suggest resources and other programs to help your child. In addition, Westlake Porter Public Librarians will offer books that aid in literacy for you to check out. Caregivers with their children are welcome and interactive family activities will be available.
This program is presented in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library.
resources
CH-UH school district special education information
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Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
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Cuyahoga Board of Health Provide direction, support, and coordination in preventing, preparing for, and responding to events that threaten the public's health.
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Milestones Autism Resource Toolkits for diagnosis, behavior, and much more.
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MetroHealth School Based Health Care Enrollment
The MetroHealth Institute for H.O.P.E. School Health Program is partnering with CH-UH to offer health care services on-site at your child’s school. Your child will now have easier medical service access during the school day.
Redtreehouse.org Supporting the well-being of Ohio's families and children with challenges, disabilities, and health care needs.
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CH-UH School COVID-19 Information
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Local Pantry and Crisis Contact List
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ECAG and Parent Mentoring programming are generously supported through CH-UH Schools' IDEA funding.
some fun & learning we've had
