Educating the Older Adopted Child

Thursday, May 21st at 2PM CENTRAL TIME

With Stephanee Potts and Sally Lopez

Stephanee will talk about the unique challenges of planning for the educational needs of older child adoption.

When a new child in our family speaks another language and is not on grade or even developmental level, how do we prepare for them and set them up for success?

As a mom of older girls from Ukraine, Stephanee not only crossed this often times perilous bridge but has developed specific strategies and curriculum to meet this need.

Join HFO board member Sally Lopez as she interviews HFO board member Stephanee Potts about how bridging to full potential is possible for older adoptees.

Text your questions to 512-710-5979

Go to hopefororphans.sermon.net to view the LiveStream on Thursday

WATCH HERE>>

Workshop: Advocating for School Services

REGISTER HERE

Advocating for School Services Workshop

 

NEW! Advocating for School Services:

A Workshop for Parents

October 16th, 6:30 to 8:00p.m. 

 

Goals of this workshop are:

• To help parents understand Illinois Educational Law, their rights and the rights of their child
• To equip parents with the tools and resources necessary to advocate for their child
• To inform parents of how to initiate services and what to do when your child needs extra help

 

Presenter:

 

Mike Kiser, Ed.D., J.D. 

Attorney at Law and Adoptive Parent

Mike Kiser worked for over 30 years as a school administrator, a school attorney, a regular and special education teacher, and a graduate school law instructor before entering the private practice of law.  He has earned a Bachelor's Degree in English, a Master's Degree in English education, a second Master's Degree in special education, a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, and a Law Degree.  

 

Since 2001, Mike has been a solo practitioner representing Illinois special and general education students, which is the best job that he has ever had.  Mike's greatest professional satisfaction occurs when, through collaboration, parents and educators succeed in meeting the needs of children.

 

Mike and his wife have the pleasure of parenting four children. Their youngest child was adopted from China in January 2012 when he was eight years old. He was diagnosed with a physical disability after arriving in the United States. The Kiser's personally understand the barriers and frustrations related to navigating the school system and advocating for services. 

 

$20 per person, or $30 per couple

  

REGISTER HERE

 

If you have any questions please contact:

Pam Shepard, LCSW Supervisor of Post Adoption Services

Email: pams@holtsunnyridge.org

Phone: (630)754-4522 

Monthly Pot-Luck Gathering

The Vulnerable Children’s Ministry at Willow Creek invites you to a Pot-Luck Gathering for

adoptive, foster and Safe Families

Sunday, August 18^th, 2013

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Willow Creek Community Church, 67 E. Algonquin Road, So. Barrington, IL

Room F150 (Park in parking lot F and follow signs downstairs to room F150)

 Dinner begins promptly at 5:00.  Please bring a dish to pass.  Beverages are provided.

Please R.S.V.P. to vcministry127@gmail.com 

Childcare is available if you R.S.V.P. with number of children and their ages to vcministry127@gmail.com

Guest Speaker: Joyce Moffitt    

Topic: The ABC’s of Becoming a Advocate for your Child’s Educational Needs

Your involvement in the education process is critical.  This training session will inform foster parents, adoptive parents, and safe family parents the basic information and skills necessary to advocate for and obtain quality special education and developmental services (including modifications) for the children in their care who are between the ages of three to 18 years old. Come and learn strategies and tips on how to work in partnership with your school district on behalf of the children who are in your care.   Foster parents will be able to obtain continuing education credit hours for attending this class.