Effects of Stress on the Developing Child: Potential Pandemic Impacts
While there is widespread awareness of the rapid brain development in early childhood, the changes which occur during adolescence are often overlooked. Much of the behavior of pre-adolescents and adolescents can be attributed to maturation of the brain. These maturational changes are affected by life experiences, and the current Covid pandemic has potential to have significant impact on this generation of students. Implications for mitigating this impact will be discussed
Considerations in Evaluating Students who are English Language Learners
This presentation will discuss the prevalence, statistics, and learning concerns of students who are English Language Leaners in school settings. The presentation will focus on important factors (language, culture, acculturation), that can impact the evaluation process and assessments. The talk will also address the complex mental health and learning needs of children who are bilingual/bicultural.
Accessing Speech and Occupational Therapy from Home
Cassandra Guarneros-Rosile, M.S., CCC-SLP, bilingual speech-language pathologist and owner of Casa Speech, will share her experiences on the Impact that the pandemic has had on children receiving speech and occupational therapy services. This presentation will focus on the challenges speech and occupational therapists faced when changing the model of care from in-person to virtual in just 3 days, and how families adapted to this change. Cassandra will go over the advantages and disadvantages of virtual therapy and how this model may be the preferred model by parents of children with a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Actually I can - Pre/Post Pandemic with Michael (student speaker)
Michael, a courageous High School Junior will share his journey both pre/ post pandemic. Discussion will include the tools and strategies that are designed to meet Michael’s ever changing needs and provide a meaningful education. It won’t take you long to discover his strong determination to do his best even in the midst of extreme challenges and his commitment to helping others find hope.
Q&A Panel with NAMI
Jeff Thompson NAMI & Panel from Mac-A-Cheek Learning Center Teacher Cindy Williams and Social Worker Angie Hackley discuss Pre/Post Pandemic practices with Q&A discussion. Mac-A-Cheek Learning Center is a separate public facility for students in grades K-12. The program addresses behavioral as well as emotional concerns that interfere with the students’ ability to learn in a regular public-school setting. Many of our students served at Mac-A-Cheek Learning Center are not able to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers. The students at Mac-A-Cheek Learning Center come to the program from surrounding counties.