Please email securep@cespta.net if you have any questions.
SECAC
Under law, Howard County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) advises the school system on the needs of students with disabilities. SECAC collaborates with other community disability advocacy groups to improve special education and the lives of our students in Howard County, MD.
Next SECAC Meeting
February 17, 2021
Advocate Night. Bring your IEPs to this free virtual sessions with a special education advocate. Sessions will be 15 minutes long.
Maryland Legislation Information
There are many education related bills during this 2021 session of the Maryland Legislature.
The Arc of Maryland has a newsletter and tracker that can be found here: http://www.thearcmd.org/policy/annapolis-insider/
Senate Bills related to Education: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Committees/Details?cmte=ehe&ys=2021RS
House Bills related to Education: Committees – Appropriations Committee
LINK TO THE IEP PROCESS: RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES DURING VIRTUAL AND HYBRID LEARNING
The below link offers resources for families to support the IEP process through virtual and hybrid learning. These printable resources provide tips and information for before, during, and after a virtual IEP meeting. They can be helpful whether you are new or experienced with the IEP process.
Fast Facts for Virtual IEPs:
Features important facts around IEPs during virtual learning.
Before the Virtual IEP Meeting:
Learn about what you can expect before a meeting takes place, how to prepare, questions to ask, and technology tips to get ready for the virtual meeting.
During the Virtual IEP Meeting:
Learn about what will happen in a virtual IEP meeting, questions to ask, and technology tips for participating in the meeting.
After the Virtual IEP Meeting:
Learn about what you can expect after a virtual IEP meeting takes place, next steps and activities that you can do, questions to ask, and technology tips. To access these documents, please visit: https://marylandlearninglinks.org/iep-process-virtual-and-hybrid-learning/
Free
NAMI HOWARD COUNTY VIRTUAL MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPS
For parents/caregivers supporting children and adolescents with behavioral health challenges. No diagnosis is necessary, if you have concerns about your child’s behavior, please join us.
Parent/Caregiver Support Group for School-Aged Students
Second Monday of each month. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nami-howard-county-online-parent-support-group-tickets-101570532196
Parent/Caregiver Support Group for TAY (Transition Age Youth)
Third Thursday of each month. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nami-howard-county-online-parents-of-transition-age-youth-tay-support-tickets-101743820506
NAMI Basics on Demand
This six-session online education program is for parents/caregivers of youth aged 22 or younger who are experiencing behavioral health challenges. No specific diagnosis is necessary. Sign up at:https://publiccourseapi.nami.org/Learner/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F
Sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Howard County
Free
REDUCING CAREGIVER/PARENT STRESS AND BURNOUT
Tuesday, February 2, 2021 7:00-8:00pm
Virtual Event
Have you been feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or burned out? Are you feeling like you can’t balance all the demands on your time between work, home and virtual schooling? Hoping to learn more about self-care and mindfulness? Join us for a limited workshop series chock full of practical tips to help you regain some balance. This series will cover burnout prevention, reintegrating self-care into your busy schedule, and how to start a practice of mindfulness. Take-home resources will be provided with actionable steps, and each session will include a short guided imagery practice. Come take the time to prioritize your own needs. To register, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NeXznDvEQvupzYVTUnFG2Q Organized by Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group, presented by Inquiring Minds LLC and sponsored by Carroll County Public Schools, this is appropriate for any family of a child with a disability.
Free
COVID-19 Information
Click on the link below to see special education resources for learning during the HCPSS COVID-19 closure.COVID-19 Resources
NAMI HOWARD COUNTY VIRTUAL MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPS
For parents/caregivers supporting children and adolescents with behavioral health challenges. No diagnosis is necessary, if you have concerns about your child’s behavior, please join us.
Parent/Caregiver Support Group for School-Aged Students
Second Monday of each month. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nami-howard-county-online-parent-support-group-tickets-101570532196
Parent/Caregiver Support Group for TAY (Transition Age Youth)
Third Thursday of each month. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nami-howard-county-online-parents-of-transition-age-youth-tay-support-tickets-101743820506
NAMI Basics on Demand
This six-session online education program is for parents/caregivers of youth aged 22 or younger who are experiencing behavioral health challenges. No specific diagnosis is necessary. Sign up at:https://publiccourseapi.nami.org/Learner/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F
Sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Howard County
Free
REDUCING CAREGIVER/PARENT STRESS AND BURNOUT
Tuesday, February 2, 2021 7:00-8:00pm
Virtual Event
Have you been feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or burned out? Are you feeling like you can’t balance all the demands on your time between work, home and virtual schooling? Hoping to learn more about self-care and mindfulness? Join us for a limited workshop series chock full of practical tips to help you regain some balance. This series will cover burnout prevention, reintegrating self-care into your busy schedule, and how to start a practice of mindfulness. Take-home resources will be provided with actionable steps, and each session will include a short guided imagery practice. Come take the time to prioritize your own needs. To register, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NeXznDvEQvupzYVTUnFG2Q Organized by Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group, presented by Inquiring Minds LLC and sponsored by Carroll County Public Schools, this is appropriate for any family of a child with a disability.
Free
BEHAVIOR TALKS – RESOURCES TO SUPPORT STUDENT SUCCESS
Behavior Talks is a series of brief trainings for parents/caregivers created by HCPSS staff. Each video shares useful tips to promote student success related to behavior, social/emotional needs, organization/self-management at home, and more. Current videos include:
Being a Flexible Thinker
Breaking Down a Task
Giving Feedback and Praise
Making a Schedule & Setting Expectations
More will be added as they become available, please visit https://www.hcpss.org/special-education/behavior-talks/ These videos are part of the ongoing Parent Empowerment series sponsored by the HCPSS Department of Special Education.
Free
EMPOWERING PARENTS AS PARTNERS PRESENTATIONS ONLINE
The presentations from the HCPSS Empowering Parents as Partners Conference and the opening session by Dr. Terri Savage are posted on the HCPSS website on the Special Education page, https://www.hcpss.org/special-education/. We hope you access and use these materials to support your continued learning.
For more information contact SECACChair@gmail.com or visit www.howardcountysecac.com.
Previous meeting notes:
November 13
October 7
September 11
Notice Regarding to IEP for CES Community
If your child had an IEP, prior to the covid-19 shutdown, their IEP is currently on an interim addendum and the original IEP will be reinstated in full when your child returns to full brick and mortar schooling and services. During the spring, this document was referred to as the Individual Continuity of Learning Plan (ICOL) and is now being called the Alternative Service Delivery Model Plan (ASDM). The ASDM is a much more detailed document in significance and scope as it will reflect your child’s full IEP, from when school was in session in a brick and mortar building during the 2019-2020 school year, with the exception of some things that cannot be implemented due to virtual learning. You will receive your student’s ASDM as a draft within the next few weeks. It is important to alert your child’s case manager right away if there are any questions or concerns about your child’s current learning in the virtual environment or about the ASDM as the district would like to have these in place by the beginning of October.
Questions about Special Education in Howard County?
HCAS offers advice, guidance, and support through consultations, workshops, and seminars. Topics include IEPs, school services, modifications, accommodations, and regulations under state and federal law. If necessary, a free phone consultation with an attorney specializing in special education law can be arranged.
Call: 410-290-3466
E-mail:AskusSpEdquestions@howard-autism.org
Visit: Special Education News Center on our website
AMC Sensory Friendly Films
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.
https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
Sensory-Friendly Sundays at the Robinson Nature Center
February 16
March 8
April 19
May 17
This monthly event is designed for families with children, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities. The center opens early, allowing visitors to enjoy a calm environment. Explore the exhibits, Discovery Room, nature trails and/or outdoor Nature Place play area. Sensory alert maps, sensory backpacks and quiet areas are available.
Call 410-313-0400 or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/RNC/sensoryfriendlyvisit. You may also register in person at 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044. Due to expected demand, we encourage you to call 410-313-0400 to reserve your space ahead of time. Thanks to a generous donation by the Friends of Max Cowan, the first 70 families to attend these events will gain complimentary admission to the Nature Center.
All ages | 11:30am – 12:30pm
General operating hours begin at noon and guests of this program are welcome to stay after 12:30pm.
$5, adult; $3, child; Free for members & children under 3 yrs
SENSORY FRIENDLY STORIES & FUN
Children of all abilities and their caregivers are welcome to this supportive, judgment-free class that includes stories, music, and movement in a small group. Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min. If you would like a reminder for this class, please provide an email address. Registration is required.
Check with your nearest Howard County Library branch to find out when and where.
Support Groups
Howard County Autism Society, 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD
Asperger’s Family Support Group
February 13, 2020 – 7:30 – 9:00pm
March 12, 2020 – 7:30-9:00pm
General Support Meeting
February 18, 2020 – 7:00-8:30pm
March 17, 2020 – 7:00-8:30pm
Sensory Friendly Days at the B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O is proud to host Sensory Friendly Days for children and guests with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences. The museum will be opening one hour early at 10am on the following Sundays to accommodate our guests and their families: March 22, May 17, July 19, and September 20.
This more accessible museum experience features added signage and modified lighting & sounds, as well as the presence of additional volunteers and staff to support visitors throughout their stay. Sensory kits will be stationed throughout the Museum’s campus and include feeling charts, break timers, fidgets, stress balls, and noise canceling headphones.
If smaller crowds, specialized activities, less sound and light stimuli, and a designated quiet room will make it easier for you or your child to explore all that the B&O has to offer, this is the day for you! Event is free with general admission.
RSVP
To RSVP and receive the specialized sensory story, please contact Rebecca Funk at RFunk@borail.org.
Howard County Autism Society Pieces of the Puzzle Gala — CASINO NIGHT!
April 25, 2020 – 7:00-Midnight
Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, MD
Howard County Autism Society
Event Calendar: http://www.howard-autism.org/hcas-events/
Pathfinders for Autism
Event Calendar: https://pathfindersforautism.org/calendar/
Camp Inclusion
Event Calendar: https://www.facebook.com/pg/campinclusion/events
HCPSS
Special Education Parent and Guardian Calendar: https://www.hcpss.org/special-education/calendar/