FAMILY TIES
A Note From Your Coordinator
Fall is quickly coming to
an end and winter is just around
the corner. This is such a busy
and exciting time of the year.
Wouldn’t it be neat to be a
child again and only have to
think about Santa and what he
was going to bring you! Of
course, it really is fun planning,
buying and actually making the
holidays into a magical time for
our little ones. Be sure to enjoy
this special time of the year.
We have some great
workshops and fun activities
planned for the next two
months. They are all listed on
pages 2 & 3. I would like to
invite you to them. If you
have any questions, feel free to
call me. They are a wonderful
way to meet new friends and
connect with other parents.
I wish you all a safe and
happy Holiday Season!
Janie Bucy
240-920-6829
Family Support
Network/Preschool
Partners
Allegany County
November/December 2015
Christmas
Gift
Suggestions
Handling Stress
Children and Holiday Stress
When parents are stressed during the holidays, their children
will pick up those feelings and react accordingly. The following
stress management tips will help both parents and children
recognize holiday anxiety and feel less stress – because helping kids cope with holiday stress is the best way to enjoy the
festivities!
 Infants and toddlers: At this age the upset in children’s routines and predictability are the main contributors to holiday stress. Try
to schedule activities around naptimes and mealtimes. Keep bedtime routines as
close to normal as possible. Watch for signs your child is becoming stressed and
overly tired- fussiness, ear pulling, and clinging behaviors. Don’t forget your
child’s favorite blanket or stuffed animal when you run errands or travel. A bit of
home will reduce your child’s holiday anxiety.

Preschoolers: Your little ones are now old enough to experience the excitement
and anticipation of holiday celebrations. However, they can become over stimulated
easily. This can lead to tears of frustration and a regression to younger behaviors
such as toileting issues, eating with hands, or thumb sucking. Keep plenty of
healthy snacks available when you’re out shopping or visiting to ward off hunger
related tantrums. Be patient with your child during these stressful times and remember when the holidays are over things will improve.

Cope with your own holiday anxiety. The less holiday stress you feel, the more
relaxed your children will be. Plan ahead and remain flexible. Try not to overbook
your time or take on responsibilities you have no real desire to fulfill. Sit quietly
and think about what the holiday really means to you then make your decisions
based on your true values.
PAL - University of Alabama
To your enemy,
forgiveness.
To an opponent,
tolerance.
To a friend, your
heart.
To a customer,
service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a
good example.
To yourself,
respect.
~ Oren Arnold
Book Review
some good books should always about wrapping gifts, decoratbe among the presents under the ing the house, and the baking
Christmas tree.
for Christmas. They want to
help with everything. MuddyThe book I found to
paws is a funny little dog who
feature for this newsletter is,
can’t help getting into trouble.
Muddypaws’ First Christmas.
He sniffs all the presents until
It is written by Paul Bright and
he finds one that he is sure is
is beautifully illustrated by
for him and just can’t wait to
Simon Mendez.
Time spent cuddling up
open it.
Ben
is
a
little
boy,
who's
with mommy, daddy, or a
Young children will enloved adult and listening to sto- best friend is a yellow puppy
joy this book and will relate to
ries will make memories never with brown paws named,
Ben and Muddypaws and their
Muddypaws. They are excited
to be forgotten. That is why
Holiday antics.
What’s Going On...
Moms’ Night Out
When: Tuesday, November 10, 2015; 5:30 p.m. -?
Where: Ruby Tuesdays, LaVale, MD
What: Relax and have a delicious dinner. This is a nice way to share laughter and
connect with other mothers and grandmothers. Bring pictures of your family.
You deserve a break!
RSVP: by Monday, November 9, 2015 at 240-920-6829
Social Skills:
Tips and Resources for Children with
Aspergers Syndrome and High Functioning Autism
When: Thursday, November 12, 2015: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Allegany College of MD, Continuing Ed. Building, Room 12-14
What: Barbara Obst R.N., M.S. and co-coordinator for the SHNIC
Program at Kennedy Krieger, will offer tips and resources to help your
child with Aspergers Syndrome and High Functioning Autism to understand their role in socializing with their peers in school and at home.
A light dinner will be served.
RSVP: by Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 240-920-6829
Page 2
FAMILY TIES
What’s Going On...
Signing With Young Children
When: Monday, November 23, 2015, 6:00– 7:30 p.m.
Where: Cash Valley Elementary School, Media Center
What: A workshop with Cheri Dowling, MSD, focusing on the benefits and
techniques of teaching basic sign language to young children. This is a fun
workshop! Refreshments will be served.
RSVP: by Thursday, November 18, 2015 at 240-920-6829
FSS Holiday Party
Monday, December 7, 2015
Details on the back page
COMPASSIONATE SANTA
A special opportunity to visit with Santa for children with disabilities
Country Club Mall
See Guest Services at the Mall for dates and time
Early Learners Playgroup
When: The 1st Wednesday and 3rd Thursday of each
month, November 4 & 19, 2015, December 2 & 17, 2015
and January 6 & 21, 2016; 10:00—11:00 a.m.
Where: South Penn Elementary School
What: This is a free program that gives your child
(ages 2-4 years old) the opportunity to play and learn in
a classroom environment. The children will learn important social skills and critical classroom behaviors.
Parents are encouraged to play and teach their child
while having fun with other families and children. This
is also a nice way to meet and share ideas with other
mothers. Snacks are provided and each child will receive a book to keep and take home.
NORAD TRACKS SANTA !
Visit www.noradsanta.org.
Starting December 1st, a holiday countdown will begin with
games, activities, videos, music and stories and continue each
day until Christmas.
Then at 12:01a.m. on December 24th, follow Santa as he makes
his magical journey around the globe.
Allegany County
Page 3
TOP TEN TIPS FOR BUYING TOYS
PREPARED BY THE NATIONAL LEKOTEK CENTER
Here are the questions that the play experts at the National Lekotek Center ask when
choosing developmentally appropriate toys for differently-abled kids. Use these questions to guide you in making the right match between the child for whom you’re buying and the toys. For assistance in
selecting toys for a child with disabilities call the Lekotek Toy Resource Helpline: 1-800-366-PLAY or www.lekotek.org
1. Multi-sensory appeal:
Does the toy respond with lights, sounds, or movement to engage the child? Are there contrasting colors? Does
it have a scent? Is there a texture?
2. Method of activation:
Will the toy provide a challenge without frustration? What is the force required to activate? What are the number and complexity of steps required to activate?
3. Places the toy will be used:
Will the toy be easy to store? Is there space in the home? Can the toy be used in a variety of positions such as
side-lying or on a wheelchair tray?
4. Opportunities for success:
Can play be open-ended with no definite right or wrong way? Is it adaptable to the child’s individual style, ability,
and pace?
5. Current popularity:
Is it a toy that will help the child feel like “any other kid”? Does it tie-in with other activities like books and art
sets that promote other forms of play?
6. Self-expression:
Does the toy allow for creativity, uniqueness, and making choices? Will it give the child experience with a variety
of media?
7. Adjustability:
Does it have adjustable height, sound volume, speed, and level of difficulty?
8. Child’s individual abilities:
Does the toy provide activities that reflect both developmental and chronological ages? Does it reflect the child’s
interests and age?
9. Safety and durability:
Does the toy fit with the child’s size and strength? Does it have moisture resistance? Are the toy and all parts
sized appropriately? Can it be washed and cleaned?
10. Potential for interaction:
Will the child be an active participant during use? Will the toy encourage social engagement with others?
Just in time for the holidays, Toys “R” Us has released its twentieth annual Toys “R” Us Toy Guide
For Differently-Abled Kids. Through its partnerships with the National Lekotek Center and National
Parent Network on Disabilities, Toys “R” Us developed and distributed this digest-sized catalogue.
We have copies of this catalogue at our office, and we will give them out
at all of our meetings and parties.
Page 4
Benefits of Baby
Sign Language
Baby Sign Language has three types of benefits:
Practical: less fussing and more fun
Emotional: creates a closer parental bond
Cognitive: boosts brain development
Fewer Tantrums and More Fun
When babies can’t communicate constructively they get frustrated, leading to tantrums
and meltdowns. We have all experienced the feeling of helplessness when trying to comfort an inconsolable baby, and trying to guess what they want.
Baby Sign language lets babies communicate what they want. They can tell you if they
want their teddy bear, when they are hungry, if it is too hot, or if their tummy hurts.
Families that sign report that both parents and child experience less frustration.
Spending hours trying to guess why your baby is distraught is a useless way to lose a
night of sleep. Baby Sign Language helps you and your baby address the root cause of
tantrums and allows both of you to spend more time enjoying each other’s company.
Enjoy a Closer Bond
When you and your baby are able to communicate, it forges a closer bond. When you and
your baby understand each other, it increases the feeling of closeness.
Studies report the emotional benefits of signing, including:

Parents and children that sign report feeling closer and more “tuned in” to each other

Babies that sign have fewer moments of distress

Parents report feeling better about themselves and more confident about parenting.
I used to
think that
being a
kid on
Christmas
was the
best thing
ever!
But, it
turns out
having a
kid on
Christmas
is!
A Smarter Baby
Early exposure to signing helps babies develop their language and reasoning skills.
While other babies are still crying to get what they want, signing babies are learning how
to communicate with words and simple phrases.
Studies show long-term cognitive benefits, including:

+12 IQ point advantage

Larger speaking vocabulary and ability to form longer sentences

Earlier reading and larger reading vocabulary

Better grades in school
“SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY” OR “SECAC” COMMITTEE MEETING
...NEEDS YOU!
What is SECAC? It is the Special Education Citizen’s Advisory Committee. This committee provides a forum
for parents, school staff, agency representatives and business partners to advise the Allegany County Public
School System on the needs of students with disabilities. With parent and community input, SECAC can be
a very powerful advocate for the continuing quality of education for our children with special needs. SECAC
needs more parents and community representatives for the committee. If you would like to become a member of SECAC, please call 240-920-6829 or email [email protected]. The committee meets four
times a year. The next meeting will be held on Monday, December 14, 2015 in the Continuing Education
Building at Allegany College of Maryland at 12:00 noon. Lunch will be provided.
Page 5
FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK
& PRESCHOOL PARTNERS
3 Pershing Street
Suite 316
Cumberland, MD 21502
Family Support Services
Phone: 240-920-6829
Holiday Celebration
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: 240-920-6829
Infant and Toddlers: 301-759-2402
When: Monday, December 7, 2015, 6:00—8:00 p.m.
Where: Beall Elementary School Cafeteria, Frostburg, MD
Refreshments, Fun, Crafts, Door
Prizes, Face Painting
& SANTA
Come and enjoy!!!
The party is for everyone in your home!
Bring your camera!
You must R.S.V.P. by Monday, November 30,
by calling 240-920-6829.
NO EXCEPTIONS!
(We will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.,
but please, no early birds)
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Please remember for upcoming parties to RSVP on the date that we request so that we can be prepared
with the right amount of refreshments, crafts, and prizes/gifts. Our parties must be limited to children
and families receiving services from the Infants and Toddlers Program or
children with IEP’s and their immediate family. However our support
groups or informational meetings are open to the public, and anyone who is
interested and could benefit from the subject is welcome to attend.
Remember that if schools are closed or dismissed early,
our activities must be cancelled also!!
Page 6
Allegany County Public Schools