Parents who are informed are able to make the best choices for their children.

This blog was created to be a source of information about events in the Western Washington State area for parents and educators of children with special needs and learning challenges.
If you have an event that is not listed here please e-mail us complete information.
Showing posts with label 03 March 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 03 March 2010. Show all posts

Friday, March 26, 2010

Annual Non-Competitive Easter Egg Hunt

Annual Non-Competitive Easter Egg Hunt
Special Church for Special Kids-each child gets their own area to hunt for guaranteed success Saturday, March 27th at 2pm1302 140th St East, Tacoma, 98445

RSVP to the Head Bunny, Heather Daniels at 253-535-6792-let us know your special needs and how many kids are coming

Monday, March 8, 2010

10th annual SE Pierce County Resource Fair

10th annual SE Pierce County Resource Fair
Sponsored by PAVE and PC2

Tuesday, March 9th
6:30-8:30pm

Information will be available for all things related to special needs, and there will be free childcare and activities.

Rogers High School
12801 86th Ave E, Puyallup

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking? (autism)

Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking?
Presented by Carrie Sheppard, LMHC

Ever feel like you're on a different planet from your autistic child? Like your wavelengths rarely intersect? This session will introduce you to some valuable techniques that will help you and your child become more attuned to each other's mental and emotional states. Getting "in sync" with each other provides an important developmental foundation for future social success.

Some of the steps leading to relationship competence begin with building the motivation to join minds together in attention, thought and action. Genuine interest and empathy follows quite naturally.

Through practical instruction and video clips, you'll see how parents and therapists work with children to develop shared understanding that will help cultivate valuable connections. You will learn some of the cognitive and emotional benefits of using these techniques. Appropriate for: Parents and professionals



Date: March 24, 2010
Time: 7 p.m.
Fee: $20
Child care is not available for this presentation


To register go to http://www.mindsourcecenter.com/trainings.html. Or call the receptionist (253)-639-7146 with a credit card to reserve your space.

You Are More Valuable to Your Child Than Any Therapist Will Ever Be

You Are More Valuable to Your Child Than Any Therapist Will Ever Be
Presented by Carrie Sheppard, LMHC

The decisions parents face after a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder are mind boggling and laden with emotion. Parents wonder: Am I doing enough for my child? Am I choosing the right therapies? How will I pay for it all? This class is based on the notion that effective treatment can happen in the context of "normal" family life and that the parents' natural role as guide to their child can hold greater therapeutic value than many of the expensive, often overused therapies --- some of which fail to provide noticeable value in "real life." Come learn ways to enjoy family life more and focus on helping your child's development on a daily basis. The whole family can benefit from an enhanced quality of life while also targeting your child's specific developmental goals! Appropriate for: Parents



Date: March 10, 2010
Time: 7 p.m.
Fee: $20
Child care is not available for this presentation


To register go to http://www.mindsourcecenter.com/trainings.html. Or call the receptionist (253)-639-7146 with a credit card to reserve your space.

Sensory Processing and Strategies for Self-Regulation

Date: Session 2: March 4, 2010
Time: 7 p.m.
Fee: $20
Child care is not available for this presentation


To register go to http://www.mindsourcecenter.com/trainings.html Or call the receptionist (253)-639-7146 with a credit card to reserve your space.


Sensory Processing and Strategies for Self-Regulation
Presented by Mary Fuhr, OTR/L and Carrie Sheppard, LMHC
Does your child overreact to sensory stimulation: sounds, flashing lights, textures of clothing or foods? Or seem oblivious to things others pay attention to? Does your child maintain an activity level that is way too high or way too low? These and other symptoms could signal a sensory processing disorder.

Self-Regulation--the ability to master appropriate responses to the stresses of everyday living--is a critical factor in the development of a young child. Because this ability can have a significant impact of all areas of interaction throughout a lifetime, it is crucial--especially for a child on the autism spectrum--to learn strategies for self-calming, regulating responses to stimuli, and managing attention and emotional responsiveness.

In this two-part class, Carrie and Mary will help you learn to identify some of the symptoms of sensory processing disorders and recognize the relationship between these disorders and the management of emotions, behavior, communication, and social interactions. You'll go home with practical and enjoyable strategies you can use to help your child learn to self-regulate and improve his or her ability to cope with the demands of a dynamic and often bewildering world. Appropriate for: Parents and Professionals. Appropriate for: Parents and Professionals



Session 2: Many more practical, hands-on strategies will be demonstrated and experienced, and information from your personal homework may be shared as live examples for solution brainstorming. Video examples of regulation strategies in action will demonstrate effective methods for meltdown management and prevention, and for promoting optimal attention. "You got rave reviews...your knowledge and expertise really added to our therapists' knowledge." Clinical Education Coordinator of a national symposium

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Homeschool Workshops

Homeschool Workshops

Saturday, March 13, 8:00AM-4:30PM

For a registration form, contact:

whatcomhomeschool@ comcast.net, 360 671-3689

Whatcom Homeschool Association presents Homeschool Workshops, Saturday, March 13. This could be the most important day in your homeschool year. It will provide new ideas, answers to questions, and new friends. You will be encouraged and supported. You will be energized to finish the year with perseverance, and will be infused with a CAN DO spirit in planning for next year.

Twenty-two workshops, four or five in each of five sessions, are offered on topics related to different ages - preschool through high school, and on a range of academic subjects from math to history. There is truly something for everyone, including the parent who is not yet homeschooling.

Registrations postmarked by March 3 will qualify for the discounted cost of $15. Registrations postmarked after March 3, and walk-ins will cost $20. Either way, one additional family member included on the same registration form will be only $5. Lunch is provided as part of your registration, so plan to eat with us in the Resource Fair and visit the vendors. To receive registration information, email whatcomhomeschool@ comcast.net or call 360-671-3689.

Arrive at 8:00AM to register for the workshops that are not already full, or to pick up your pre-registration; receive last minute instructions, enjoy a donut and coffee, and visit the Resource Fair. The last workshop ends at 3:15 allowing time to visit the Resource Fair again before heading home.

Location: Immanuel Bible Church, 2000 W. North Street, corner of North and Lynn streets, Bellingham.

The facilities are wheelchair accessible, including an elevator.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Homeschooling - Classical Conversations Informational Meeting

Classical Conversations Informational Meeting - Homeschooling

Come hear Melissa Rubert, Washington State Manager for ClassicalConversations, and homeschool mom. Get a closer look at ClassicalConversations' Programs for K4-12th and our classical communities thatprovide support and encouragement for homeschooling parents.


Lacey – Monday, March 1st, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Fire District#34, 8407 Steilacoom Road, Olympia, WA 98513.

Shelton – Thursday, March 4th, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at First Baptistof Shelton, 428 West Cota, Shelton, WA 98584.

Port Orchard – Friday, March 5th from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at BibleBaptist Church, 6703 Bethel Road SE, Port Orchard, WA 98367. In theoffice building.

Poulsbo – Friday, March 5th from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at North KitsapBaptist, 20516 Little Valley Road NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370.

Bellingham – Saturday, March 13th, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at theWHA Workshops, Immanuel Bible Church, 2000 W. North Street, corner North and Lynn streets, Bellingham.

Vancouver – Monday, March 15th, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at BrushPrairie Baptist Church, 11814 NE 117th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98662.(Back Parking Lot, Room 3)

Unless noted, to RSVP or for additional information, please contactMelissa Rubert at mrubert@classicalconversations.com or 360-870-5163.Also, please check out our event calendar for updated information atwww.classicalconversations.com.

Reach for The Stars - Dinner and Auction for Programs - Autism

Reach for The Stars
Dinner and auction benefiting program for children and young adults with autism.

March 13, 2010
5:30PM


With almost 1 in 90 children getting diagnosed with autism and effective programs few and far between, FEAT of Washington needs your support now more than ever.

Hyatt Regency Bellevue
March 13, 2010- Saturday
5:30PM-10:30PM
$150.00/dinner ticket
Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) of Washington will host Reach for the Stars, a dinner and auction benefiting programs for children and young adults with autism, on March 13, 2010, 5:30 PM at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue. More than 250 guests from Greater Seattle's information technology, business, nonprofit, financial, and philanthropic communities enjoy cocktails, dinner, and frenzied bidding at this fun annual event. For more information and to RSVP, please click here.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Gig Harbor Gluten Free - Pizza Party Meeting

March 15, 2010

Gig Harbor Gluten Free Support Group

Pizza Party Meeting

for information on time and location please contact: Flute4him@yahoo.com

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Homeschooling High School Seminar

Homeschooling High School Seminar

Monday, March 22, 2010

4:30pm - 7:30pm

Garfield Book Company at Pacific Lutheran Univ.
208 S. Garfield St., Tacoma, WA

Presented: Janice Hedin, homeschool parent and advocate. She serves on the Washington Homeschool Org. Advocacy Committee. She is co-presenter of the popular parent-qualifying course, OPTions for Parent Teachers.

$40 inclues parents and teen(s) in family
$10 discount for all WHO members

Pre-register by sending registration fee payable to Janice M. Hedin, along wtih number of people attenting to: Janice M. Hedin 23923 SE 202 St., Maple Valley, WA 98038

For more info contact Janice at elcamino6486@msn.com

Friday, February 12, 2010

TACA - Sleep and Autism - Dr. Chapman

Day: March 20th
Meets the 3rd Saturday of the Month

Time:10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Leigh Ann Chapman, ND

Research Updates & Sleep and Autism

Dr. Chapman is currently involved in clinical research on autism as a condition of oxidative stress. Specifically, she is studying glutathione replacement therapies in autistic children. She is also collecting preliminary data on Vitamin D levels in families of children with autism.

Dr. Chapman provides integrative healthcare in Portland, Oregon. She has a special focus in pediatric developmental disorders and utilizes both natural and conventional therapies in the treatment of Autism, Asperger syndrome, sensory integration disorders and ADHD.

Coordinators:Denise Fulton and Chelsi Coate
Child care:Not offered at this time, sorry.

Location: Building E Auditorium, South Campus, Bates Technical College, 2201 South 78th Street, Tacoma, WADriving Directions

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Celiac Clinic - Auburn, WA

Celiac Clinic - Auburn, WA

This group education program is designed especially for persons newly diagnosed with celiac disease, gluten intoelrances, or those needing a refresher course. Spouses are welcome. Parents/guardians should attend for/with children under 14. Course is not appropriate for young children.

Course covers:
What is celiac disease?
In-depth review of gluten-free diet
Finding gluten-free products
Meal planning and dining out
Cooking with gluten-free products
Other sources of gluten
Living healthy and happy with celiac disease
Individual 1-hour consultation (optional)

Clinic is taught in one 4-hour session (10 am to 3 pm – includes 1 hour lunch), with the option of an individual consult.

Pre-registration required.

Location: GIG Office, Auburn, WA

To register call: 253-833-6655, Mon - Fri 8:00 to 4:00 pm

A registered dietitian will teach the clinic. GIG does not process insurance claims.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Classes at Fort Nisqually

Classes at Fort Nisqually
This type of class is excellent for all students, but it can especially be beneficial for students who are struggling because of it’s hands on nature.

A Pocket for Your Projects
Ages: 16 Yrs. and over
Fees: $25.00
Saturday, March 20, 2010
1:00PM - 3:00PM
"Great Room" in Ft. Nisqually Ed. Bldg.-Point Defiance

What's a person to do with all those mending, knitting, or other small portable handwork projects? Make your own simple cloth bag to hold everything from craft materials to special treasures. Choose from several authentic designs to personalize your bag. Class price includes supplies. Instructor: Nancy Keller-Scholz.

You can register online at: http://www.metroparkstacoma.net/onlineregistration/Activities

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Sleep and Autism Research Project

Saturday, March 20, 201010 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Building E Auditorium, South Campus, Bates Technical College, 2201 South 78th Street, Tacoma, WA

Research, Sleep and Autism

Leigh Ann Chapman, ND

Dr. Chapman is currently involved in clinical research on autism as a condition of oxidative stress. Specifically, she is studying glutathione replacement therapies in autistic children. She is also collecting preliminary data on Vitamin D levels in families of children with autism.Dr. Chapman provides integrative healthcare in Portland, Oregon. She has a special focus in pediatric developmental disorders and utilizes both natural and conventional therapies in the treatment of Autism, Asperger syndrome, sensory integration disorders and ADHD.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Rhythmic Movement Training Levels 1 and 2

Rhythmic Movement Training Levels 1&2
Presented by Sonia Story

March 26-28, 2010, Chehalis, Washington
For information http://www.moveplaythrive.com/

Visual Processing as a Component of Learning Difficulties

MARCH 1st, 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Topic: “Visual Processing as a Component of Learning Difficulties”

Speaker: Judy Russell, First Class Development and Learning Resources

Meeting Location: Pierce County Library Processing and Administration CenterConference Room B3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98446-Located at 112th St. E. & Waller Rd. E., off the Hwy 512 Portland Ave. exit