From the Director

Welcome! Exciting times are ahead as your children prepare to return to a new school year. Our department has been busy all summer with ESY, summer services and preparations for the new year. Professional Development opportunities await our new special educators in the county along with our returning staff. Its a busy time not only for teachers and staff but for families. Purchasing school supplies and trying to get back into a routine along with all of your other responsibilities may be challenging. But, its an exciting time. Its a time for children to enter a new year with enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn. Parents and teachers working together can make this happen. I encourage you to partner with your child's teachers and case manager to ensure open communication. Remember, no one knows a child better than a parent or guardian. Always begin with your childs teacher or case manager if you have questions or concerns. Being a part of the IEP Team and understanding the world of special education may be overwhelming for parents new to the process. Help is available to you through our Partners for Success Center. Please utilize the services, workshops and supports. You are not alone in this journey. I also encourage you to attend the Harford County SECAC (Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee) events and meetings. The meetings and presentations are meaningful in understanding and supporting you in your journey of special education.

My sincerest best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful new school year. Sincerely, Ann-Marie P. Spakowski

What do we have to offer families and educators? PARTNERS FOR SUCCESS RESOURCE CENTER WELCOMES YOU!
Did you know that all services provided by the PFSC Resource Center and their partners are FREE and no cost to you? Our trained staff is here to help. We are ourselves parents who have children with special needs. 201 Oakington Rd. Havre de Grace, MD 21078 Phone: 410-273-5579 Fax: 410-273-5599 E-mail: partners.success@hcps.org These are a few of the FREE services we can provide to you. We can help you: Locate FREE resources for your child with special needs and your family. Build a strong support team at school and in the community for your child to be successful. Access FREE information regarding the IEP process and working with the team. Connect with FREE resources when you are in need of support. FREE help to organize your paperwork. We have workshops to help you organize the abundance of IEP, medical and paperwork. We can also provide free binders and can meet with you individually. By providing FREE workshops on such topics as behavior interventions, social skills and IEP review to name a few. Connect with community partners in our area who work with our families in providing inclusive social opportunities.

Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.

Lori Ginley Parent Coordinator

September 2012
Thursday, September 2 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lets Get Organized Workshop! Location: Office, Roye Williams Elementary 201 Oakington Rd. HdG

Sibshops 2012
Join us! Please register NOW for our Fall 2012 Sibshops September 15 October 13 November 10 December 8 Cost is $40 for four sessions* (Please plan to attend all four sessions) REGISTRATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 7TH 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

October 2012
Join Us for a Book Study Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs Stories of Love and Understanding for those who care for children with disabilities Two sessions per month! October 24 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. OR 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Location: The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, Inc. 4513 Philadelphia Road Aberdeen, MD 21001 Future Dates: Wednesdays Nov. 28, Jan. 16, Feb. 27, Mar. 27 Apr. 24, May 22 Pre-register by Friday, Oct.13th and receive a free book Monday, October 1st Dr. Stephen Lindauer, Assistant Director Developmental Disabilities Clinic of Kennedy Krieger Institute will be presenting on the topic Behavioral Interventions and Strategies 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Location: Villa Maria School Harford County Campus 1370 Brass Mill Rd. Belcamp, MD 21017

Location: Mountain Christian Church Timothy Hall 1824 Mountain Christian Road Joppa, MD 21085 Sibshops are for kids, ages 8 - 13, who have a brother or sister with special needs. For more information or to register please call 410-578-5169 or 1-800-999-9442, ext. 5169 *A limited number of scholarships are available. Donations to the scholarship fund are accepted. Co-sponsored by: Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region Harford County Infants & Toddlers Program MCF (Maryland Coalition of Families) and Partners for Success Resource Center Harford County Public Schools SECAC Save The Date Thursday, Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov.15 6:30 p.m. 8:15 p.m. (*Third Thursday of month) Location: A.A. Roberty Bldg. 102 S. Hickory Ave. Bel Air, MD 21014

If you would like to... Receive information regarding free upcoming workshops and events please e-mail us at Partners.success@hcps.org