Pathfinder Journeys - The Pathfinder Newsletter
News & Resources for North Dakota Parents & Professionals | 
Pathfinder News
The Bricks _ Mortar of the IEp Process - Building an Individualized Education Program_ Part 1 - Pathfinder Webinar Series
Building an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Part 1: The Bricks & Mortar of the IEP Process


Thursday, November 15, 2018 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM CST

Building an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a two part webinar series for parents and professionals who are participating in the IEP planning process.  This webinar series will provide the basic tools to build an IEP that will ensure that an individual with a disability will have an appropriate educational program to accommodate their unique needs.

Part 1 will provide parents and professionals information relating to key IEP timelines, the qualifications of individuals required to attend the IEP meeting, and ideas to assist in getting ready for the IEP meeting.

To register for this webinar, visit:
Registration Link


North Dakota Secondary Transition Project logo
North Dakota Secondary Transition Project (NDSTP)

Pathfinder Services of ND has a new FREE Secondary Transition project piloting this fall.

The purpose of the NDSTP is to serve youth with learning difficulties and their families to realize new transition possibilities! NDSTP provides resources, training and support to youth and families with disabilities on transition to college, post-secondary opportunities and employment. It will also teach how to plan for positive futures, and how to access supports and services after leaving high school.

Learn more on our website:

North Dakota News
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction
North Dakota Native American Essential Understanding Project

November is Native Ameican Heritage Month, so it's a perfect time to highlight the North Dakota Native American Essential Understanding (NDNAEU) project. The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction brought together tribal Elders from across North Dakota to share stories, memories, songs and wisdom in order to develop the North Dakota Native American Essential Understandings to guide the learning of both Native and non-Native students across the state. This began the process of the development of the North Dakota Native American Essential Understanding (NDNAEU) project.

Visit NDDPI's site for links to the Teachings Of Our Elders website and other resources from the project at this link:

Early Childhood
Illustration of father and son using a tablet
Guiding Principles for Use of Technology with Early Learners

The thoughtful use of technology by parents and early educators can engage children in key skills such as play, self-expression, and computational thinking which will support later success across all academic disciplines and help maintain young children's natural curiosity.

Families and early educators have many different options for using technology with early learners. The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology offers guiding principles for use of technology with early learners. This guidance needs to reflect the reality that families and early educators have access to apps, digital books, games, video chatting software, and a multitude of other interactive technologies that can be used with young children.

Read the full article:
November
2018
In This Issue
Quick Links
Experienced Parent Program logo
Would you like support through the early intervention process?

Follow the link below to get support or to refer a parent to the program.


 Library Focus
Learning About Epilepsy cover
Learning About Epilepsy
by Roy G. Beran, MD

This simple book is specifically designed for young children to help explain the nature of epilepsy, its investigation and treatment. Besides reading it with their parents, children can use it to epilepsy to their friends, classmates and teachers. One can hope that a complete understanding of the disorder early on will help these children to lead normal and happy lives.
 Elementary Students
Boy sad at school
What to Say When Kids With Learning and Attention Issues Don't Want to Go to School

It's not unusual for a child to want to stay home from school once in a while. But it becomes problematic when he frequently doesn't want to go to school, even if the reason he gives you changes. For kids with learning and attention issues, this can be a common situation. 

This article offers some ways you can respond when your child says he doesn't want to go to school.


  Youth & Young Adults
Young man at his job
On the Job: Stories from Youth with Disabilities

There's nothing like hearing success stories about your peers! This booklet compiles the stories of six young people with significant disabilities on the job, for whom early work experiences have played a vital role, as did an emphasis on using natural supports.

Get the booklet:

  Spotlight
World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day - November 14

November 14 is World Diabetes Day. In honor of this, we would like to highlight a few resources on the subject of diabetes and children.

Diabetes Management For Children with Type 1 Diabetes 

This website from the North Dakota Department of Health's Diabetes Prevention and Control Program offers a collection of resources for managing Type 1 diabetes in children. The site includes information about diabetes and school, including how it relates to Section 504 Plans and IEPs. 

School Advisory Toolkit for Families

This guide offers collaborative methods for educators and parents of children with type 1 diabetes to ensure that every child enjoys the best possible school experience. Includes a section on your child's rights, including Section 504 protections.


Additional resources are available on our website here: 


  Training Opportunities & Upcoming Events

Event
When
Where
Cost
Link
National Epilepsy Awareness Month
NovemberEverywhere
--More Info
NDDAC Legislative Training Institute
Nov 7-9Bismarck, ND
More Info
National Microtia Awareness Day
Nov 9Everywhere
FreeMore Info
Smart Homes Made Simple Webinar (CPIR Webinar)
Nov 14
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm		Online
FreeMore Info
World Diabetes Day
Nov 14Everywhere
FreeMore Info
Special Education and the Important Role You Play for Your Child (PACER Webinar)
Nov 15
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm		Online
FreeMore Info
Building an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Part 1: The Bricks and Mortar of the IEP Process (Pathfinder Services of ND Webinar)
Nov 15
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm		Online
FreeMore Info
Health, Technology & Trades Career Fair
Nov 15Jamestown Civic Center
212 3rd Ave NE
Jamestown, ND
FreeMore Info
Being an Active Participant in Your Child's Transition from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten (PACER Webinar)
Nov 17
9:00 am to 11:00 am		Online
FreeMore Info
Becoming an Active Partner in Your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) (PACER Webinar)
Nov 26
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm		Online
FreeMore Info
Apps to Support Youth with Vision Loss in the Transition to Adulthood (PACER Webinar)
Nov 27
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm		Online
FreeMore Info

All listed times are in Central Time.
Pathfinder Services of ND 
701-837-7500 | info@pathfinder-nd.org | http://pathfinder-nd.org
Town & Country Center, 1015 S. Broadway, Suite 42
Minot, ND 58701

The contents of this newsletter were developed under a grant from the US Department of Education, #H328M110021. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.