Pathfinder Journeys - The Pathfinder Newsletter
News & Resources for North Dakota Parents, Youth, & Professionals | 
Pathfinder News
Life Launch Transition Workshops
Life Launch

The NDSTP has developed a series of workshops to explain the sometimes complicated process of transition to college, post-secondary opportunities, and employment. 

These workshops will teach families and youth about how to best access the services available after leaving high school. There are a total of five sessions that go into great detail on the transition process. 

The Road to Transitioning
This is a great place to start, as the main focus of this workshop is on the basics of life after high school. We will focus on the options that are available and preparation for this transition. There will be information on how to get adult supports and tips for transition.

The Road to Independence
Everyone wants to have independence and feel like they are able to make their life what they want it to be. During this workshop you will be learning about how to become more independent and make sure you have a voice in what you want your life to look like. The focus will be on what it takes to live independently or interdependently with the help of adult programs and supports.

The Road to a Good Life
A good life is important for everyone and understanding what that looks like for you and how you can attain it is the main focus. We will be talking about college options when transitioning and what your rights are, along with what is available. You will get tips on transition planning and how to assess your strengths.

The Road to Employment
If you are searching for more knowledge on adult supports in the workforce for people with disabilities this workshop will be focusing on that. You will learn about tips for employment planning, what your rights are, and how to get the support you need to enter into the workforce.

Keeping it Together
Being organized is an important aspect of becoming an adult. During this workshop you will be learning about being organized with your important documents. This will be shown through our accordion file system where you can have everything you need in one place. The file folder also has resources in each of its twelve sections to offer guidance and support.

We are available to conduct free workshops to youth in your area. If you are interesting in scheduling a workshop, contact Amanda at youth@pathfinder-nd.org.

AmazonSmile
Support Pathfinder through AmazonSmile this Holiday Season


If you're planning on doing any shopping at Amazon this holiday season, don't forget you can support Pathfinder Services of ND by using AmazonSmile, at no cost!

AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.

To learn how, visit our link:  AmazonSmile - Pathfinder Services of ND

December
2019
In This Issue
Quick Links
Happy Holidays from Pathfinder Services of ND!

Everyone at Pathfinder would like to wish you and your family Happy Holidays! 

Our office will be closed the following days during the holiday season:  

Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019 
Christmas Eve 

Monday, Dec. 25, 2019 
Christmas Day  

Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2020 
New Year's Day

 Resource Focus
Resource cover
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team
Pathfinder Services of ND

This handout from our Early Intervention series covers the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team.


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.


Early Childhood
Boy playing in snow
Cold Weather Safety

Children are more vulnerable than adults to the effects of cold weather. These tips from the Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center will help parents keep children safe, healthy, and warm in the winter.


 Elementary Students
Mother and daughter by Christmas tree
Dealing with Changes in School Routines During the Holiday Season

For many households, the holiday season is a time filled with changes in routine, which can be stressful for both parents and kids. Changes in routine aren't just limited to home this time of year. In schools, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's is filled with interruptions, and it's more than just a few days off here, or a long vacation there. 

For children with special needs, those interruptions have the potential to have an impact on learning, behavior and progress. Here are some of the more common disruptions you might see this time of year and ways to troubleshoot them.


  Holiday Spotlight
Smiling boy
5 Ways to Make the Holidays Happier for Children with Special Needs

As parents, you want to make the holidays as jolly as possible for your kids. Keeping children with special needs merry, though, can be challenging. The hubbub of family celebrations and parties can overwhelm those with sensory issues; others might find the break in routine unsettling (and meltdown-inducing). It's also not very joyous for a kid with delays to open up a present that doesn't fit his developmental stage. 

Happily, there are plenty of strategies that can help kids with special needs have just as much fun as any kid. Here are a few tactics from parents that have enabled their kids to have truly happy holidays.

Read the article here: 

Girl with a gift
Toy-Buying Tips for Children with Special Needs

Which toys are best for children with special health care needs? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says toys that enhance parents' play with their child are always appropriate. The AAP offers the following tips for parents on choosing toys for young children with special needs.    

Read the tips here: 

Boy at Christmas
Ease Holiday Stress for Children with Autism

The holiday season is supposed to be the most magical time of year, but for parents of children with autism, it can present certain challenges. Amid the large crowds, noisy atmospheres, and bright lights, "people with autism of all ages may have sensory sensitivities or become overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are a few tips parents of children with autism or other sensory disorders can use to help their loved ones stay safe and calm.    

Read the article here: 

  Training Opportunities & Upcoming Events

Event
When
Where
Cost
Link
ND Hands & Voices Parent Power Hour
Dec 16
8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Online
FreeMore Info
School Liaison Officer: A Resource for Military Families (Military Child Education Coalition Webinar)
Dec 17
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Online
FreeMore Info
Christmas Break - Pathfinder Office Closed
Dec 24-25---
---More Info
New Year's Day - Pathfinder Office Closed
Jan 1---
---More 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 16
Minot, ND 58701