Pathfinder Journeys - The Pathfinder Newsletter
News & Resources for North Dakota Parents, Youth, & Professionals | 
Pathfinder News
COVID 19 Coronavirus Disease
COVID-19 Resource Page

This page is our one-stop shop for Coronavirus resources relevant to parents, youth, and professionals. There are resources for parents on talking to children about the Coronavirus and keeping them safe, how to adjust to life during the outbreak, as well as how it impacts education. The page also features information from Federal and State education agencies, including guidance for schools on delivering services to students with special needs.


Special Education and COVID-19 title screen
Special Education and COVID-19 Webinar

During a time of ever changing information and confusion, we find ourselves as parents wondering how the systems and agencies will manage Special Education Services. This webinar from Pathfinder Services of ND offers information of how it effects special education, as well as how parents can help their children during this time.

This webinar is available to watch right now on our website: Watch Now

DIY Activity
DIY Activities for Families

Check out our new easy to do family friendly DIY activities. We have gathered a collection of activities that you can enjoy at home with your children.

Keep an eye out for additional fun, by watching our Facebook page and by visiting our Activity page here: DIY Activities

IFSP - Pathfinder Shortcuts
IFSP - Pathfinder Shortcuts Webinar

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is part of our Pathfinder Shortcuts webinar series. The webinars in this series are designed to be short (under 10 minutes) overviews of different topics for those who want an introduction to a topic, a summary of important details, or a quick refresher. This Shortcut will cover the steps in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process and lists additional resources to help you in your journey.

This webinar will be available to stream on April 14.


April
2020
In This Issue
Quick Links
 Resource Focus
Dispute Resolution in North Dakota_ Using the ND Facilitated IEP Process to Resolve Disputes
Dispute Resolution in North Dakota: Using the ND Facilitated IEP Process to Resolve Disputes
Pathfinder Services of ND

This brochure will assist parents of children with special needs in using the ND facilitated IEP process to resolve disputes.


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
Toddler playing with a computer
Virtual Teaching 101 for Early Childhood Educators

As more and more families are staying at home and centers are closing during the COVID-19 crisis, ensuring that children are getting the best support for their development has been a big challenge. Online teaching has been around for some time now and can be effective for adults and even older children, but what about those trying to reach families with children ages 0 to 5? 

Teaching young children is a very hands-on experience, so trying to move this online can be a big challenge. With indefinite closures, child care providers have had to get creative with how to continue helping families despite practicing social distancing. This guide goes over everything you need to know to get up and running with virtual teaching.


 Elementary Students
Boy studying at home
Back to (Virtual) School: 5 Things Parents Can Do to Support Students in Virtual Courses

Virtual learning is changing the way that students can learn. However, just because the environment looks different does not mean that relationships are any less central to the learning process for students enrolled in virtual courses. Parents and other caregivers offer some of the most critical guidance that students need to be successful in their academic journey.  


Young boy
Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19

Families across the country are adapting to the evolving changes in daily life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is very important to remember that children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. Acknowledging some level of concern, without panicking, is appropriate and can result in taking the necessary actions that reduce the risk of illness. Teaching children positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety. This is also a tremendous opportunity for adults to model for children problem-solving, flexibility, and compassion as we all work through adjusting daily schedules, balancing work and other activities, getting creative about how we spend time, processing new information from authorities, and connecting and supporting friends and family members in new ways. The following tips can help.  


  Youth & Young Adults
Girl at home studying
Remote Learning: Tips for Thriving in This Ecosystem

Anyone who attends online classes or any sort of remote learning knows it's different from traditional classes. To thrive in this environment requires a mindset that appreciates the pros and adapts to the challenges. San Diego Virtual School (SDVS) has put together a list of quick productivity tips on how to excel in this increasingly-popular learning environment. 


Teen girl
Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis

Having teenagers confined to home during the Coronavirus crisis may not be as labor-intensive as being holed up with small children, but it definitely has its challenges. While younger children may be thrilled at the prospect of having parental attention 24/7, adolescents are likely to feel differently. Here are some tips for parenting teenagers (and young adults suddenly home from college) during this time. 


  Spotlight
NDSC logo
Parent Webinar Series on Online Learning for Students with Disabilities

The National Down Syndrome Congress Center for Outreach & Education has recently posted a three-part Parent Webinar Series dealing with online learning for students with disabilities. 

In part 1, you can learn to assist in adjusting to online learning in the home setting. Sean J. Smith, professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas and NDSC board member, will help you prepare your home environment and help you find balance during this shift to a new normal.

In part 2, Sean J. Smith focuses on understanding the nature of online learning curriculum, content, and instructional techniques. This includes tips and strategies to plan for effective instruction and what parents and educators can do to further facilitate online learning. 

In part 3, Sean J. Smith will continue to focus on the various tips, tools, and techniques to maximize online learning for students with disabilities. Once you've set up your home learning environment and understand different ways to access materials for different learners, he will help you explore the various tools and techniques parents and educators can use to ensure a successful online learning experience. 

Get the webinars here:

  Training Opportunities & Upcoming Events

Event
When
Where
Cost
Link
National Autism Awareness Month
AprilEverywhere
--More Info
Caring for Children and Adolescents with Autism During COVID-19 (Webinar)
Apr 3
1:00 pm
Online
FreeMore Info
How to Support Students with Learning Differences Online with Bookshare (Webinar)
Apr 7
11:00 am
Online
FreeMore Info
Preparing for the IEP (PEAK Webinar)
Apr 8
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Online
FreeMore Info
Content of the IEP (PEAK Webinar)
Apr 15
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Online
FreeMore Info
Implementation and Follow Up of the IEP (PEAK Webinar)
Apr 22
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Online
FreeMore Info
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