[siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Video_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] The purpose of the SC High School Credential is to provide equitable job-readiness opportunities for these students throughout the state, ensure they have evidence of employability skills, and honor the work they have undertaken in our public schools. Learn more [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget]

For most, the holidays are a time of excitement, anticipation and joy. But for some, especially families who have children or relatives of any age with a disability or special healthcare need, holidays are different than the idealistic images portrayed on television and in movies. Big events, schedule changes, travel and even Santa can mean anxiety and stress instead of holiday cheer. Here are a few tips and resources to make the most of the holidays. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Remember that communication is key. Changes in routine can be problematic for children and adults, but this is particularly true for those with special healthcare needs. Talk about the events of the holidays and the various activities, people attending and even the food. Avoiding surprises helps ease everyone’s anxiety. Know it’s okay to be choosy. Schedules are full this time of year, but families can pick and choose what’s best for them.

Jessica Cheanratana is the mother of twins who were born at 24 weeks and encountered many difficulties along their journey. She says she had no idea of the many complications that could arise or where to turn for information and guidance. She attributes the level of success her children enjoy today at the age of seven directly to the support, encouragement and wealth of information that the people of Family Connection provided. In 2013, when her twins were two, she started attending the morning coffee event in Mount Pleasant. She says she met some wonderful mothers who showed her she wasn’t alone in her experiences. They shared advice and directed her to helpful resources. “It relieved a lot of stress to share my story and hear the stories of others who have had a difficult time,” said Jessica. “I have also made some great friends along the way.” As a

The South Carolina Partnership of Disability Organizations (SCPDO) is accepting high quality, digital photos of people supported and that are willing to be highlighted on Disability Advocacy Day for their perseverance and contributions to our community. Examples may include people working, living independently, using public transportation, and participating in community events. etc. The theme for this year’s Disability Advocacy Day is “We Are Because I Am.” These photos will be enlarged on poster foam board and used the day of or used through our online and printed marketing campaign. Please include a short story of who the person is and what role they play in their community so that we may add a tagline/story to the picture. First names only will be used. A media release will be required upon submission. The 30th annual Disability Advocacy Day will be held on the North Grounds of the SC State House on

Every parent wants to raise a healthy, happy child. Because children grow and learn on their own time tables, it can be hard to know if your child is behind in certain areas of development. Monitoring and being aware of your child’s progress is the best way to ensure he reaches his full potential in the early years of development and as he journeys through life. Standardized screening is associated with modestly enhanced self-reported identification of children with developmental disabilities. (SCAAP) According to Wieder (2012), “One strategy many states are using to improve achievement and help prevent over-identification [of students with disabilities in later childhood] is giving all students baseline assessments at an early age to spot and treat learning disabilities.” Results of early screenings are used to provide interventions that can be successful in addressing the unique needs of children and reducing the likelihood for further special education services. In addition to serving the

[siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Why are we still talking about this? Each year, about 3,500 infants die unexpectedly during sleep time from SIDS or accidental suffocation. The rates of accidental trauma and injuries due to unsafe sleep environments/bed-sharing is increasing. From 2010-2017 in Greenville County alone, 60 infants died due to SUID – accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. (Source: South Carolina Birth Outcomes Initiative SCDHHS 2017) Here are recommendations on how to create environments that can reduce the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths, including SIDS: DO put your baby to sleep on his or her back. DO put your baby in a crib for naptime and bedtime. DO use a firm crib mattress covered by a fitted sheet designed for specific product. DO put the baby’s crib in the same room as your bed. DO breastfeed your baby. DO use a pacifier for sleep. DO keep your baby’s immunizations up to date. DON’T put your baby to sleep on

The number of children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the United States has increased dramatically. Here are some helpful tips to help your child succeed in school: Become an effective case manager. Keep a record of all information about your child. This includes copies of all report cards, teacher notes, disciplinary reports, evaluations and documents from any meetings concerning your child. You might also include information about ADHD, a record of your child’s prior treatments and placements, and contact information for the professionals who have worked with your child. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Form a team that understands ADHD and be the team captain. Meetings at your child’s school should be attended by the principal’s designee as well as a special educator and a classroom teacher that knows your child. You, however, have the right to request input at these meetings from others that understand ADHD or your child’s special needs. These include

The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) will begin accepting applications for the Parental Refundable Tax Credit this Monday, October 1, 2018 at noon. This new date is due to the impacts of Hurricane Florence in certain areas of our state. Please keep in mind that this credit is for tuition payments made in 2018 to qualifying schools for your exceptional needs child for the 2018-2019 school year. Important Information The application will be available at dor.sc.gov/forms on Monday, October 1 at noon. Only the current version of application will be accepted. Please email your completed application for faster processing. The address is [email protected]. Be prepared as you complete the application by having all of your information ready. Visit dor.sc.gov/exceptional-sc for information on what’s new on this year’s application (Form SCH TC-57A). The credit cap is $2 million, and credits will be issued in the order of receipt of correct and complete applications. Applications may be submitted