Parents Meeting Parents

A group for parents and caregivers of children with unique needs:
receiving special education support,
mental health concerns,
physical disabilities,
Attention Deficits,
Autism Spectrum Disorders
and other learning challenges;

  • Providing networking, education and opportunities to gain support.
  • Monthly educational /networking meetings (Sept – May).
  • Natural support gained by meeting parents with similar experiences.
  • Invite local school, resource and community partners to improve understanding and access to opportunities for children & families.
  • Create individualized support /mentoring to families.
  • Establish a meaningful link to the Special Education Advisory Council, the Early Intervention Team, and Community Transition Interagency Team.
  • Empower parents to advocate for their child(ren) and ask for support.

2009-2010 Meeting Dates

  • January 28: Special Viewing of Including Samuel (Family Night!).  See our Including Samuel Flyer!
  • February 25: Pat Richardson Speaking about Family Dynamics. See our flyer for more information
  • March 25:  PACER – What is a Transition IEP? At 9th grade an IEP becomes a Transition Plan.
  • April 22: Children’s Therapy and Speech
  • May 27: Parent Panel (What they learned, Resources that work, Their Journey)

JOIN US!  Dan Habib’s award-winning film Including Samuel examines the educational and social inclusion of youth with disabilities. The documentary chronicles the Habib family’s efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives, and also features four other families inclusion experiences, plus interviews with teachers, parents, and disability rights experts. This 58 minute documentary will be allowed by facilitated discussion groups for youth (ages 6-12), teens, professionals, businesses and parents (CEU’s available).
Any questions contact Lisa Malecha at 663-8806 ext.203/lmalecha@artech.k12.mn.us. For FREE childcare register at www.northfieldymca.org or call 507.645.0088. Please call to register for childcare by January 25th, so appropriate staff will be available – THANKS!  This event is supported in part by the Northfield Healthy Community Initiative, with funding fromthe Northfield Area United Way and SAMHS.

Meetings are held Thursdays 7pm to 9pm @ St. John’s Church (500 3rd Street West, Northfield)

Free YMCA Child Watch and Respite Care available, madepossible by a grant from the Northfield Area Foundation of MN Community Foundation(Marston Headley & Dorothy Stone Headley Fund).

YMCA Child Watch open to all ages; movie room, homework help, supervised play and arts and crafts. Respite Care is available for those who need more skilled care, this is a collaboration of Grandpa’s Farm and Laura Baker Services. Register for respite by calling Bonnie at (507)645-8866 or Grandpa’s Farm at (507)645-6061.

For more information, see our Parents Meeting Parents Flier or contact us.

For detail membership information, click on the “Membership” tab button above

Thanks to the generosity of our community and donors, the YMCA will not turn anyone away from its membership or programs because of an inability to pay. Please let us know if we may assist you in this way by calling Virginia directly or by completing a Financial Aid form located under the “Membership” tab above and mailing or emailing it to her.

© 2010 Northfield Area Family YMCA. All Rights Reserved.