Stressful life events can range from loss, difficulty with relationships, family instability, difficulty at home or school, new life transitions, and physical or medical struggles. In addition to these common life stressors, some children experience trauma, defined by the American Psychiatric Association as “exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence.” Stressful […]
Continue readingStressful life events can disrupt a child’s life and severely impact their mental health. Special needs children can be affected adversely by what may seem to be small things such as a change in routine or family life. But they are also more likely than neurotypical children to be affected by traumatic events such as […]
Continue readingAlpha School’s Sara Stockton’s Class Awarded Erma Dorrer GrantThe First Financial Foundation has offered current Monmouth and Ocean County educators seven classroom grants to use at their schools for the 2019-2020 school year. One of the recipients is Alpha School special education teacher, Sara Stockton, who was awarded a $500 Erma Dorrer classroom grant. Ms. […]
Continue reading“Hi, I am Rosie! Alphabot retired and I am the lucky one taking his place. I will work with students on various social and academic activities in all of our classes here at Alpha School. My schedule is about to get pretty hectic since I will be visiting classes weekly. I will be reading books, […]
Continue readingThe past four months have felt like four years, and when our special needs daughter is done with ESY, we are taking a much-needed, socially-distanced family getaway. But while my family and I definitely need a vacation, we know it won’t be so relaxing for our daughter. For neurotypical family members, vacation can be a […]
Continue readingWhile a vacation can be a great chance for parents to unwind, it can be tough for the special needs child. With planning and flexibility, however, it really is possible to have a positive family vacation. Here are some tips for making it work. Keep it simple. Consider staying in one place rather than travelling around. […]
Continue readingWith spring almost here, it’s a good time to think about the health benefits of being in nature. For special needs children there are many particular benefits to gardening and working with plants. Horticultural therapy is defined as gardening or any plant-based activity, facilitated by a trained therapist, to achieve specific therapeutic treatment goals. According […]
Continue readingIn October of 2019, Pat O’Keefe, a speaker from the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA) presented a staff workshop titled “Building a Positive School Climate.” Creating a positive school climate can have a positive impact on attendance for students and staff. It can also improve academic success, communication styles, and safety levels for […]
Continue readingObsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and treatable brain disorder whereby unwanted thoughts cause significant anxiety or distress, or interfere with the child’s normal routine, academic functioning, social activities, or relationships. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when a child has OCD, a difference in the way his or her brain processes […]
Continue readingAs the news about COVID-19 gets more alarming every day, it is understandable that everyone is feeling anxious right now. With schools closed, special needs children are missing their normal routines and caregivers are faced with the overwhelming task of helping children make sense of what is happening. Our children are looking to us for […]
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