Philipsburg (DCOMM):--- Parents of elementary school children are invited to attend an information session being offered by the Student Support Services Division (SSSD) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs.
The workshop for parents entitled 'Individual Education Plans – How to partner with your child's school' will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at the Training and Development Center (TDC) above UTS in Philipsburg (Codville Webster Road #2) from 7:30pm to 8:30pm.
The target group of this workshop is parents of children in primary school who are experiencing learning difficulties in the school setting. Parents will also be provided with information on how to partner with the schools and SSSD to ensure the academic success of their children who are experiencing learning difficulties and/or behavioral challenges.
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a documented plan including individualized goals with measurable objectives, adaptations and/or modifications where appropriate, the strategies to meet these goals, and measures for tracking student achievement in relation to the goals. It also documents the special services being provided as these relate to the student's identified needs. The IEP serves as a tool for collaborative planning among the school, the parents, the student (where appropriate) and SSSD.
The facilitator of this workshop is Ms. Doreatha Cook, M. Ed. Ms. Cook is an educational consultant in special education advocacy, administration and disability management for ages birth to adulthood. Ms. Cook received her M. Ed in Early Childhood Special Education from Auburn University and received her degree as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst from Pennsylvania State University.
According to SSSD officials, parents are urged to attend and take advantage of the tips and recommendations that Mrs. Cook will be highlighting. Seating is limited and parents are encouraged to be on time. The workshop is free of charge and refreshments will be provided.
The Student Support Services Division is the referral point for the public and subsidized schools on St. Maarten. Programs and/or services that fall under the auspices of SSSD includes: Speech Therapy Services, Psychological Services, Counseling Services, Social Work Services, Educational Diagnostic Services, Career Guidance Services and Parent Education. The motto of SSSD is: "If every child must learn, then every parent, family and community must be a part of the process."