April 2024 - The Children's Guild

Our People Matter: The Power of Employee Engagement – view our presentation

by | Apr 29, 2024 | Events, News

Last week at NATCON in St. Louis, Missouri, the largest national conference in mental health and substance use treatment, Jenny Livelli and Elizabeth Garcia presented a poster session: Our People Matter: The Power of Employee Engagement.

Employee engagement is crucial in today’s workplace as it fosters productivity, innovation, and a positive work culture ultimately leads to higher retention rates and organizational success. Engaged employees are more likely to be committed, collaborative, and actively contributing to the organization’s goals and objectives.

In response to troubling workplace trends, The Children’s Guild proactively initiated measures to lay a positive foundation. This presentation outlined the steps taken during this process and the subsequent outcomes achieved.

Click here to view the presentation and you’ll also find free tools and resources you can download and customize for your organization.

Watch this 60-second video which outlines the process of our listening tour and how it has played a critical role in retaining our staff.

Nearly 100 visitors stopped by during their 30-minute session to learn how The Children’s Guild set “listening” as more than just a policy, but the foundation of building belonging in our organization to build community which is the key to our collective success.  Hundreds more will have access to the presentation for a full year via the National Council website.

Beyond explaining our listening tour, this presentation shared 5 tools TCG is using to ensure employees feel heard and recognized:

  1. Energy Check: helps everyone in a meeting take a moment to become present to themselves and the other participants.
  2. The Scoop: organizational newsletter to streamline internal communications.
  3. Town Halls and DEI Town Halls: held monthly across various topics.
  4. Meeting Norms: standardize what is expected in video and in-person meetings.
  5. Culture Card: short, daily meetings to review values, policy and give shout-outs.

One of our participants said it best, “There is a shortage of qualified workers in our industry, so retaining our current staff is critical so we can operate successfully and provide families the care they desperately need”.

Employee recognition has become a key element of our culture at The Children’s Guild. From informally celebrating our “good news” and successes, to official Awards at our Annual Summit, we are now more likely to recognize what we do well and be proud about it.

Following the implementation of these and additional initiatives, notable improvements have been observed, including heightened trust between front-line staff and management, enhanced staff recognition, and increased engagement. We hope you find success, too! Our team is the foundation and backbone of our good works – let’s do this, together!

Bryan Daniels, Principal Of The Children’s Guild Dc Public Charter School Named Finalist In The Washington Post Principal Of The Year Award

by | Apr 23, 2024 | Employee's Stories, News

Bryan Daniels, Principal of The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School was named a finalist in the Washington Post Principal of the Year Award.  Bryan’s nomination was submitted to the DC Public Charter School Board (DC PCSB), an independent government agency of the District of Columbia, which provides oversight to 134 public charter schools, who selected Bryan as their finalist. According to the submission, Principal Bryan Daniels is a dynamic leader who has earned the respect of both staff and students throughout his 21-year tenure by creating a nurturing and productive learning environment. He is a firm believer in fostering a culture of excellence and creativity and is constantly looking for new ways to engage and inspire his students.

Each year, The Washington Post recognizes Washington metropolitan area educators who exemplify excellence in their profession. The Principal of the Year Award aims to recognize principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment for their staff and students.

I have had the privilege of working closely with Bryan over the years, and I can attest to his exceptional leadership skills and dedication to the students and staff of our school.  We congratulate Bryan on being named a finalist by the prestigious Washington Post.  It is nice for others to recognize what we who work with him already know.

~ Jenny Livelli, President and CEO, The Children’s Guild

 

“Congratulations to The Children’s Guild for naming Bryan Daniels, a great candidate for the Washington Post Principal of the Year award! We were so excited and #DCCharterProud to submit Bryan Daniel’s information to The Post and thrilled that he was named a finalist,” said a spokesperson for DC PCSB.

One of the key ways in which Principal Daniels inspires excellence is through his focus on student achievement. He sets high expectations for his students and encourages them to strive for their best. He also provides them with the resources and multiple supports they need to reach their full potential through individualized classroom support, curriculum programming, and dynamic wrap-around services. Every Wednesday, the entire school participates in professional development. This year’s instructional focus was on small group instruction and teacher intellectual prep. Through his leadership, the school has seen a significant increase in academic performance and a decrease in disciplinary issues. During the recent school year, 10% of students scored a 4 on the PARCC exams and over 70% of students met their iReady growth goals.

“When you walk through the doors of The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School, it feels like family. Bryan kicks off the day at his morning staff meeting with music pumping to lift your spirits, a welcoming smile, and a message that reminds each of us why we chose to serve children and families. Bryan then moves out of the way to allow his staff to deliver their message and “shout outs” adding to the positive start to the day. On hard days, Bryan comes in with his head held high making sure that his staff know that they come first. He keeps it real; he doesn’t shy away from hard moments in the lives of those in the building but rather wraps his staff with support necessary to be prepared for the students that will shortly arrive,” said Jenny Livelli, President and CEO, The Children’s Guild. “I have had the privilege of working closely with Bryan over the years, and I can attest to his exceptional leadership skills and dedication to the students and staff of our school. We congratulate Bryan on being named a finalist by the prestigious Washington Post. It is nice for others to recognize what we who work with him already know.”

“When Bryan learned that The Children’s Guild had decided to open a charter school specializing in serving special education and regular education in the DC community, he was ecstatic and accepted a leadership position. Bryan grew up in DC and attended school in DC, so he had always hoped his career would provide him with the opportunity to give back to the community that had raised him so well. Bryan’s deep commitment to connecting with the local DC community is remarkable. He is passionate about ensuring that equitable access to education is available to all students and has prioritized building solid partnerships with community organizations and local leaders. His persistent determination to positively impact the student’s lives in the District is truly inspiring,” said Elizabeth Garcia, MSSA, MNO, LCSW-C, Chief People Officer, The Children’s Guild.

A Closer Look At Early Intervention For Kids

by | Apr 18, 2024 | News, Special Education

There are many services available to support families that have young children with developmental delays and disabilities. These include diagnosis, speech and physical therapy, and other services based on needs. Early intervention has a significant impact on learning skills and overcoming challenges and offers a child more success in school and beyond. As leaders in special education, The Children’s Guild recognizes the importance of early intervention as well as the continual support of students with special needs in our communities.

WHAT EARLY INTERVENTION MEANS

Early intervention is the term for the various services that support kids from birth to three years with developmental delays or disabilities. In addition to what your pediatrician or a specialist can provide, early intervention programs are available in every state for families who meet their state’s criteria for developmental delay. However, programs can be hard to find and difficult to navigate for the average family.

CHANGING A CHILD’S DEVELOPMENTAL PATH

Neural circuits in a child’s brain are the foundation for learning, behavior, and health, and are most adaptable in a child’s first three years. Early intervention is designed to prevent more significant behavioral challenges among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

DIAGNOSING AND SUPPORTING SPECIAL NEEDS AT AN EARLY AGE

If you have developmental concerns with your child, starting with therapies as quickly as possible can make a difference. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly recommends acting as soon as possible, telling your doctor your concerns, speaking with school teachers and counselors, asking for a referral to a specialist, and contacting your state’s early intervention program.

Publicly funded programs that are free of charge or offered at a reduced cost are available around the country.

It can be hard to start this conversation with your doctor. It’s best to be specific and use detailed written notes to keep track of what you’ve noticed and who you’ve communicated with. Follow along with these recommendations to share your development concerns with your pediatrician and other specialists. If you have to wait for an evaluation (and this is common), make the most of your wait time by reading, singing, playing, and making crafts with your child. The CDC recommends that you “talk to the child, label household items, point out interesting things, tell stories, comment about what you see and how you feel, and explain how things work and why things happen. Your child may not always seem to be listening, but he or she may be hearing more than you think.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a free Milestone Tracker App for parents. From birth to 5 years, a child will typically reach certain milestones in play, learning, speaking, acting, and moving. The app helps you track your child’s development and act early if there’s a concern.

If you’re looking for a support network for advice and guidance, check organizations like Family Voices, or call 1-888-835-5669.

SCREENING FOR YOUR CHILD

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends developmental and behavioral screening for all children during regular well-child visits at nine months, 18 months and 30 months. They also recommend that all children be screened specifically for ASD during regular well-child visits at 18 and 24 months.

If your child is at higher risk due to preterm birth, low birthweight, or environmental risks like lead exposure, you might also want to at additional screening.

LEARN THE SIGNS. ACT EARLY.

If you’re concerned about your child’s development, don’t wait. Talk to someone. Every child is different, but you know your child best. Acting early can make a real difference. Once a child is school age, ask if they are eligible for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and if they can access wrap-around services during the school day. The Children’s Guild offers these services in all of our preschools, charter schools, and non-public schools. Behavior therapists, social workers, speech language pathologists, mental health counseling, and other specialists can help educate the whole child with a focus on social and emotional learning. Every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, and these services can help identify goals unique to your young learner.

You can reference this useful Fact Sheet on Developmental Monitoring and Screening from the CDC, in English and Spanish.

Remember that early intervention isn’t just about addressing challenges. It’s about unlocking potential, fostering growth, and nurturing every child’s unique ability. By embracing early intervention, you can feel empowered and view every milestone achieved as a testament to the incredible resilience within your child. Together, let’s continue to advocate for and invest in early intervention programs. With a commitment to inclusion, we can create a world where every child, regardless of their abilities, can achieve their dreams.

Technology Is a Necessary Tool in Our Special Education Classrooms and Schools

by | Apr 8, 2024 | News, Special Education

This April, The Children’s Guild is proud to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month.  

Since we started educating in 1953, we have been a leader and pioneer in special education and working with children on the autism spectrum. There’s been a lot of progress in special education. Schools like ours can make it easier for families to access resources and technology tools that assist children in the classroom, at home, and even at play outdoors and on the playground.

OUR EXPERIENCE 

The Children’s Guild operates three non-public schools serving students with behavioral and academic disabilities including emotional disturbance, autism across the spectrum, developmental disabilities, and more. With a focus on special education—and different accompanying technologies—our students at The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore, The Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s County, and The Children’s Guild – Transformation Academy are successful both in and outside the classroom.

“We know that early intervention for special education is key to a child’s success,” says Vesna Grujicic, special education leader and Principal, The Children’s Guild -Transformation Academy. “Multidisciplinary teams that include professionals from various fields, such as medical, education, speech and language pathology, social work, occupational therapists, and parents, work collaboratively to meet the needs of every child with exceptionality by creating, implementing, and monitoring individualized educational plans. Additionally, nowadays technology plays a significant component in this process.”

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND TOOLS IN OUR CLASSROOMS

Special education technologies help our students learn while accommodating their individual learning styles and limitations. These technologies can also help them experience greater independence, less anxiety, and better connections with classmates.

There is a huge array of tools available for almost any need, and all are readily available to a student’s community, including, but not limited to, parents, specialists, and teachers.

There are several examples of how we use technology to help our students find success. For our vision-impaired students, magnifiers and talking devices open their world. For our hearing-impaired students, technology that includes vibrations, flashing lights, amplification, captioning, and more, is now available and widely used.

Speech communication: we encourage students to find their voice and communicate verbally with communication boards, speech output software, symbol-making software, and other technology.

Students who need mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, scooters, and power chairs, keep up with their classmates in class and on the playground with the help of these technologies.

To ensure that every student has the resources they need to learn in the classroom, The Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s County received funding for assisted learning devices for students who need additional support. These assisted learning devices help students overcome any barriers to learning during the school year. The Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s County students are excelling in the classroom with the help of these devices.

TECHNOLOGIES USED IN OUR PLAYGROUNDS 

We believe every space should be accommodating for those with special needs. At the Children’s Guild – Transformation Academy, The Orokawa Foundation Playground is uniquely designed to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities. It is one among a few playgrounds in the nation that accommodate students’ sensory needs as well as educational needs.

“This new play space represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing an inclusive educational environment. This space supports the social, emotional, and sensory needs of our students on the autism spectrum, empowering them to thrive,” says Vesna Grujicic, principal.

Playground design input came from physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists from Transformation Academy and other special education organizations. The fence extends into the surrounding woods to make it seem more open. Slides sit side-by-side so kids, parents, and teachers can slide next to each other. A spinning structure called the We-Go-Round is designed for kids with wheelchairs. An enclosure offers peace and quiet if a student needs a break.

Kids with autism often have Sensory Processing Disorder and are sensitive to certain sounds or textures. So, playground benches are fabricated of smooth material and are many different colors to promote feelings of calm and curiosity. Musical bells and large xylophones offer calming sounds and the chance for students to make their own music.

A fun feature of the playground that is used in warmer weather includes a tower that can spray water on multiple children, making water fun and exciting for students who may be nervous or afraid of water. “Imagine you have a child that won’t take a shower,” says Mark Rapaport, managing director of autism services at The Children’s Guild. “Now kids can go outside and stand under a sprayer and they’re loving it. Why? Because they’re watching other kids do it.”

SENSORY AND VOCATIONAL ROOM TECHNOLOGIES 

A sensory room is designed for anyone with neurodevelopmental or psychiatric conditions, such as a learning disability, anxiety, ADHD, autism, behavioral challenges, or mood disorders. They are created to be comfortable, dim, quiet, and secure so that the person can explore everything calmly and build confidence. We are proud to have sensory rooms at our schools in Maryland and Washington, DC. These spaces offer enormous value for both children and teachers in schools.

At The Children’s Guild -Transformation Academy in Baltimore, the Louise G. Goldberg Vocational Room helps students with skill development and job readiness. “This new space represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing an inclusive educational environment. While performing assigned tasks, students are learning how to complete jobs that might include but are not limited to food preparation, sorting items, vacuuming, and shredding,” says Vesna Grujicic, principal.

The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore’s Career Center focuses on preparing students for life after high school. Teachers work with students on essential skills required for diverse career paths, whether pursuing higher education or entering the workforce. Mr. Randall Rykiel, a teacher in the career center, emphasizes the development of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and work ethic, recognizing their universal importance in any job setting. Hands-on activities engage students with diverse interests and abilities and allow them to see the direct application of their skills in real-world scenarios.

“I love seeing them excited to come to class and do the work. I love seeing that they’re able to communicate what career they want to do.” — Randall Rykiel, Teacher, The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore.

WE ARE LEADERS IN SPECIAL NEEDS TECHNOLOGIES

More than seven decades of work with kids gives us powerful experience with special education and special needs technologies. We know technology doesn’t cure or eliminate learning difficulties, but we see it helping our students reach their potential allowing them to capitalize on their strengths.

We combine our deep experience and our unique educational approach of educating the whole child to help our students find success in and outside of the classroom.

It is because of our natural curiosity and always asking the question “Why?” – that we have discovered new ways of understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the most effective ways of working with children on the spectrum. We also ask the question “Why not?” and are striving to ensure that our students, their families, and our staff are equipped with the tools needed for success. Simply put, we aim to make the seemingly impossible, possible.

Interested in donating to support special education programs?

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Did You Know?

In 2021–22, students in the U.S. ages 3–21 who received special education and/or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was 7.3 million, or 15% of all public school students. Among students receiving special education and/or related services, the most common category of disability was specific learning disabilities (32%).

Source: National Center for Education Statistics).