News Archives - The Children's Guild

Protecting Your Kids Online – What Is Even Possible?

by | Sep 5, 2024 | Mental Health, News, Parenting, Special Education

Potential risks for your kids are everywhere today, with social media, virtual worlds, gaming, internet sites, inappropriate online content, and security. We know you are concerned, and that every day you are working hard to balance their screen time and your safety concerns.

And if your child has special needs, technology can be an essential tool in their communication and learning – so limiting access is not always an option. Children with ADHD, mood disorders, and other conditions that manifest with impulsivity, may have an even harder time making good choices and following the family rules online.

How can parents navigate this, especially with school starting, new friends entering the picture, and their kid’s online worlds constantly expanding? There are plenty of safety and awareness measures you can take to help mitigate the risk, even if you can’t remove it completely from their lives.

The Children’s Guild (TCG) has always been concerned about the proliferation of cell phone use and the potential impact of the Internet on children. Several years ago, TCG started reminding parents and other concerned adults to educate, discuss, and monitor phone use to help young people sort out their relationship with their devices.1

So much has changed, but even five years ago when this article was first published—an eternity in the world of technological progress—there were significant concerns about kids and the internet. With the rapid advancements in technology, we know your concerns have only grown, as the digital landscape continues to grow at an incredible pace.

Today we recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to keeping kids as safe as possible online. Over the years, we have constantly monitored the evolving digital world and adjusted our recommendations to address new habits and trends.

The U.S. Surgeon General has even issued a “youth mental health crisis” stemming from social media. Another recent article delves into the topic of phone usage and the mental health issues that are attributed to social media, and cites that “parents should be doing more to engage their child in ways that don’t involve technology so when they get home from school, they’re less incentivized to get right back on their phones.”

As technology continues to advance rapidly, here are some key considerations for monitoring your child’s behavior online:

1. START A CONVERSATION – AND KEEP IT GOING

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start the conversation about social networking, privacy, phones and tablets, computer security, and dealing with cyberbullying. Kids may push back against your reminders, cautions, and questions. But it’s still critical that you talk about it all. Discuss inappropriate conduct online. Have a conversation about people online who may have bad intentions, like bullies, predators, hackers, and scammers. And let them know how you feel about content, like pornography, violence, or hate speech.

Children with ADHD or special needs may have difficulty understanding social cues or recognizing unsafe situations online. It’s crucial to tailor conversations to their comprehension level. Break down topics into smaller, manageable discussions and use clear, concrete examples. Role-playing different online scenarios can help them better grasp the concepts and practice safe behavior.

    2. BE SMART WITH SMART PHONES

    There are no set rules for when kids can have cell phones. Consider their age, personality, maturity, and your family’s circumstances. Cell phones are available with limited internet access, or you can turn on web filtering. Most phones have privacy settings and child safety controls built-in. GPS can be a blessing and a curse – allowing you to know where your kids are and inadvertently broadcasting their location to others. Encourage kids to think about privacy before they share photos and videos. Set rules on when they can and should use their phone. Your child’s school may do the same. In fact, many districts in our area are looking to prohibit use during school hours.

    If managing impulsivity is a challenge for your child, consider using apps that provide reminders and prompts to think before sharing personal information or making posts. Encourage them to pause and reflect before responding to messages or sharing content. Regular check-ins can help reinforce these habits.

    3. PARENTAL CONTROLS

    Especially if you have elementary school kids, there are digital tools to keep them safer and not exposed to harmful content online. You can elect to filter and block certain sites, words, and images. These can apply to websites, email, chat, and IMs. Software can prevent kids from sharing personal information online, in chats, or by email. Monitoring tools will alert parents to online activity without blocking access—with or without a kid’s knowledge. Take a look at Aura Parental Controls, Net Nanny, and Bark Premium, to start. There are many more options.

    Tools that offer visual and auditory alerts rather than text-based warnings might be more effective for a variety of neurodivergent learners.

    4. SUPERVISING USE AND LIMITING TIME

    There’s software to limit your child’s time online and set the time of day they can access online. You can also do this in person, just like you would read a book together, or play games. It’s a great way to talk to kids about the Internet and share your values about using it.

    Some children may struggle with time management and may need more structured time limits for online activity. Consider using a visual timer or scheduling specific periods for internet use to help them manage their time better.

     5. SOFTWARE AND SITES DESIGNED FOR KIDS

    There are many browsers and websites specifically designed for kids that may filter words or images that are inappropriate for them. Child-oriented search engines allow limited searches or screen search results for sites and material more suitable for kids of different ages. Here’s a list of free educational websites and apps for kids to learn at home.

    Also check out websites and apps that are specifically designed for children with special needs or ADHD, such as Funbrain, Do2Learn and GoNoodle. These websites and apps provide tailored support that can help children with special needs or ADHD develop essential skills, manage their behaviors, and engage with content in a safe, structured way.

    6. KEEP READING, LEARNING AND SHARING

    Online safety for kids is a moving target and an ongoing concern. So, continue to learn about tips and tricks that work for your own family. Kids are innocent, curious, and want independence and you want to nurture that in them. So be involved, set rules, talk to them, and warn about dangers. There’s plenty of guidance available online from reputable sources. 

    NEW LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CHILDREN

    Legislators are very aware of internet safety for kids. In July 2024, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill to protect kids online and make tech companies accountable for harmful content. Congress hasn’t passed a law to protect children on the internet since 1998—before Facebook and the iPhone. The bill was written by members of both sides of the Senate and pushed by parents whose children died by suicide after online bullying or were harmed by online content in other ways.

    1. (“Educate Your Adolescent Before Labeling Them as ‘Addicted’ to Their Cell Phone” by Frank J. Kros, MSW, JD)

    Empowering Young Minds: A Day in The Children’s Guild Extended School Year Program

    by | Aug 1, 2024 | Education, News, Special Education

    At The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore, summer learning continues with their Extended School Year program! Beginning every July, this initiative supports children in achieving their IEP goals and smooths the transition back to school in the fall. Each year features a unique theme; this year’s focus is “Community Helpers.” The program blends fun activities with essential subjects like reading and math. Students participate in various hands-on activities, such enjoying field trips like  visiting the pool, where they engage with community helpers like lifeguards.

    Mrs. P, a teacher at The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore, explains that the “Community Helpers” theme is designed to teach students the significance of internal and external helpers. “We’re helping students understand where their community is, how we build our community, and how we enrich our community. It is very important for us to develop that sense of community, especially considering the background of many of our kids.” She further describes how students in the classroom “respect each other, are kind to each other, and protect each other.”

    Will, a 9th grader, shared that he has learned how to clean up not just his school and home but everywhere in his community. He helps his grandmother around the house and enjoys playing games with his friends. Will loves the Extended School Year program because it allows him to continue his education and spend a lot of time at the pool.

    Brianna, an 11th grader, shared that she likes to help people “who are sick, alive, and those who respect themselves.” This summer, Brianna has spent a lot of time playing outside and practicing piano. She explains that she is contributing to her school community by collecting trash and sweeping the floors.

    We invite you to engage with our vibrant community. Consider becoming a community helper in your own neighborhood by participating in local clean-up events, volunteering at community centers, or simply spreading kindness in your daily interactions. Let’s work together to inspire and empower the next generation of community helpers! Share your own community helper experiences with us on Facebook or Instagram @TCGBaltimore. 

    The Children’s Guild Welcomes New Chief Human Resources Officer And Announces Three New Senior Level Promotions

    by | Aug 1, 2024 | News, Our People

    Ellen Meyer Joins The Children’s Guild Board of Directors

    The Children’s Guild, a leading Mid-Atlantic nonprofit human-services and education organization is thrilled to announce the appointment of Holly Webb as the new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Holly brings over 20 years of experience in driving organizational success through strategic HR initiatives. As the Chief Human Resources Officer at The Children’s Guild, Holly will leverage her expertise to foster high-performance teams, enhance employee engagement, and maximize organizational efficiency.

    Throughout her career, Holly has held key HR leadership positions for companies worldwide. Her accomplishments include designing and implementing service-oriented HR functions, creating metrics-driven processes, and leading workforce planning and development efforts that have resulted in significant cost savings and improved organizational performance.  Holly holds an MBA from the University of Indianapolis and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

    “Holly Webb is a dynamic leader who embodies our core value ‘Our People Matter’,” said Jenny Livelli, President and CEO of The Children’s Guild. “We are looking forward to working closely with Holly to align HR strategies with organizational goals, promoting a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring that our people and teams are optimally positioned to support our mission of transforming the lives of children and families.”

    The Children’s Guild is also proud to announce the promotions of the following three prominent staff members:

    Mark Rapaport is the new Vice President of Business Development: In his previous role as the Managing Director of Autism Services, Mark was instrumental in opening The Children’s Guild School – Transformation Academy located in Baltimore, MD. This facility serves students with autism and related disorders, providing a comprehensive and tailored educational experience. Mark’s leadership led to the successful implementation of innovative programs that improved student outcomes and satisfaction. In his new role as Vice President of Business Development, Mark will be working to expand current business lines as well as identify market growth opportunities and new business ventures to enhance The Children’s Guild’s service offerings.

    Ronesha Estep-Franklin is the new Vice President of Program Operations: In her former role as Managing Director of School Operations, Ronesha Estep-Franklin oversaw the daily operations of our charter schools and preschool. Her leadership was pivotal in improving program operations, leading to enhanced educational experiences for students. Ronesha introduced several innovative practices that streamlined operations and boosted program efficiency. As Vice President of Program Operations, Ronesha will now oversee all program operations for The Children’s Guild, including nonpublic schools, charter schools, and preschools located in Maryland and Washington, DC, along with treatment foster care and behavioral health services, ensuring high-quality outcomes and program sustainability. 

    Kelly Schwalbert is the new Vice President Chief of Staff: Having served as the Managing Director of Mission Advancement, Kelly Schwalbert was instrumental in building systems to improve operations across multiple departments. She developed and launched the first centralized grant department and expanded marketing services throughout the organization. Kelly’s strategic vision led to the creation and development of new departments, enhancing organizational capacity and efficiency. In her new role as Vice President Chief of Staff, Kelly will continue to support fundraising efforts while working closely with Jenny Livelli, President and CEO, as well as the Board of Directors and key stakeholders, to drive organizational strategy and growth.

    In addition to these new staff positions, Ellen Meyer has been appointed to The Children’s Guild Board of Directors. Ellen is a Human Resources leader with over 36 years of comprehensive experience. She is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development, and follows in the footsteps of her late mother, Louise Goldberg, who was also a reading teacher at The Children’s Guild and a former Board Member.  For two generations, the Meyer family has been a huge champion of The Children’s Guild. Their unwavering dedication and support have not only shaped the lives of children in need but have also woven a rich tapestry of love, commitment, and community spirit.

    “A heartfelt congratulations to Mark, Ronesha and Kelly all who have been instrumental in building on the success of TCG and all who are well deserving of their new roles,” added Jenny Livelli. “We are also honored to welcome Ellen Meyer to our board, she and her family have built their legacy on compassion, service, and an unyielding belief in the power of education and care. I am excited for the future of our organization with such a dynamic leadership team in place.”

    The Children’s Guild (TCG), founded in 1953, focuses on helping students and families find success socially, emotionally, educationally, and developmentally through special education, school-based mental health services, treatment foster care, autism services, family mental and behavioral health services, and workforce development programs.

    Celebrating Compassion and Commitment: Ellen Meyer Joins Board as Family Legacy Thrives

    by | Jul 29, 2024 | News

    For two generations, the Meyer family has been a huge champion of The Children’s Guild. Their dedication has significantly impacted the lives of children in need, promoting a community built on love, commitment, and support. We are proud to be a part of their legacy, rooted in compassion, resilience, and an unyielding belief in the power of education and care.

    As we welcome Ellen Meyer to The Children’s Guild Board of Directors, we are also here to celebrate her family’s enduring contributions, highlighting how their involvement has left an indelible mark on The Children’s Guild and the lives it touches.

    Ellen joins The Children’s Guild Board of Directors with over 36 years of experience in the Human Resources industry.  Before retiring in the summer of 2024, she served as an HR Director, where she successfully aligned human resources strategies with organizational business goals. Her extensive experience makes her a trusted and insightful thought partner for our internal HR team.

    Ellen’s background will be a tremendous asset as we expand our programs and services, requiring additional hiring and training across multiple locations. Her expertise will be available to share with our human resources department and our executive leadership team, as our internal team works to streamline recruitment processes and attract top talent dedicated to our mission. Additionally, her skills in training and development will be a resource we can tap into as Human Resources continues to equip and support our staff with the necessary tools and knowledge to provide the highest level of care and support for the children and families we serve. With Ellen’s insights and board partnership, we are confident that The Children’s Guild will continue to thrive and make a lasting impact in our communities. “The legacy part is so special but that wasn’t the only driver for me to join the Board. It’s also my internal interest and passion in children and education.”

    A former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development, Ellen follows in the footsteps of her late mother, Louise G. Goldberg, who was also a reading teacher at The Children’s Guild and a former Board Member. “Every time I think about it when I was at the first board meeting, I think so much of my mom, if she only knew, if she could only see this, she would be just so thrilled and touched. It’s almost like it brings her alive for me.”

    To honor her mother’s dedication to education and generosity of spirit, Ellen and her brother made a generous donation to The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy. In December 2023, the school dedicated the Louise G. Goldberg Vocational Room. This new space offers students pathways to skill development and job readiness, enhancing their employability and overall quality of life. “I had never experienced anything like that before. It was my first time seeing a dedication. There were teachers, staff, the principal, and the Chief Executive Officer, Jenny Livelli; it was amazing! They did a video presentation of the school so we could get a sense of the children in the environment and how they could use the additional resources to get a real sense of the value of our contribution.”

    The Vocational Room helps students acquire functional academic and living skills while developing vocational skills through job sampling on campus in simulated work environments, shadowed internships in the community, and competitive employment. Some skills students have learned in this new space include food preparation, sorting items, and cleaning.

    As we celebrate the Meyer family’s legacy and welcome Ellen’s expertise, we look forward to continuing our mission of transforming lives and building stronger communities. The Children’s Guild is grateful for the Meyer family’s unwavering support and is excited about the future we will shape together.

    Maryland Knows The Value Of Preschool

    by | Jul 10, 2024 | Education, News

    Free preschool is an invaluable resource most find easy to support. Maryland is leading the way by instituting expanded free pre-K for many families who live in the state. Many other states have also launched free pre-K programs or are in the process of doing so. Through a variety of quality learning experiences in pre-K, kids develop skills, knowledge, and behaviors essential to being successful in school and life.

    About Pre-K for Your Kids in Maryland

    Maryland offers state-funded pre-K programs for three- and four-year-old children. Pre-K helps all children, but Maryland’s free programs are specifically designated for families who are economically disadvantaged or homeless. Programs offer experiences in language and literacy, math, social foundations, science, social studies, fine arts, physical well-being, and motor development.

    Free pre-K for all the state’s three- and four-year-olds in need has been a major focus for Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Requirements in the Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act say that local school systems should enroll all income-eligible three- and four-year-olds whose parents or guardians seek to enroll them. Maryland’s programs are administered through the Prekindergarten Expansion Grant. In 2023, almost 28,000 students were enrolled in free pre-K in Maryland.

    Kids Need a Strong Start

    Expanding access to preschool and pre-K gives all kids a stronger start. The Children’s Guild knows that any preschool education can substantially increase a child’s chances of thriving in school and life. Programs teach social skills through interactions, mentoring, and direct teaching—and often can shrink racial and economic education gaps in children’s development.

    “Early learning programs play a crucial role in laying the foundation for a child’s future success. These programs provide essential cognitive, social, and emotional development opportunities that are fundamental for a child’s overall growth and readiness for formal education. Investing in quality early learning programs not only benefits individual children but also contributes to building a strong foundation for a more prosperous and equitable society.  For many years, this has been an unmanageable expense for families. Now, there are widely available and affordable programs that enhance equity to access and opportunity for all young learners,” says Jenny Livelli, M.Ed., President and CEO, The Children’s Guild.

    Parents have access to many preschool programs in Maryland, including two provided by The Children’s Guild in College Park and Annapolis. Last year TCG was proud to educate 170 preschoolers.

    “What sets The Children’s Guild preschool programs apart is their unique blend of innovative educational approaches and a nurturing environment. The dedicated and passionate staff genuinely care about each child’s individual growth and development. Their focus on personalized learning ensures that every child’s needs and interests are met, fostering a love for learning from an early age. The integration of project-based activities and hands-on experiences has been particularly beneficial, allowing our children to develop critical thinking skills and a deep appreciation for the world around them,” says Krissie Taylor, Preschool Director, The Children’s Guild.

    How Does Pre-K Work?

    Some pre-K programs run a half day; some are full day. Many run on the same calendar as your local school system.

    Each session can have about 20 kids, with a state-certified early childhood teacher and a full-time assistant. They use Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards and the Maryland EXCELS Quality Rating & Improvement System. If operated by qualified vendors, programs also meet the highest levels of quality and follow a curriculum recommended by the Maryland State Department of Education.

    Are You Eligible?

    Find out! Maryland cities and counties have different eligibility requirements, rules, and regulations. Kids should be three or four years old by September 1 of the current school year for which they are enrolling. There are other qualifications, too, and you need to be able to document their age. Check with your school district, or see this list of Pre-K programs, sorted by city and county.

    After initial enrollment of economically disadvantaged kids, local school systems may fill any remaining vacancies by enrolling kids who exhibit a lack of readiness in foundational skills, knowledge, and behaviors.

    Start by registering your child at your neighborhood or local school system’s Board of Education by completing a registration packet. Your local Board of Education will notify you before the start of the school year if your child will be enrolled.

    Preschool Through The Children’s Guild

    TCG offers two preschools in Maryland. Monarch Academy Annapolis is free for qualified families and Anne Arundel County residents and offers education programs from pre-K three- and four-year-olds through fifth grade. Monarch Preschool College Park offers project-based learning pre-K for children ages 3-5, along with financial aid and paid tuition options.

    Application information for Annapolis is here. Application information for College Park is here.

    Set Your Kids Up Now for the Future

    When analyzing the long-term effects of Maryland’s public pre-K programs, results show a positive effect on the participants’ school performance through elementary and middle school.

    Unplugging This Summer

    by | Jun 26, 2024 | Mental Health, News

    Remember summer? Lazy days, playing outside, going to camp, seeing family…? Most important for kids — not worrying about school, grades, making the team, stress, and more. Schedules and screens bring pressure, anxiety, and potential burnout, but summertime can alleviate that. Let’s talk about not just unplugging from electronics, but also taking a break from the daily grind that’s there for kids so many other months of the year.

    MAKE SUMMER A BALANCE  

    Sure, there’s more time for kids to get lost on Instagram and Tik Tok, but also more opportunities for creative outlets, hanging with friends, getting outside, reading for fun… the list is endless. But it’s an abrupt lifestyle change going from a rigid schedule and responsibilities to hours of free time.

    “It’s important to have kids slow down, and they don’t always have to be stimulated by technology and phones,” says Monarch Academy Annapolis’s Rachel Light. “Boredom actually sparks a lot of creativity. They make up new games and want to play with friends. It’s actually really important that kids have a little bit of boredom.”

    “Overscheduling can be stressful. School year is always go, go, go. It’s important to have a balance. Keep them busy, but also give them time to relax and hang out.”

    TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MORE OPPORTUNITIES

    For your little ones, consider a sensory bin, which you can make in minutes with a container at home. Add spoons, nuts, pasta, Legos – whatever is on hand. Young kids love to play with textures.

    Summer reading is important, but we understand it can be hard to engage kids with books and reading. Consider a quick trip to the library or Barnes & Noble, and help them find something they’re interested in. Libraries and local parks often offer free programs. Check out Summer@Your Library events in Anne Arundel County, featuring live animals, magic, music, and more. Baltimore County Parks & Rec has a long list of free activities for kids. If you’re in Prince George’s County, the library system offers free Summer Prince George’s programs, plus lots of free classes and events for all ages and “Summer Learning Spark,” which are no-cost programs in the public schools.

    Camps might be another option. You can find STEM camps, sports camps, and others for kids with no electronics allowed. A quick search in Maryland will find camps with activities that include cooking, sewing, sailing, arts and crafts, dance, chorus, history, chess, science, natural discovery, and many more. Families can go camping together, and some travel agencies can send you to places with no wi-fi that are off the grid completely. (Look these up – it’s a thing today!)

    Consider service projects. Usually designed for older kids, there’s great value in volunteering and joining summer service projects. Check out volunteer opportunities in Maryland with Meals on Wheels, or a variety of opportunities in Montgomery County, or the Teen Volunteer Program at the Maryland Zoo. There are possibilities for kids in affordable housing, feeding the unhoused, church programs, the YMCA and many more. No child is too young to volunteer and programs provide adult leaders and mentors. Maybe best of all – most of these activities are free.

    Remember, Student Service Learning (SSL) is a high school graduation requirement in the State of Maryland and many programs offer these credit hours.

    How about something completely different for your child? Enroll them in a local cooking class. How about science and discovery? For Harry Potter fans, the Physics of Quidditch. The organization DC Area Moms has a list of programs for preschoolers and younger kids. There are theater programs, fashion design, cake decorating, American Sign Language, therapeutic recreation… the list of possibilities for your child is huge. It’s a chance to try something different – and get them out of their comfort zone.

    CHILDHOOD HAS MOVED INDOORS

    Today, the average American child spends as few as 30 minutes in unstructured outdoor play each day while spending more than seven hours in front of a screen. That’s a radical change from a few decades ago, when there were no smartphones, Internet, and far fewer channels on TV.

    Connecting with friends, keeping in touch, playing games, and spending free time is mostly done online and indoors today. Many kids have never experienced life without a smartphone in their hand and wi-fi connectivity or cell service. And any screen time discourages human connections — so important for anyone — especially kids.

    Benefits of volunteering and spending time outdoors — especially in an entirely new environment and comfort zone — are extensive and well-documented, especially for young people, with proven wellness and mental health advantages.

    YOU CAN IMPROVE THEIR SUMMER EXPERIENCE

    As parents, you not only can ensure kids have something occupying them during summer vacation, and also prevent the dreaded “I’m bored” syndrome when your kids are out of school.

    There are physical and mental benefits to different summer activities, like improved blood pressure, aerobic fitness, reduced levels of anxiety and depression, and boosted social skills, empathy, self-esteem, and leadership. And it’s not too late to get your kids involved.

    Unplugging for the summer doesn’t just mean an expensive and exclusive summer camp. Hit up your school or a place of worship for ideas. Look at volunteer organizations in the community. There are many sports and civic organizations available. Find out more from your public library of local government. Keep them occupied as well as outside their comfort zone!

    And we’ll be ready to see them back at school, happy, rested and healthy, in a few weeks!