Multiple Systems Navigator

New Digital Materials Added to ProActive Caring Resources

A key resource of the ProActive Caring Digital Resource Center (PCDRC) is the manual for the ProActive Caring Caregiver Support Program*, a program teaching mindfulness to support family members of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While the self-paced manual, created by Dr. Mindy Scirri and Theresa Drum, may be used alone and is designed for home use, two new digital resources are now available to expand its functionality.
 
The first is a series of eight videos corresponding to the modules in the manual for the ProActive Caring Caregiver Support Program. The videos were recorded by Dr. Scirri, with creative music compilations by her daughter, Alana J. Scirri, and video editing/production assistance by her son, Nico V. Scirri. The videos may be used either in conjunction with the digital manual or as a teach-alone platform supplemented by the manual. Either way, they will be useful to family members interested in learning strategies for reducing stress in their lives.  They could also be used for virtual in-service training.

The second resource added to the PCDRC is a copy of the manual for the ProActive Caring Caregiver Support Program in Spanish. The manual was translated by Fiona Rattray, Parent Training and Information Center Specialist from Putnam Independent Living Services. Rattray has served as a facilitator for in-person ProActive Caring caregiver support programs, and also as a member of one of the Program’s Regional Advisory Councils.

ProActive Caring was created as a partnership between the Center on Aging and Disability Policy at Mount Saint Mary College, community service providers, and family caregivers, to support you as you care for a person with special needs. The project is funded by the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council.

September 2020

Dear ECAC Community,

We are excited to share our latest National Initiative: The 2020 Census!
Please read and share with your networks in order to get out the count for young children!  Please note that the current Census deadline is September 30th, 2020.

For this feature we had the honor of interviewing:

Cate Bohn, New York Kids Count Director at the Council on Children and Families
Colette Labrador, Census Project Director, City University of New York, and
Faith Lamb Parker and Lisa Bernstein, authors of WE COUNT! as members of the Simply Put team, a social impact nonprofit organization that creates books, media and programming with, and for traditionally neglected or marginalized communities

If you are interested in featuring your initiative or have recommendations for future spotlights,
please email our Project Coordinator Alice Blecker [alice.blecker@cuny.edu]

Sincerely,

Sherry Cleary & Patty Persell,
ECAC Co-Chairs

SchoolHouse Connection’s scholarship deadline of October 1st is quickly approaching. Please help us spread the word by forwarding this email to eligible youth and to organizations that work with youth.

Are you, or do you know:

• a high school senior or recent graduate who is
• beginning college for the first time in the fall of 2021, and
• someone who has experienced homelessness in the last six years?

If so, keep reading to learn how to apply to the SchoolHouse Connection National Scholarship. 

[Deadline to apply: October 1, 2020, 11:59 PM PST]

Who Should Apply?

• Applicants must have been born on or after Oct. 1, 2000.
• Applicants must be entering college for the first time during the fall of 2021-2022 school year (with the exception of dual-enrollment programs). This means that the application is for students who will be high school seniors in the fall of 2020; for those who are in GED programs; and for those who plan to take a gap year.
• Applicants must have experienced homelessness within the last six years.
• To find out if you meet the definition of homelessness, click here.
• Applicants must reside in the United States. 
• Undocumented students who meet these criteria are eligible.

SchoolHouse Connection Scholarship Recipients Receive: 

• A $2000 scholarship award
• A trip to a national awards ceremony (travel and expenses included) 
• A second trip to reconnect and engage in policy advocacy in Washington, DC, one year after the initial scholarship award (all expenses included).
• Assistance with financial aid processes, mental health advocacy and referrals, professional legal advocacy and referrals, and assistance in locating and establishing local contacts for general support and services.
• A peer and adult support network that continues, before, during, and after their college careers, and into their transition into the workforce.
• Meaningful opportunities to engage in advocacy, while providing sustained support services to help ensure graduation and success in life. 

Need more information? Please contact Jordyn Roark, Director of Youth Leadership and Scholarships.

The Northeast & Caribbean Prevention Technology Transfer Center (NeC-PTTC) is pleased to announce the following Spanish language webinars: 

Enfoque sobre la juventud Latina: tabaco, marihuana, y otros vapeos

(seminario web)

Jueves 24 de septiembre de 2020

11:00am - 12:30pm (ET)

DEPRESIONE AQUÍ P ARA REGISTRARSE

Violencia de pareja íntima entre las poblaciones hispanas y latinas

(seminario web)

el 28 y el 30 de septiembre de 2020

11:00am - 12:30pm (ET)

DEPRESIONE AQUÍ PARA REGISTRARSE – PARTE 1

DEPRESIONE AQUÍ PARA REGISTRARSE – PARTE 2

Letter from FOR-NY Executive Director

Hi Recovery Community,

Happy Recovery Month to you! It is our time of the year where we ask the world to pause and celebrate RECOVERY! We know that during these challenging times, bringing awareness around the power and promise of recovery is needed even more.

Friends of Recovery New York learned earlier this year that SAMSHA who has hosted Recovery Month for over 30 years, would not be hosting this year. Our very own Faces and Voices immediately transitioned to cover hosting and launched a new website nationalrecoverymonth.org, where Recovery Community Organizations can gather branding resources, download the Recovery Month Toolkit, and post nation-wide events. This year’s theme  “Celebrating Connections”, could not have come at a better time!

So, in spite of these times, I urge YOU to urge others that there is beauty in the transformation of recovery!- I urge YOU to urge others to see the (family, partner, friend)  connections that are stronger because of recovery, and lastly to see how we are all connected together! We are all needed to help each other on this journey to educate others about Recovery!

Because as a wise woman (Ruth) says all the time, “What is it all About?”…. Recovery! And yes it is Recovery Month, so make it all about recovery!

Best,
Angelia

 Create, Express, Share
RECOVERY MONTH VIRTUAL PAINT PARTY

Debbie Brosen, FOR-NY's Director of Operations and talented artist, will be leading this paint session. We will be painting the sailboat pictured below! This event is FREE as participants will be expected to purchase their own materials. A list of materials to purchase for a small fee can be viewed here.

Date: Thursday, September 10, 2020
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM 

Just Released

The NYS Youth Justice Institute is pleased to announce the release of the Are the Kids Alright? COVID-19 & Youth Issue Brief and the COVID-19 & Youth microsite. These digital resources memorialize the invaluable information shared in the June 2020 forum and create a platform to continue the work.
 
The Are the Kids Alright? Issue Brief captures, in written form, the essence of the forum’s powerful discussions, a compilation of the research and practice questions raised throughout the event, and information on the YJI’s next steps in this area. 

The COVID-19 & Youth microsite houses the issue brief, recordings of all the forum sessions, the event’s visual notes, panelist bios, and a news dashboard featuring media coverage of the pandemic and youth justice issues. If you have limited time and would like an overview of the forum’s takeaways, you can watch a brief video also hosted on the microsite.

What's Next?

In late 2020, the YJI plans to host a follow-up convening to again identify and support the most urgent needs of the national conversation. The YJI is also organizing three working collaboratives to delve deeper into key themes that emerged during the forum, including the following: 

• the role of healing in eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in child-serving systems, 
• supporting education as a protective factor for vulnerable youth in alternative settings, 
• and evaluating and sustaining pandemic-initiated court-based innovations. 

More information on these working collaboratives can be found in the Issue Brief. For information about other YJI efforts and events, please visit albany.edu/yji.

Our mission: Use innovative approaches to address the economic and workforce-related impacts of the opioid epidemic, and provide training and support activities to dislocated workers (including displaced homemakers), new entrants to the workforce, and incumbent workers, including individuals in these populations who are or who have been impacted by the opioid crisis.

Our Vision is to: Counter the negative employment impacts of the opioid crisis and encourage training opportunities, including skilled professions that can address the underlying causes of the crisis.

Eligible Participants:

• Must be a Dislocated Worker (DW)
• Must be an Unemployed or significantly underemployed individual
• Must reside in Herkimer county, Madison County, Oneida County or Otsego County
• Must be interested in employment and training

Support Services and/or Training:

• Certificate Training Programs (Employer recognized or Industry-recognized credentials)
• Help Getting Your High School Equivalency (formerly GED)
• Pre-apprenticeships and Apprenticeships
• On-The-Job Training Opportunities
• Certified Peer Advocate Training (CRPA), Recovery Coach Training
• Entry-level Health Care (PCA, HHA, CNA, Medical Assistant)
• Career Counseling, Career Planning
• Transportation (Bus passes)

And other free services, such as tests fees, training-related application fees, recertifications, and tools 

        Meet Project Director Veronica Miller

Veronica is responsible for implementing program services in the Mohawk Valley. She works with individuals that have been affected by the Opioid epidemic to assist with training, employment, and support.

“This program is instrumental in our community, and allows eligible dislocated workers an opportunity to explore training programs and career pathways, as they move towards recovery and rebuild their lives,” Veronica says.

Phone: 315-798-5537 

Email: vmiller@working-solutions.org

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Time: 12:00-1:00pm Eastern

The COVID-19 pandemic has created enormous stress in every workplace. From essential workplaces where the work demands have significantly increased to respond to public need or within businesses that have paused because of the pandemic, the impact has been both complex and taxing. With increasing economic concerns and health risks, there has never been a more critical time to focus on enhancing workplace disability inclusion across the employment process. Join Cornell University Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability and OurAbility (Disability:IN NY) for a 60-minute free webinar offering insights on how employers can successfully continue to move forward with their agendas on disability and neurodiversity hiring, retention and career advancement during these challenging times.

Presenters:

• Susanne Bruyere, Ph.D.
  Director, Cornell University Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability
• Andrew Karhan, MPA, Cornell
  University Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability
• John Robinson
  CEO, Executive Director, OurAbility (Disability:INNY)

Topics to be covered:

• What questions have emerged regarding people with disabilities, the workplace, COVID-19 and how can employers address them proactively?
• What can companies do to sustain affirmative disability and neurodiversity hiring initiatives during this time?
• What possible impediments have arisen during the pandemic that are affecting applicants with disabilities, in particular those who are neurodiverse, of which employers should be aware and seek to address?
• What are unique considerations in the return to work process and accommodations?
• How can employee assistance programs contribute to mitigating the stress on these populations?

The New York State Education Department, Office of Special Education is sharing the following resource provided by the Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR). CIPR, funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs, is the central “Hub” of information and products created for the nationwide network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities. This resource is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute NYSED endorsement of any websites or other sources.  Please be aware that the websites listed may change. The information provided is true and complete to the best of our knowledge.

The CPIR has developed a Virtual IEP Meeting Tip Sheets in PDF format in response to requests from state and local educational agencies and parents about how to hold and participate in virtual IEP meetings. The package (also available in Word) includes:

• Technology Tips for Participants (1 page);
• Hosting Virtual IEP Meetings: Tips for Success (before, during, and after meeting suggestions);
• Common Questions and Answers About Hosting Virtual IEP Meetings (1 page);
• Participating in Virtual IEP Meetings: Tips for IEP Team Members (before, during, and after meeting suggestions; and
• Common Questions and Answers About Participating in Virtual IEP Meetings.

Also posted on the CPIR website is a Sample Virtual Meeting Agenda (in English) (Also available in Spanish) and the Infographic: Participating in Virtual Meetings (in English) (Infographic in Spanish).

The Family Guide to At-Home Learning has practical strategies that work for helping children of all ages who may be struggling with an at-home learning task. Families may find these strategies useful when helping their children complete various reading, math, and/or behavioral tasks at home.

In recognition of how important the NYAPRS’ Annual Conference has been to so many us for so long, our NYAPRS board and staff are very pleased to announce that we will be going forward with a 5-segment virtual Conference this year. Our program is entitled “Rise Up! Community, Connection, Culture” in recognition of the isolating consequences of social distancing and quarantine required by COVID-10 as well as our long-overdue need to confront the pervasive impact of racism in ourselves, our systems, and our society.   

At the same time, this year’s NYAPRS Conference will continue to offer a special time to reflect and connect and to restore and replenish our spirits during these unprecedented times. You can also count on us to feature that unique spirit of celebration and lineup of very special events and speakers that is our trademark.

Our virtual conference will be held via Zoom during 5 sequences over 4 days:

• the day of September 22
• the day of and evening of September 24
• the day of and evening of September 29
• the day of October 1

Please don’t miss this one: this conference is going to be one for the ages! We hope you can join thousands of others from around New York and the globe and join us to “Rise Up” together.

COUNTY-LEVEL SUBGRANTS FOR REENTRY OF YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES

APPLICATIONS DUE: OCTOBER 15, 2020

Cornell University’s K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disabilities is the recipient of the NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council’s (DDPC) Community of Practice: Reentry for Youth with Developmental Disabilities Grant. Cornell refers to this project as Youth Reentering the Community through Opportunity, Networking, Navigation, Education, Collaboration, and Transition Supports (YReCONNECTS). As part of the grant, we are seeking to fund four (4), county-level teams, as sub-grantees of this larger initiative. Once selected, sub-grantees will begin working with the Cornell project team. Sub-grantees will be eligible to receive a total of $35,000 per team, each year, in years 3, 4, and 5 of the DDPC grant. The RFP provides a description of the DDPC grant, followed by specific criteria and expectations of the county level sub-grantees, along with the sub-grant application.

County-Level Subgrants RFP for Reentry of Youth with Disabilities

Potential applicants are encouraged to attend an informational meeting about the application process and expectations of sub-grantees on Wednesday, August 5, 2020.

QUESTIONS: Contact LaWanda Cook at lhc62@cornell.edu

Judges of color speak to equal treatment, respect, and dignity in the courts, urging courts to be mindful of the impact of systemic racism in order to make a positive difference, daily.    

Children's System of Care Action Planning

System of Care is defined as a coordinated network of community-based services and supports for children and youth who are experiencing challenges, and their families. A framework that organizes the System of Care through a foundation of values/principles, infrastructure of all critical stakeholders, and services and supports development and implementation.

We can help!

Request a Facilitated SOC Workshop

Angela Keller
Project Director, NYS SOC Pilot
NYS Office of Mental Health
Angela.Keller@omh.ny.gov
(518) 473-6903

 New Website Supports Job Seekers with Disabilities!

YourDreamYourTeam.com

This website is a product resulting from the New York State Disability Employment Initiative (DEI). DEI is a Systems Capacity Building Project. In New York State, DEI is focused on developing, improving, and supporting inclusive career pathways for 14 to 24 year-olds with disabilities by increasing their participation in existing Career Pathways programs.

Key partners supporting DEI include: Local Workforce Development Boards: Hempstead Works, CDO Workforce, Tompkins County Workforce, New York State Department of Labor, Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), New York State Office of Children and Family Services, New York State Council on Children and Families, New York State Commission for the Blind, New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, New York State Office of Mental Health, New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, and New York State Business Leadership Network.

The website is designed for multiple audiences, including youth with disabilities pursuing employment, as well as the people and organizations that support them.

We would also like to acknowledge the following people and organizations who helped provide insight, guidance, and content for Your Dream, Your Team.

"What we need to do is learn to respect and embrace our differences until our differences don’t make a difference in how we are treated."  - Yolanda King

Understanding Microaggressions

One important aspect of being an ally is to be self-aware, and intentional with our language.  Microaggressions are comments that are indirect or subtle but reflect our implicit biases or prejudices. Offensive comments can make individuals feel invisible, and dismiss their personal experiences - such as identifying as a member of the  LGBTQ+ community or any other historically disadvantaged group. They can leave a long-lasting negative impact on a person’s self-esteem, can harm relationships, and may lead to individuals feeling unsafe or targeted within their environment, such as a community or school. PBS Learning Media has created lessons for the classroom.

Promoting Culture in the Classroom

To truly engage students and be perceived by them as an ally, educators must reach out in ways that are culturally and linguistically responsive, and examine the assumptions and stereotypes we bring into the classroom that may hinder connectedness. This article titled, Culture in the Classroom, provides resources for educators to self-reflect and identify hidden biases. It also provides insight about how to take a close look at the curriculum and incorporate lessons that include diverse reading selections representing authors from various cultural backgrounds.

Educators who approach teaching from a multicultural lens can help children develop social awareness, including empathy, and make them feel included in the school community. For immigrant and refugee students, it can provide the emotional scaffolding necessary to cross the linguistic and cultural divide between the country of origin and country of residency.  Embracing cultural diversity in the classroom supports the mental health and wellness of students and fosters a caring school community.

Forming a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Club

Student-run GSA clubs in middle schools and high schools unite LGBTQ+ and allied youth to support issues impacting them in their schools and communities. They raise awareness and promote social change. Even if your school does not have the capacity for a formal club, other clubs, such as Student Council or Key Club, may find the resources at the GSA Network helpful to developing projects that support LGBTQ+ youth such as hosting socials or raising awareness about how to support peers navigate the coming out process. Visit the GSA Network to learn more.

Special Education Allyship in Action

In this article from Teach for America, Special Education teachers share how they practice allyship in the classroom providing students with the skills to find their voice and self-advocate. They also promote goal setting, and career exploration, to empower students to fulfill their hopes and dreams.

To promote allyship in schools, consider Best Buddies Friendship Programs.

Being an Ally to Muslim American Families

EmbraceRace.org created guides that offer practical guidance to families on difficult topics such as racism, inequity, and safety.

One particular resource, created by Mommying While Muslim podcast creators, Zaiba Hasan and Uzma Jafri, focuses on practical strategies to address concerns such as school bullying.

Family Acceptance Project

The Family Acceptance Project is the first comprehensive study of LGBTQ youth and their families and the first evidence-informed family support model to help diverse families learn to support their LGBTQ children. The project represents a diverse group of families, and explores the role of family acceptance and rejection, and discusses how the level of connectedness can impact overall mental health and wellness. When youth feel supported on their journey, they harvest more positive views of the future, higher self-esteem, and a sense of inclusion.

The School Mental Health Resource and Training Center is a project of the Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. with funding from the New York State Legislature and Executive.

Moving Forward with Intention
The Institute stands with the early childhood workforce in their determination to undo institutional and structural racism. Every day the Institute staff comes together to lift up the early childhood workforce – a workforce that is predominantly women, many of whom are women of color. As we work to rebuild the systems that serve young children and their families let’s commit to racial equity. Read our Executive Director's message on the blog

Social Justice Resources for Educators
Early care and education providers seeking to strengthen their social justice practice can start with these resources. Check out the Social Justice Resources page on our blog

From QUALITYstarsNY
Supporting New York State's Economic Recovery
As New York State's Quality Rating & Improvement System for early childhood programs, QUALITYstarsNY is fully invested in the state's economy recovery. New York's ability to rebuild in the wake of COVID-19 is dependent on our child care system. In order to return to work, families must have access to child care, yet many programs remain closed as a result of COVID-19. As critical partners in the state's recovery, child care programs need support to reopen and provide quality early care and education under these new and changing circumstances, including the robust services provided by QUALITYstarsNY. Read more about why high-quality child care is essential to economic recovery and how our participants have been impacted by the pandemic.

Considerations for Reopening Information Sessions
In an effort to support programs that have closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, QUALITYstarsNY has developed a 3-part webinar series called “Considerations for Reopening.” The sessions provide Program Administrators with resources and information to help them prepare for reopening. Read more about the series and QUALITYstarsNY's plans to build on this effort in a recent blog post by Quality Improvement Specialists, JoAnn Toth and Kathy Moss.

Questionnaire: Professional Learning about the Revised Early Learning Guidelines
The revised New York State Early Learning Guidelines are now available. We are planning small-group targeted online professional learning sessions on the Early Learning Guidelines. If you'd like to participate, click through and let us know your preferences for sessions.

Leadership Initiative Panel Event : Leadership in a Time of Crisis
The Early Childhood Leadership Initiative hosted a virtual panel focusing on the many qualities and considerations for effective leadership in a time of crisis. Almost 500 leaders heard the experiences and perspectives of a former CEO of a social service non-profit, a licensed child development mental health expert and play therapist, a social worker and FEMA crisis master trainer, and an executive director of a child care program. Attendees learned of important considerations and strategies for leadership, trauma-informed care, building resiliency, crisis management and coping, and planning for change.

The Institute launched the ECE Employment Network
Its goal is to match job seekers with available employment in early childhood. Inspired by the early childhood needs created by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Network will assist New York’s early childhood programs as they work to re-open.

Are you an early childhood educator or recent graduate looking for work?
Join the ECE Employment Network to get connected to a Career Advisor who will begin linking you to employers who are actively hiring.  Your Career Advisor will also provide you with career development resources to support you in your job search!

Are you an early childhood program in need of teachers and support staff?
Become a member of our ECE Employment Network to post jobs at no cost to you on our job board and to gain access to a personal advisor who can make connections with individuals seeking work.

New posts on the blog: Teaching, Leading and Caring
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday the Institute posts to our Teaching, Learning and Caring blog page. This page is a place of inquiry to share our reflections, make connections, and ask questions of the early childhood field.

Perhaps now more than ever, our students are facing new mental health challenges. As schools throughout the country are feeling the pressures of planning for the return to school and providing virtual support, it is also a crucial time to assess how well your school district is meeting students’ mental health needs. We’re here to help!

The NYS Office of Mental Health, Division of Integrated Community Services for Children and Families, invites school districts and schools across the State to participate in an assessment that will measure the comprehensiveness of your district or school mental health system and identify priority areas for improvement. We will lead you through the process and provide data entry support.

What is SHAPE? The School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation System is a public-access, web-based platform that offers schools, districts, and states a workspace and targeted resources to support school mental health quality improvement. SHAPE was developed by the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH), in partnership with the field, to increase the quality and sustainability of comprehensive school mental health systems.

Quality Domains:

Teaming
Needs Assessment & Resources Mapping
Mental Health Screening
Mental Health Promotion (Tier 1)
Early Intervention and Treatment (Tiers 2 & 3)
Funding and Sustainability
Impact

What’s in it for YOU? Upon completing the assessment, the school or district receives a personalized report of each domain and its components. Mastery, Progressing, and Emerging scores are calculated to quickly highlight areas of potential planning and action. The NCSMH has a large resource library available to assist in making improvements in all the domains.

Why NOW? School personnel, students, and families have been faced with an unprecedented event in 2020. Districts are planning how to reopen schools. SHAPE provides one more tool to assess a school or district’s needs.

How do we get started? The NYS Office of Mental Health has staff resources this summer to assist schools/districts with the completion and data entry of SHAPE. The information gained from conducting these assessments will provide a better understanding of what school districts need to achieve a comprehensive school mental health system, and how the Office of Mental Health might be of assistance.

Contact: Angela Keller at angela.keller@omh.ny.gov or (518) 473-6903 for more information.

We stand in solidarity with the Black community. As allies, we are present and listening. We see and acknowledge your pain, fear, anger, and anxiety.

We must act to end the silence and engage our community to inspire change at this essential moment.

Please visit below for specific mental health support & resources for the Black community at this time.

Magellan Healthcare is pleased to announce the opening of a crisis text line for all first responders and healthcare workers who are serving on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic. The crisis text line will support our crisis telephone hotline, launched in April. Critical workers can now reach us both by phone and text message to get help.

Magellan Healthcare will provide free, confidential mental health services and access to other resources such as community-based support to help those responding directly to the pandemic. These resources are provided free of charge to support critical workers as they try to manage feelings of fear, sadness, anger and hopelessness associated with the situations they may be experiencing during the coronavirus pandemic.

How critical workers can access the crisis text line

Text SUPPORT to 78137 from anywhere in the United States to connect to a certified, licensed mental health clinician via our secure mPulse Mobile platform. The crisis text line is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern. Texts received outside of these hours will be forwarded to the crisis telephone hotline. If critical workers wish to call the crisis telephone line directly, the toll-free number is 1-800-327-7451 (TTY 711).

To learn more about how Magellan Healthcare is responding and offers support during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

The Institute has mailed a copy of the revised New York State Early Learning Guidelines to every licensed center and every early childhood faculty member throughout the state.

The revised New York State Early Learning Guidelines is a child development resource for all early childhood educators working with children from birth through age eight. The Guidelines provide information about children's development as well as specific instructional, environmental, and family engagement strategies to use to support young children’s development. The Early Learning Guidelines and the New York State Core Body of Knowledge: Core Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, along with the New York State Early Learning Standards comprise the early learning framework in New York State.

The New Early Learning Guidelines provide:

• A comprehensive guide to child development for children from birth through age 8.
• Specific sample instructional, environmental, and family engagement strategies to support young children’s development.
• A companion to the state’s early learning standards developed by the New York State Education Department and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.

The Early Learning Guidelines are also available in Spanish.

The Institute is committed to the health and safety of our staff. We will process your order but shipping may be delayed.

Questionnaire: Professional Learning about the Revised Early Learning Guidelines

We are planning small-group targeted online professional learning sessions on the Revised NYS Early Learning Guidelines. If you'd like to participate, fill out the questionnaire and let us know your preferences for sessions.

New Synthetic Opioid, Mixed With Cocaine, Detected in Overdose Cases
Health officials in Illinois and Indiana say a new synthetic opioid appears to be linked to some overdose cases, USA Today reports. Read More

Sources of Illegal Drugs Change During Pandemic, Leading to New Overdose Risks
The coronavirus pandemic is impacting the supply chain of illegal drugs, leading to new overdose risks, experts tell NPR.
Read More

Number of Opioid Deaths Maybe Much Higher Than Previously Believed
The number of deaths due to opioid overdoses may be much higher than previously thought, according to a new study. Read More

COVID-19 Pandemic Makes Mental Health Treatment Harder to Obtain
The COVID-19 pandemic is making it more difficult for people to obtain mental health treatment, the Associated Press reports. Read More

During this time of uncertainty, we're still here to support families.

The Developmental Disabilities Planning Council wants to help you stay informed during the coronavirus crisis. Below we have compiled a list of resources, tools, and information. You will find information for individuals, parents and families, providers, and opportunities for you to help by filling out informational surveys. Stay safe and healthy during this ongoing pandemic.

FOR INDIVIDUALS:
Administration for Community Living: What do Older Adults and People with Disabilities Need to Know? GuideAutism Society Corona Virus Response and Resources
California DD Council Self-Advocate COVID-19 Video Series
COVID-19 Visual Communication Card
Financial Resources for People with Developmental Disabilities During the COVID-19 Crisis
Plain Language Information on COVID-19 (In 11 Languages)
The Rose F. Kennedy Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (RFK CERC)/The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Resource Guide
Special Olympics Virtual Exercise Program and Resources

FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES:
NYSRC Webinar: Mindfulness For Families Of Children With ASD: Focusing on The Present Moment In Stressful Times 
CDC Household Guide
COVID-19 and at Home Resources for Children
Guardianship in the Time of COVID-19 
Protecting Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak Podcast

FOR PROVIDERS:
COVID-19 Webinars for Providers
Guidance for Behavior Health Facilities
How to Lead Through the COVID-19 Crisis in a Resilience-Oriented Trauma-Informed Way
National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)
OPWDD Resource Guide

Family Discussion for Parents/Caregivers of Children and Youth (ages 0 – 21) with Physical, Medical, Emotional and Learning Needs

Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) and The Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities at University of Rochester Medical Center is recruiting families to participate in discussions about how to best support families in New York State (NYS) who have a child or youth with physical, medical, emotional or learning needs. In addition, we are working with local health departments (LHDs) to compile a regional resource directory and training materials that LHDs can use to support children and youth and their families in the future.
 
WIHD and The Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities at the University of Rochester Medical Center are engaged in this project through a grant from the NYS Department of Health.
 
We will be holding virtual small group discussions and individual interviews with eligible participants from May 2020 through June 2021.

Who is eligible?

• Any person who lives in NYS; and is
• A parent/guardian with caregiving responsibility of a child or youth (0-21) with physical, medical, emotional or learning needs; or
• An individual (18-21) with physical, medical, emotional or learning needs.

Discussion Group Details:

• 90-minute virtual group discussion; $75 compensation
• 60-minute individual phone interview; $50 compensation

 
Interpreters available and sessions in Spanish available

For more information:

In the Hudson Valley and Upstate Region of NYS
Call or Email:
Susan at 914-719-7774 or sburlazzi@wihd.org
Jeannie at 914-719-7761 or jrisucci@wihd.org
 
In the Western Region of NYS
Visit: https://bit.ly/3dyV7Ih
Email: Melissa at Melissa_Parrish@urmc.rochester.edu

New York State is using a portion of federal CARES act funding to provide free child care for income eligible essential workers. The CARES funding will also be used to purchase supplies for child care providers statewide who remain open, including masks, gloves, diapers, baby wipes, baby formula and food. Both programs are being administered through the state network of Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&Rs). CCR&Rs are the child care experts and the conduit to accessing child care in New York State. CCR&Rs serve all 62 counties.

If you meet the definition of an essential employee and have child care needs, register here.  If you are a child care provider that has openings for essential workers, please fill in your information here.

If you have additional questions, please contact your local CCR&R agency. https://earlycareandlearning.org/our-members/

Your Friends Are Here for You...

You Are Never Alone!

Please remember, YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.  There are many friends and resources out there for you... take advantage and reach out if you feel lonely or isolated.  Just stay connected!

During this time of high anxiety with the uncertainty of the pandemic, we know it is especially hard for those in recovery.  However, Friends of Recovery - New York is here to remind you that YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!  

FOR-NY has been and will continue to send these updated lists of immediate general and more regional resources for you to have readily available should you need assistance. We also encourage you to reach out to your local Recovery Community Organization (ROCs), Recovery Community & Outreach Centers (RCOCs), and Youth Clubhouses near you.

General Resources

Find a Treatment Facility Near You
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255
NYS Domestic Violence Information and hotline 1-800-942-6906
Behavioral Health Services Locator
Phone App to Support People in Recovery
OASAS Advocacy Unit email and call 1-800-553-5790 or download brochure
CHAMP Helpline Information
Problem Gambling Resource Centers
Medication-Assisted Treatment Information
Harm Reduction Information
CDC Coping with Stress
Health & Wellness through Yoga & 12 Step
FOR-NY COVID-19 Resources
NYS Good Samaritan Law

NYC and Long Island

PILLARS NYC
Samaritan Village
Odyssey House
Community Health Action of SI Recovery Center- STOP
Long Island Recovery Association
Thrive Suffolk
Thrive Nassau
Elmcor Youth Clubhouse
Rockland Narcotics Anonymous

Mid-Hudson, Capital District & Mohawk Valley

Virtual Mental Health & Substance Use Urgent Care
Rensselaer County Recovery Helpline 1-833-467-3123 and Information on Narcan Curbside PickUp
Second Chance Opportunities, Inc Zoom Meetings
Healing Springs
SAMADHI
Project Safe Point
Northeastern Community Action Partnership
Our Wellness Collective
The Apogee Center
Columbia County Pathways to Recovery and 12-hour Helpline at 877-467-3365
Greener Pathways Mobile Outreach
Onward Recovery Community Outreach
Rob Constantine RCOC & 24 hour Peer Hotline 518-705-4627
RISE Recovery Center
Hope and Healing RCOC

North Country

Anchor Recovery Center
Seaway Valley Prevention Council Peer Support
Horizons Youth Clubhouse
Champlain Valley Family Center

Western New York

In His Name Outreach
ROCovery Fitness
Best Self
Voices Binghamton
Sparks of Hope Recovery Support Center
Addict2Addict of Niagara County
Horizon Health Services

Central New York & Finger Lakes

Nicks Ride 4 Friends Cayuga Co
Friends of Recovery Delaware Otsego
ROCovery Fitness
Recovery Coach University
EPIC Zone Youth Clubhouse
The SPOT Youth Clubhouse

Reach Out...

Even though technology is helping many of us stay connected through virtual resources, please remember that not everyone has access to the Internet to seek virtual assistance to help cope or even see this email.  Therefore, please consider picking up the phone and calling someone that you know who may be struggling.

InThisTogether

The Rose F. Kennedy Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (RFK CERC)/The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) put together a Resource Guide that contains information related to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

Resources are listed by area: NYC - Local, NY - State, and National. Each resource is listed by its target audience: Children/Youth, General COVID, Individuals with Disabilities, Older Adults, and Plain Language. Plain language is for all reading levels. Resources are in English unless otherwise noted.

TIES stands for Increasing (T)ime, (I)nstructional Effectiveness, (E)ngagement, and State (S)upport for Inclusive Practices.

Funded by the Untied States Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs, is the national technical assistance center on inclusive practices and policies. It works with states, districts, and schools to support the movement of students from less inclusive to more inclusive environments. Its purpose is to create sustainable changes in kindergarten–grade 8 school and district educational systems so that students with significant cognitive disabilities can fully engage in the same instructional and non-instructional activities as their general education peers while being instructed in a way that meets individual learning needs. The TIES Center provides a number of resources specific to assist in engaging students with significant cognitive disabilities in distance learning.

2020 Census Participation Impacts Your Community

The 2020 Census is here, and your representation in Congress and the federal funding your state receives for schools, health care, roads, meals on wheels, senior services, and other vital programs are riding on everyone participating. Every person missed costs communities tens of thousands of dollars over the next decade.

Participation is Easy!

Online       My 2020 Census.gov

By Phone  1-844-330-2020

By Mail     Paper forms arrive in mailboxes April 8-16 (for those who have not already participated)

Your personal information is kept safe and confidential; by law, it cannot be shared with anyone.

Already completed your Census? What about your favorite aunt? How about that one friend that probably ignored it? The homebound woman down the street? The co-worker who always waits until the last minute? Be a Census Champion, remind them to Define Their Decade, and complete their 2020 Census.

Learn more about Census impact, Census jobs, and staying safe from Census scams.

The field of Recovery Peer Support Services needs you now more than ever.  If you are inspired to use your lived experience with Addiction Recovery to become a peer professional and need financial assistance to complete your training, FOR-NY and OASAS have funding available for you!!!!

Please take a look at the information below and contact Shannon if you have further questions on the application process: sschielke@for-ny.org

These awards will go to individuals who take their training with a Best Practice Trainer.

VIRTUAL CRPA training with Best Practice trainers TBA on Upcoming Trainings page of our website.

Note:

• These are limited funds but all are encouraged to apply.
• Selection will be widespread to ensure all regions of New York have a fair distribution.
• Eligibility will be determined, but not limited to, lived experience, appropriateness / assessment
  of training readiness and financial need.
• Individuals who are veterans and bilingual are encouraged to apply.

During this difficult time, we are all facing challenges that seem daunting and that we may feel unprepared for. But there are people that rely on us--in some cases, both our children and our parents are looking to us for assurance, support, and guidance during these uncertain times. In addition, we need to take care of ourselves, so that we can be there for them. But no one ever told us how to do that! How do we know the right answers? 

At Prevent Child Abuse, we are not claiming to have all of the answers, but we are happy to use our collective resources to provide you with the NYS Resource Guide for Caregivers: Caring for Your Family During the COVID-19 Crisis. 

This Resource Guide is intended to help navigate life with children through the pandemic and the days that follow. It is rooted in the Five Protective Factors. The Five Protective Factors serve to mitigate the negative impacts of trauma. This Guide is organized by each of the Factors and gives you tips and concrete resources (links) to information you can use when YOU have questions. 

We hope that you will use this guide to help you get through this difficult and unprecedented challenge and that we will all be better for it on the other side.

Wishing your loved ones safety and wellness.

Timothy Hathaway, Executive Director

During this COVID-19 public health crisis, we wanted to share with you an informational form created by Michelle Ballan, Ph.D., Professor, School of Social Welfare & Family, Population and Preventive Medicine Stony Brook University to collect and summarize vital information about an individual that can be provided to the care team in the hospital.

This form was developed in conjunction with Emergency Room (ER) and hospital physicians, individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), and parent advocates. It is designed to be an informational support tool for individuals with I/DD who may need to go to the ER or be hospitalized due to symptoms of COVID-19. Please keep the following important information in mind:

• Although this form is optional, Care Design NY encourages Members and Families to complete this information proactively in case it is ever needed. Please let your Care Manager know if you would like them to assist you or complete this form on your behalf. 
   
• Care Design NY Care Managers will assist with completing this form for anyone they support living in the community (non-residential) who does not have a family member or natural support to complete this on their behalf. 
   
• In the event someone needs to go to the ER/Hospital, this form will help to alert ER/Hospital physicians and medical staff to the best ways to communicate with the person according to their needs and wishes.    
   
• All Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs) are utilizing this universal form to best support individuals with I/DD across New York State at this challenging time. Please refer any questions to your Care Manager or you can send an email to memberfeedback@caredesignny.org.

Chancellor Richard Carranza kicks off our new exciting feature series, #DOEconnected, in celebration of the DOE staff members across the City who are working hard to keep students safe, healthy, and learning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

ProActive Caring Program

As we are all navigating these present times - there are tools, resources, and supports that can be helpful. We have sent this message out to the individuals, families, community-based agencies, and social media sites that are involved in our statewide ProActive Caring Program funded by the NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (NYS DDPC). The ProActive Caring Program provides Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) strategies and training to individuals, families, and staff.

In times of stress - internal or external - staying in the moment with a focus on one breath at a time - can be calming and reassuring. We ask that you take a glimpse at the information we have shared with you (https://www.msmc.edu/proactive) about the “ProActive Caring Program” and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), with the intent on: “staying in the moment." https://www.proactivecaring.org/mindful-minutes

Stress is a learned response and it can be unlearned. By using simple but powerful techniques of breathing and imagery, all things are manageable. We know it works - and so will you!

Be Safe....Be Calm....Be Kind....Be Stress-free

Also, here is the link to a Zoom-Cast that we created this week. The title is: “Pro-Active Caring - School Exchange”. This format will be created on a weekly basis on Wednesday at 10 am - the future video formats will run for 15 minutes and then open for questions, thoughts, and exchanges.

The intent is to immediately be available for Parents, Families, and Staff - to provide resources, presence, and support.

Please feel free to share this link throughout your networks. Also, please feel free to contact us at 845-569-3164.

Be safe. Thanks.

https://zoom.us/rec/share/wvc2EInp3TNLZYnP-VDQWJ4HO63dX6a8gSNPqfBZyEuH7QCYsmFEnkC7R__OwBWs

Best wishes,

Larry Force, Jeffery Kahana, and Elaine Sproat

The Center on Aging and Disability Policy

SAMHSA has a number of resources to assist you in getting help, access treatment, and connect to a crisis counselor.

They include:

FindTreatment.gov
Millions of Americans have a substance use disorder. Find a treatment facility near you.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7.

Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
Find treatment facilities confidentially and anonymously, 24/7.

National Helpline

1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Treatment referral and information, 24/7.

For those who prefer texting/social media (Facebook Messenger) to seek help. This resource is supported mostly by private companies such as Netflix and YouTube.

Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741
from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line trains volunteers to support people in crisis. https://www.crisistextline.org/about-us/faq/

Visit www.samhsa.gov / 1-877-726-4727

NYS Office of Mental Health encourages you to check out our guidance released. Here, you can find all guidance, including the COVID-19 related guidance from OMH.

If you have any questions related to how your agency should proceed with specific aspects of operation during COVID-19 interruptions, please submit to transformation@omh.ny.gov.

As we all continue to navigate our way through this pandemic and abide by the Governor's guidelines of social-distancing for the safety of ourselves, our families and others, FOR-NY continues in working to bring you updated COVID-19 information and how it may affect the Recovery Community statewide.

We have added a special page to our website that can be accessed through this link or when you visit our website at FOR-NY.org, you will find it in a tab on the top right titled "COVID-19 Information."  Here you will find online recovery resources, the latest updates from OASAS, the NYS Governor, as well as CDC guidelines.

We will be updating this information regularly so be sure to visit often and use this as a resource tool as needed.

We are in this together!

NEW COVID-19 RESOURCE

Here is a link to our latest resource, a publication written in conjunction with our partners at The Hope Center for College, Community and Justice and SchoolHouse Connection.

Beyond the Food Pantry: COVID-19 Response for Students Who Are Homeless or With Experience in Foster Care is meant to be a resource for caseworkers, social workers, students themselves, and those who care about them in these difficult times. We hope you will read and share in your networks.

We will continue to advocate for youth in the child welfare and justice systems facing unique challenges with the current situation.

NY State Updates on Coronavirus and Operation of Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs

Hunger Solutions New York is following the development of emergency plans for the continued operation of federal nutrition programs as New York communities work to slow the spread of COVID-19.

School Meals

NYS Education Department Guidance: "Operating Child Nutrition Programs when Schools are Closed due to COVID-19" encourages schools to prepare now to be able to continue to provide “critical support services” like school meals in the event of a school closure.  Highlights include: 

• School districts and sponsors in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) may provide reimbursable meals to low-income children during school closures related to COVID-19.
• To provide meals to children in areas affected by school closures, schools must complete a one page application and submit to CNCOVID@nysed.gov for review and approval, prior to commencing meal operations.
• Upon Child Nutrition’s approval of their application, schools may provide up to two meals per day per child through the SFSP or the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the National School Lunch Program.  
• Meals may be provided and consumed at schools or other locations in the community or provided for consumption at home. 
• This memo also includes a Q&A to clarify guidance for operating child nutrition programs when schools are closed due to COVID-19.

We encourage any school with questions to please contact your Child Nutrition Program Representative directly, or email CNCOVID@nysed.gov if you have additional questions or concerns.

SNAP

On March 12th, OTDA issued a notice on COVID-19 to social service districts.  
Highlights include:

• No waivers and no special provisions have been approved or offered to the states in the operation of SNAP, and the program continues to operate normally. Local social service districts should continue to plan to ensure safe and continuous access to SNAP.
• Local districts are reminded of the requirement to grant good cause when a participant's failure to meet program requirements is due to factors beyond the participant’s control. The COVID-19 pandemic may result in the inability of individuals to attend agency appointments, including work activity assignments, due to factors such as lack of transportation, lack of child-care, or worksite closures.

Districts are reminded that telephone interviews at both application and recertification are permissible for all SNAP households and are encouraged to utilize or implement this process. For SNAP cases due for recertification, districts also have the option to extend the certification period up to the maximum allowable certification period of 12 or 24 months, or up to 48 months for NYSNIP cases.

These additional websites are providing updated information as it becomes available.

• NYS Education Department Coronavirus Information for Schools
• Food Research and Action Center - Preparing for the Impacts of the Coronavirus on Health, Well-being, and Food Security
• USDA FNS Program Guidance on Pandemic Response including the USDA SNAP Pandemic Planning Guidelines

As a statewide organization dedicated to alleviating hunger, our mission is more important than ever. We will continue to keep you updated on developments.

WGiOS Social Media Resources and Events

WGiOS has been rescheduled to October 15, 2020, and will be held virtually.

Our planning committee is maintaining the WGiOS Facebook page leading up to the event by posting mental health resources and other events related to children's mental health.

We are reaching out to request any resources or events related to children's mental health to post and share.

If you know of any, you can:

1. Send the resource and/or event links to the WGiOS Facebook page via messenger

2. Tag the WGiOS Facebook page in your posts related to children's mental health

Make sure to like and follow the Facebook page to stay up-to-date on WGiOS 2020 and children's mental health!

For more information please contact Kate Provencher