[NIFL-FAMILY:545] Re: Recruitment

From: Heather Miller (HMiller@tbaisd.k12.mi.us)
Date: Fri Dec 21 2001 - 13:17:00 EST


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From: Heather Miller <HMiller@tbaisd.k12.mi.us>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-FAMILY:545] Re: Recruitment
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Thanks for your message.  I really like the idea of that focus verse.  I
think we have run out of funding for training, but I have heard other good
things about that Mother Goose Program.  Have a good holiday!

-----Original Message-----
From: Susanna Suchak [mailto:ssuchak@mlhu.on.ca]
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2001 12:07 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [NIFL-FAMILY:544] Re: Recruitment


Hi
In Ontario we have 32 preschool speech and language initiatives. Each of
them has a different modus operandi, but here in Thames Valley Region
(London and the 3 counties around here) I am the only one specifically
focusing on intermediary prevention. I have developed many programs which
focus on what you are describing. I am also certified to do YMTD from Hanen.
I have also taken certification in a program called Parent-Child Mother
Goose. We have found that our high risk groups have many issues around being
video-taped. Some with good reason. I have found doing a parent-tot group
using verses, songs and nursery rhymes (many of which I have adapted to be
culturally sensitive and significant to our parents) to work quite well.
Although, one of my aims is to have parents provide a more language rich
home environment. I also educate on the nitty-gritty of doing that. In other
words, I don't suggest that these parents "read" to and with their children
(well, I do but I also do o!
ther things). I have theme based programming with extended activities. These
extended activities are designed to provide every-day stimulation in speech
and language using other daily activities. For instance, we teach a "focus
verse" which helps the parent to connect on an eye-to-eye level with the
child and adults who have paired up to do this verse have stated that "you
cannot ignore someone who is tracing your face with their finger". Then the
next week we go around the circle and say which verses our child liked the
best, how they helped in a situation and/or which songs our child initiated
"singing". For instance, if your baby bounced, and you said "Oh, you want to
do a 'smooth road'". And then we did the verse/song with our baby, we share
that success. I also teach parents to stretch the vowel for babies and to
encourage them to imitate that sound. I could go on for hours, but I am "on
vacation". I just couldn't resist this post!

I also educate parents on realistic "milestones" for speech and language
development. Without fail, in a group of 6 parents and babies/toddlers, at
least 1 will refer to our free service. These children are then assessed by
a speech language pathologist and if necessary a program is designed for
that child. The mandate is to have more children "school-ready" when they
enter the formal stream at 4 in Junior Kindergarten. I would love to share
more with you.

Much of my region is rural and I have lived on a farm, so I know first hand
the challenges of the rural community. Having raised 7 kids I also
understand the challenges of being a parent with few supports in the
community.

I would be willing to share the methodology in a workshop with your people.
Please call me in the New Year. My phone is 519-663-5317 ext. 2279. I work
out of the Middlesex-London Public Health Unit, but am originally from
Windsor.

Susanna Scott-Suchak
Health Promoter
tykeTALK (Thames Valley Preschool Speech and Language Initiative)
email: ssuchak@mlhu.on.ca
home email: guildedlily@hotmail.com

>>> HMiller@tbaisd.k12.mi.us 12/21/01 09:30 AM >>>
Hi...I am a speech/language pathologist working for Traverse Bay Area
Intermediate School District.  This year I am working on a grant to help
reduce the need for special education and promote school readiness in the
0-6 year old population in a 5-county rural area.  Part of the program
includes a parent education program called "You Make the Difference," a
program to enhance parent/child interactions and improve children's social
and language development.  It includes 9 weekly classes of 3 hours--90
minutes of interactive classroom discussion/learning/videotape viewing for
the adults and ending with a 5-minute, individual, videotaping sessions of
each parent and child trying out the techniques learned.

We are interested in getting as many at risk parents as possible to
participate (at risk being those parents that may not spend much time
interacting with their children or may not use much language as they do) and
a friend suggested that this group could have some great suggestions of ways
to entice these parents to participate..ideas that have worked for you.  We
have been able to come up with offering dinner with the class and quality
childcare and I have also secured 1/4 credit of high school diploma credit.
We have one and a half years to try it out.

Please suggest any ideas you have had success with...please...

Heather Miller
Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District
1101 Red Drive, P.O. Box 6020
Traverse City, Michigan  49686

email:  hmiller@tbaisd.k12.mi.us



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