Special-Needs Award Nominees Wanted

The East Providence Parent Advisory Committee for Special Education is seeking nominations for its 5th Annual Special Needs Recognition Program.

The Parent Advisory Committee is a committee made up of parents of children with disabilities along with teachers and others with a concern for our children. Its main objective is to advocate for all children with special needs and to advise the school department on its efforts to provide quality education for all students.

The committee is seeking nominations for educators, teacher assistants, therapists, programs, students, parents and/or community resources that have provided consistently outstanding services for Special Education students, especially in the area of inclusion. Inclusion involves students with special education needs spending most or all of their time with non-disabled students. The goal of this program is to increase awareness and recognize those people who are providing best practices in special education and inclusive education.

The committee is looking for individuals that exemplify the dedication and commitment that advance the success of special needs students. All nominations will be recognized at a reception on May 9 at Martin Middle School.

Criteris for nominations are listed below. Nominations are due by March 29.

Criteria for Special Needs Recognition Program

Educator/Teacher Assistant /Therapist
An educator/therapist who has provided consistently outstanding services to advance the success of students with special needs by demonstrating teaching practices in the classroom(special education or general education) which enable achievement and participation of students with special needs:
Peer helping strategies
Social skills development
Management of behavior
Differentiated instruction, instruction accommodations & appropriate test modifications
classroom organization
training & support of staff which increases achievement of students with special needs
Promoting parent involvement to enable achievement and participation of students with special needs.

Student
A student who has made an outstanding contribution to school objectives or programs in one or more of the following ways:
Participating in school programs which increase peer acceptance and support individual differences.
Providing direct assistance, friendship, and encouragement to students with special needs.
Demonstrating leadership in student activities to promote a spirit of caring, belonging, and cooperation among the student body.
Programs
A school based program, demonstrating outstanding results in promoting success of students with special needs through the cooperative efforts of school administrator, regular education and special education staff.
Parent
A parent who effectively advocated for their child to get the supports necessary for their child’s academic and social success.

Community Resource
A local business or individual, who has made an outstanding contribution to school and/or community programs that benefited students with special needs.

Forward your information by Friday, March 29, to: Laurie Brown at Sbrown8025@verizon.net or Jenn Enos at Jenne616@yahoo.com

1. Name of Person or Program Nominated:
2. Category of Nomination: Educator, Teacher Assistant, Therapist, Parent, Community Resource,
Student or Program
3. School:
4. Your Name:
5. Your Phone #:
6. Your Email:
7. Nominating Statement: In 250 words or less, please state your reasons that support your nomination.

Please keep a copy of your narrative for the Recognition Program awards reception.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Laurie Brown or Jenn Enos at the above emails.  You will be notified by May 1 if your nomination has been chosen to receive recognition.