Taconic Special Education Parent Page

01/08/2026

01/03/2026

Join us Jan 7 for Advocacy 101 and learn how to make your voice heard!📢🌟

This virtual workshop is designed to empower families with a clear understanding of the Special Education process. You will learn about the importance of having in-depth insights into your child’s disability and the special education process. Learn strategies for long-term planning and how to effectively collaborate and communicate with your child’s education team. Discover tools for staying organized and advocating with confidence every step of the way.

Register at: https://www.wilc.org/event/webinar-advocacy-101/

12/31/2025

Effective reading instruction is not about doing more

It is about doing the right things on purpose

These are powerful reminders of what evidence based literacy instruction looks like in real classrooms created by Stephanie Stollar Consulting

✔ clear and explicit teaching
✔ skills taught in a thoughtful sequence
✔ enough practice to build automaticity
✔ cumulative review so learning sticks
✔ immediate feedback to prevent misconceptions
✔ decisions driven by assessment data

When instruction is intentional, students do not have to guess. They get the support they need to become confident readers.

What would you add to this list based on your classroom experience 💙📚

12/30/2025

Raising a neurodivergent child often means providing extra support to help them navigate daily tasks. This is known as scaffolding—a temporary structure that helps build a child's independence by reducing cognitive load.

Here are the four core elements of effective scaffolding:
🔷Externalizing the Internal Process
🔷Breaking Down Complex Tasks (Chunking)
🔷Making Time Tangible
🔷Gradual Removal of Support

12/29/2025

12/13/2025

Emotional regulation can be especially challenging for students with ADHD, not because they lack skills, but because their brains process emotions with greater intensity. Simple, accessible tools like breathing breaks, movement resets, sensory supports, quiet corners, and positive self talk can help them regain control when feelings rise. When we teach these strategies proactively and offer compassion instead of pressure, students build confidence, resilience, and a sense of safety. Emotional regulation is not learned in a moment it is built through support, practice, and understanding.

12/13/2025

Free 50 COPING SKILLS POSTER FOR TEENS: THE (MOSTLY EFFECTIVE) GUIDE TO NOT LOSING IT

This free poster gives young people 50 simple coping skills they can use when they feel stressed or overwhelmed. It covers brain breaks, movement, creative ideas, sensory activities, ways to connect with others and ways to plan ahead. It is easy to use in schools, homes and support sessions. Many workers use it to help young people talk about what works for them and to build healthier coping habits.

If you would like this as a free PDF, comment COPING and we will send you a link to the website where you can download it.

12/13/2025

Free WHAT A CHILD’S BEHAVIOUR IS REALLY TELLING YOU POSTER

This poster puts into words what many adults feel but struggle to explain.

When a child shouts, refuses, withdraws, lashes out or melts down, it is easy to see behaviour as bad, defiant or attention seeking. This poster clearly shows that behaviour is communication. It helps adults stop reacting to what they see and start thinking about what the child is trying to tell them.

The poster explains how challenging behaviour is often linked to unmet needs such as feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, tired, hungry, anxious, overstimulated or in need of connection. It supports a trauma informed, needs led way of responding that focuses on understanding rather than punishment.

This resource is especially helpful for children who struggle with emotional regulation, big feelings, anxiety, sensory overload, attachment needs or trauma related stress. It helps adults understand what is happening in a child’s nervous system when they are under pressure.

Comment CHILD and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

12/11/2025

12/11/2025

AuDHD is the intersection of Autism and ADHD, and many people live with this unique neurotype without ever receiving the understanding or support they deserve. AuDHD individuals often experience both incredible strengths and real challenges in daily life, from creativity and deep focus to sensory overwhelm and executive functioning struggles. When schools, families, and communities offer clarity, predictability, and sensory-safe environments, AuDHD individuals can thrive. Awareness is the first step toward inclusion and compassion. Let’s keep learning, supporting, and celebrating neurodiversity.