Parent workshops in Providence

The Hasbro Center for Teaching Excellence (part of the Dunn Institute) is presenting a series of Parent Workshops on various topics. Strand I programs providence help on effective support and intervention for student learning, while Strand II programs (listed below with an asterisk) discuss the neurodevelopmental perspective. A full list of upcoming programs, along with dates and times, is listed below the fold.

Date: Various
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Place: CVS-Highlander Charter School, 45 Greeley St., Providence [map]
Cost: $5/workshop

The workshop fee includes materials and refreshments. Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited. Call to see if online registration with a credit card is available. Workshops that fill may be run a second time — make sure you are on a waiting list. For more information, including further details on the presenters and registration, please visit the program website.

  • Thursday, February 15: The Journey of Parenting: Connections to the Evolving Brains of Children Ages 4 - 14.

    Offered by: Dr. Rick Solomon

    This workshop uses the neurological processes of a developing brain as a framework for understanding the behavioral, social and academic changes experienced by children through a decade of maturity. Each stage of development will focus on how the child perceives the world and how parents can best respond to these evolving needs.

  • Thursday, March 1: Transitions to Higher Education

    Offered by: Susan Hanflik

    As students with learning differences move from high school to college and other post secondary placements, careful planning becomes critical in maintaining student success. This workshop will focus on providing the information parents and students need to take the next educational steps. Topics covered will include an exploration of the differences in service between high school and higher educational settings, types of services available, and managing the College Selection and Application process.

  • Thursday, March 8: Self-Esteem*

    Offered by: Rose Mary Grant

    This workshop will explore how learning strengths, affinities and weaknesses contribute to a child’s self-esteem. Participants will learn strategies and communication techniques to support learning and build self-esteem.

  • Monday, March 12: Quirky Kids

    Offered by: Dr. Eileen Costello

    This workshop is devoted to demystifying quirky kids (ages 3 - 8) and defining what caring adults can do to support them. We all know young children who just don’t seem to fit in. They may be out of sync with their peer group, have difficulty managing their emotions, struggle with anxiety, have unusual interests or demeanors, or have a specific developmental delay or diagnosed special need. Together we will develop a deeper understanding of these children and learn strategies to support their optimal development.

  • Wednesday, March 28: Understanding the Impact of Early Reflexes on Sensory and Academic Development.

    Offered by: Lin Johnson & Su Rubinoff

    The Central Nervous System (CNS) is the control center for all thinking, learning, and moving. It facilitates early development via automatic movement patterns called reflexes. As a child matures, the CNS typically “breaks up” these reflexive responses to achieve increasingly complex movements controlled by the child. Many variables, however, can interfere with this process. Retained reflexes may manifest themselves through dyslexia, poor written expression, poor sequencing, attention problems, slow processing, hyperactivity, reading difficulties, etc. This workshop will present a variety of reflexes and demonstrate how each can hinder development. Participants will learn to evaluate the three most prevalent reflexes and practice activities for intervention.

  • Wednesday, April 4: Parenting a Child with Learning Differences

    Offered by: Kim White

    This workshop will provide information and strategies for parents who support children with learning differences. The strengths-based model will help parents analyze their expectations and offer guidance in the process of setting boundaries, fostering independence, maintaining discipline, and nurturing academic curiosity and skill development at home.

  • Thursday, April 12: Homework*

    Offered by: Rose Mary Grant

    This interactive presentation provides an overview of the 8 functions of the brain and how they impact learning — specifically in reading, writing and math. The presentation will provide strategies for supporting successful homework completion for students with a variety of learning styles, and provide a framework for decreasing the nightly struggle around various assignments.

  • Thursday, April 26: Using Evaluation Data to Advocate for Your Child

    Offered by: Dr. Myrna Silverstein

    This workshop will help parents interpret evaluation data and focus on critical needs as they advocate for their child. It will provide a framework for successful advocacy practices, and offer strategies for collaborating and negotiating with school personnel.

  • Tuesday, May 1: Cultivating Collaborations: Creating a Team Approach to Support Your Child

    Offered by: Dr. Maryellen Butke

    Creating a functional team approach for your child with learning differences is critical to ensure that your child’s needs are met within the school environment. All too often, lack of communication and follow through, disagreement about resources, and lack of parental involvement can serve as barriers to a student’s success. Ongoing attention and nurturance of the team, and a consolidated effort to cultivate these critical connections can assist children in reaching their highest potential.

  • Thursday, May 10: Attention*

    Offered by: Rose Mary Grant

    This workshop explores the different parts of Attention and their impact on learning. Participants will leave understanding the facets of attention control, how to know when they are not up to par, and how to help children manage and regulate the different pieces of Attention.