Counting Stars, Inc. will work tirelessly to decrease barriers that hinder inclusiveness in all aspects of life. Counting Stars, Inc. believes that people labeled as challenged aren’t just a number or someone who needs to be taken care of but a human being with interests, preferences, self-worth, and the desire to be loved. By providing education, resources, and building relationships amongst community members, Counting Stars, Inc. fights for true inclusion in our schools, our community, and our county.

Daily Living Skills Training

FAMILY AND UNPAID CAREGIVER TRAINING

It’s hard to be the best advocate when you just don’t know what you don’t know! Weekly training will help families get the information and support they need to be the best advocate for their child. Training will be offered in person at the YWCA with a virtual option. Each session will include time for questions, sharing experiences and concerns, and resources that are ready to use at home or in the community. Providing information and support around structure and routine, high expectations, functional communication, and skills to increase independence will help families and caregivers lighten their load as the child becomes more aware of their own safety and how to meet their own needs. Weekly training will include topics such as: 

Understanding your role and your rights at the IEP meeting

IEPs, PTPs, SOPs, Oh my!

Behavior Management in the home and community

Community-based Employment

Outside Agencies such as ADRC, DVR, etc.

Financial Literacy 

Guardianship and Special Needs Trusts

What can life look like after high school?

SAFETY PLANNING AND PREVENTION

I will work with families in their home, neighborhood, and community to develop a safety plan that enables children to be safe in multiple environments. The plan will be developed collaboratively with those who best know the child’s needs and will be monitored and updated as needed. As an educator, I have seen the struggle for families and community members to fully and safely include children with special needs. When all members of the child’s team are on the same page in different environments, the child will make greater gains and faster progress. This service will be implemented based on each family’s needs. I will be available during the day and evenings to work on the plan and implementation. Individualized plans may include: 

Functional Communication strategies

Structure and routine supported by visuals

Sensory tools and materials

Special locks and sensors for windows and doors

Collaboration around high expectations for the child and their family members

Training and technical assistance to make the plan manageable and sustainable

Bridge the IEP developed by the school team to what that can look like in the home and community