In addition to the things we typically do, we are looking at two special focus areas in July.
One, we want to learn from families what would be most supportive to you as you plan for your children’s education and you think through all the issues related to COVID. Two, we want to continue to hear from families of young children about what you most wish for your children and what you most want others to understand.
Supporting You and Your Child’s Education Planning
We have several activities planned to support families as they plan for school (whatever that ends up looking like). Our Thursday virtual family support groups will focus on what you want and need to help your child make this transition safely. The support group sessions are every Thursday from 12 noon to 1 pm, but this week (July 2nd) and next week (July 9th) the session will start at 11 am. Click on the link to register.
In addition to the Thursday virtual support group sessions, we will gather your feedback through surveys and phone calls. We will also share practical information related to school return each week in our newsletter and on social media. Watch for more information about a webinar in late July on education advocacy and how the COVID pandemic and school closings affect your child’s rights.
Supporting Families of Young Children
We are excited to partner with the Mississippi Parent Training Information Center to do two noontime webinars to support families of young children:
· July 2 – Supporting and Advocating with Families of Young Children,
· July 9 – Supporting the Social/Emotional Health of Young Children
Please sign up for our leadership training for parents of young children birth to 8 and other parents who are interested in being Parent/Caregiver Leaders to serve on decision-making groups and committees.
There will be 4 sessions: Tuesday, July 21, Thursday, July 23, Tuesday, July 28 and Thursday, July 30. The sessions begin at 10:00 am and last 1.5 hours. Participants who attend each session and successfully complete the training will receive a $100 stipend for their time.
If you are the parent of a young child (birth through 8 years old) and would like to share your thoughts about what you most wish for your child and what you most want others to understand, please contact Dominic DeLeo at ddeleo@faams.org or 601-355-0915.
[Photo by Santi Vedrí on Unsplash]
