Kayla’s Directory runs several programs throughout the year. We try to partner with local organizations to create programs for children with special needs.  Recently, several parents asked about teaching their child how to skate, so we created a “Successful Skating” program.   We were fortunate enough to partner with Full Strides of South Burlington and to work with Dan McFall. When I approached Dan about our organization, our mission, and what we wanted to create, there was absolutely no hesitation on his part.  In fact, I think I was more worried about it than he was!  I like to have our programs manageable, organized, well-supported, and fun.  He reassured me that it would be fine and that he would have well-trained coaches available for us. Dan helped with all the first-week kinks, including my own child having a full-blown tantrum.  He had a sense of humor and was patient, flexible, and completely understanding.  Although we … [Read more...]

It's that time of year again and summer camp registration is open.  Here is a list of camps that have been recommended for children with special needs. We also have listed camps in our community that children with special needs have attended and have had great success.  You will want to check with these camps prior to registering them and give them information about your child to see if it is a good fit. Specifically, for children with special needs   Camp Compass:  2-week day camp for children on the ASD.  http://www.sterncenter.org/programs-services/services-for-pk-grade-12/summer-learning-opportunities/ Camp Daybreak:  1-week overnight camp held in Goshen, VT for children ages 8-11 who have social, emotional or behavioral needs. http://campdaybreak.org Camp Kaleidoscope: 3-day overnight camp for families who have a child on the ASD.   This camp is for children ages 3-11 and is held in Starksboro, … [Read more...]

In the last week I was fortunate to talk to two parents who are great athletes, have children who are athletic, and are coaches within our community.  They both provided similar coaching and parenting styles and are trying to install that in their children and the athletes they coach;  work ethic, connections, giving back, and having fun. The one coach doesn’t care if her children or athletes she coaches are the fastest, the best shooter, or the best players in the state.  She cares about how much they are willing to work, what they give back to our society and the compassion they have for people in our world.  The other coach hopes that “sports teaches our kids teamwork, collaboration, the importance of the “team” and the unselfishness of I”. It was rejuvenating talking to both parents.   The one coach is not only trying to teach her players how to improve in their game, she is trying to get them to think beyond the game and what … [Read more...]

Most mothers, teachers, and children look forward to school vacations.  It usually comes around a time when the children are in need of break from the routine of the school week.  You can see it on teachers’ faces the week before school was out…please let this week finish up fast!  The patience level of kids and teachers alike seems to be an all-time low; everyone just needs a break! I was feeling it a bit as well, and was looking forward to the break from going to work.  And my children were so excited about vacation, especially Kayla!  She was counting down the days until she didn’t have to go to school beginning halfway through the previous week!  However, in all honesty, I wasn’t all that excited about having my children home for the entire week.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my children and love spending time with them, but no structure or routine can be a nightmare with a child on the spectrum and makes for a very long … [Read more...]

I walked down the stairs and was greeted by a magical scene.  Snowflakes were hanging from the ceiling, two tables were set up with coloring activities, a huge doll house stood in the center of the room, a batman station rested in one corner, Paw Patrol in another area, a train table with every train imaginable on one side, and a massive racetrack on the other.  You would have thought I was entering a Toys R Us store! But this was much better than a Toys R Us store: this was “Santa Cares,” an opportunity for children with various disabilities to come play, color, have some snacks, and see Santa.  Behind the scenes is a remarkable husband-and-wife team who decided three years ago that there was a need for an alternative place for children with special needs to meet Santa. “Extra care is taken to support sensory, physical, and other developmental needs of children.  There are no lines, no pressure, and no fuss!” Lindsay and Jay … [Read more...]