Resource fairs can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been to one before. Below, our Family Resource Specialists (FRS) team shares their favorite tips to help you make the most of your time.

Katie Krueger, Program Assistant With 70+ vendors at each fair, there is a lot to see. Before you arrive, think of one or two priorities (occupational therapists, alternative schools, etc.) and focus on those first. The resource fair directories are grouped by program or service type, so it’s easy to find what you need. Once you’ve covered your priorities, you can go back and check out other vendors to discover new programs or services.

Anna Barr, Family Resource Specialist We have some great resources on the website to help you to feel more prepared. One that many people don’t know about is our sample questions. With lists of questions for summer camps, therapists, social skills groups and alternative schools, you’ll feel confident that you’re not forgetting to ask something important.

Alicia Zuberny, Senior Family Resource Specialist Sometimes it’s hard to figure out exactly what you need – and that’s where an Ask Us call can help. For example, if your child has a new ADHD diagnosis, you can use Ask Us to understand how different professionals support children with similar needs. During your call, we’ll talk about your child’s needs and suggest options. We can even look up specific professionals to see if they’ll be attending the fair.

We hope these tips help you feel confident, prepared and ready to find the support your child needs.

Whether you’re unsure about a new behavior or have been dealing with something that feels like it will never end, Connecting for Kids has tools to help you build better behavior this year.

Worth the worry?

“Is this typical?” 

“Will they grow out of it?”

“Should I be worried?”

We hear these types of questions often and the answer is usually, “it depends.” Our Behavior Resource Guide gives you four questions to help decide whether the behavior is something to get help with or a “wait and see.” 

Strategies to go!

If you're ready to take action, our podcast library can help you learn on the go — in the car rider line, at nap time or at the gym.

If you’re not sure where to start, our team loves:

• Behavior Series: Ten to 15-minute tools you can use right away
• Co-Regulation is Your Super Power
• The Ugly Hour
• Challenging Behavior Series

Feeling isolated or overwhelmed?

Our Family Resource Specialist team has been there. Whether it’s a bedtime tantrum or a meltdown in the middle of the store, you’re not alone.

With an Ask Us or Quick Request, we'll listen, strategize with you and point you toward resources that really help.

The end of the year can bring extra expenses for families who have concerns about their child’s development or needs. On top of the usual holiday and household costs, you may find yourself:

• Using up covered therapy visits and needing to pay out of pocket
• Seeking a new diagnosis, treatment or service after first-quarter progress reports
• Purchasing adaptive versions of holiday gifts that come with a higher price tag
• Replacing everyday items that wear out faster for your child
• Reaching annual caps on family support funding or NEON assistance

If you’re feeling a pinch, Connecting for Kids has resources that can help.

Guide to Finding Funding

Our Guide to Finding Funding highlights eight different ways families in Northeast Ohio can find funds for therapies, equipment and other needs. It also includes a list of grants organized by diagnosis and type of support. Even if you can’t access help right now, applying early could make next fall a little easier.

Wish Granting Guide

While wish programs often focus on children with life-limiting conditions, our Wish Granting Guide also includes opportunities for children with autism, permanent disabilities or kids who have experienced trauma.

Ask Us

If you’re not sure where to start—or if you feel like you’ve tried everything—Ask Us! You’ll connect with another parent who understands what you’re going through and who can share ideas, compare notes and help you find next steps.

Melanie has two children and lives in North Royalton.

What do you do to relax?

I go to a salt cave to relax. We live near the Holistic Halo Salt Spa, and it has a private salt room. You can either use it alone or bring your family. For 30 minutes, you just breathe in the salty air, and the floor is covered in salt, and the kids can play in it. It definitely relaxes us and redirects my son.

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

We found a lot of organizations and activities at the Resource Fairs. I also met some amazing people who work for Connecting for Kids at some of the programs. Especially when my son was younger and I felt so clueless, I didn't know anyone in my situation, and I didn't know who to turn to.

The bad habit I picked up...

Trying to do everything for my children. They need to learn, and fail if need be.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself the day we got the diagnosis I would say...

It's not as bleak as the doctor made it out to be. It's going to be hard as heck, but you can do it.

When my child's behavior gets out of control, I feel...

Embarrassed at first. But then I realize that he can't help it. Also, I think these complete strangers are people I'll probably never see again and maybe they have a differently-abled person at home, too

Do you have any recommended resources such as blogs, websites, or books that we can share?

The 3 big things that have helped our family are

The Arc of Ohio – Helped us figure out waivers and get a support team in place. 

Akron Rotary Camp | Akron Area YMCA Camps -- Has amazing respite weekends and an overnight summer camp for kids, which has given me a chance to have time to clean and travel while my son has a blast.

Rec2Connect – Offers recreation therapy. THE BEST place to go for sports and activities for differently-abled people. Included. Always. is their motto, and the owner, Jen Knott, is fantastic.

Is there anything else about your journey that you would like to share with other parents?

Some years will be better than others. Get a support team in place, join groups, talk to your neighbors. By just striking up random conversations with complete strangers, I have gained such useful knowledge and learned about places I never would have known about. My son is at Insightful Minds this year, and I wish I had known about the place sooner. He is thriving there, not just surviving.

It’s October, the kids have settled into their school routines and it’s time for parent-teacher conferences. For many of us, that means squeezing into a chair that’s a little too small, admiring student artwork and hearing about the classroom day-to-day. But what if a concern comes up?

Here are five tips to help you make the most of your time with your child’s teacher:

1. Review Schoolwork

In the first few weeks, kids bring home a flood of forms, schedules and assignments. Take a little time to sort through everything and look over your child’s work. If your child has an IEP, 504 Plan, or Written Education Plan (WEP), review those too. This is also a great moment to update — or start — your School Communication Binder.

2. Prepare Your Questions

If you already have a concern, conferences are the perfect time to compare notes with the teacher. Because meetings are usually brief, jot down your questions ahead of time. If you have new information (like a doctor’s note or testing results), bring copies to share.

3. Take Notes

Conferences move quickly and it’s easy to feel overloaded. Taking notes helps you remember what was discussed. Ask for copies of important documents such as test scores, progress reports or behavior checklists.

4. Make a Follow-Up Plan

Before you leave, agree on how and when you’ll follow up. For example: “I’m glad we talked about Stephen’s reading — we’re noticing the same concerns at home. When should I expect a progress update?”

Afterward, send a short follow-up email to recap. It not only documents what you agreed on, but also keeps everyone on the same page. For example:

Dear Mr. Jones,

Thank you for meeting with me last night and for sharing your concerns about Stephen’s reading. I’ve scheduled an appointment with his pediatrician and will let you know what we find out about getting an eye exam. I know we agreed to re-check progress in November, but if there’s anything more I can do to help from home, please let me know.

5. Get Support

Learning that your child is struggling can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our Family Resource Specialist (FRS) Team can help you understand school information, set priorities and make a plan — just ask us!

Melissa has three children and lives in Parma.

What do you do to relax?

Workout, read, watch my favorite TV shows.

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

Connecting for Kids has given my son with autism more activities to participate in.

Which have been your favorite Connecting for Kids resources?

Music Therapy & More has been a safe space for Bryan at the library, and allows him to participate in an education program at his pace without fear of judgment. I appreciate at the end of each session, we are able to discuss accomplishments or milestones he has recently achieved. The achievements may not be major for a typically developing child, but for someone with autism, these small achievements mean so much.

My greatest lesson learned was...

No matter his diagnosis, he is perfect just the way he is.

The hardest thing for me to learn was...

Accepting his differences around typical children who may not understand or accept his behaviors.

The most difficult part of parenting a child who struggles...

Not knowing what his life will be like in the future and if he will be able to live an independent life as an adult.

Tips for Families of Kids with Disabilities, Delays or Behavioral Health Concerns

When your child has a disability, delay or behavioral health concern, choosing the right school can be tricky. Many children with concerns do well in public schools. Others may need different support. If you are thinking about changing schools, try these steps:

1. Ask Your Child’s IEP or 504 Team

Sometimes teams can make changes to help your child stay where they are. Examples include:

• Changing your child’s daily schedule - like teaching academics during times when your child is more ready to learn
• Adding or changing support - like increasing support minutes or adding a different related service
• Changing where your child learns - like using small groups or a resource room

Sometimes IEP teams decide that they can’t serve a child. When this happens, the team may suggest a district placement. A district placement means that your school district pays for your child to attend a different school or center.

2. Look at Funding Options

Most private schools charge tuition. Ohio has different ways to cover those costs:

• EdChoice and EdChoice Expansion are vouchers that allow students to attend approved schools. Your child does not need an IEP to use these programs.
• Autism Scholarship pays for children with autism and some with developmental delays to use approved providers. The Autism Scholarship amount is set for each school year. All children who use it get the same amount of money.
• Jon Peterson Scholarship pays for children with an IEP to use approved providers. Children will receive an amount based on their diagnosis.

Private schools aren’t the only option. This guide will teach you about charter schools, homeschooling and center-based programs.

3. Make a List of Schools

When you’re ready to start your search, make a list of the schools you want to look at. If you’re not sure how to do this, the Connecting for Kids (CFK) team can help! You can call/text 440-570-5908, email info@connectingforkids.org, or choose a date/time that works best for you at connectingforkids.org/askus.

4. Ask Lots of Questions

It’s a good idea to call and talk to people at the schools on your list. This guide has ten questions to help you get started.

Choosing the right school might seem like a lot of pressure – but remember, you can always change your mind. And if you need help sorting through options, CFK is here to help!

Nicole has three children and lives in Lorain.

What do you do to relax?

Craft or build things

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

All the different resources have been so helpful in getting my children the help needed, from the resource fair to the Share & Support Groups.

Which have been your favorite Connecting for Kids resources?

Going to the meetings and listening to the other parents, knowing I’m not the only one going through something, has been honestly the best because some days I just feel so alone.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself the day we got the diagnosis, I would say...

You're going to have your good days and you're going to have your bad days. But all in all, he’s so smart, brave and has such a silly personality that it will be OK.

I get embarrassed when...

My child acts out in public or around family and friends. I fear how to properly handle the situation, as I don’t want people to judge me.

The hardest thing for me to learn was...

The hardest thing for me to learn was patience, staying calm and cool, and remembering to take deep breaths when life gets too hard to handle.

Do you have any recommended resources such as blogs, websites, or books that we can share?

I belong to a few moms groups on Facebook that are always helpful.

Most people think of sports, but adapted and inclusive recreation can also include music, art, dance, theater and more. The Connecting for Kids (CFK) directory lists both adapted and inclusive programs across Northeast Ohio. But how do you find the right fit for your child? Read on to learn more.

What’s the difference between adapted and inclusive?

Adapted and inclusive programs both welcome kids with disabilities, but there are some differences. An inclusive program welcomes all children. This means that a children with disabilities participate in the same activities as non-disabled kids.

Adaptive programs may welcome all children, but there is usually some change to the way things are done. The changes make it so that kids with disabilities can enjoy the activity in a meaningful way.

What kinds of changes do adapted programs make?

Adaptations can take all kinds of forms. Some of the most common include:

• Using special equipment, like basketball hoops that sit on the floor for wheelchair users
• Changing the space and using facilities that have ramps, accessible restrooms, etc.
• Adding support, like offering a guide to assist a runner with low vision
• Teaching different techniques, like seated dance moves
• Changing rules, like having a “no strikeout” rule for batters

What are some other benefits of adapted or inclusive rec?

Adapted and inclusive rec programs may be less competitive and more welcoming for kids who just want to have fun. They can also be a great place to practice social skills. Best of all, adapted and inclusive rec can teach your child to work together with different kinds of people.

Want to learn more about programs near you? Call/text 440-570-5908, email info@connectingforkids.org, or choose a date/time that works best for you at connectingforkids.org/askus.

Jessica has 3 children and lives in Elyria.

What do you do to relax?

Our family loves living so close to Lake Erie and on the days that we are looking to rest and recharge, we find our way to the shores of our beautiful lake.

What else would you like to tell us about yourself?

I am dedicated to ensuring my children are happy and healthy. I feel like that is my biggest passion in life. When I am not busy with mom duties, I enjoy going out with friends or taking in a concert or two.

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

I love the newsletter because it gives me many resources for connections that I may have missed otherwise. Over the years, we have relied on finding resources for tutoring and therapy that will help our kids continue to thrive in their environments.

Which have been your favorite Connecting for Kids resources?

Literally, the hundreds of resource fairs, educational resources, and story times for children.  The old saying that it takes a village still rings true today and I find that other parents also need some of the same support for their families too.

My greatest lesson learned was...

I need to set reasonable expectations for each child and not one solely based off test scores. Each of them will perform differently and each of them should be rewarded around their own parameters.

What I worry about most…

I will leave my children before they are grown. It is my worst nightmare after losing my only parent at a young age.

The most difficult part of parenting a child who struggles...

Never giving up on them or yourself. It's a tough time for all and it's okay when things don’t go as planned or expected; you need to keep trying until you make it.

Is there anything else about your journey that you would like to share with other parents?

It is never too late to get help. Reach out and connect with others who may be experiencing similar obstacles. Parenting is hard, but it doesn't have to be. Allow your village to support you and get you through the darkest days.