SPARK - Special Education Parents Accessing Resources and Knowledge.

A Northwest Suburban Council of PTSA committee serving families of children with special needs in Community Consolidated School District 15 and beyond.

Who we are reaching...

SPARK programs are FREE, open, and encouraged for ALL parents, educators, and administrators.

Why we exist...

SPARK was formed in response to the growing needs of families whose children learn differently or have special needs. As parents trying to navigate the system, we realize the importance of providing: · Relevant resource programs related to special education · Opportunities to network · Links to parents with outside sources · Publications and books on various special education topics

What we believe...

SPARK believes in providing a means to educate parents and educators, provide resources, network, and support families of all children receiving special education. This is accomplished at the district level through monthly evening programs with outside speakers. We also have SPARK representatives at each school who are a local contact and resource to the individual schools. Our hope is that parents and educators will access these FREE meetings for the benefit of their children, themselves, and others.

When we meet...

SPARK programs meet once monthly on Monday evenings: EXCEPT Oct. 18th Walter R. Sundling Junior High 1100 N. Smith Street, Palatine 7:00 – 8:30 pm

SPARK - Program Calendar 2011-2012 School Year

February 27: Puberty: NOW WHAT? @Sundling Theater

The meeting will feature a workshop titled "Puberty: NOW WHAT?," which will be presented by Carla Oldham, a community partner with the suburban Chicago region of the Illinois Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project (IATTAP).

Ms. Oldham's presentation is for parents who are wondering what puberty has done to their special needs child. If you have been worrying about the day-to-day challenges and now find yourself with that tween/teen in puberty and haven't planned for it, this workshop is for you! It will include a frank discussion about the concerns, issues, and challenges faced by all parents of tween/teens in puberty, plus the strategies and supports needed for that special needs tween/teen in your house. 

April 23: Internet Safety for Parents of a Special Needs Child & The $0 Factor @ Sundling Theater

Palatine Police Department: Every parent struggles with the growing concerns about the internet. What about those parents who also struggle to manage those concerns with a special needs child? Implementing internet safety can be a difficult task for parents as most children have a poor understanding of the long-term effects of photos and information posted. For those with special needs, every concern is magnified because these children will be targeted for abuse and sometimes less able to identify risks. This internet safety presentation will assist parents in protecting and educating their special needs child on-line. The following topics will be covered during the presentation:
• What dangers await on-line users with special needs.
• How are those with special needs targeted?
• Heightened on-line bullying of those with special needs.
• Continued on-line parental monitoring
• Harnessing the benefits of the internet for your child while lessening the dangers.

Carla Oldham: Can you really functionally use an idevice (ipad, ipod touch, iphone) without spending tons of money in the itunes store? ABSOLUTELY! This fun, interactive and informative session will show you just that! From using the features right out of the box, your computer, maybe a few free apps and your imagination - you too can create visual schedules, choice boards, static communication devices, social stories, educational supports and so much more! Resources for where to find/get great free apps will also be shared! Come ready to experience The $0 Factor!