The East Providence Local Advisory Committee for Special Education, for a meeting and workshop on Wednesday, March 29, at 6 p.m. in the Martin Middle School Library, Brown Street.

Experience the Timeline of School Transitioning from Pre K to Kindergarten presented by Pre-School Principal Karen Rebello and teacher Melissa Moon.

We all know that change can be difficult. Transition time for young students can often be stressful and seem impossible to navigate. Let us break it down for you so that you can help make it easier for your student your student. Parents of students of all ages are welcome to attend this informative workshop.

Come to gain an understanding of the timelines established to ensure your child’s transition is consistent and connected.  We hope to see you there!

For more information about EPLAC email eplac@epschoolsri.com.

In addition, the 15th Annual EPLAC Special Needs Recognition Program awards event is planned for May.

The organization is currently seeking nominations for educators, teacher assistants, support staff, therapists, inclusion programs, students, parents and/or community resources that have provided consistently outstanding services for Special Education students, especially in the area of inclusion.

Once all the nominations have been received and the recipients have been chosen, there will be a recognition program reception in May 2023 at East Providence High School (details to follow).

Nomination categories include the following:

Educator/Paraprofessional — An educator or paraprofessional who has individually provided consistent outstanding services by demonstrating unique teaching practices in the classroom which enable achievement and participation of student(s) with special needs in one or more of the following areas: Has uniquely differentiated instruction, accommodations & appropriate test modifications; Promoted parent involvement to enable achievement and participation of student(s) with special needs; Classroom organization; Encouraged peer helping strategies or helped integrate social skills development; Management of behavior; Training & support of staff which increases achievement of students with special needs.

Support Staff — (Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Physical Therapist, Social Worker, Psychologist and other school support staff) A support staff individual who has gone above and beyond in ensuring special education student(s) are learning in an inclusive and safe environment with a focus on social interactions and peer relationships.

Student — A student who has made an outstanding contribution towards inclusion of special education student(s) in a school or programs in one or more of the following ways: Participated in a school program which increased peer acceptance and support of an individual differences; Provided direct assistance, friendship, and encouragement to a student with special needs; Demonstrated leadership in student activities to promote a spirit of caring, belonging, and cooperation among the student body.

Inclusion Programs — An inclusive school based program that demonstrates outstanding results in promoting the success of students with special needs through the cooperative efforts of school administrators, regular education and special education staff (examples could be: Art Program, YMCA, BGC, etc.).

Community Resource —An individual or local business who has made an outstanding contribution to a school or student that benefit student(s) with special needs.

Please email the following information by Tuesday, March 30, to eplac@epschoolsri.com, subject line: 2023 EPLAC Nominations Committee.

Nominations must include the following:

1. Nominating Statement: All submissions must be written with 500 words or less (one page “WORD” document) to express how your nominee deserves to be selected. Please provide examples of specific inclusive opportunities that students are involved in;
2. Name of Person or Program Nominated;
3. Category of Nomination: Educator/Para, Support Staff, Student, Inclusive Program, Community Resource;
4. School;
5. Your Name;
6. Your Phone #;
7. Your Email.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email EPLAC at eplac@epschoolsri.com. You will be notified if your nomination has been chosen to receive recognition.