FALL 2021

You’re not alone

Connecting for Kids (CFK) provides education and support to families who have concerns about their child. We serve all families, including those children with
and without formal diagnoses. CFK offers educational programs, support groups, a Parent Match Program and numerous resources.

Designed for your family

Programs are designed to educate and support families of children (birth - 12 years) who are struggling. Look for these icons to choose programs for your family:

Y

E

A

Families with young children (0-6 years)

Families with elementary-aged children (7-12 years)

All families with children (0-12 years)

Free programs

All Connecting for Kids programs are free and open to the public. For more information:

Call/Text: 440-570-5908 (para español 440-907-9130) info@connectingforkids.org
connectingforkids.org/register

Speaker Series

Join us for presentations on various childhood topics by local, pediatric professionals.

connectingforkids.org/speakerseries

At a glance

2	Programs by Location

3	Social Series

3	Behavior Series

4	Coffee and Chat

5	Interactive Workshops

6	Speaker Series

6	Speech & Language Consults

6	Music Therapy & More

7       Adapted Library Programs

“Handy” Activities for Young Children Y
Do you want to learn some fun “hands-on” activities to help your child master the use of scissors and pencils? Do
you want to learn how hands and eyes work together to build fine motor skills necessary for school? Join CFK Early Intervention professionals Neysa McKenney, MA, CCC-SLP, and Paula
C. Papp, MAEd, as they teach you engaging experiences to help your child develop hand skills using inexpensive sensory, art, and play activities.

Tuesday, Oct 12, 7:00 pm Virtual

Help! My Young Child Doesn’t Listen Y
How can you help your young child become a better listener and make sense of what they are hearing? Children may hear us, but are they really listening to and understanding what we are saying? Join CFK Early Intervention professionals Neysa McKenney, MA, CCC-SLP, and Paula C. Papp, MAEd, as they share ideas about how to foster effective listening behaviors and support a child’s understanding.

Tuesday, Nov 9, 7:00 pm Virtual

Speaker Series programs continued, page 6.

8	Locations	Register at connectingforkids.org/register

Transitions
9/18	Adapted Storytime
9/10	Music Therapy & More
10/8	Music Therapy & More
10/23	Adapted Storytime
FALL PROGRAMS BY LOCATION

Connecting for Kids Virtual Programs
9/17*	IW: Use Your Story for Personal Growth for Black and Latinx Families
9/21	BC: Visual Cues to Help Children Manage Impulses
9/23	CC: Supporting Your Child on the Gender Spectrum
9/28	SS: How to Effectively Communicate with the School
10/6*	IW: Healing from the Trauma of Institutional Racism for Black Families
10/7	Speech & Language Consults
10/12     SS: “Handy” Activities for Young Children
10/19	BC: Strategies to Ease Transitions
10/21	CC: Can “Mom-Rage” Be a Good Thing? For
Families of Children with Complex Needs
11/3*	IW: Families Building Partnerships for Success for Black Families: Advocacy & Allies
11/9	SS: Help! My Young Child Doesn’t Listen
11/10	BC: How Structure Can Prevent Meltdowns
11/17* IW: Families Building Partnerships for Success for Black Families: Problem-Solving & Providers
11/17	SO: Wrapping Up Social Skills for the Holidays
11/18	CC: Talking to Others About Your LGBTQ+ Child

ABBREVIATIONS

BC	Behavior Chat CC	Coffee and Chat
IW	Interactive Workshop SS	Speaker Series
SO	Social Series

*	Starts on this date but has multiple dates

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In-Person Programs By Location

For location addresses, please see back cover or visit connectingforkids.org/library NOTE: Connecting for Kids Programs are highlighted in orange.

Avon Lake Public Library (ALPL)	The Nord Center

9/13* Sensory Creations Pick-Up	9/23	CC: Noche de Arte y Pintura

Program
10/4*	Sensory Creations Pick-Up	Westlake Porter Public Library (WPPL)

Program
9/13	Gross Motor Monday
11/1*	Sensory Creations Pick-Up	9/11	Music Therapy & More Program	9/16	CC: Music for Mental Health
Cuyahoga County Public Library,                      9/17       Adapted Storytime Garfield Heights Branch (CCPL)                         9/25       Adapted Storytime
9/21	BC: Visual Cues to Help	10/5	CC: Parenting is Lonely Children Manage Impulses	10/7	Speech & Language
Cuyahoga County Public Library,	Consults

9/18	Music Therapy & More
10/11	Gross Motor Monday
Middleburg Heights Branch (CCPL)	10/9	CC: Music for Mental Health 10/16	Music Therapy & More	10/9	Music Therapy & More 10/19	BC: Strategies to Ease	10/21* Send Your Friend to a
11/6	Adapted Storytime	Sleepover

11/20	Music Therapy & More	10/26	Porter Pumpkin Patch Cuyahoga County Public Library,	11/10	So Many Ways To Read Solon Branch (CCPL)                                                       Storytime
9/17	Music Therapy & More	11/12	Music Therapy & More 9/18	Adapted Storytime	11/13	Music Therapy & More 10/2	Adapted Storytime	11/15	Gross Motor Monday 10/15	Music Therapy & More	11/16	SS: Addressing COVID 11/10	BC: How Structure Can                                    Behaviors
Prevent Meltdowns	11/18	CC: Music for Mental Health 11/13	Adapted Storytime	11/20	Adapted Storytime
11/19	Music Therapy & More	11/20	Pre-Cooking Skills for Kids

12/11	Music Therapy & More
Lorain Public Library System, North	12/10	Music Therapy & More Ridgeville Branch (LPLS)	12/13	Gross Motor Monday
9/25	Musical Toolbox
12/18	Adapted Storytime 10/16	Adapted Storytime	12/21	Winter Tea Party 11/6	Musical Toolbox
11/13	Adapted Storytime

– 6 years control behavior and
is designed for children with
which can be asked during the
Tuesday, Oct 19, 6:30 pm
Stream
Meltdowns
Wednesday, Nov10, 6:30 pm
	FALL PROGRAMS: ADULTS

SOCIAL SERIES
	
Wrapping Up Social Skills for the Holidays E

Does your child have a dificult time attending holiday functions? Could you use some tips to make the upcoming holiday season better for your child? The holidays are a fun and exciting time but can also become overwhelming and confusing for those who struggle with social skills. This program, led by Ellen Spear, MA, CCC-SLP, of Lakeshore Speech Therapy, LLC., is designed to help navigate the many social situations, hidden rules and potential problems related to the holidays. Join us as we discuss how to make conversation with relatives and friends, tips for handling holiday parties and appropriate ways to give and receive gifts.
Wednesday, Nov 17, 7:00 pm Virtual

BEHAVIOR CHATS
	
Behavior Chats for Families with Young Children Y
Do you want strategies to	registration. You have the option to motivate your child toward	attend in person or via live stream.
positive behavior? Do you
wish you had a kit filled with	Visual Cues to Help Children
proactive “tools” you could use	Manage Impulses
to get ahead of meltdowns	Tuesday, Sept 21, 6:30 pm before they start? Join us each	Cuyahoga County Public Library, month to learn how to use the	Garfield Heights Branch OR Live tools in our Behavior Toolkit to	Stream
help your child aged 18 months	Strategies to Ease Transitions
manage emotions. This program	Cuyahoga County Public Library, or without developmental	Middleburg Heights Branch OR Live concerns. At each session,
Ochanya McRoberts-Wells,	How Structure Can Prevent MEd, will discuss the theme of
the month and answer your
questions on a variety of topics,	Cuyahoga County Public Library, program or submitted upon	Solon Branch OR Live Stream

Miss a program? Listen online!
Did you miss a program in one of our series? Many of these programs have been recorded as podcasts and are available on our website.

Podcasts are also available through Apple Podcast and Google Play. Search “Connecting for Kids” to access the full library.

Anxiety & Attention Series connectingforkids.org/anxiety-attention

• Helping the Child Who Struggles with Transition
• Helping the Child Who Struggles with Impulsivity
• Helping the Child Who Struggles with Anxiety
• Electronic Addiction and Distance Learning

Behavior Series connectingforkids.org/behavior-series

• Visual Schedules

• Emotion Regulation Tools • Behavior Reward Charts
• ABC Checklist

• Behavior Toolbox Overview (también en español)

Social Series connectingforkids.org/social-series

• Friendship 411

• Using Your Social Filter

• Assessing and Reacting to Problems

For a full list of all Connecting for Kids podcasts, visit connectingforkids.org/ Previous-Speakers

Concerned about your child? Ask Us!

Connecting for Kids Family Resource Specialists (FRS) stay up-to-date with providers, programs and other
resources across the Greater Cleveland area. Support from our FRS team is free and families can get information on a wide range of concerns from learning disabilities and school struggles to mental health and specific diagnoses.

Families can contact our FRS team by phone, text or email — or join our Facebook groups.

Call/Text: 440-570-5908 (para español 440-907-9130) info@connectingforkids.org

Facebook Groups connectingforkids.org/ OnlineSupport

Page 3

support for the journey.
Thursday, Oct 21, 8:30 pm
Will you be seeing family and friends
questions about your child’s gender
FALL PROGRAMS: ADULTS

Coffee and Chat

Join our interactive support group and meet other families facing similar struggles. connectingforkids.org/support

Supporting Your Child on the	Can “Mom-Rage” Be a Good Gender Spectrum A	Thing? (for Families of Children
Are you trying to foster a gender-	with Complex Needs) A
afirming environment, but are unsure	Can anger actually be a positive thing? what the differences are between	Is your “mom-rage” or “caregiver-gender expression and gender identity?	rage” trying to alert you to a deeper Join Kristen Pepera, MEd, LPCC-S, and	problem? Sarah Saunders, MA, LPCC, Lisa Pepera, MEd, LPCC-S, of Colors+,	of Purposeful Growth & Wellness, will for a short presentation on the gender	discuss how anger can actually be a spectrum. Afterward, they will lead a	good messenger. Similar to a check
discussion on how to nurture a gender            engine light in your car, anger is a signal creative environment for your child who          that something more is going on. If you is gender expansive or questioning.                 feel “rage-y,” you’re not alone. Join other

Thursday, Sept 23, 7:00 pm	families of children with complex needs Virtual	and we’ll help you identify how anger
Parenting is Lonely
feels, why it might be happening and A	what to do about it. Each attendee will
The isolation of raising a child with	receive a free sand timer. disabilities or mental health issues is

Virtual
real. The pandemic has compounded this sense of loneliness by limiting
social interactions over the last year	Talking To Others About Your
LGBTQ+ Child
and caused many of us to lose touch	A with friends and neighbors. Meet other

over the holidays that you have not seen
in a while? How should you navigate
families and receive encouragement as we discuss the article, “Loneliness for New Parents of Disabled Children.” Lisa
Counseling Center of Westlake, will
afirming? Join Kristen Pepera MEd,
Ruman, LISW, CHt, of The Child & Family	identity while still being supportive and facilitate a discussion about ways to find	LPCC-S, and Lisa Pepera, MEd, ,LPCC-S,
of Colors+, for a short presentation Tuesday, Oct 5, 2021, 6:30 pm	on gender nonconformity. Afterward, Westlake Porter Public library	they will lead a discussion on ways to
be an advocate for your child and be prepared for dificult conversations with others, especially with the holidays approaching.

En Español

Noche de Arte y Pintura A ¡Usa tu creatividad! Están cordialmente invitados a nuestra “Noche de Arte y Pintura!” Ven
y conoce a otras familias de la comunidad hispana. Este evento es gratis! Estaremos hablando sobre varios temas de la salud mental
de menores como: la ansiedad, el déficit de atención, la depresión, problemas emocionales y de comportamiento y mucho más. Ven y comparte con nosotros en un ambiente confidencial y con otras personas que comprendan las buenas y las malas de criar a niños con condiciones o síntomas de salud mental y emocional. Estaremos ahí para contestar preguntas! Betsy Amador Ramos estará representando a La Alianza Nacional de La Salud Mental y Emocional y traerá recursos.

Jueves, 23 de septiembre, 6:00 pm El Nord Center

Music for Mental Health A This program is open to any caregiver who needs support, regardless of how much their child is struggling. Join us as the music therapist focuses on coping with seasons of stress and dificult times both at home and in society. Come and connect with other families as we use music to cope with our ever-present struggles. Attendees will listen to live music and engage in discussions, group songwriting and other fun music experiences.

Thursday, Nov 18, 7:00 pm Virtual

• Thursday, Sept 16, 6:30 pm • Saturday, Oct 9,1:00 pm
• Thursday, Nov 18, 6:30 pm

Westlake Porter Public Library Page 4

	FALL PROGRAMS: ADULTS

Interactive Workshops

Interactive workshops are designed to help families gain in-depth knowledge on a topic. connectingforkids.org/workshops

Use Your Story for Personal	Healing from the Trauma of Growth (for Black and Latinx	Institutional Racism (for Black Families) A	Families) A
Learn to tell your story with power	Do you identify as a Black American who and conviction to get the best results	feels the effects of institutional racism? for your child (and for yourself). This	Are you currently raising a child aged program is part of the Torchbearers	birth – 12 years? If so, join Anna Jones, Advocacy Series which is a workshop	LISW, of Cleveland State University,
for Black and Latinx families of children	for this four-week workshop, which with health, learning concerns or	will help you move forward despite disabilities who are dealing with	the trauma. She will help you see and bias and unequal outcomes in the	stop patterns of trauma survival that systems that serve them. Join Nikki	can affect you and your children and Montgomery, MA, MEd, GPAC, in this	practice hands-on self-care and healing workshop series, where you will learn	techniques. Anna will help you develop to turn your narrative skills inward to	coping skills to thrive, even in a society support self care, confidence building	where institutional racism continues to and gather personal support to cope	exist.

with the demands of caregiving and
Virtual
parenting. Please note that registration	Wednesdays, Oct 6, 13, 20 & 27, 7:00 pm for this program will close on Friday,
September 10.

Fridays, Sept 17, 24, & Oct 1, 7:00 pm Virtual

Families Building Partnerships for Success (for Black Families) A Dealing with health and education issues can be tough. It’s important for Black families to develop skills to help them navigate these complex systems. Do you want to learn how to find solutions for your child when working with health care providers, therapists and educators? If so, register for one or both of the workshops that focus on families working with professionals and dealing with challenges. The workshops, led by Nikki Montgomery, MA, MEd, GPAC, are designed for parents and caregivers of children aged birth - 12 years to talk about challenges and work on solutions.

Advocacy & Allies

This two-day workshop covers what it takes to be a good advocate and how to gather a team of allies.

Wednesdays, Nov 3 & 10, 7:00 pm Virtual

Problem-Solving & Providers

This two-day workshop focuses on finding reliable information and problem-solving. Advocacy & Allies is not a prerequisite to take this workshop.

Wednesday, Nov 17 & Tuesday, Nov 23, 7:00 pm
Virtual	Page 5

Public Library
FALL PROGRAMS: WITH MY CHILD

Adult Programs: Speaker Series (Cont.)

How to Communicate Effectively with the School A
What are some ways you can improve communication with your child’s school? How can you more effectively ask for support? Join Karla Fitch, MTSC, of Connecting for Kids, as she teaches families how to create and use a communication binder. Karla will walk attendees through the documents a family should have readily available and discuss the importance of each. She will also demonstrate ways to use the binder throughout the year to communicate your child’s needs. All participants will be given supplies to put together your own communication binder!

Tuesday, Sept 28, 7:00 pm Virtual

Addressing COVID Behaviors A Is your child struggling to transition back to a more normal routine? Are you finding that your child is now fearful
of others after being told to stay six feet apart for so many months? Is your child too attached to electronics and having a hard time connecting with friends? Join Meghan Barlow, PhD, of Meghan Barlow and Associates, as she discusses behaviors that your child may have picked up during the COVID-19 crisis and ways to address them. The presenter will give you strategies to help your child make positive behavior changes.

Tuesday, Nov 16, 6:30 pm Westlake Porter Public Library

Speech and Language Consults A

Do others find your child’s speech dificult to understand? Does your child have trouble talking or playing with other children? Does your child have dificulty understanding what you say? If so, register to attend a Speech and Language Consult, either in-personal or virtually, where you and your child will meet with a pediatric speech language pathologist from Effective Speech Therapy, Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center or Lakeshore Speech Therapy, LLC.

This consultation is open to children aged 18 months - 12 years. Your child will be encouraged to engage in some activities and parents/caregivers will be asked to complete a checklist. You will also learn strategies to help your child at home.

Thursday, Oct 7, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Westlake Porter Public Library and Virtual

Music Therapy & MoreSM	Y

This program is designed for families and their children (ages birth - 6 years) who are struggling in an area of development. Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child’s academic, motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior. This program is led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist. connectingforkids.org/music

Middleburg Heights Branch of	Westlake Porter Public Library Cuyahoga County Public Library	Sessions begin at 9:30 and 10:30 am. Sessions begin at 10:30 am.                                 • Friday, Sept 10
• Saturday, Sept 18	• Saturday, Sept 11 • Saturday, Oct 16	• Friday, Oct 8
• Saturday, Nov 20	• Saturday, Oct 9

• Friday, Nov 12
Solon Branch of Cuyahoga County	• Saturday, Nov 13

• Friday, Dec 10
Sessions begin at 10:30 am.	• Saturday, Dec 11 • Friday, Sept 17
• Friday, Oct 15 • Friday, Nov 19

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	FALL ADAPTED LIBRARY PROGRAMS

Adapted Library Programs

For more information, visit connectingforkids.org/library

Gross Motor Monday
Start your week with some movement activities! We will have fun balancing, jumping, tossing, marching and more! Ages 3-7.

• Monday, Sept 13, 11:00 am • Monday, Oct 11, 11:00 am • Monday, Nov 15, 11:00 am • Monday, Dec 13, 11:00 am

Westlake Porter Public Library

Musical Toolbox
Designed for children with disabilities and their families, this fun and engaging music program is conducted by a board-certified music therapist from MTEC,
the Music Therapy Enrichment Center. Caregivers will be given musical tools to use with their children outside of class. Open to all ages.

• Saturday, Sept 25, 10:30 am • Saturday, Nov 6, 10:30 am

North Ridgeville Branch of Lorain Public Library System

Pre-Cooking Skills for Kids
Get ready to cook by learning important skills you will use in your kitchen. Ages 8-12.

Saturday, Nov 20, 3:00 pm Westlake Porter Public Library

Porter Pumpkin Patch
We will listen to a story and spend some time decorating pumpkins together. Ages 3-7.

Tuesday, Oct 26, 4:00 pm Westlake Porter Public Library

CFK Flier Connection

Send Your Friend to a Sleepover Drop off your favorite stuffed animal or doll for a library sleepover. We will
show your friend what a sleepover is all about! Then you can take them with you when you need some confidence! Ages 3-7. Drop-off/pick-up event in the Youth Services Department.

Oct 21-24 (Drop off Oct 21, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm / Pick up Oct 24, 1:00 - 5:00 pm) Westlake Porter Public Library

Sensory Creations Pick-Up Program
Stop by and pick up supplies and instructions for some of our favorite all-inclusive, all-ages sensory activities. Register two weeks before pickup.

Pick up the week of:

• Monday, Sept 13 • Monday, Oct 4
• Monday, Nov 1

Avon Lake Public Library

So Many Ways to Read Storytime Have fun learning stories, rhymes, and movements in multiple languages and formats! Ages 3-7.

Wednesday, Nov 10, 10:00 am Westlake Porter Public Library

Winter Tea Party
You are invited to a Winter Tea Party! Practice pouring, table manners, and icebreakers while enjoying tasty refreshments! Ages 5-8.

Tuesday, Dec 21, 3:30 pm Westlake Porter Public Library

In-Person, Adapted Storytimes
Children with varying learning styles and abilities learn together in a safe, supportive environment where respect and appreciation for differences is encouraged. This storytime is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience. Content is geared toward ages 3-7 years, but all ages are welcome. Siblings may also attend but must register separately. For more information, visit connectingforkids.org/library

Middleburg Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library
• Saturday, Nov 6, 11:00 am

North Ridgeville Branch of Lorain Public Library System
• Saturday, Sept 18, 10:30 am • Saturday, Oct 16, 10:30 am • Saturday, Nov 13, 10:30 am

The Flier Connection is a Facebook group where families can access fliers from partnered providers throughout the Greater Cleveland area. Join the group to learn about local providers, new programs, online learning and community activities.

Join at facebook.com/groups/CFKFliers

Solon Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library
• Saturday, Sept 18, 10:30 am • Saturday, Oct 2, 10:30 am
• Saturday, Nov 13, 10:30 am

Westlake Porter Public Library • Friday, Sept 17, 10:00 am
• Saturday, Sept 25, 11:00 am • Saturday, Oct 23, 11:00 am • Saturday, Nov 20, 11:00 am • Saturday, Dec 18, 11:00 am

Page 7

Connect With Us

It’s free to join Connecting for Kids and start connecting with other Northeast Ohio families on a similar path.

Online connectingforkids.org/joinus

Call or Text 440-570-5908
(para español 440-907-9130)

Email info@connectingforkids.org

facebook.com/ connectingforkids

@connectforkids

pinterest.com/ connectforkids

@connectforkids

With Our Thanks

Programming is made possible in part by support from local organizations.

Garfield Heights, Middleburg Heights and Solon Programs Presented in partnership
with Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Social Series Program Supported by a grant from the Knights of Columbus at St. Ladislas.

Westlake Programs Presented in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library.

Music Therapy & More is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

Locations

Avon Lake Public Library 32649 Electric Blvd.
440-933-8128

Garfield Heights Branch Cuyahoga County Public Library
5409 Turney Road 216-475-8178

Middleburg Heights Branch Cuyahoga County Public Library
16699 Bagley Rd. 440-234-3600

North Ridgeville Branch Lorain Public Library System 35700 Bainbridge Rd.
440-327-8326

Solon Branch Cuyahoga County Public Library 34125 Portz Pkwy.
440-248-8777

The Nord Center 6140 South Broadway, Lorain
440-233-7232

Westlake Porter Public Library
27333 Center Ridge Rd. 440-871-2600

KultureCity® Sensory Inclusive™ certified. Every employee has gone through sensory awareness training.

Printed at the expense of Connecting for Kids.