In conjunction with the Port Washington Special Education Parent Teachers Association (SEPTA), St. Mary's Kids at Roslyn will host its second Sibshop group, a new series of support workshops for siblings of children with special needs, on Sunday, March 13.
Sibshops is a fun and exciting program created just for brothers and sisters of kids with a sibling who has special needs. Sibshops give children a place to discuss every day experiences with other children who truly "get it." Led by a Sibshops-trained special education teacher, Heather Soffer, MS, with the supervision of Danielle Betz, MS, from St. Mary's Kids at Roslyn, the goal of the program is to provide an environment that will help participants create lasting friendships and learn about their siblings, all while engaging in exciting games and activities. The Sibshop curriculum is used throughout the United States and other participating countries.
"We are pleased to bring this important program to the Port Washington community," remarked Sharon Pardo, OT, Director of St. Mary's Kids at Roslyn. "It helps siblings make sense of their situation, and gives parents the opportunity to learn more about common concerns among brothers and sisters."
The program successfully kicked off in February to rave reviews by parents and children alike.
"My daughter had a GREAT time."
"My son asked if he could go every week."
The next Sibshop is scheduled for Sunday, March 13, 2011 from 2:30- 4:30pm at the Port Washington Library and will be moderated by St. Mary's Heather Soffer, a certified special education teacher. The last of the three sessions will be held on Sunday April 10.
The cost of the workshops is $5 per session per child for Port Washington SEPTA members and $10 per session for non-SEPTA members. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information or to register your child, please contact portsepta@aol.com.
About St. Mary's Kids at Roslyn
St. Mary's Kids at Roslyn is a dynamic therapy center designed to help Long Island's children with developmental needs achieve their full potential. Our highly skilled pediatric therapists help children reach every developmental milestone in a fun and kid-friendly atmosphere. Children from newborns to teens come to St. Mary's for a variety of reasons, including, pervasive developmental disorders, developmental delays, attention deficit disorder, sensory processing difficulties, feeding issues and other concerns that impact their development.
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Our goal is to customize a treatment plan that works for both the child and family. Our practice provides evaluation, consultation, and treatment services for children with developmental needs. We work with individuals and school districts throughout Long Island. St. Mary's Kids at Roslyn is part of St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children. Learn more at www.stmaryskids.org.
For more information on bringing Sibshops to your school district, please contact St. Mary's Kids at Roslyn at 516-621-2681.
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