Welcome to Mrs. Kettering’s

Early Childhood Instructional Class!

All About Me• My background

– I received my B.S. degree in Special Education from Illinois State University in 2004.

– In August 2009, I received my M.A. in Early Childhood Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University.

– Received Type 04 Early Childhood certificate in August 2013.

• My experience - Community Unit School

District 95, 2007-present.

- Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization, 2004-2007.

All About Me

Meet our Wonderful Service Providers!

• Carrie Teschner, (Social Work)

• Nancy LaFayette, (O.T.)

• Kelly Wolinski, (P.T)

• Paula Froelich, (Speech)

Important Info• If your child rides the bus, have your child

ready when the bus arrives at your house. An adult must also be home when your child is dropped off at the end of the day.

• If you drive your child to school, have your yellow number appropriately displayed in your car window. Parents are responsible for loading and unloading their children in the car. Please turn off your car when doing so.

• Check your child’s folder each night and review any papers. Please return the folder each day.

• Make sure all money sent is in an envelope with the child’s name on it and the name of who it should go to. Place this envelope in your child’s folder.

• Please send in a change of clothing appropriate for the weather to keep at school. Make sure all items are labeled with child's name.

Weekly Communication• Your child has a folder that can be

used for communication between home and school.

• Please use this to communicate short messages that you would like for me to know. I will also at times write notes regarding your child's day in this book so please make sure to check it each day.

• I can be reached by phone before or after school hours at 847-540-3934, or e-mail me at Jennifer.kettering@lz95.org.

• I will do my very best to get back to you as soon as possible.

Daily Communication

Parties• Halloween• Valentine’s• If you are interested in

being a volunteer/room parent, please let me know before you leave tonight!

• Remember to send in a small snack and drink each day.. Please remember to follow the District Wellness Plan and send in healthy choices.

• Water: We are always in need of water bottles to share during snack time. If you are able to periodically send in some water, it is greatly appreciated!

• Snacks are not shared amongst students due to various allergies and diets.

Early-Release Days

Wednesday, September 30Friday, October 22

Tuesday, November 23Thursday, February 11

Thursday, March 10Friday, May 20

THERE WILL BE NO SCHOOL FOR LITTLE LEADERS AND EARLY

CHILDHOOD STUDENTS ON THESE DAYS.

Structured TeachingStructured Teaching is an educational technique

developed by Division TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children) at the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill.

Guiding Principles

* Individuals with autism and related communication disorders learn best visually.* Teach towards each child’s strengths and interests.* Behavior problems require teaching.* 80/20 rule.

Structured Teaching

Environmental Supports

Schedules

To Do Lists

Activities

• Activities: Visually structured activities to teach skills.

• To Do Lists: Visual sequence of activities.

• Schedules: Visual cues to navigate the environment

• Environmental Supports: Arrangement of physical space/minimizing distractions.

Structured Teaching

Assessment and Evaluation

• The children will be continually assessed within the classroom. Classroom assistants, therapists, and I take daily data on all of the children.

• Data is collected on each child’s IEP goals and for the Creative Curriculum GOLD Assessment.

• This data will be summarized and presented to you at progress reports and your son’s/daughter’s IEP meeting.

Other Stuff Birthdays -

Birthdays are a very exciting time for young children! When it is your child's birthday, you are more than welcome to bring something in to share with the class to celebrate their birthday. The district only allows tangible items as birthday treats. Examples of acceptable birthday treats include:

•Stickers

•Play-doh

•Crayons

•Small toys

Absenteeism If your child is absent from

school, please call the office to report the absence. If possible please let me know as well. You can call my direct line or send me an e-mail at Jennifer.kettering@lz95.org. If your child rides the bus, please also call transportation at 438-2834.

Much of Early Childhood learning occurs in group activity, which cannot be made up at home. Please value school attendance as a priority. With that said if your child is sick, please keep them home.

Before you leave……

• November Conferences

• Growth Mindset

– www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWv1VdDeoRY

Here’s to a Happy Year in Mrs. K’s class!