Presenter: Jeanine Fitzgerald - Having worked with thousands of parents, it is clear that all parents want the professionals working with their child and family to do what is in their best interest. It is also apparent that parents want their children to have a quality of life that is equal to or better than what they have. Therefore, as professionals, we must have an unshakeable belief that every child wants to succeed and every parent wants his or her child to succeed. Parents of children with diagnoses designed this session, which chronicles stories as told by their children. These stories are designed to challenge professionals to reflect on their beliefs, emotions, and practices, and how these influence the outcomes of honoring every child and cultivating a space they will miss.

Objectives:
At the completion of this session, each participant will be able to:
• Provide concrete examples of the common needs and values of all students and families, no matter what the diagnosis or struggle.
• Actively promote a deep respect for difference and a capacity for learning from the stories of students and their parents.
• Cultivate an environment where students experience the beauty and richness of difference.
• Examine the continuum of cultural proficiency and design approaches that honor and transform lives in the best possible ways.

Early Childhood Special Education Teachers (ECSE) PreK Teachers, Kinder Teachers, 1st Grade - 8th Grade Teachers, Behavior Strategies, School Counselors, Head Start Teachers, Special Ed. Administrators and Supervisors

Counselors
Diversity and Special Needs Populations
Early Childhood
Special Education
Student Behavior

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