Tools for Parents

What is HealthCare.org?

Good morning,

Last week, we launched a first-of-its-kind website that makes it easier to find health care coverage and clearly explains how new rules like the Patient’s Bill of Rights in the Affordable Care Act will benefit you, your family, or your business.

Take health care into your own hands. Visit HealthCare.gov

While technology has made it easier to search for plane tickets or to find the right apartment, shopping for private health insurance plans has remained difficult for too long. HealthCare.gov takes some of the mystery out of shopping for health insurance.

Just answer a few easy questions, and HealthCare.gov will provide all the coverage options that are right for you, including public and private health insurance tailored to your age, location, and health needs.  The site also helps Americans make informed decisions about health care coverage by offering easy to understand information about new benefits and protections for individuals, families and employers.

The site is easy to use and comprehensive, and it’s only going to get better. Throughout the site, there are places to ask questions and give feedback, and the team at the Department of Health and Human Services will be responding to common questions and updating content based on your feedback.  In October, the site will include information on the price of health insurance plans and we’ll be adding other new features like tools to help you stay healthy and a database of hospital quality ratings.

The launch of HealthCare.gov is just one of many steps we have taken to strengthen the health care system for all Americans since President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law.  Here are a few others:

But there is much more to be done.  Be sure to check out HealthCare.gov regularly to stay current about benefits available to you and informed about what’s ahead.

Sincerely,

Nancy-Ann DeParle
Director, White House Office of Health Reform

__________________________________________________________________

Click here to download and/or print a useful list of web resources for parents.

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A Parent’s Guide to Choosing Quality Child Care

The quality of child care and early education has a direct impact on your child’s ability to learn, to build healthy relationships and become the best he or she can be. However, the important decision of where to place your child is often difficult and confusing. The PA Office of Child Development has developed this guide to educate and empower parents to make smart decisions when choosing child care.

A Parent’s Guide to Choosing Quality Child Care explains Pennsylvania’s three goals to help support your decisions about early childhood programs:

1. To educate families on the benefits of quality care.

2. To match families with care and services that meets their needs.

3. To develop a relationship with families in order to provide continuing service.

This resource rich guide is a great place to start when looking for the right program for your child.
__________________________________________________________________

Pennsylvania Child Care Provider Search

Search the State of Pennsylvania’s database for programs in your area according to your child’s age and needs. Visit: https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/compass/ProviderSearch/PGM/PSWEL.aspx
__________________________________________________________________

Quality Child Care Checklist: What to Look for in a Quality Child Care Program

Use this tool when visiting a program/facility. Your answers to these questions should be “yes.”

Facility:

____ Is the provider certified by the Department of Public Welfare and is it posted?

____ Does the provider participate in Keystone STARS?

____ Are there appropriate toys and materials for children of all age groups?

____ Does the provider encourage you to drop in and visit at any time

Staff:

____ Does staff communicate daily with parents about their child’s progress?

____ Does staffing allow for each child to receive individual attention?

____ Does staff sit and read to the children?

____ Does staff seem patient and receptive to children’s needs?

____ Is staff respectful of children?

____ Is staff respectful of parents?

____ Does staff encourage children’s sharing, manners, and other good behaviors?

____ Does staff appear lively, smiling and interacting in a positive manner with the children?

____ Does staff involve children in daily learning activities?

Safety:

____ Does the facility appear orderly and clean?

____ Are hazardous materials locked away?

____ Is there an emergency plan and is it posted?

____ Are there security measures in place?

____ Is there a policy for sick children and other circumstances?

Children:

____ Do the children have a consistent routine that they can understand and follow?

____ Do the children seem occupied and engaged?

____ Are the children involved in activities that promote learning?

____ Is there a policy on discipline?

____ Do the children seem happy?

Feelings:

____ Is your initial reaction upon entering the site a positive one?

____ Is this a place my child would enjoy?

____ Would my child be safe here?

____ Would I/we feel comfortable using this program?

____ Would my child learn new things every day at this program?
__________________________________________________________________

Ten Reasons for Parents to Choose Quality Child Care

1. SCHOOL READINESS

Children in a quality setting will not only gain intellectual skills, but also social skills that will prepare them for the school environment.

2. ATTENTION

Lower staff-to-child ratios increase your child’s individual attention while in care.

3. PROFESSIONAL STAFF

A quality care setting includes staff trained to care for children and their needs

4. GOOD RELATIONSHIPS

Quality care promotes a positive relationship between parents and the caregiver. Parent involvement is a priority.

5. OPPORTUNITY

Age-appropriate learning materials and activities give children the opportunity to learn and grow.

6. RESPECT

A quality program will be respectful of children’s and parent’s cultural, ethnic and special accommodations.

7. PROFESSIONALISM

A quality program will have business practices and policies in place so parents know what to expect in various situations.

8. SAFETY

The basic need of a quality child care setting is to ensure that the children in care are in the safest environment possible.

9. STABILITY

Parents have assurance that their child is in a safe, positive environment without jumping from provider to provider.

10. PARTICIPATION

Quality providers participate in accrediting programs (such as Keystone STARS), to continue striving for higher quality early learning experiences for children.
__________________________________________________________________

ELK

Support groups/support for parents whose children have any kind of behavioral challenges, developmental, social or emotional concerns or addictions

 

PA FAMILIES INC

STATEWIDE FAMILY NETWORK

1-800-947-4941

CALL OR EMAIL FOR CURRENT LIST

pafamilies@comcast.net

 

ELK COUNTY COLLABORATIVE BOARD

Board consists of providers, community members, parents

Jennifer Dippold

C/O Dickenson Mental Health Center

PO Box 599

St Marys Pa 15857

814-834-2602

Jennifer.dippold@dmhc.org

 

NAMI CAMERON, ELK, MCKEAN

Support group for parents/loved ones of those dealing with mental health issues

Doris Tettis

237 North St Mary’s St

St Mary’s Pa 15857

814-781-1649

  

ELK COUNTY DRUG AND ALCOHOL CONSORTIUM

Community group working to deal with drug and alcohol issues

Cindy Cortinovis

OSRAM Sylvania Inc

835 Washington Road

St Mary’s Pa 15857

814-335-2262

THE MENTOR PARENT PROGRAM

Gail Walker

PO Box 47

Pittsfield Pa 16340

www.mentorparent.org

gwmpp@verizon.net

1-888-447-1431

814-563-3470

Program to provide support and services to parents of children with disabilities birth to age 26 incl ed advocacy.

  

LIFE TREATMENT PROGRAM

School based mental health program that provides goal-oriented services to at-risk students and their families

Shelly Meie

1-814-834-2602

Jennifer Dippold

814-834-2602

814-834-6846

 

STAYING CONNECTED WITH YOUR TEEN

Program for families with children 12-18 who are looking to understand their teenager better

Jennifer Dippold

814-834-6846

814-834-2602

Jennifer.dippold@dmhc.org

  

FROGS- FAMILIES REMOVING OBSTACLES & GAINING STRENGTH

Welcome to anyone caring for a child with special needs of any type.. For more information call 814-375-9988 or email frogs7@verizon.net

 

PARENT’S SUPPORT NETWORK

Group where parents discuss concerns,provide advice pertaining to children with special needs such as ADHD, OCD, PDD, Bipolar etc

Meetings held second Thursday and held around the county

For info please call:

Crystal-814-834-9551

Ruth-814-965-5260

 

IU9 PARENT SUPPORT NETWORK

Workshops/trainings, information, education for example, changes in IDEA, IEP, Transition, Behavior strategies for challenging children, Autism etc. For more information contact : Judie Zetts

814-887-5512

 

RIGHT TO EDUCATION TASK FORCE #9

This group meets to address issues regarding students receiving special education services. Members include parents, school officials and community reps. Any parent welcome.Serves Cameron, Elk, McKean, Potter county.

Judy Zetts 814-887-5512

jzetts@iu9.org

Ron Mancia 814-887-5512

rmancia@iu9.org

 

CAMERON/ELK LOCAL INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COUNCIL –LICC

Org provides opportunities for parents, agencies & professionals to work together around Early Intervention to infants, toddlers and preschool children w/special needs.

Contact-Val Kelly  814-772-8111

ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP FOR AUTISM

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/children_with_autism/

 

NARANON

Support group for parents of children who have a problem with drug use

Kim

814-938-2236

Punxsutawney, Jefferson County

 

NARANON

George

814-765-3889

Clearfield County meetings

 

ALANON

Support group for parents/loved ones of those abusing alcohol

Linda

814-856-2972

Dana

814-371-7728

Jefferson County meetings

 

ALANON

Clearfield County

Elizabeth

814-236-1461

 

ALANON

Elk County

Support for parents/loved ones of those abusing alcohol and drugs

Mary

814-834-3834

 

NAR-ANON WESTERN REGION

List of all Nar-anon sites in western Pa.

www.geocities.com/naranon/pgh

Help line is 412-782-2210

 

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP

ABOARD sponsored

Support for families and friends affected by autism. For information please contact Mary Lee Uber

814-486-3034

 

PA COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

www.pacec-sped.org

The principal purpose of the Assoc shall be to advance the education and welfare of children and youth with exceptionalities.

Contact:

Dreamalee Brotz

Plymouth-Whitemarsh HS

201 E. Germantown Pike

Plymouth Meeting Pa 19462

610-825-1500 Ext 2014

membership@pacec-sped.org

 

LOCAL TRANSITION COORDINATING COUNCILS

They plan and facilitate successful transitions of students with disabilities from school to adult

Cameron & Elk County Transition Council

PO Box 485

Ridgway Pa 15853

George Scull

ascull@iu9.org

 

ABC EDUCATION ADVOCACY

www.ABCadvocacy.net

Step-by-Step Parent Advocacy and Resources for families of children with special needs in Pa public Schools

Contact is Pam Cook

412-851-025

WIC

WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN NUTRITION PROGRAM

Provides nutrition education, healthy foods, breastfeeding support and referrals  to health and social service agencies.

Orgs. PLEASE NOTE; A CHILD WITH AN ACCESS CARD ( MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ) IS INCOME ELIGIBLE FOR WIC BENEFITS HOWEVER ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THEIR HOUSEHOLD INCOME, REGARDLESS IF THEY HAVE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR NOT.

1-800-942-9467

www.health.state.pa.us/familyhealth       www.pawic.com

 

MOMSTELL

Support/education/advocacy for parents of children involved with drugs

PO Box 450 Mechanicsburg, Pa 17055

717-730-2020

Sharon Smith

www.momstell.com

momstell@verizon.net

 

PA TOURETTE  SYNDROME ASSOCIATION

Sherrie Sponseller

132 West Midlle Street

Gettysburg Pa 17325

Advocates will do IEP for any child diagnosed with tourettes in any county in Pa . Education & Advocacy for individuals with Tourette Syndrome in the state of Pa..

1-800-990-3300

717-337-1134

www.patsainc.org

 

ACHIEVA

711 Bingham Street

Pittsburgh Pa 15203

contact@achieva.info

412-995-5000

1-888-272-7229

Group for people with disabilities and their families, offers support and services. A member of The Partnership.

 

PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF PENNSYLVANIA

Support and advocacy for those afflicted with Prader-Willi Syndrome and their families and friends.

Debbie Fabio

President

104 Persimmon  Place

Cranberry Township Pa 16066

724-779-4415

debpwsapa@yahoo.com

www.pwsausa.org

 

KIDS TOGETHER INC

PO Box 45

Quakertown Pa 18951

staff@kidstogether.org

www.kidstogether.org

Volunteer non-profit provides info on inclusive communities,

education/advocate listserve, email newsletter, website

 

THE SPECIAL KIDS NETWORK

Helps parents find resources for their special needs children and provide technical assistance to help groups develop, expand and maintain programs and support systems that serve children with special needs

1-800-986-4550

 WEBSITE

www.health.state.pa.us/skn

PARENT TO PARENT

Linking familes of children or adults with disabilities or special needs.

Network created by families for families of children and adults with special needs. We connect families in similar situations with one another so that they may share experiences, offer practical information and/or support.

1-888-727-2706

www.parenttoparent.org

 

1-888-727-2706 will connect you with your nearest regional office.

Web: www.parenttoparent.org

 

SE Region

Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Lancaster, Montgomery, Berks, Bucks, Schuylkill

Regional Coordinators: Cara Forrest

Office: Lancaster-Lebanon IU 13, 1110 Enterprise Road, Ste A, East Petersburg, PA 17520

Office Ph: 717-606-1298

Fax: 717-606-1445

Email: seregion@parenttoparent.org

 

NE Region

Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming, Wayne, Susquehanna

Regional Coordinator: Jody L. Miller

Office: Community Relations Department, Wayne Memorial Hospital, 601 Park St, Honesdale, PA 18431

Office Ph: 570-251-3208

Fax: 570-253-8993

Email: neregion@parenttoparent.org

 

SC Region

York, Adams, Franklin, Fulton, Bedford, Lebanon, Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, Huntingdon, Blair, Juniata, Mifflin

Regional Coordinator: Carmen Krawczak

Office: N/A

Office Ph: 717-762-1711

Email: ckrawczak@parenttoparent.org

 

NC Region

Bradford, Sullivan, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union, Centre, Lycoming, Clinton, Tioga, Potter

Regional Coordinator: Melisa Hunter

Office: 2401 Reach Road, Ste 206., Williamsport PA 17701

Office Ph: 570-321-8585

Office Fax: 570-323-1738

Email: ncregion@parenttoparent.org

 

SW Region

Somerset, Fayette, Greene, Washington, Westmoreland, Cambria, Indiana, Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Beaver

Regional Coordinators: Rachel Olbeter, Nicole Zilli

Office: N/A

Office Ph: Rachel-724-420-5035, Nicole-724-836-4409

Email: rolbeter@parenttoparent.org (Rachel), swregion@parenttoparent.org (Nicole)

 

NW Region

Clearfield, Jefferson, Clarion, Venango, Lawrence, Mercer, Forest, Elk, Cameron, McKean, Warren, Crawford, Erie

Region Coordinator: Lisa Kray

Office: Forest/Warren County Human Services, 623 Elm Street, PO Box 276, Tionesta, PA 16353

Office Ph: 814-755-7610

Office Fax: 814-755-7617

Email: nwregion@parenttoparent.org

 

VALUE

Vision and Leadership Uniting Education

1624 Highpoint Road

Coopersburg Pa 18036

colnchas@enter.net

Coalition of Pa advocacy groups for children with special needs

 

ABOARD

Support for parents of children with autism/autism spectrum, website etc

Howard Carpenter

35 Wilson St

Suite 100

Pittsburgh Pa 15223

1-800-827-9385

info@aboard.org

www.aboard.org

 

EDUCATION LAW CENTER

Non-profit legal advocacy and educational organization dedicated to ensuring that all of Pennsylvania’s children have access to a quality public education

PHILADELPHIA CONTACTS

215-238-6970

elc@elc-pa.org

WEBSITE- www.elc-pa.org

 

AUTISMLINK

Support, information etc

Online support groups and discussion boards

376 Wagon Wheel Trail

Wexford Pa 15090

412-377-8778

info@autismlink.com

www.autismlink.com

 

PENNSYLVANIA HEALTH LAW PROJECT

Provides free legal services and advocacy to Pennsylvanians having trouble accessing publicly funded health care coverage or service.

CALL- 1-800-274-3258

1-866-236-6310 TTY

EMAIL - staff@phlp.org

www.phlp.org

1-888-890-5665

1-888-572-7368

717-561-0098

  

JOEY ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP

Just Open Everybody’s Eyes

Support for parents who have children with behavioral issues

gramaro@aol.com

 

GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

List of Health and Human Services

List of Advocacy Resources

Parent Guides

www.pachildren.state.pa.us

A website with information for parents and families.

 

MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN PENNSYLVANIA

MHAPA works on behalf of mental health through advocacy, education and public policy.

Wendy Luckenbill, Family/Child Policy Coordinator

1-800-692-7443

Wluckenbill@mhapa.org

www.mhapa.org

 

PEAL CENTER

Pennsylvania’s Parents Training and Information Center serving Western and Central Pa. Organization provides disability info, info about special education process and parent’s rights, Parent Advixors are available to provide info and resources to assist the family with problem-solving strategies and direct them to other community resources ,trainings in Understanding IEP’s, IDEA’04, Building Continuity, etc

For information contact:

Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership Center

1119 Penn Avenue

Suite 400

Pittsburgh Pa 15222

412-422-1040

1-866-950-1040

acarter@pealcenter.org

 

PENNSYLVANIA CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

CAP

Advocacy program helps people who are seeking services from the OVR, Blindness, Visual Services, Centers for Independent Living and other programs funded under federal law.

Provides you with info and advice about rehab programs, advises you of your legal rights and responsibilities, helps you resolve problems that may arise while you are seeking services from rehab programs,

There is no charge.

PHILADELPHIA OFFICE

215-557-7112

1-888-745-CDLP

HARRISBURG OFFICE

717-364-1733

info@equalemployment.org

 

STARFISH ADVOCACY ASSOCIATION

This is an Internet community for families of children with neurological disorders such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, Asperger’s, PDD, SID, learning disabilites, OCD, tourette syndrome, etc. Services include forum boards, interactive chat room, moderated chats, informational resources, online classes in educational advocacy, education consultations.

216-283-2377

www.starfishadvocacy.org

starfish@starfishadvocacy.org

Starfish Advocacy Assoc

3341 Warrensville Center Road

Suite 203

Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122

 

OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

OVR provides services to eligible persons with disabilites with the goal of getting or keeping competitive employment. You will be eligible for OVR services if: You have a disability that is physical, mental, or emotional impairment which results in a substantial impediment to employment, and you can benefit in terms of an employment outcome from services provided, and ,

Vocational Rehabilitation services are required for you to prepare for, enter, engage in or retain gainful employment. A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor will determine eligibility.

OVR provides a wide range of services to eligible applicants. The individual being served and the vocational rehabilitation counselor develop an Individualized Employment Plan jointly. The services you receive will be arranged to meet your individual needs. Not everyone will need every service. OVR services include: diagnostic services, vocational evaluation, counseling, training, restoration services, placement assistance, assistive technology, and support services. There is no chanrge for diagnostic services, counseling and job placement. However, a customer maybe required sharing the cost of other services after a financial needs assessment is completed.

Additional information , including local OVR office locations can be found on www.dli.state.pa.us, click on disability services. Also find  OVR offices across the state.

814-371-7340

1-800-922-40176

  

DISABILITY RIGHTS NETWORK

Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) is a statewide, non–profit corporation designated as the federally–mandated organization to advance and protect the civil rights of all adults and children with disabilities.  DRN works with people with disabilities and their families to ensure their rights to live in their communities with the services they need, to receive a full and inclusive education, to live free of discrimination, abuse and neglect, and to have control and self–determination over their services. 

General information /questions can be emailed to intake@drnpa.org where intake workers who are advocates and attorneys.

www.drnpa.org

 

Harrisburg Office

1414 N. Cameron St., Suite C

Harrisburg, PA 17103

drnpa-hbg@drnpa.org

1-800-692-7443 [Voice]

1-877-375-7139 [TDD]

(717) 236-8110 [Voice]

(717) 346-0293 [TDD]
(717) 236-0192 [Fax]

Philadelphia Office

The Philadelphia Building

1315 Walnut St., Suite 400

Philadelphia, PA 19107–4798

(215) 238-8070 (Voice)

(215) 789-2498 (TDD)

(215) 772-3126 (Fax)

drnpa-phila@drnpa.org

Pittsburgh Office

429 4th Avenue, Suite 1901

Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1505

(412) 391-5225 [Voice]

(412) 467-8940 [TDD]

(412) 391-4496 [Fax]

drnpa-pgh@drnpa.org [Email]

Wexford Office

8500 Brooktree Road

Suite 100

Wexford, PA 15090

800-276-0928 [Voice]

724-934-1344 [Fax]

 

PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL-AGE CHILD CARE ALLIANCE- PENN SACCA

Group is committed to the expansion of high quality school-age care and after-school programs for children and youth. Membership is dedicated to the support of  school-age professionals ands the development of quality school-age programs through advocacy and education.

www.pennsacca.net

Carolyn Hawk- 570-323-7134

Joyce Lang- 610-332-6541

 

PA STATE FOSTER PARENT ASSOCIATION

We advocates for all those who care about children and their families. We work supportively with foster, adoptive, and kinship families, and with local foster parent associations and agencies who care for the children we serve. Psfpa.info@psfpa.com

www.psfpa.com

800-951-5151

717-671-0102

 

 ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY NETWORK OF PA, INC.

Survivors and families facing the future with hope. Free newsletter, Infoline, brochures, staff, training

215-699-2139

www.abin-pa.org

www.groups.yahoo.com/group/abin-pa

 

 

ATTACHMENT DISORDER ATTACh, the Association for Treatment and Training in the Attachment of Children, is an international coalition of professionals and families dedicated to helping those with attachment difficulties by sharing our knowledge, talents and resources.

www.attach.org

  

PENNSYLVANIA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Mission is to administer and enforce the PHRAct and the PFEOA of Pa for the identification and elimination of discrimination and providing of equal opportunity for all persons.

PITTSBURGH OFFICE

412-565-5395

HARRISBURG OFFICE

717-787-9784

PHILADELPHIA OFFICE

215-560-2496

www.phrc.state.pa.us

  

ACCESS DOCTORS

Gives you the tools you need to create an accessible home or public building.

www.accessdoctors.atate.pa.us

  

TEENCENTRAL.NET

TeenCentral.Net is a prevention and intervention resource for teens and is dedicated to improving the lives of all youth by providing emotional support and appropriate references in a safe Web environment where identity is protected and anonymity is respected.

www.TeenCentral.Net

info@teencentral.net

 

BRAIN INJURY ASSOC OF PA

2400 Park Drive

Harrisburg Pa 17110

717-657-3601

866-635-7097

info@biapa.org

www.biapa.org

  

JOB ACCOMMODATION NETWORK

JAN helps you hire,retain,promote qualified employees/applicants with disabilities, provide accommodationoptions,etc

jan@jan.wvu.edu

www.jan.wvu.edu

  

FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER  CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE

http://www.fascenter.samhsa.gov/

Website provides info on FASD.

FASD  is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These may include physical , mental, behavioral, and /or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications.

 

CAFÉ MOM ONLINE GROUP

Online groups for parents and  children who have many different special needs

http://www.cafemom.com/groups/find.php?keyword=special%20needs

 

MENTORS FOR SELF DETERMINATION

Group of self advocates, family members and caregivers whose mission is to provide current and accurate information to people regarding the MR system in Pa. We offer statewide mentoring so people have a better understanding of the system, promote self determination by sharing life erperiences and networking with others. This is done in one session or group session called Family Connections.

Debbie Leasure

 814.547.1577
dleasure@mentors4sd.org
www.mentors4sd.org

  

ELKS HOME NURSE PROGRAM

Nurses serve as advocates to families with mentally or physically challenged children or adults. There is no age limit. Director Patricia O’Connor,RN

814-781-7860 pato@ncentral.com

Margie Wood  Asst Director

724-225-1395 mwood15301@comcast.net

www.paelks.com/files/hsnurses.htm

 

ONLINE CHAT SUPPORT GROUP

Group is for parents who are raising children with special needs.

www.myadlcenter.org

dsoucy@myadlcenter.org

  

SELECTIVE MUTISM SITES

Several sites below with info on selective mutism.

http://www.healthline.com/search?q1=selective+mutism&utm_source=no_health_channel&utm_medium=google&utm_campaign=serp&utm_term=selective%20mutism

 

http://www.selectivemutismfoundation.org/

 

http://www.selectivemutism.org/

  

WILLIAMSPORT LEARNING CENTER-STATE COLLEGE

2766 West College Avenue, Suite 2

State College, Pa 26802

814-234-2105

Marsha Landis, Director

mlccstatecollege@verizon.net

www.childrenslearningcenters.org

Center for children with dyslexic/learning challenges.

 

ALTOONA  LEARNING CENTER

Masonic Learning Centers for Children, Inc

1415 Eleventh Avenue

Altoona Pa 16601

814-940-5748

Patty Harrison, Director

altoonacenter@aol.com

www.childrenslearningcenters.org

Center for children with dyslexic/learning challenges.

  

ERIE LEARNING CENTER

Masonic Learning Centers for Children, Inc

Po Box 9007

4701 Old Zuck Road

Erie Pa 16506

814-838-2405

Virginia L Miller, Director

Read4701@neohio.twcbc.com

www.childrenslearningcenters.org

Center for children with dyslexic/learning challenges.

 

YOUTH OUTREACH UNION

Meets at the Beehive

1327 East Carson St

Pittsburgh Pa 15203

Contact Mike Reber

michaelreber@youthoutreachunion.com

YOU is a support and advocacy network of young adults for young adults. It’s members are either involved in a child serving system or they were. This support is peer driven and the group works to meet youth where they are to solve problems and deal wit issues that are important to them.

Website: www.youthoutreachunion.com

Mail address:

Youth Outreach Union

PO Box 97771

Pittsburgh Pa 15227

  

PA OFFICE FOR THE DEAF & HARD OF HEARING

PA Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing  phone: 717-783-4912 or 1-800-233-3008 e-mail ra-li-ovr-odhh@state.pa.us 

  

PENNSYLVANIA PARENTS OF BLIND CHILDREN

Supports parents of children with low vision, visual impairment and blilndness throughout Pa.

Contact Carlton Walker, President

213 North First St

McConnellsburg Pa 17233

717-485-3383

717-658-9894 c

PaPoBC@gmail.com

carltonwalker@gmail.com

  

GENERATIONS UNITED SENIORS 4 KIDS

Civic engagement initiative that demonstrates the important role older adults can play in support of issues directly benefitting children and youth. We help adults age 50+create statewide networks of community leaders and grassroots volunteers that raise visibility of older adults in support of high-quality early care and education.

Anne Tria Wise

Intergenerational Engagement Manager

Generations United

1331 H St. NW Suite 900

Washington DC 20005

202-289-3979

awise@gu.org

www.gu.org

www.seniors4kids.org

 

 ADDITION 1/14

THE PA PARTNERSHIP FOR THE BLIND

The PA Partnership for the Blind contact Gordon Boe at 215-699-6535 or g.boe@comcast.net

 

PA SOCIETY FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE DEAF

Pa Society for the Advancement of the Deaf  www.psadweb.org 

 

ESPECIALLY  FOR PARENTS

Especially for Parents is an online network and forum where parents of children and youth with special health care needs can share knowledge and offer support.  Members are able to start a discussion, share tips, tricks and shortcuts, offer support to others, write a blog, create a group for parents with similar interests or situations, create a virtual meeting spot for a local community group, invite friends to become community members, and promote events.  Visit us by going to www.pamedicalhome.org and clicking on the “Parents” button!

  

MARCH OF DIMES

160 S Progress Ave, Suite 1C

Harrisburg, Pa 17109

717-545-4534

Fax 717-545-5329

www.birthdefects.org

PA437@marchofdimes.com

  

MARCH OF DIMES

1019 West 9th Ave

King of Prussia, Pa 19406

610-945-6050

Fax 610-945-6060

www.birthdefects.org

PA437@marchofdimes.com

  

CRC OF PHILADELPHIA

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS COUNCIL

The mission of CRC to minimize the emotional, physical and economic abuse, neglect and distress of children and the development of at-risk behaviors following relationship breakups between parents involved in highly conflicted disputes.

Mr Bill Clemens

President

8049 Pine Road

Suite C11

Philadelphia Pa 19111

215-745-0594 

wclemens@earthlink.net

 http://www.crckids.org/chapter-locations-pennsylvania.htm

  

CRC OF PITTSBURGH

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS COUNCIL

The mission of CRC to minimize the emotional, physical and economic abuse, neglect and distress of children and the development of at-risk behaviors following relationship breakups between parents involved in highly conflicted disputes.

Mr Michael Nieland M.D.

President

1400 Inverness Avenue

Pittsburgh Pa 15217

412-621-0222

 http://www.crckids.org/chapter-locations-pennsylvania.htm

  

DISPUTE RESOLUTION, OFFICE FOR & SPECIAL ED CONSULTLINE

6340 Flank Drive, Suite 600

Harrisburg Pa 17112

800-992-4334 or 717-541-4960

Special ed communication & conflict resolution. Call for help with school, IEP conflicts. Manual available.

This Manual is under revision in light of regulatory changes.  For inquiries regarding parent rights and procedural safeguards, please contact the Special Education ConsultLine at 1-800-879-2301.  For questions regarding due process, please contact Lori Shafer, Case Manager, at 1-800-222-3353, Ext. 3319.  For questions regarding Mediation, please contact Judy Shanabrough, Case Manager, at 1-800-222-3353, Ext. 3301.

www.odr.pattan.net

CONSULTINE- 1-800-879-2301

 

ADDITION 9/29

ACTIVE MINDS SUPPORT AT COLLEGE

Active Minds is only org. working to utilize the student voice regarding mental health.By developing and supporting chapters of a student-run mh health awareness, education & advocacy group on camput, org works to provide info and resources etc. They encourage students to seek help asap and serve as liason between students and the mh community.

·  Bryn Mawr College (Bryn Mawr, PA)

·  Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA)

·  Cabrini College (Radnor, PA)

·  Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA)

·  Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA)

·  Gettysburg College (Gettysburg, PA)

·  Immaculata University (Immaculata, PA)

·  Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Indiana, PA)  

·  Juniata College (Huntingdon, PA)

·  Lafayette College (Easton, PA)

·  Mercyhurst College (Erie, PA)

·  Miscericordia University (Dallas, PA)

·  Montgomery County Community College (Blue Bell, PA)

·  Moravian College (Bethlehem, PA)

·  Muhlenberg College (Allentown, PA)

·  Philadelphia University (Philadelphia, PA)

·  University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) (founding chapter)

·  University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)

·  University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Bradford, PA)

·  Ursinus College (Collegeville, PA)

·  West Chester University (West Chester, PA)

·  Amy Tannenbaum, Chapters Coordinator: amy@activeminds.org (eastern US)

·  General Information: info@activeminds.org

www.activeminds.org

 

PLEASE SEND INFO ON ANY OTHER GROUPS FOR PARENTS WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH CHALLENGES SUCH AS :

MENTAL HEALTH, SOCIAL , EMOTIONAL

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AUTISM

LEARNING

DRUG AND ALCOHOL

SUICIDE

ADOPTION, FOSTER GROUPS ETC

SEND INFO  TO :

1-800-947-4941

pafamilies@comcast.net

Please note we are also now listing groups for parents who have children with physical challenges as well.

 

 Click here to download and print a copy of this list of resources.
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