S.E.A.M.S.
A Support Group that empowers families & providers of children with special needs through SUPPORT, EDUCATION, and ADVOCACY in a casual and nonjudgmental atmosphere.
See About Us page to view " 'Common Ground' Special: Conn Family Autism" to learn more about what you can do to make a difference for your child!
SEAMS is centered within the Western Placer Unified School District in Lincoln, California. We are lead by a teacher and parents from within that District. SEAMS works amicably and meets collaboratively WITH the District and other agencies for the common purpose of best serving our children. You can view our latest AGENDA of topics, (composed with your input), that we discuss and address with District and Agency professionals, and SEAMS members. We welcome and support ALL individuals from any District or region.
All parents, teachers, and professionals from any area are invited to attend or contact SEAMS to support, enlighten, or share information, or simply to talk casually together about our kids!
Next Meeting beginning 2010 School Year!
*Please note that our Agenda is on-going and dynamic, as we continue to build upon previous agendas until an item is no longer relevant. Therefore many items may be revisited for months, even years, as we work together to best serve the children, parents, and professionals!
Latest and on-going Agenda See our latest items w/ answers as given by District
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Our Mission
The organization of SEAMS aims first to empower individuals through sharing information in a casual and accepting environment. We understand the the world of Special Education is confusing and daunting at times. No question is considered a "dumb" question. We provide opportunities for support and encouragement through communication, education and advocacy, with a common purpose to empower parents, family, friends, and professionals of children with special needs. Our primary focus is to make you feel welcomed and supported. You might even enjoy a laugh while exchanging stories about our still "perfect" children! All needs or concerns are welcomed.
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Yup, that's a shot of our van w/ our 6 kids w/ their 5 car seats stuffed inside! |
Advocacy and Outreach Goals
- SEAMS aims to work constructively with the Western Placer County Unified School District and Public Agencies and Providers to establish proactive solutions for providing quality education to children with special needs.
- SEAMS aims to provide readily available special educational resources to teachers and support staff on school campuses and establish resources for regular classroom teachers and support staff to attend adequate in-services and conferences regarding special education services.
- SEAMS aims to educate community members about special needs and services.
- SEAMS aims to build a bridge of communication between parents of special needs children, local school districts, and various service agencies in Placer County, the greater Sacramento Area, and anywhere beyond
What does SEAMS consider a child with "special needs"?
"Special Needs" is a broad term that can be used to describe a multitude of issues or disabilities. SEAMS recognizes a child with "special needs" to be any child with a physical, emotional, and/or cognitive impairment, learning disability, hearing or visual impairment, speech impairment, reading difficulty, neurological brain disorder, behavior disorder and/or any condition that directly affects a child's ability to succeed in a classroom setting without some type of additional support.
SEAMS recognizes a special needs child's right to FAPE, (a free and appropriate public education) in the LRE, (least restrictive environment). We do not offer professional advice in regards to a child's placement in the school setting but do provide resources where answers may be found.
All needs or concerns are welcome and included, such as, but not limited to:
ADHD, Speech and Language, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Physical, Learning, Behavioral, or Emotional Disabilities, or any concerns or issues regarding those needs, or "issues" not yet defined. Topics include, but are not limited to, school SST and IEP processes, services, resources, contact information, and support and knowledge of all factors involved in achieving success for your child.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
"EMBRACING ABILITIES"