A Brief Overview Physical Education (PE) is adapted in four primary ways to support students with disabilities. Read on for more detail. Federal law protects the rights of students with disabilities to access PE, and Adapted PE (APE) can be provided as a service on a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). How often Adapted PE Read More
Category: Health & Wellness
Information on physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.
Mental Health Education and Support at School can be Critical
A Brief Overview Alarming statistics indicate the pandemic has worsened behavioral health outcomes for young people. Governor Jay Inslee on March 14, 2021, issued an emergency proclamation declaring children’s mental health to be in crisis. Students eligible for special education services through the federal category of Emotional Disturbance are more than twice as likely as Read More
Temporary Caregivers of Military Children: Guide to Essential Information
If you are a grandparent, other relative, or family friend taking care of children while their parent or parents are deployed or on other duty, this guide to essential information is intended to offer you help and resources. It contains useful information about military benefits that provide help with schools, medical care and supports and Read More
School Support Plans for Deployment-Tips for Parents
Why do schools need to know when a parent deploys? Your children spend a large portion of their day in school, so teachers often notice changes or new behaviors. The value of parents and schools partnering to support military-connected children with the stressors of deployment is significant. As you know, having a parent away for Read More
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Information and Resources for Families
A Brief Overview A short YouTube video by Osmosis.org provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A medical diagnosis of autism is not required for school-based evaluations or interventions. Read on for more information. Families concerned about a child’s development can call the state’s Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588. This toll-free number offers help in English, Read More
Adolescent Health Care Act Provides Options for Families Seeking Mental Health and Substance Use Help for Young People Resistant to Treatment
A Brief Overview The Adolescent Behavioral Health Care Access Act, passed into law by the Washington Legislature in 2019, gives parents and providers more leverage in treating a young person who will not or cannot independently seek medical help for mental illness and/or substance use disorder. The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) hosts website Read More
Holiday Survival Tips For Families with Special Healthcare Needs
Holidays provide a mix of social situations and emotions, and the COVID-19 pandemic adds elements that look a little different for every family. This article provides ideas for celebrating and finding points of joy, with specific tips for those impacted by special healthcare needs. Here are the quick takeaway topics: Break the routine: Although travel Read More
Medicaid for Military Families
Your child, if qualified, can get benefits from BOTH Medicaid and TRICARE. This includes children who get benefits from the TRICARE Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) program. Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinators at TRICARE can answer questions about receiving Medicaid benefits while on TRICARE. Your child may qualify for certain Medicaid programs called waivers, even Read More
Social Emotional Learning, Part 1: The Importance of Compassionate Schools
A Brief Overview: The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) provides a training program for school staff focused on Social-Emotional Learning. The SEL Online Education Modules are designed for educators, administrators, school staff, others professionals, and parents. Moments of trouble can provide insight about unmet needs. Meeting those moments with compassion helps children learn Read More