Reflections At Lily

We turn to the North-Bay for this week’s blog: Kevin Douglas joins us at Cookie’s Corner for an update on his school for children affected by autism, Lily Learning Center.  Please enjoy reading, and let us know what you are looking forward to in the fall.

Kevin: As each week of August approaches I am surprised to see that the summer is already winding down. Days are getting shorter and parents and students are preparing for a new school year while trying to squeeze that last drop of leisure out of the summer. Here at Easter Seals Bay Area’s Lily Learning Center, we are reflecting on our first year of operation in Dixon, CA.

By just about every measure, it’s been a tremendously successful first year!   And we’re eagerly preparing for the upcoming school year and the new adventures it will bring:

• the students currently enrolled at Lily are already practicing for our fall performing arts program; and
• the next wave of community outings and field trips are appearing on our calendar

We can’t wait to welcome new students with the new school year to share in the fun!

 But before we step into the school year, we decided to celebrate…and we did it right ~ carnival style!

The Lily Carnival not only celebrated the success of Easter Seals Bay Area’s first ever non-public school, but also the entire Disability Community in and around Solano County. The carnival was made possible and sponsored by Miceli Financial Partners and Epicentro Advertising and Marketing Services, headed up by Easter Seals Bay Area Board members Andrew Miceli and Maria Hernandez-Schabbing, respectively.  Many thanks to our friends at CVS/Pharmacy and the Dixon Lions Club, who sent a combined 26 volunteers to help out.

Carnival attendees were treated to free games, food (Thank you! Dreyer’s, ConAgra, and Jelly Belly!) and prizes along with information regarding available services in the area.  Networking among families and various disability services providers was among the key themes.  On hand were representatives from:

• Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center;
• Autism Community Team of Solano County;
• The Children’s Nurturing Project;
• North Bay Regional Center;
• Area 4 Board of the Developmental Disabilities Council, and
• Assembly Member Yamada’s office, all available to offer resources and information.

Working together as a community and sharing information and resources are essential for the success of kids and the community. With every new connection made another piece falls into the puzzle for families looking for solutions. Hopefully, these community bonds will continue to strengthen and create new connections as Easter Seals Bay Area continues to provide help, hope and answers to individuals and families affected by autism and other disabilities.

Class Enrollment

Did you know Easter Seals Bay Area has a parent education program for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? We are currently registering parents, guardians, and primary caregivers of children living with autism for classes.

 The Safeway Parent Empowerment Project is an 8 week program offering free training and education to parents who are looking to improve on social, developmental, and behavioral outcomes while enhancing the family’s capacity to support a child’s learning and growth.

Classes are available to residents of four Bay Area counties: Alameda, Santa Clara, San Francisco, and Solano.  A class member agrees to participate in the required class activities: videotape interactions with the child; attend two-hour weekly sessions; and complete personal assessments at the beginning, the conclusion, and six months following the series. Each class member must have a child with a diagnosis of autism under the age of eight.

 For enrollment and questions, please email thogan@esba.org or call 510.835.2131 x.103