Maria Anderson This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. Early Childhood Connection

   www.pacer.org/parent/childhood - [Cached]

   Published on: 7/1/1996   Last Visited: 8/10/2007

   Maria Anderson Early Childhood Coordinator:
   ...
   "There is another thing to remember about change for children with disabilities of any age," said Maria Anderson, early childhood coordinator at PACER Center. "That is: it's on-going. Just when you think everything is in place, something changes,a teacher moves away, the bus comes at a different time, the ordered equipment hasn't arrived. Knowing how to plan for and deal with change can help make the process less stressful," she said.
   
   Even though the best laid plans can go awry, there is still benefit in preparation, said Anderson. Parents can use the skills learned in early childhood transition planning throughout the child's education, not only to make the change easier but to help reduce parent anxiety. "If plans fall through, you can take a breath and try to come up with a backup plan,and you will," she said.
   
   The change is usually smoother when teams of parents and professionals plan for a transition well in advance, advised Anderson. The team should specify the areas to address and the team members who will be responsible for them, she said. The team members need to discuss the changes in moving from one location or service to another and to identify potential problems, she said. For example, transporting assistive equipment from home or finding additional equipment for a new setting can be an issue, Anderson explained. In other instances, transportation or working with new staff can be an issue for children with health concerns, she said.
   
   An Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), designed by the parent-professional team, includes transition planning for a child with disabilities and must begin at least 90 days before the child's third birthday. That usually means a change in how service is delivered, said Anderson.
   ...
   For locations, contact Maria Anderson at PACER Center.

2. 2. Early Childhood Connection

   www.pacer.org/parent/childhood - [Cached]

   Published on: 10/1/1997   Last Visited: 8/10/2007

   "We worked hard to give Families are Important a personal touch," said Maria Anderson, former PACER Center staff member.