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Midland County
ESA to give family support
Some teachers soon will make pupils’ homes
their classrooms.
by Amy Soper, The Midland Daily
News, 09/19/2002
For more articles on disabilities and special ed visit
www.bridges4kids.org.
Early childhood special education programs through the Midland
County Education Services Agency will include an additional
family support component this year.
"It’s always been my dream while I've been teaching to have a
four-day week with a parent component on the fifth day, but
because of funding we’ve never been able to do it," said Paula
Renker, MCESA special education supervisor.
MCESA officials were unsure whether the out-of-classroom days
would meet state requirements. They later determined that,
since the time would be spent with students, it would qualify.
This year the MCESA will be able to make Renker’s dream a
reality. Classroom programming will continue five days a week
throughout the school year, with one to two days per month to
provide other family and student services, including home
visits, family meetings, staff training or parent-teacher
conferences to support families.
A calendar for service days has been set. There will not be
classes for students on these days, but specific activities
for students will be arranged by teachers.
The dates are Oct. 24, Nov. 6, Nov. 18, Dec. 10, Jan. 27, Feb.
11, Feb. 25, March 7, March 20, April 17, April 30 and May 16.
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