spring 2020 - sheffield.k12.oh.us · phd, for a brief presentation where she for getting your child...

Register at connectingforkids.org/register

SPRING 2020

You’re not aloneConnecting for Kids (CFK) provides education and support to families who have concerns about their child. We serve all families, including those children with and without formal diagnoses. CFK offers educational programs, support groups, a Parent Match Program and numerous resources.

Designed for your familyPrograms are designed to educate and support families of children (birth - 12 years) who are struggling. Look for these icons to choose programs for your family:

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Families with young children (0-6 years)

Families with elementary-aged children (7-12 years)

All families with children (0-12 years)

2 Programs by Location

3 Resource Fairs

4 Coffee and Chat, Speaker Series (cont.), Play & Say, Sensory Consults

5 Elementary Experiences, Teach Me to Play

6 Music Therapy & More, Adapted Storytimes

7 Library Programs & Speakers

8 Locations

At a glance

Free programsAll Connecting for Kids programs are free and open to the public. For more information:

Call/Text: 440-570-5908(para español 440-907-9130)[email protected]

connectingforkids.org/register

Speaker SeriesJoin us for presentations on various childhood topics by local, pediatric professionals. Free, supervised children’s activities are available, but adults and children must register separately. connectingforkids.org/speakerseries

ADHD Strategies & Solutions Join clinical psychologist, Liesl Glover, PhD, for a brief presentation where she will present strategies and solutions for getting your child dressed in the morning, ready for bed at night, and getting homework done. After, Dr. Glover will open the floor to audience questions and host an interactive session where attendees can share ideas and insights. This program is co-sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Cleveland (NAMI GC).

Tuesday, April 28, 6:30 pmLakewood Public Library

A ABA 101 Join Ken Dix, RBT, and Elyra Gonzalez, MA, BCBA, COBA, of The Silver Lining Group as they provide an overview of ABA and help you determine whether it is the right fit for your child and your family situation. While ABA has acquired critics, the purpose of this presentation is to educate and empower. Questions can be submitted upon registration to help guide the conversation to your specific situation. Co-sponsored by the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland.

Thursday, April 30, 6:00 pmElyria Public Library, West River Branch

continued, page 4.

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SPRING PROGRAMS BY LOCATION

Avon Branch of Lorain Public Library4/4 Adapted Storytime4/8 Autism from the Inside Out

and the Outside In5/2 Adapted Storytime5/30 Musical Toolbox

Avon Lake Public Library4/6 Sensory-Friendly Play

Don Umerley Civic Center, Rocky River4/8 Ninth Annual Meet and Greet

Eastlake Public Library4/14 Adapted Storytime5/19 Adapted Storytime

Elyria Public Library4/2 Teach Me to Play4/4 (EE) Executive Function:

Learning Beyond Prompts4/9 Music Therapy & More4/30 (SS) ABA 1015/7 Teach Me to Play5/14 Music Therapy & More

Euclid Public Library4/18 Adapted Storytime4/18 (CC) Making Plans for Summer5/9 Music Therapy & More5/16 Adapted Storytime

Facebook Live4/15 (CC) Tap into CFK Resources to

Make Your Summer Plans

Grafton-Midview Public Library4/11 Sensory Saturday 5/9 Sensory Saturday

Lakewood Family Room4/2 Play & Say5/7 Play & Say

Lakewood Public Library, Main Library4/4 Music Therapy & More4/26 Adapted Storytime4/28 (SS) ADHD Strategies &

Solutions5/2 Music Therapy & More5/17 Adapted Storytime

Middleburg Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

4/18 Music Therapy & More4/25 Adapted Storytime5/16 Music Therapy & More5/16 (EE) Helping Kids Handle

Worry

North Ridgeville Branch of Lorain Public Library

4/18 Adapted Storytime4/25 Musical Toolbox4/28 Supporting Your Child with

ADHD & Anxiety5/16 Adapted Storytime

North Royalton Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

4/4 Adapted Storytime

Parma Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

5/23 Adapted Storytime

Parma-Snow Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

5/5 (SS) Defiant and Difficult Behavior at Home

Rocky River Public Library4/4 Adapted Storytime5/2 Adapted Storytime

Solon Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

4/3 Teach Me to Play4/11 Adapted Storytime4/24 Music Therapy & More5/8 Teach Me to Play5/13 Sensory Consult5/22 Music Therapy & More

Southeast Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

4/25 Adapted Storytime5/18 Sensory Consult

Westlake Porter Public Library4/2 Adapted Storytime4/6 Easter Craft4/9 Adapted Storytime 4/13 Scrabble and Word Game

Fun4/18 Kids in the Kitchen4/21 (CC) LGBTQ+: Support and

Resources for Parents4/23 Purrr-fect Reading Friends4/23 Teach Me to Play4/24 Teach Me to Play4/30 Adapted Storytime5/1 Adapted Storytime5/7 Adapted Storytime5/8 Music Therapy & More5/9 Music Therapy & More5/9 (EE) Spreading Kindness

with Cooking5/11 Puzzle and Block Fun5/16 Adapted Storytime5/21 Teach Me to Play5/22 Teach Me to Play5/27 Make New Friends5/28 Little Photographers Walk

Willoughby Public Library4/17 Sensory Toy Play Group4/29 Sensory Movie5/15 Sensory Toy Play Group5/20 Sensory Movie

Willowick Public Library5/9 Adapted Lego Club

ABBREVIATIONS

CC Coffee and ChatEE Elementary ExperiencesSS Speaker Series

For location addresses, please see back cover or visit connectingforkids.org/library

Note: Connecting for Kids programs are highlighted in orange.

CFK RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors• McGuire Law and Advocacy, LLC

Silver Sponsors• Autism Learning Partners• Beyond Words: Music & Dance

Center• Cleveland Clinic Children’s Therapy

Services and Cleveland Clinic Children’s Center for Autism

• Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center

• Music Therapy Enrichment Center, Inc.

• Pathway Caring for Children• State Support Team Region 3• Talk Play Grow• The Arc of Greater Cleveland• Trumpet Behavioral Health• Youth Challenge

This is a free, public event where families can learn about local resources, therapies, after-school programs, summer camps and more for their child (birth-12, with or without a formal diagnosis) who is struggling.

Visit with representatives from approximately 70 organizations to discuss services and explore program options.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020Location: Don Umerley Civic Center21016 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky RiverTime: 6:00 -8:00 pm

Pre-register at connectingforkids.org/meetandgreet and attend the Meet and Greet to be entered to win a $100 VISA gift card!

Coffee donated by Starbucks Coffee Company.

Connecting for Kids Virtual Resource Fair

The Connecting for Kids Virtual Resource Fair (VRF) showcases videos about local providers. These short videos, featuring resource fair sponsors, offer a unique way for families to:

• Meet providers• Learn about services• Tour offices/therapy centers

New videos will be released regularly. To see the latest or learn more, visit connectingforkids.org/virtualresourcefair

Meet and Greet9th Annual Connecting for Kids

• Westlake Porter Public Library

Register at connectingforkids.org/meetandgreet

Need Ideas for Summer?

Join the CFK Flier Connection group on Facebook to see summer camps, adapted summer programs, local events, entertainment options, family education seminars, support groups, respites, and much more!

• Go to: facebook.com/groups/CFKFliers

• Click + Join Group

Once your membership is approved, click the Notifications button and select “all posts” to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

There are lots of ways to connect with CFK!Our Family Resource Specialists are

happy to help you find resources and support. Visit our staff web page

at connectingforkids.org/staff and get to know us!

Have Questions?Call/Text: 440-570-5908

(para español 440-907-9130)[email protected]

SPRING PROGRAMS: ADULTS

LGBTQ+: Support and Resources for FamiliesIs your child questioning gender identity or sexual orientation? As a caregiver or family member, how can you be supportive and affirming? Join Kristen Pepera, MEd, LPCC-S, and Lisa Pepera, MEd, LPCC-S, of Colors+, as well as other families to discuss gender nonconformity. Our presenters will address your questions, concerns and share the latest resources. We will also discuss the article excerpt titled, “What About My Feelings” from Gender Spectrum. This event is co-sponsored by LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland.

Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 pmWestlake Porter Public Library

Speaker Series (cont.)Defiant and Difficult Behavior at Home Do you have a child who is more difficult, argumentative or disrespectful? Is it a struggle to get her to comply with the rules? Is his temper and moodiness affecting your entire family? Join Jay Berk, PhD, psychologist, author, and international speaker of Jay Berk, PhD and Associates, for a brief presentation on the possible causes of these difficult behaviors and what to do about them. Dr Berk will help you identify what skills your child may be lacking and provide practical strategies you can use at home to combat common defiant and difficult behaviors. There will be ample time for audience questions regarding your specific situation. The program is for families of elementary-aged children.

Tuesday, May 5, 6:30 pmParma-Snow Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

Virtual Coffee and Chat: Tap into CFK Resources to Make Your Summer PlansJoin us for this live interactive session where CFK Family Resources Specialists will answer your questions and share local resources to help you make summer plans for your child. If you are looking for camps, therapists, ESY, adaptive sports or other programs to keep your child active and engaged this summer, then grab a cup of coffee and join us from the comfort of your home. This event is open to all and will be live on the CFK main Facebook page. Registration is preferred.

Wednesday, April 156:30-8:00 pm

Making Plans for SummerSummer is fast approaching and many programs and camps fill up quickly. Do you know where your child will be spending his or her summer? Do you need to find therapies or activities to keep up your child’s skills while out of school? Join us as we explore local summer opportunities, share resources and discuss ideas for making the transition to summer easier for your family.

Saturday, April 18, 2:30 pmEuclid Public Library

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Coffee and ChatJoin our interactive support group and meet other families facing similar struggles. Free, supervised children’s activities are available, but adults and children must register separately. connectingforkids.org/support

VIRTUAL

ASensory Consults Does your child hate “itchy” clothes? Is your child bothered by noises or have difficulty with busy environments? Are you concerned about your child’s frequent meltdowns and difficulty interacting with others? Does your child frequently spin, jump and crash his or her body into things? If so, come to our Sensory Consult where you and your child will meet with a pediatric occupational therapist from Cleveland Clinic Children’s Therapy Services. This consult is open to children ages 18 months-12 years. Your child will be encouraged to engage in some activities while you complete a checklist. You will also learn strategies to help him or her at home. connectingforkids.org/consult

Wednesday, May 13, 6:30–8:00 pmSolon Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

Monday, May 18, 6:30-8:00 pmSoutheast Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

Play & SaySM

Join us for a new playgroup that is safe and welcoming for families in all communities who are seeking more connections and a supportive environment for their child (ages 0-6 years). At Play & Say, you’ll learn new skills, meet other families and connect to community resources. An experienced Speech-Language Pathologist from the Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center will highlight a new topic each month and families will go home with an educational handout. As participants practice social and communication skills, staff members will be available to answer questions and offer tips. This program is free and open to the public of any community and is designed for children with and without developmental concerns. Registration is preferred. Co-sponsored by the Lakewood Family Room. connectingforkids.org/play-say

Lakewood Family Room Main• Thursday, April 2, 10:00 am• Thursday, May 7, 10:00 am

WITH MY CHILD

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SPRING PROGRAMS: WITH MY CHILD

Elementary ExperiencesSM

These hands-on training programs are designed for families and their children (ages 7-12 years) who are struggling. Families will learn targeted skills together and receive a handout with ideas and resources to use at home. Adults are expected to participate in the program with their children. Siblings (ages 7-12 years) may also attend but must register separately. connectingforkids.org/elementary

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Executive Function: Learning Beyond Prompts Is your child’s backpack filled to capacity with papers? Does he have a difficult time following through on simple, routine tasks? Does she procrastinate when starting homework and forget to turn it in? Any of these may be signs your child struggles with executive function. Join Sarah Durham, OTR/L, and Kara Hodge, M.A. CCC-SLP, of Mercy Health to learn strategies that create real brain change in areas like self-regulation, organization, and problem solving.

Saturday, April 4Elyria Public Library System, West River BranchSessions begin at 1:00 pm (7-9 years) and 2:30 pm (10-12 years)

Spreading Kindness with CookingJoin Jamie R. Hughes, MA, CCC-SLP, Maria Llerena, OTR/L, and Elizabeth Radachi, BCaBA, of The KIDnections Group, LLC, as they teach families how to incorporate skills such as following directions, problem-solving, language, fine motor, self-help and social communication into cooking no-bake recipes. Attendees will make gifts that can be given to someone special in their lives including a mason jar recipe and a special message cookie to be filled with compliments and positive affirmations.

Saturday, May 9Westlake Porter Public LibrarySessions are 1:00-2:00 pm and 2:30-3:30 pm (2:30 session is for families of children with moderate to severe disabilities)

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Helping Kids Handle Worry Starting a new school, doctor visits, parents divorcing, tests, fitting in with friends and making the team…there are a myriad of things that can stress kids out today. What can families do to help a child cope? Dr. Bruce W. Thomas of Albert Einstein Academy will use role plays and activities to teach attendees strategies for handling worry. Through interactive group discussion, families will also learn ways of talking to their child about stressful situations to alleviate fears.

Saturday, May 16Middleburg Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public LibrarySessions begin at 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm

Teach Me to PlaySM

Do you have questions or concerns about your child’s development? Are you looking for a social opportunity for you and your child in the community? Do you want ideas about how to encourage your child’s learning through play? With fun, new themes each month, Teach Me to Play offers your child a host of new activities and experiences each time he or she attends. For parents and caregivers, there is a Parent Education Focus every month that provides information on a variety of developmentally appropriate topics. Your child will enjoy playing with other children while practicing language and social skills. Since you attend together, you will have the option of interacting with our experienced Early Intervention Specialist and Speech-Language Pathologist. They can suggest strategies for managing problem behaviors, offer tips for increasing your child’s communication skills, or share appropriate resources. This program is specifically designed for children ages 18 months-6 years who are struggling in an area of development. Come connect with other families in a supportive and accepting environment. connectingforkids.org/play

Elyria Public Library System, West River BranchPreschool sessions begin at 6:00 pm.

• Thursday, April 2• Thursday, May 7

Solon Branch of Cuyahoga County Public LibraryPreschool session begins at 10:30 am.

• Friday, April 3• Friday, May 8

Westlake Porter Public LibraryThursday Preschool sessions begin at 6:30 pm, Friday Preschool sessions begin at 9:30 am and Friday Toddler sessions begin at 11:30 am.

• Thursday, April 23• Friday, April 24• Thursday, May 21• Friday, May 22

SPRING PROGRAMS: WITH MY CHILD

Music Therapy & MoreSM

This program is designed for families and their children (ages 0-6 years) who are struggling in an area of development. Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child’s motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior. This program is led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist. Siblings (ages 0-6 years) may also attend but must register separately. connectingforkids.org/music

Elyria Public Library System, West River BranchSessions begin at 6:00 pm.

• Thursday, April 9• Thursday, May 14

Euclid Public LibrarySessions begin at 2:30 pm.

• Saturday, May 9

Lakewood Public LibrarySessions begin at 10:30 am.

• Saturday, April 4• Saturday, May 2

Middleburg Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public LibrarySessions begin at 10:30 am.

• Saturday, April 18• Saturday, May 16

Solon Branch of Cuyahoga County Public LibrarySessions begin at 10:30 am.

• Friday, April 24• Friday, May 22

Westlake Porter Public LibrarySessions begin at 9:30 am and 10:30 am.

• Friday, May 8• Saturday, May 9

Adapted StorytimesChildren with varying learning styles and abilities learn together in a safe, supportive environment where respect and appreciation for differences is encouraged. This storytime, followed by a time for socialization, is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience. Content is geared toward ages 3 to 7 years, but all ages are welcome. Siblings may also attend but must register separately. For more information, visit connectingforkids.org/library

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Avon Branch of Lorain Public Library• Saturday, April 4, 10:30 am• Saturday, May 2, 10:30 am

Eastlake Public Library• Tuesday, April 14, 6:30 pm• Tuesday, May 19, 6:30 pm

Euclid Public Library• Saturday, April 18, 10:30 am

and 11:30 am• Saturday, May 16, 10:30 and

11:30 am

Lakewood Public Library, Main Library• Sunday, April 26, 3:30 pm• Sunday, May 17, 3:30 pm

Middleburg Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

• Saturday, April 25, 11:00 am


• Saturday, April 18, 10:30 am• Saturday, May 16, 10:30 am

North Royalton Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library


Parma Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

• Saturday, May 23, 11:00 am

Rocky River Public Library• Saturday, April 4, 10:00 am• Saturday, May 2, 10:00 am

Solon Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library


Southeast Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library


Westlake Porter Public Library• Thursday, April 2, 6:00 pm• Thursday, April 9, 6:00 pm• Thursday, April 30, 6:00 pm• Friday, May 1, 11:00 am • Thursday, May 7, 6:00 pm• Saturday, May 16, 11:00 am

PICTURE OR FEATURE

LIBRARY PROGRAMS & SPEAKERS

Library Programs & SpeakersThe following programs are brought to you by our library partners, with convenient registration through the Connecting for Kids website. For more information, visit connectingforkids.org/library or contact the library branch directly.

Adapted Lego ClubWillowick LibraryWe provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination in our LEGO club. All ages welcome!

Saturday, May 9, 10:30 am

Autism from the Inside Out and the Outside InAvon Branch of Lorain Public LibraryPresenter Sean Barron will discuss his primary autism struggles during childhood through adulthood and share the ten social rules in the book he co-wrote with Temple Grandin. Preregistration is required.

Wednesday, April 8, 6:30 pm

Discovery Works Sensory- Friendly Play Avon Lake Public Library Check out our DiscoveryWorks science area! Lights will be dimmed, admission will be limited, and loud displays will be quieted. All ages with a participating adult. Siblings welcome.

Monday, April 6, 9:15 am

Easter CraftWestlake Porter Public LibraryFeeling crafty? Create a craft perfect for this time of year. Specifically for children who may not be successful in a typical craft program and a caring adult. No previous art experience necessary. Grades K-4.

Monday, April 6, 4:00 pm

Kids in the KitchenWestlake Porter Public LibraryLearn basic cooking with simple no-bake recipes for kids with special needs and their typical peers. If you have an allergy or dietary concern, please contact the Youth Desk at 440-250-5471.

Saturday, April 18, 3:00 pm

Little Photographers WalkWestlake Porter Public LibraryBring your own device and walk around our property with an artist’s eye. Original photography will be mounted and displayed in our gallery in July 2020. Grades K-6

Thursday, May 28, 6:00 pm

Make New FriendsWestlake Porter Public LibraryThis storytime, followed by a time for socialization, is designed for children ages 3-7 who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience and friends from Brighton Gardens Senior Living.

Wednesday, May 27, 1:30 pm

Musical Toolbox A board-certified music therapist from MTEC, the Music Therapy Enrichment Center, will provide an engaging music program. Caregivers will be given resources to use with their children at home.



Avon Branch of Lorain Public LIbrary • Saturday, May 30, 10:30 am

Purrr-fect Reading FriendsWestlake Porter Public LibraryCharlie the cat is the Purrr-fect reading friend! Drop in and share a story with Charlie, a reading therapy cat. Come by and sign up for a 10-minute reading time with her!

Thursday, April 23, 3:00 pm

Puzzle and Block FunWestlake Porter Public LibraryChildren with special needs and their parents are invited to come play with puzzles and blocks in a safe, supportive environment. Ages 3-7, siblings welcome. This is a drop in event.

Monday, May 11, 11:00 am

Scrabble and Word Game FunWestlake Porter Public LIbraryCelebrate National Scrabble Day by dropping in to play word games. Bring your own or use one of ours! This event is an all ages drop-in event for children and adults with special needs.

Monday, April 13, 3:30 pm

Sensory MovieWilloughby LibraryA sensory-friendly environment including more light, less sound and the option to move around the room will help children with special needs and their families enjoy this free movie screening. All ages welcome.

Wednesday, April 29, 6:00 pmWednesday, May 20, 6:00 pm

Sensory Saturday Grafton-Midview Public LIbraryJoin us before hours for free play and an adapted storytime with books, songs, and movement! With different topics each month, this program is ideal for kids who need a quieter, less-crowded experience and their families. Funded by Autism Speaks.

Saturday, April 11, 8:30 amSaturday, May 9, 8:30 am

Sensory Toy Play GroupWilloughby LibraryChildren with varying learning styles and abilities play together in a safe, supportive environment with hands on support from library staff. A variety of toys from our Adapted Toy Library will be available to play with and check out.

Friday, April 17, 10:00 amFriday, May 15, 10:00 am

Supporting Your Child with ADHD & AnxietyNorth Ridgeville Branch of Lorain Public LibraryJoin The Phoenix Counseling Center for a time of learning how to support your child with ADHD and anxiety.

Tuesday, April 28, 6:30 pm

LocationsAvon Branch Lorain Public Library System37485 Harvest Dr.

Avon Lake Public Library32649 Electric Blvd.

Don Umerley Civic Center, Rocky River 21016 Hilliard Blvd.

Eastlake Public Library36706 Lake Shore Blvd.

Elyria Public Library System West River Branch1194 West River Rd. N.

Euclid Public Library631 East 222nd St.

Grafton-Midview Public Library983 Main St.

Lakewood Family Room Main 15700 Detroit Ave.

Lakewood Public Library Main Library15425 Detroit Ave.

Middleburg Heights Branch Cuyahoga County Public Library16699 Bagley Rd.

North Ridgeville Branch Lorain Public Library System35700 Bainbridge Rd.

North Royalton Branch Cuyahoga County Public Library5071 Wallings Rd.

Parma Branch Cuyahoga County Public Library6996 Powers Blvd.

Parma-Snow Branch Cuyahoga County Public Library2121 Snow Rd.

Rocky River Public Library1600 Hampton Rd.

Solon Branch Cuyahoga County Public Library34125 Portz Pkwy.

Southeast Branch Cuyahoga County Public Library70 Columbus Street, Bedford

Westlake Porter Public Library27333 Center Ridge Rd.

Willoughby Public Library30 Public Square

Willowick Public Library263 East 305th St.

With Our Thanks Programming is made possible in part by support from local organizations.

ElyriaCFK programs are supported by a grant from The Nordson Corporation Foundation and Parker Hannifin Foundation.

EuclidCFK programs are presented in partnership with Euclid Public Library.

LakewoodCFK programs are supported by a grant from Community West Foundation and presented in partnership with Lakewood Public Library. The Play & Say program in Lakewood is supported by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River.

Middleburg Heights and Solon CFK programs are presented in partnership with Cuyahoga County Public Library. The Sensory Consults at the Solon and Southeast branches are supported by Cleveland Clinic Children’s Therapy Services.

WestlakeMusic Therapy & More is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Teach Me to Play is supported by a grant from GPD Employees’ Foundation. CFK programs are presented in partnership with Westlake Porter Public Library.

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Connect With UsIt’s free to join Connecting for Kids and start connecting with other Northeast Ohio families on a similar path.

Onlineconnectingforkids.org/joinus

Call or Text440-570-5908 (para español 440-907-9130)

[email protected]

spring 2020 - sheffield.k12.oh.us · phd, for a brief presentation where she for getting your child...

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