STUDENTS LEARN HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR TEETH

During February, which is Children’s Dental Health month, lessons on the importance of oral health care were reinforced with Children’s Academy students through hands on brushing demonstrations, puppets, models of teeth and books about dental health.  In addition, flossing, eating healthy snacks and drinking water were also covered. Each child was given a toothbrush, toothpaste, flossers and dental brochures.

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS

March 30 – April 6: Spring Recess, No school

April 24 – April 25: Aquarium of Niagara Visit

May Date TBD: 3rd annual art show

June Date TBD: Moving Up Day

CHILDREN’S ACADEMY REACHES INTEGRATION CAPACITY

When the Children’s Academy first opened in 1960, its services were focused on children with disabilities.  Beginning in 2005, integrated class were added, enabling typically developing children to learn alongside preschoolers with a disability.  In addition to the obvious benefits of learning in an environment that is more resource rich than most preschools, typically developing students have an opportunity to develop empathy and friendships with students of all learning abilities.

Over the past two years, enrollment among private pay students has grown steadily.  In the Fall of 2017, private pay enrollment reached maximum capacity with 23 students.  Empower has received many additional private pay inquiries since then, and those students have been placed on a waiting list.  As spots become available, families are contacted to begin the enrollment process.

Click here to learn more about Empower Children’s Academy.  To submit an inquiry form, click here.  You may also contact the school directly by calling (716) 297-1478, ext. 160.

STUDENTS FROM ST. PETER’S SCHOOL VISIT EMPOWER CHILDREN’S ACADEMY

Every year, students from St. Peter’s school volunteer to visit the Children’s Academy and play games with the preschoolers.  The theme of this year’s visit was a Snowy Day, and included snow-related games such as sled rides, ice fishing, and snow ball target games.  Special thanks to St. Peter’s school and its student volunteers for making this event so much fun!

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Children’s Academy students celebrated Valentine’s Day by sharing cards and treat with their classmates.

SENSITIVE SANTA BRIGHTENS THE HOLIDAYS

When parents bring young children to have their picture taken with Santa, the result is often tears and frustration.  This can be especially true for families of preschoolers with a disability.

That’s why Empower created Sensitive Santa for its preschoolers and the general public where a calm and friendly Santa greets one child at a time, transforming a potentially traumatic experience into an enjoyable one for the whole family.

Special thanks to Robin Stevens, Justin Harvey and Amy Scott for making this program possible.

REMINDER: AUTISM PARENT SUPPORT GROUP MEETS EACH MONTH AT EMPOWER CHILDREN’S ACADEMY

The first Monday of each month, the Niagara County Autism Parent Support Group meets at Empower Children’s Academy (9812 Lockport Rd., Niagara Falls) to enable families of children with autism to meet, share experiences, ask questions and receive support.  Meetings are professionally-facilitated, light refreshments are served and childcare is available with advance reservation.  To RSVP, please contact (716) 332-4170 or info@parentnetwork.org.  Meetings are held in the evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, on the following dates: 3/5, 4/9, 5/7, 6/4, 8/6, 9/10, 10/1, 11/5 and 12/3.