Hi I’m Rachel!

Thank you for taking the time to read what I have to say.  Let me tell you a little about myself and what I do.  I am a Special Education Teacher that works in Early Intervention.  I am a New York State certified teacher in Special and General Education, and Literacy, from birth through grade six.  I have 10 plus years of experience working with a diverse student population.  Currently I work one on one with Autistic children ages 1-3 in their home environment.  I am trained in Applied Behavior Analysis, Dr. Greenspan’s technique of floor time and the Son-Rise Program.*  I have also had the opportunity to work in Special Education Schools, which has allowed me to work very closely with children who have Severe Behavior Disabilities, Emotional Disabilities, and Intellectually Disabled (previously known as Mental Retardation).

        Working with children and families in the home brings a closeness that you don’t get in the classroom.  I love seeing children learn and progress.  I am lucky to love what I do.

        A little about myself.  I am a mother of two boys.  The oldest is six and in first grade, and my youngest is 1 year old.  My boys are exactly five years apart.  I say exactly because even with my best efforts to avoid, they have the same birthday.  I know it’s unbelievable.  I hope that I still make their birthdays enjoyable and memorable. I hope that they don’t mind sharing a birthday.

        I will be talking about toddlers through early elementary school age.  I started this blog to have a place for parents and families to read other stories, get some helpful information, and reach out to other people going through the same things.  This blog will feature some stories and topics that you may relate to.  If you don’t relate, it always helps to know that you’re not alone.  I hope you find the information helpful.  I am so excited to start this new journey.

        Please come back every week to see any topics or stories that have been added. I would love to hear your comments and receive emails.  Please leave questions or topics that you would like to discuss.

Thank You

*The Son-Rise Program is an alternative way to work with Autistic children.  It is based on the belief that the children will show you the way in.  That we, the adults, join the child in their world instead of conforming to our world.

* As always please refer to your child’s doctor with any medical questions or concerns.