Classes

Date:	Wednesday, March 21, 2012 (1:30 - 3:30 p.m.)
Location:	Fraser Penn - Map
Cost:	$30 per individual, $50 per couple
Register:	Register online, contact Fraser workshops at 612-798-8331, or email workshops@fraser.org.

Scholarships are available for this workshop from the Hennepin County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative. To request funds, email workshops@fraser.org or call 612-798-8331.

Ever wondered about developmental red flags? The goal of this workshop is to assist providers with the identification and referral of children who have developmental concerns in their childcare programs. Participants will explore the benefits of supporting and assisting parents in seeking help for a child who may be in need of specialized services by understanding the assessment process and local referral contacts. A main focus will be how to share concerns with parents in a respectful manner if red flags for developmental concerns are present. From the Center for Inclusive Child Care.

Date:	Monday, April 2 (8:30 - 11:45 a.m.)
Location:	Fraser at Hennepin Square, Suite 402 - Map
Cost:	$30 per individual, $50 per couple
Register:	Register online, contact Fraser workshops at 612-798-8331, or email workshops@fraser.org.

This workshop is designed for families of children who have been recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Parents, grandparents and caregivers are encouraged to attend to learn more about autism, available services and interventions, and helpful tips for families to implement at home, school, and within the community. A panel of parents will share their personal stories and experiences. Representatives from Fraser and other organizations will also offer information and insight into the many community resources.

Date:	Thursday, April 19 (1:00 - 3:00 p.m.)
Location:	Fraser at Hennepin Square, Suite 402 - Map
Cost:	$30 per individual; $50 per couple
Register:	Register online, contact Fraser workshops at 612-798-8331, or email workshops@fraser.org.

This workshop is an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for families, professionals, and support staff to gain a better understanding of the characteristics of ASD, the diagnostic process, and the many intervention opportunities. Practical tools and strategies will be presented that address organization, communication, sensory challenges, behavior management, and emotional regulation. Participants will be better equipped to deal with the emotional challenges of the diagnosis and learn of community resources.

Date:	Not currently scheduled
Location:	TBD
Cost:	$30 per individual; $50 per couple
Register:	For information on future scheduling, contact Fraser workshops at 612-798-8331, or email workshops@fraser.org.

Participants will learn how to recognize motivations of challenging behaviors and to identify possible strategies to address these behaviors.

Date:	Thursday, March 1 (9:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
Location:	Fraser Penn - Map
Cost:	$30 per individual; $50 per couple
Register:	Register online, contact Fraser workshops at 612-798-8331, or email workshops@fraser.org.

Individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, ADD/ADHD and other anxiety related disorders often require more assistance with self-management, communication and social relationships. It is common for these individuals to have auditory processing difficulties and benefit from information delivered visually. This workshop will feature strategies and visual tools for enhancing communication, organization, self-regulation and successful social interactions.

Date:	Tuesday, March 13 (1:30 - 3:30 p.m.)
Location:	Fraser Penn - Map
Cost:	$30 per individual, $50 per couple
Register:	Register online, contact Fraser workshops at 612-798-8331, or email workshops@fraser.org.

Scholarships are available for this workshop from the Hennepin County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative. To request funds, email workshops@fraser.org or call 612-798-8331.

Executive function refers to the cognitive skills we use to solve problems. Executive function may be one of the least studied and most frequently overlooked contributors to academic and behavioral problems. Individuals struggling with Executive Dysfunction are often labeled lazy, forgetful, unmotivated, always late, and easily distracted. Learn how this disorder impacts planning, flexibility, sequencing, emotional regulation, working memory, organization and self-monitoring. Participants will better understand the development of executive function, its role in daily living and learning, and how it is assessed and supported.

Date:	Not currently scheduled
Location:	TBD
Cost:	$30 per individual, $50 per couple
Register:	For information on future scheduling, contact Fraser workshops at 612-798-8331, or email workshops@fraser.org.

What does the early childhood environment say to children? This workshop will examine the physical and social environments and their effect on children's behavior. Learn how to prevent and guide children's behavior through hands on activities and practical strategies. From the Center for Inclusive Child Care, Children and Challenging Behavior Series.

Date:	Session 1 - Not currently scheduled Session 2 - Not currently scheduled
Location:	TBD
Cost:	$30 per session, $50 for the series
Register:	Register Session 1 Register Session 2 Register for the Series For information on future scheduling, contact Fraser workshops at 612-798-8331, or email workshops@fraser.org.

Session 1: Common Reasons for Challenging Behavior
Children use behavior as a primary means of communication. It is important to understand what that behavior is telling us as caregivers. When children engage in repeated challenging behavior we often become frustrated and attribute those challenges to the child just being “defiant” or “difficult”. When we as caregivers try to understand the reasons behind the behavior we gain valuable insight into helping a child choose more positive patterns of behavior when stresses occur. Explore the common reasons for challenging behavior and how a deeper understanding of those reasons can set the stage for success for child and caregiver.

Session 2: Behavior Guidance Strategies that Promote Success
Challenging behavior can change the climate of an environment every day. There are many behaviors that cause us as caregivers to reach into our “bag of tricks” and come up empty. We will discuss tried and true strategies that bring about success and positive skill building for children who may be caught in a pattern of challenging behaviors. These early years are so important and we want children to experience the joys and triumphs that should be occurring rather than be continually stuck in frustration and defeat.

Date:	Wednesday, March 14 (1:30 - 3:30 p.m.)
Location:	Fraser Penn - Map
Cost:	$30 per individual, $50 per couple
Register:	Register online, contact Fraser workshops at 612-798-8331 or email workshops@fraser.org.

Scholarships are available for this workshop from the Hennepin County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative. To request funds, email workshops@fraser.org or call 612-798-8331.

Children with high intensity temperaments are often labeled as "challenging" in school or child care settings. The "Nurtured Heart Approach," based on the work of Howard Glasser, is a unique approach for working with children who have challenging behaviors. This course combines four effective strategies for helping caregivers transform the way they see children who have high energy and high intensity from a challenge to a "gift." From the Center for Inclusive Child Care.

Date:	Thursday, April 19 (6:00 - 8:00 p.m.)
Location:	Fraser at Hennepin Square, Suite 402 - Map
Cost:	$30 per individual, $50 per couple
Register:	Register online, contact Fraser workshops at 612-798-8331 or email workshops@fraser.org.

Scholarships are available for this workshop from the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. To request funds, email workshops@fraser.org or call 612-798-8331.

Families are important in preparing early for their teen or young adults with special need’s transition to adult life.  Join us as we look beyond the diagnostics and interventions, toward the world of higher education, employment, housing options, community engagement and ongoing social and adaptive skill support.

Participants will learn how to:

• Create a team for support and expertise
• Maximize school resources
• Plan for post-high school training and education
• Access disability support services and resources
• Understand the world of employment-different paths for different individuals
• Evaluate accommodations that support a self-determined life

Date:	Not currently scheduled
Location:	TBD
Cost:	$10 per individual, $15 per couple
Register:	For information on future scheduling, contact Fraser workshops at 612-798-8331 or email workshops@fraser.org.

What happens after high school? The world of adult services for individuals with developmental disabilities can be confusing and challenging. Fraser provides an array of direct and support services for adults with developmental disabilities. Come and learn from Fraser experts about these services, how to access Fraser adult services as well as other community resources related to housing and direct support programs. This workshop is intended for family members of individuals 14 years and older who are preparing for additional supports and services.

Date:	Thursday, March 8 (7:00 p.m.)
Location:	Fraser Minneapolis - Map
Cost:	FREE
Register:	Register online, contact Fraser workshops at 612-798-8331 or email workshops@fraser.org.

There are many significant issues that families of individuals with disabilities need to plan for. As hard as it may seem, it is critical families begin preparing early for their child’s transition to adult life. Join us as we look beyond the diagnosis and interventions, toward the world of employment, housing options, community engagement and ongoing social and adaptive skill support. This seminar will discuss topics such as legal, financial, and life planning that will address the use of wills, trusts, naming of successors, guardianships, developing letters of intent, qualifications for and coordination of government benefit programs (MA, SSI, SSDI, etc.) and more.