Please Complete the Following Questions

Please complete the following questions:

List the reasons you would like to participate in the Down Syndrome Education Specialist Program?

What are two of the biggest challenges facing your schoolwith respect to the education of students with Down syndrome?

How do you anticipate using the Down Syndrome Education Specialist training within your school district? (For example: Train-the-Trainer kind of position; resource for curriculum modifications; inclusion facilitator; etc.)

Training dates for the 2017-18 program:

Full Day Friday Trainings: September 15, 2017-November 3, 2017– January 26, 2018- February23, 2018

Please return the completed application to:

DSAGSL, 8531 Page Ave, Suite 120, St. Louis, MO 63114or Fax to DSAGSL 314-989-1579

For questions, email Andi at or call 314-961-2504

Memorandum of Understanding

______

(Name of School)

And

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis

Down Syndrome Education Specialist Program

Purpose: The Down Syndrome Education Specialist Program is a joint effort between the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis and your school district/agency to provide support for parents, educators, administrators, therapists and social workers seeking to build a meaningful education for students with Down syndrome. This agreement outlines the respective terms of the program.

The Down Syndrome Education Specialist

The Down Syndrome Education Specialist will be given tools to:

• educate peer teachers and families concerning the learning needs of students with Down syndrome,
• serve as a resource for strategies and information concerning curriculum modifications and adaptations,
• serve as a facilitator for inclusion of students with Down syndrome in the general education classroom and/or school community,
• serve as a resource for ability awareness training within the school district,
• serve as a vehicle for distribution of information concerning the Down syndrome community,
• help facilitate open discussion among parents and educators.

Support and Training by the DSAGSL

To support the above efforts, the DSAGSL shall provide each Specialist a flash drive containing information for educators, therapists, social workers and parents concerning the education of children with Down syndrome.

The DSAGSL shall provide four trainings to the Down Syndrome Education Specialist. The trainings will be held at the DSAGSL Office, 8531 Page Ave, St. Louis 63114. These trainings will cover the following topics:

• Introduction to Down Syndrome and Developmental Disabilities in the Classroom
  Friday, September 15, 2017 9:00am – 3:00pm
  Understanding common health concerns and related issues that can inhibit learning and what research shows as best teaching strategies to educate individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
• Behavior Solutions
  Friday, November 3, 2017 9:00am – 3:00pm
  Understanding behavior, techniques for assessing behavior, and strategies for changing behavior.

• Curriculum Modifications, Adaptations, and Technology
  Friday, January 26, 2018 9:00am – 3:00pm
  Understanding best teaching methods and to how to modify existing curriculum to best reach the student with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
• Inclusion, Social Learningand Thinking Transition
  Friday, February 23, 2018 9:00am – 3:00pm
  Ways to enhance involvement in the school community and beyond.

Attendance and Commitment

Attendance at all four trainings is required by each participant to become a specialist. Participants may attend individual sessions at their discretion but will not be considered a specialist unless all four are completed. Unfortunately, due to the design of the program, make up sessions will not be offered. Each session builds from previous sessions and is not conducive to sending a substitute in place of the contracted participant. The program is FREE of charge and lunch will be provided. CEU’s are offered in full ($25 application fee through UMSL’s Continuing Education Department) for participants who would like to take advantage of this offer. No partial CEU’s will be granted.

Upon completion of the four trainings, the Specialist(s) will receive a certificate designating her/him as a Down Syndrome Education Specialist. The DSAGSL will also recognize the Specialist(s) and the participating school district publicly on our website.

The Specialist(s) will complete a final evaluation to the DSAGSL concerning the nature of the program and any concerns or feedback.

The Down Syndrome Education Specialist(s) and administrator will be invited to receive mailings from the DSAGSL, including the bi-monthly newsletter, seminar and conference announcements, the eBlast, and invitations to social and advocacy events.

Confidentiality

The Down Syndrome Education Specialist Program is a joint effort between your district and the DSAGSL for providing support for educators and families seeking to build a meaningful education for students with Down syndrome. The DSAGSL and your district will treat all discussion of students, educators, families, and associated parties as confidential.

Term of this Agreement

This agreement with be effective for the school year of 2014-2015. Should your district decide to withdraw from the program prior to completion of the training and evaluation, the Specialist(s) will not receive materials or privileges as specified above.

______

SignatureSignature

______Andi McCormick, Program Coordinator

Printed Name and TitlePrinted Name and Title

______

DateDate

1 | Page