Special Needs

Assistive technology: what parents need to know

What do you think of when you hear the term "assistive technology?" Do you imagine advanced computer-based talking systems, such as the one Steven Hawking...

Wheelchair basketball keeps Arizona kids in the game

Monday nights are a magical time in downtown Mesa. That's when kids from across the Valley---and around Arizona---meet at the Broadway Recreation Center to participate in their...

A game changer for kids with dyslexia

Glendale mom Meriah Houser has made advocating for kids with dyslexia her life's mission ever since her sons Cole, 13, and Maddox, 10, were diagnosed in...

Charter schools and students with disabilities

As the number of students attending charter schools increases, some parents of students with disabilities have expressed confusion about the legal obligations of these...

Choosing a special needs school: questions to consider

Children have unique personalities, interests and needs. Schools have unique cultures and competencies. The goal is finding the right school “fit” for your child...

Special needs recreation and enrichment

A child's special needs needn't get in the way of fun. Here is a list of Valley programs that offer special needs recreation and...

Learning differences and attention challenges

Sometimes a little extra education support can make all the difference to a child with learning or attention challenges. Here are some Arizona organizations...

2E movie – a special screening for parents

Parents Education Network (PEN) Phoenix is hosting a special screening of the Thomas Ropelewski film “2E” about the journeys of a group of twice-exceptional...

Transition expo looks ahead for children on the autism spectrum

Families with children on the autism spectrum can glimpse what the future holds during the AZ ASSIST Transition Expo Tuesday, Sept. 29 in Peoria. The...

Talking to children about learning differences

Stacy Strombeck-Goodrich, of Scottsdale, used to carry a laminated card in her wallet. She pulled it out whenever other preschool-age children asked questions about...

Foundation for Blind Children opens a third campus

If you've recently visited Sunnyslope, the area seven miles north of downtown Phoenix marked by the giant white "S" on the mountainside, you may have noticed...

Lexis Prep opens high school for students with learning challenges

It's not exactly a return to the days of the one-room schoolhouse---this school has two. But that's just the right size for Keeley Halverson,...

“Bloom” book shows path to calmer kids and parents

Count to 10. Take a breath. Think before you speak. It’s easy to embrace the logic behind these time-tested mantras. But in the heat...

IEP transitions: preschool to kindergarten

When a child qualifies for special education services through an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, families become part of a constantly evolving process designed...

My Day at Camp: Kamp Talkalot

It was a real jungle at Kamp Talkalot. Lions roared and crouched under thick vegetation. Exotic toucans dangled from the ceiling. In one room,...

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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