On the August 28th edition of The Defender Podcast, guests Ann Maura Hinton and Rick Morton joined Herbie Newell to discuss advocating for children in the education system. Ann Maura is the Education Specialist at Lifeline, providing families with expertise in navigating the education system and providing educational helps for children. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement for Lifeline and is a veteran of journeying through the education system for his children.
Ann Maura’s professional experience and Rick’s personal experience brought together multiple perspectives but a unified message. When discussing the importance of parents being an advocate for their children, both guests agreed that parents are uniquely positioned to have the best interest of their child at heart because they know their child in-depth and they are the ones most focused on their child’s needs. Therefore, parents can begin to be an advocate for their child simply by education themselves on what services are available and what they can expect from the education system.
Still, the process of navigating education with a child who has a trauma background can be daunting. As a result of the way trauma impacts the brain, the learning process can be challenging. Not only may parents need to navigate the educational system with these challenges, they need to know that there is hope in addressing the needs themselves. Therefore, Lifeline has created a new ministry service called Bridge Educational Services.
What is Bridge Educational Services?
Bridge exists to be a resource that bridges the gap from frustration to hope for parents and children. It is their hope and call to help parents reveal and enjoy the beauty of who their child is in God’s eyes.
Who may find Bridge Educational Services helpful?
- Our desire is to be a guide to families that may have children that struggle with processing speed, working memory, visual or auditory processing, sensory processing, or a particular disability.
- Additionally, families who need help navigating the school system or understanding the difference between an IEP and a 504 will find guidance and help with Bridge.
- Any family who has a child with learning differences, including but not limited to children from adoption or foster care.
What services are offered with Bridge Educational Services?
- Educational Screening: Educational testing helps determine what might be cognitively challenges for a child. This screening assesses the whole child, including sensory, motor, emotional and cognitive development.
- Bridge Plans: A guide to equip parents in next steps to strengthening and shepherding their child’s heart and mind.
- Educational Therapy and Tutoring: Online and In-Office cognitive developmental therapy and academic tutoring. In office services are available in Birmingham, Alabama and Raleigh, North Carolina. Teleconferencing is available for those who are not in these areas.
You may find more information about Bridge Educational Services here.