Taking on disability together.
 Easterseals Charter School Principal Margaret Smith Meet Margaret Smith, Easterseals Charter School Principal. Margaret oversees the Charter School programming at Easterseals Northeast Central Florida locations in Daytona Beach and DeLand.
For Margaret, building trusting relationships with Easterseals families through leading the Charter Schools is Job Number One. “My goal is ongoing collaboration to assist families,” she said. “I want to be known as being an effective leader that always puts the needs of our children first.” As a leader within the Easterseals family, Margaret strives to be known by others as visible, available, approachable and collaborative. “One advantage to working in a team-focused environment is that I am always being surrounded by team members who want the best for our students,” she said. “The collaboration and motivation to do what is best for our children is at the forefront of all our decisions." “Having a ‘Kids First’ philosophy means that we work with children and families to meet each child’s individual needs,” she added. “We collaborate with families to provide tools needed to shape the future of our early learners.” Margaret said she’s grown personally and professionally watching Easterseals teachers learn new strategies and apply them to the students. “Collaborating, watching the learning process of others and delving into the next steps are wonderful ways of ensuring the natural process of learning and problem solving,” she said. When people think of Easterseals, Margaret wants them to think about positive relationships, entrusting the Easterseals team to promote the highest level of learning and development for our students. Get a glimpse into the magic of Easterseals Charter Schools and learn more about this outstanding Easterseals’ program by visiting us online.  Walter Do you have a preschool child who is challenged by special needs and/or disabilities? Easterseals Charter Schools may be the perfect fit for your little one.
In Daytona Beach and DeLand, Easterseals Northeast Central Florida Charter Schools provide hands-on and comprehensive education for students ages 3 to 5. The inclusive classroom setting integrates students with special needs and typically developing students with the Easterseals Child Development Center. This helps all students achieve the best possible outcomes. Just take a look at Walter, a student who graduated last year from the Easterseals Charter School in DeLand. “Walter loves school,” noted his mother. “So for us it was just important that he felt safe and welcomed. Easterseals Charter School was fun for him, and he looked forward to going every day.” Walter’s teachers ensured he transitioned well and gave him whatever downtime he needed. They accommodated his schedule and kept his parents aware of any issues in the classroom. “My son felt safe and comfortable to grow and learn at Easterseals,” Walter’s mom said. “I can’t ask for more from a school.” When it was time to leave the charter school, Walter was ready to face new challenges and learn with his brother and friends at a public school in DeLand. Fast facts about Easterseals Charter School:
Additional programs offered at Easterseals Charter School:
Easterseals Charter School’s Lead Teachers hold teaching certificates from the State of Florida, and must meet the same requirements as teachers in Volusia County public schools. Furthermore, Associate Teachers must have a minimum of an Associate’s Degree (two-year degree) in the early childhood education field. Preferred teacher’s assistants hold a CDA credential. All teaching professionals at Easterseals Charter School are offered opportunities for development and continuing education. Want to know more about Easterseals Charter Schools? Visit us online or call 386-944-7801. Get to know more about why Easterseals Charter Schools may be the perfect learning environment for your little one.  Easterseals Northeast Central Florida is enrolling eligible children for its free voluntary pre-kindergarten (VPK) at its Child Development Centers in Daytona Beach (1219 Dunn Ave.) and DeLand (306 Wisconsin Ave.).
To participate in free VPK, a child must be four years old on or before Sept. 1, 2019, be a resident of Volusia County and have a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Early Learning Coalition. As part of the program, children enrolled in free VPK receive breakfast. Easterseals’ Child Development Centers provide exceptional student education programs for eligible Volusia County students, including a VPK program, a pre-school that accepts children ages 12 months and older, and charter-school classes. Easterseals’ VPK program offers hands-on and comprehensive education for Pre-K students ages 3-5 with special needs and/or disabilities as defined by their Individual Education Plan (IEP). Easterseals Child Development Centers’ inclusive classroom settings integrates its students with typically developing students of the Easterseals Child Development Center, which assists in helping all students achieve the best possible outcomes. Further, its adult-to-child ratio exceeds the state requirement, allowing for more individualized attention for each child in our care. IEPs outline specific goals and objectives for students to meet his/her own potential. For information about COE, contact the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler/Volusia at (386) 323-2400 or elcfv.org. For information about Easterseals Northeast Central Florida’s Child Development Center in Daytona Beach, contact CDC Program Coordinator Erica Garris for information or a tour at (386) 944-7819 or egarris@esnecfl.org. For more details about the DeLand location, contact Assistant Principal Christina Hopkins at 386-734-4124 or chopkins@esnecfl.org. For information about how Easterseals is taking on disability in our communities, visit www.eastersealsnecfl.org.  Ms. Terry We welcome, Ms. Terry, to the Easterseals Northeast Central Florida family. Terry has been named Registrar of Easterseals Charter School in Daytona Beach.
Terry hails from Connecticut, where she was born and raised as the oldest of five children. After high school, Terry attended graduate nursing school, eventually married her husband and started her family. Terry moved to Maine and while raising her young son, and while there Terry gained experience working at a private school where strong values and respect for others was the inspiring and expected mode of operation. There, her love of education grew. Her desire to continue in the field paved the way for her next position as office manager for a large high school. Terry recalls the position as offering “daily interactions with parents, students and staff that made it challenging as well as rewarding.” Upon her relocation to another part of Maine, Terry worked for many years in her District Attorney’s Office where she supervised support staff and managed several attorneys. But, after experiencing her fair share of northeastern winters, Terry relocated to Florida to fulfill their dream of living in warm weather and being closer to family. The happy transplants have smoothly transitioned their homestead to the Sunshine State. They also have proudly watched their son reach his professionals goals as he earned his Ph.D. and now teaches at a New Mexico college. “I am happy to have accepted a position at Easterseals Charter School,” said Terry. “I hope to use my skills and experience to make a difference in the lives of those I serve.” Welcome to the Easterseals family, Terry! We’re happy you’re on our team.  In honor of Easterseals’ 100th anniversary this year, staff and families of Easterseals Charter School in Daytona Beach took time to share their heartfelt perspectives on 100 Ways to Be Kind.
From writing poems for friends to visiting nursing homes, their suggestions will make you smile. We’re grateful for the caring and compassionate team that leads Easterseals Charter School and guides and teaches our children. What would you add to this list?
 Jas Clemmons Jasyln (Jas) Clemmons spends her weekdays caring for youngsters at Easterseals Charter School in Daytona Beach. Her classroom of spunky two-year-olds keep her on her toes, and she loves it.
Jas joined Easterseals as a floater/substitute in the Child Development Center in 2008. Her responsibilities include overseeing and implementing developmentally appropriate classroom activities, while ensuring a safe environment for the little ones. She’s focused on creating experiences at Easterseals that help children thrive. Day to day, the activities in Jas’ classroom help the children reach key developmental milestones. Jas and her team focus on many skills such as potty training, gross motor development, language development and building emotional, social and communication skills. Jas also focuses on maintaining regular communication with the children’s families as part of her role as a pre-school teacher. She understands that helping a child reach his or her potential is a group effort. As an Easterseals team member, Jas also participates in several opportunities for trainings that help make her most effective in the classroom and as a professional outside of it. Jas loves expanding her knowledge with the trainings. Jas also is a key member of Easterseals’ Joey’s Gift Respite program and always is willing to help wherever and wherever she’s needed. All of these reflect Jas’ dedication to her classroom, her young students, their families and Easterseals, which is evidenced by her 10-year-plus commitment. “The first five years of a child’s development are critical,” said Jas. “I enjoy seeing each and every child grow and meet their individual goals. Our role is very important.” *** If you have a love of teaching or an interest in helping children and adults with disabilities reach their fullest potential, you may have a place at Easterseals. All current job opportunities may not be available online, so contact HR Generalist Fran DeCinto at careers@esnecfl.org for more information. In the meantime, complete our application for employment opportunities, available here. Additionally, Easterseals has partnered with GettingHired.com, an online resource that connects people with disabilities to employers in search of qualified jobseekers with disabilities. Visit GettingHired.com to open your door to opportunity! Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell, and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, please visit www.eastersealsnecfl.org.  If you can’t remember what happens when you give a mouse a cookie, or why the pigeon wants to drive the bus, you may need to brush up on your reading – children’s book reading, that is.
Reading to children ages 0 to Pre-K is a fun and effective way to help them develop their literary skills. Reading aloud to youngsters offers them numerous benefits, including building their imaginations and learning about their world and worlds they have yet to explore. In even the youngest children, reading supports social skills, basic speaking skills and increases their vocabulary. Books help children increase empathy too. All of these are some of the reasons Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida is recruiting readers for its 100 Leaders, 100 Readers program, which is kicking off soon in Daytona Beach and DeLand as part of Easterseals 100-Year Celebration. As part of 100 Leaders, 100 Readers, members of the community will be making guest appearances and reading aloud to students in Easterseals Charter Schools classrooms. (If you’re interested in this volunteer opportunity, please email Susan today!) If you’re out of practice reading books aloud to little ones, fear not. Check out these tips on how to keep your audience of youngsters captivated while you share your time and talents to support and encourage children’s literacy and Easterseals:
Pick up a children’s book today and read to a child you love, or join our 100 Leaders, 100 Readers program. As J.K. Rowing knows all too well, “…something very magical can happen when you read a book.” Sources: Pre-KPages.com, Pearson.com, ReadBrightly.com, ChildDevelopmentInfo.com, and Rasmussen.edu.  Walter graduated from Easterseals Charter School in DeLand and is enjoying Kindergarten this fall. Do you have a preschool child who is challenged by special needs and/or disabilities? Easterseals Charter Schools may be the perfect fit for your little one.
With charter schools in Daytona Beach and DeLand, Easterseals teachers provide hands-on and comprehensive education for students ages 3 to 5. The inclusive classroom setting integrates students with special needs and typically developing students of the Easterseals Child Development Center. This helps all students achieve the best possible outcomes. Just take a look at Walter, a 5-year-old bundle of enthusiasm who recently graduated from the Easterseals Charter School in DeLand. “Walter loves school,” noted his proud mother. “So for us it was just important that he felt safe and welcomed. The Easterseals Charter School was fun for him, and he looked forward to going every day.” His teachers made sure he transitioned well and gave him whatever downtime he needed. They accommodated his schedule and kept his parents aware of any issues in the classroom. “Walter’s teacher had set up his cubby with photos of Batman so he would recognize it as his own,” his mother recalled. “He waved goodbye and sent me on my way.” The boy left the charter school ready to face new challenges and learn with his brother and friends at a public school in DeLand. When he entered kindergarten, much to his mother’s delight, he said hello to everyone. “My son felt safe and comfortable to grow and learn at Easterseals,” Walter’s mom concluded. “I can’t ask for more from a school.” Fast facts:
Learn more about the Easterseals Charter Schools at www.eastersealsnecfl.org. |
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