Empowering Kids Perham

After-School Groups and Summer Skills GroupsEmpowering Kids provides essential after-school and summer programming for 36 individuals with autism, ADHD, and other related social challenges. Participants, ranging in age from 10 to 29 years old, attend these sessions 12 days per week for 2-3 hours per session. These programs are designed to be accessible, offering affordable rates and a scholarship program for families facing financial hardship. In FY 2024, Empowering Kids awarded over $12,000 in scholarships, ensuring all eligible individuals could participate regardless of financial constraints.Continued on Schedule O...During programming, participants engage in a variety of activities aimed at building critical social-emotional and life skills. Small group instruction and structured activities focus on areas such as: * Social-emotional skills: conversation, perspective-taking, play, and greeting others. * Self-regulation and emotional management: techniques to manage emotions and stay regulated in different situations. * Healthy relationships and friendships: understanding boundaries, fostering connections, and developing social awareness. * Life skills: navigating community settings, building independence, and problem-solving. * Understanding individual disabilities: fostering self-awareness and empowerment through education about their own diagnoses.The program also emphasizes experiential learning through community outings, providing participants with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings. This year's outings included visits to the movies, a pumpkin patch, bowling alleys, restaurants, state parks, and lake time. These outings allow participants to experience activities they might not typically have access to, enhancing their sense of inclusion and adventure.In addition to its impact on participants, the program provides much-needed respite for caregivers, allowing them time to recharge while knowing their loved ones are engaged in enriching and supportive activities. Empowering Kids remains committed to fostering growth, independence, and community inclusion for individuals with diverse abilities while supporting the families who care for them.

Empowering SproutsEmpowering Sprouts is a blended preschool and childcare program rooted in a relationship-based, Montessori-inspired approach to early childhood development. This inclusive program fosters an environment where children can grow intellectually, creatively, and socially while cultivating a sense of individual responsibility, respect for others, and a love of learning.The curriculum is designed to nurture each child's potential while promoting an appreciation for relationships within nature and society. Continued on Schedule O...In order to support diversity and inclusion, Empowering Sprouts intentionally creates neuro-diverse classrooms. These classrooms reserve spaces for both typically developing children and children currently receiving Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) services, ensuring a rich and supportive learning environment for all.In FY 2024, Empowering Sprouts served 14 children between the ages of 4 and 7. This year-round program operates for 12 months and includes an optional hot lunch available for purchase, accommodating the needs of busy families.By embracing inclusive education and fostering a community of learning and respect, Empowering Sprouts prepares children for a lifetime of growth, connection, and curiosity.