Growing Times - January '22

Meet our partner in
the somali community

..A Chance To Grow is committed to providing services to those who need them the most.  Sometimes, that means partnering with an agency that focuses on meeting the needs of a specific population. For example, we knew from the research and from our own experience that the Somali community has higher rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) than other groups, but that there were barriers – language, culture, or transportation – that prevented parents of these children from getting services. So in 2019, we began a partnership with ISKA, Inc., a Somali-owned community service organization. It was founded by Ifrah Hudle, a human service professional who recognized that Somalis not only have a very high prevalence of ASD, they also have to deal with barriers to getting help...Continue reading

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AVe Brain Training for
improved relationships
​Thursday, February 10  |  10 am - 11:30 am

Register

Join us for the final workshop in our Brain Training Workshop Series, AVE for Improved Relationships, and discover how brain training can support the most significant people in our lives, like our friends and families. When we move out of our stress response, we’re more equipped to express our true selves and strengthen those relationships. Learn more about Audio-Visual Entrainment and try a session for yourself at this interactive and engaging workshop! Registration is now open!

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Registration open for
2022 S.M.A.R.T. Workshops

We are now accepting registrations for our 2022 S.M.A.R.T. and S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshops. Boost your students’ learning readiness skills with this amazing program! Our experienced instructors will help you understand how to easily implement brain-stimulating activities in your classroom. If you are an educator working with Pre-K or K-3rd graders, this program is for YOU! Register today!

S.M.A.R.T. Elementary Workshop
February 22-24, 2022
*Early-Bird Pricing Ends February 7
Standard: $585 | *Early-Bird: $560 | Principal: $300

S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshop
March 1-3, 2022
*Early-Bird Pricing Ends February 14
Standard: $450 | *Early-Bird: $425 | Director: $300

All workshops will be held at A Chance To Grow in Minneapolis. We are committed to the safety of our participants, presenters, and community during the COVID-19 pandemic. We follow all recommendations and guidelines of the state health department. Click here to review our workshop registration policy.

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S.M.A.R.T. Steps Update

The S.M.A.R.T. Steps pilot program is beginning its third cohort this month, training new family childcare providers on low-cost S.M.A.R.T. activities that promote healthy brain development in children ages 0-5. The program has been implemented in 18 childcare settings in southern Minnesota, with future plans to expand to central and northern Minnesota in the coming years. More details about future S.M.A.R.T. Steps cohorts and training opportunities will be shared soon!

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Need Help Caring for a
Loved One with Special Needs?

If so, ACTG’s Home-Based Services and Personal Care Assistant (PCA) program can help. Our experienced staff is here to help you navigate the various requirements from the MN Dept. of Health to get you and your loved one the support you need. We are dedicated to helping families achieve positive outcomes by providing custom plans tailored to each situation. Additionally, our services allow clients to hire a family member or a friend to serve as the PCA. To see if you qualify, please call us at (612) 789-1236, or visit our Get Started page to find the right program for your family!

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Neurofeedback rentals available

Are you interested in improving your focus and reducing your stress, but short on time? Neurofeedback brain training may be the perfect solution! With our rental program, you can now train your brain from the comfort of your own home, on your schedule! Works great for families with multiple members that want to try brain training too, and safe for all ages! Start the new year with a calm and focused mind!

​Learn more by visiting our Neurofeedback Rentals page or inquire about the program today by contacting Kelly Pittman, Director of Neurotechnology, at neuro@actg.org.

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New to vision clinic - RightEYE

ACTG’s Vision Clinic is excited to announce a new, cutting-edge tool just added to our screening and therapy services, called RightEye. This revolutionary eye-tracking technology allows eye care professionals to quickly and objectively identify and address vision issues in children and adults. In just five minutes, the RightEye EyeQ test will provide meaningful information about your functional vision. With our experienced optometrist and vision therapist, we will provide a comprehensive plan to help you or your loved one see clearly! Here's our optometrist, Dr. May, to help introduce this wonderful new tool!

 

​Call us at (612) 789-1236 or submit a scheduling request to schedule your RightEye vision screening today!

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In Memory of Jon Gudding

In November of last year, A Chance To Grow lost our long-time custodian, Jon Gudding. For those of you who knew Jon, he was so much more to us here in our building. He made everyone who came to ACTG feel welcome. “Mr. Jon” provided endless entertainment for our child care students while he cleaned and made repairs in their classrooms. He was also known as our “building therapist,” helping anyone with any problem they were dealing with that day. He was acquainted with many of the families we work with and always stopped to say hello. Jon was a big part of the ACTG family and we will miss him terribly.

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Now Hiring - Join our team!

A Chance To Grow is looking to add new members to our team! If you are interested in learning more or applying for any of the following positions, please visit our Employment page.
​*Includes $500 Sign-on Bonus!

• FT Preschool Assistant Teacher* (Turnquist Child Enrichment Center)
• FT Toddler Teacher* (Turnquist Child Enrichment Center)
• FT Infant Assistant Teacher* (Turnquist Child Enrichment Center)
• PT Infant Assistant Teacher* (Turnquist Child Enrichment Center)
• PT Speech-Language Pathologist (School-Based)
• ​PT/FT Speech-Language Pathologist (Outpatient Clinic)

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Thank you for supporting ACTG's holiday gift auction

Last month, ACTG held its 2nd Holiday Gift Auction fundraiser! Thank you to all the organizations and individuals for their generous donations, and to all of the bidders for their participation. Your support allows us to continue to provide life-changing programs and services to help individuals reach their highest potential. We are truly grateful. Check back later this year for more details about our next Holiday Gift Auction, and the 31st running of the Race for the Children!