Great library servicing a community of 29 000. The Youth Services Co-ordinator has a great passion for providing library services to children with special needs and their families. She has extensive experience in this area. She is new to her role at Glen Ellyn, it will be wonderful to see the new programs and services that she brings with her.
At present Glen Ellyn hold a monthly session with therapy dogs. They have also recently introduced a 'life skills' session for a special needs class from the local high school. Part of the session requires students to ask a librarian at the desk a pre-prepared question. These sessions give the students the opportunity to practise their skills in safe, structured but real life situations. The following blog link desrcibes this program in more detail.
http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2014/10/mind-your-manners-teaching-life-skills-in-the-library/
At present Glen Ellyn hold a monthly session with therapy dogs. They have also recently introduced a 'life skills' session for a special needs class from the local high school. Part of the session requires students to ask a librarian at the desk a pre-prepared question. These sessions give the students the opportunity to practise their skills in safe, structured but real life situations. The following blog link desrcibes this program in more detail.
http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2014/10/mind-your-manners-teaching-life-skills-in-the-library/