The St. Louis Public School District has been awarded a
grant valued at $10,900 from the Innovative Technology Education Fund to provide iPads in six self-contained autism classrooms serving students in grades 9-12 at Gateway Institute of Technology High School.
Known as the Learning and Communicating Using iPads Project, the District will incorporate the iPads into instructional learning by utilizing applications recommended by Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, and by providing two full days of technical training for teachers and paraprofessionals by Apple, the creator of the iPad.
“Gateway has worked extremely hard to develop a state-of-the-art academic program to meet the varying needs of students on the autism spectrum. The iPads will aid in lesson comprehension, but more importantly they will provide communication and behavior support so that students can learn to effectively communicate and socialize with their families and classmates,” said Dr. Elizabeth Bender, principal at Gateway Institute of Technology.
Featured as a “miracle device” for autistic children by CBS News 60 Minutes, and Fox News, the iPad is an extremely flexible and mobile teaching tool that readily incorporates research-based effective strategies for teaching students with autism, including visual presentation, predictability, immediate positive consequences, high-interest lessons and video modeling.
Stop in and have some fun in the indoor pool at the Lodge of Des Peres with your little one at this drop-in swim time for kids up to age 6. No pre-registration is needed; Water Waddlers is open to residents and non-residents of Des Peres.
Science Tots is designed for children ages 18 to 36 months. The class provides opportunities to support brain development and learning. Toddlers and their grown-ups will explore STEM topics through songs, stories, hands-on exploration and play.
LEGO Club at the St. Louis County Library is a free opportunity for kids to gather and have fun building with LEGO bricks. LEGOs are provided.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!
Join Ms. Amanda in the Makerspace at the Edwardsville Children's Museum for a fun, lively Dance Party. The toddler-friendly tunes will accompany free play time and musical instrument exploration.