Family Health & Wellness
FIRST CONNECTIONS
"A well-connected baby is loved, touched, talked with and read to."
More and more is being learned about the impact of early experiences on the developing infant's brain. The need for training about infant and toddler development is growing as an increasing number of very young children are cared for in out of home settings. This specialized training is often non-existent or not conveniently available. But with the help of today's technology, high quality training can be at your fingertips with a project called First Connections

First Connections is a multifaceted, comprehensive telecommunications project offering education about infants and toddlers to teachers, caregivers, and parents across the state of Nebraska and beyond.

An interactive website allows providers access to training via the Internet. The Internet site includes:
online training
a discussion forum
resources and information for teachers, caregivers, and parents
links to related sites
profiles of infant toddler programs.

FAMILY CONNECTIONS
OUR MISSION is to build the support and structure necessary to connect families in Northeast Nebraska and enhance training opportunities.
OUR FOCUS is to raise awareness of family-centered principles and encourage family-centered services.
OUR COMMITMENT is to nurture families and increase their ability to share their experiences with others.

ANSWERS4FAMILIES
Connecting Nebraska's Families
When there is someone in your family with special needs, you may find yourself looking for answers. Answers4Families.org is Nebraska's support and information connection for families and professionals seeking assistance. the web site provides information, dialogue, education and support to several target groups including:

Families with Children with Special needs. Those with special needs such as physical, emotional, educational, or behavioral needs. Answers4Families provides information on a variety of issues such as special education services, medical issues, respite, and state and national resources.

Foster & Adoptive Families. Information and resources for foster and adoptive families in Nebraska. There is information regarding support groups and agencies serving foster and adoptive families.

School Nurses. Provides networking opportunities for School Nurses across Nebraska. this includes newsletter, policy updates, and the information on topics such as medication administration in schools.

Services Coordinators. Those persons who provide assistance to persons with special needs in the state of Nebraska. This may be families with young children with disabilities or adults needing support within their communities.

Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer's. Information on topics such as 'dealing with challenging behaviors', end of life decisions, nutrition, and the 'safe return home' program.

Assisted Living. Offers Assisted Living Professionals resources and information on Nebraska's policies regarding Assisted Living facilities and the Assisted Living Handbook.

Eldercare. Information on housing, aging services, legal issues, and insights and supports. Information provided can help family members to locate suitable resources to assist the elderly.

IFSP web
IFSP is Nebraska's Iindividualized Family Service Plan
An online assistance program designed to help families develop
Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) for young children with disabilities.

IFSPweb is an educational/information site that has been developed to pave the way for a better IFSP process. By going through answers4families.org/ifspweb , you will learn how to develop an effective tool that can guide services for families with special needs. The IFSPweb explains the history, legal basis, and process involved in developing this tool.

The Individualized Family Service Plan is both a family-centered process and a document intended to assist families and professionals in their combined efforts to meet the developmental needs of a young child. It is designed for children with special needs from birth to age three.

A great IFSP can be developed by understanding the cornerstones and applying the family-centered philosophy. It is important that parents, professional and other involved parties work together to develop a plan that will maximize the child's and family's strengths. This allows the team to capitalize on each person's strengths, knowledge and experiences.

The Cornerstones
When these four concepts are understood and practiced, they form a solid basis on which the IFSP can be built:
Family Centered Services
Family/Professional Relationships
Effective Team Functioning
Services Coordination