Where do you go when you feel like you don’t belong? In youth development, the Circle of Courage is based on the principles of belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. Today, we will delve deeper into the quadrant of belonging, which emphasizes the importance of having a sense of connectedness to someone or something. When a …
In times of need, transition, and even in some everyday situations, when strong support systems are present, lifelong bonds can be built. Many identify those who help support, empower, and strengthen them as family. At iCan Dream Center, “Connection” is a core value. The core value of ‘Connection’ means that we relate to one another …
A token economy is a great tool to give students something to look forward to while also encouraging them to engage in positive behavior. A token economy is a system in which students are provided opportunities to earn tokens for their work with the goal of modifying their behavior and motivating them to achieve their …
The milestone moments of life — the kind of moments that people cherish forever — always call for celebration. The first time a family is able to take their child home from the NICU after months, the first time your child takes his first steps after being told he may not be able to walk, …
With COVID-19 changing how we communicate, the saying, “I’m just a phone call away,” means more now than ever before. In a therapeutic educational setting and for people like Mr. T, a behavior therapist at iCan Dream Center, face-to-face communication was the primary method of communicating with students. When the pandemic began, to avoid possible …
Although we sleep at least one-third of our lives (National Sleep Foundation 2017), a person’s quality of sleep is just as important as the quantity or amount of time they sleep. There are many health benefits pertaining to sleep and its quality. The immune system is least likely to be compromised with a well-rested body. …
At iCan Dream Center’s Afterschool Program, we acknowledge the importance of allowing our students to take a break in a fun and interactive way. As our students begin to arrive at the program from a long and busy day at school, they enter our building ready to have some fun. Staff members rotate through a …
Every child has a unique way of understanding the world around them. Play allows children to learn, develop new skills and express their feelings in unique and fun ways. Did you know that play can also be a form of therapy? Therapy can be helpful throughout different stages of life for children, including for children …
Sports are more than just games. They are activities to keep one’s spirits up, build one’s strength and build relationships. Sports provide several physical and mental health benefits, like heightened self-esteem, increased problem solving skills and concentration, reduced stress, sensory relief, and fitness (Dorfman). Sports also help students understand the importance of teamwork. Through the …
It is true that no two learners are exactly alike. Some learn better through reading, and others excel through listening or doing. For students with developmental disabilities who may have difficulty communicating or understanding others’ communication, it is important to present information in ways that match the students’ unique learning styles and optimize their ability …
