Families

We're All in This Together: Handling the Transition to Middle School

A child’s school-age years are filled with many different lessons and experiences, including the challenges of peer acceptance and positive socialization. While many students attend elementary school together for years, children in foster care have the added burden of coming into a school or social setting as the “new kid,” a label that is hard to overcome for many children with poor self-esteem and trauma history. Making the transition from elementary school to middle school or junior high can be stressful, especially for foster children. The National Education Association offers ways that students and parents can successfully manage this transition.

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JCFS Foster Parent Story: Create Room for Surprise and Blessings

Caitlin and Christopher have been licensed JCFS Chicago foster parents for about a year.  They welcomed their foster son (now age 10 months) into their home 7 months ago.  They want to give a “shout out” to their case manager, Jenna, of whom they are big fans!  They also really appreciate the other JCFS Chicago foster parents they have met who have been “wonderful, dedicated, and gracious.”

Here is more from Caitlin and Christopher.

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Awareness and Inclusion: Creating Opportunities for School Success for Children with Emotional Disabilities

Rabbi David M. Rosenberg, Coordinator, Jewish Educational Services, JCFS Chicago Therapeutic Yeshiva reflects on Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month and the opportunities for success the JCFS Chicago Therapeutic Day School & Yeshiva create for students whose potential to achieve has been hindered by their emotional disability. 

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