Dr. Stephanie Weber and the Cincinnati LEND Program were in good company October 30, when they received a Prestigious Bridge Builder Award from the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency (CAA).
Cincinnati LEND, along with Fifth Third Bank, the Cincinnati Police Department, and State Farm Insurance, received the awards for collaborating with CAA on its mission to provide low-income assistance programs for families throughout Hamilton County.
CAA operates Hamilton County’s Head Start program in 91 classrooms across 25 neighborhoods, and for the last four years, they have benefitted from the expertise of Dr. Weber, LEND Training Director, and Trainees from the LEND(Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) team.
Cincinnati LEND’s six week training session has educated more than 50 Head Start teachers, preschool teachers, and daycare providers. The program’s skill-building activities increase participants’ knowledge and confidence on how to manage challenging classroom behaviors. The teachers learn about intervention strategies, positive behavioral supports, and most importantly, how to identify developmental red flags, including those specific to autism spectrum disorders.
“I was a LEND trainee myself the first year this training was developed and launched, and it’s so rewarding that it’s still having a positive impact on kids in our community today,†said Dr. Weber.
The training also features and distributes ACT Early Milestone Moments booklets about childhood developmental milestones, to help Head Start parents and teachers further notice signs of developmental delays.
The award was presented at the 51st Annual CAA luncheon, and was attended by Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, Ohio State Representative Alicia Reese, and Ohio State Senator Cecil Thomas. Dr. Weber and former LEND Trainee Lindsay Mays accepted the award on behalf of the LEND Program.
Congratulations to the Cincinnati LEND Program for their good work, and for this outstanding Cincinnati community recognition.