We are dedicated...but my clients are devoted..

I've had the opportunity to work with some students from when they are young to when they grow older. I have seen students transition from the time to when they enter elementary school, to entering puberty,  to when they are about to enter college. It is a quite life changing event to know a student well enough to guide them in some of the most important decisions in their life.

As an individual who is very "hands on", it has been difficult for some of my clients to transition to another educational professional. I've become quite attached to my little clients as their success in school is based on many different factors and one of which at times could be the very last session that I had with the student. Nevertheless, it is through our hard work, preparation time and dedication that has allowed us to be so successful with our clients.

When I had discussed the idea of having another educational professional work with my client he immediately said, "You know how it is. I know that you understand how my mind works and you make these ideas click in my head." It makes me feel very proud that I am able to unravel the chaos that does not make a great deal of sense to my students and it is because of that makes them the successful students that they have become.

We have been very fortunate to have the types of clients that believe in our process and have shown their loyalty over the years. Thank you so much for your vote of confidence and your devotion.

When Your Child Falls....What A Mom and Dad Did..

Today was a rather unusual - and unfortunate day for one of my little students. We were off to a great start: talking about Star Wars and Darth Vader...anything to get the conversation going. He completed all of his assignments and did more math than a cashier does at Walmart. Overall it was a good day until he fell..

Many children fidget (goodness, many adults fidget) to the point to where they need the distractions to keep their anxiety at bay. I recall one student who fidgeted so badly in my classroom that she would leave black and blue marks on my arms and legs. My little 5 1/2 year old student today was fidgeting on a bench and for some reason or another, needed to stand up. He moved his feet back and forth over and over again until something terrible happened - his foot slipped and his beautiful and angelic head face planted on the table. It was not a pretty sight for me to see and as I heard the screeching sound of his voice yelp for help - I knew it was time for his parents to come in and play "Private Mommy and Daddy Investigator". The only thing that really surprised me was their reaction to the entire event.

When a child falls down - what I normally hear from a mom and dad is, "What were you doing" or "You should be more careful" or "Why did you do that". These parents approached this situation with so much caution and care that I felt much better about the world when I saw how they consoled their son. Rather than chiding the little 5 1/2 year old about the accident, the father immediately came down to his level and opened his arms out to him in an effort to have his son release his pain. His son wailed for about two minutes and as his cry for help subsided, I noticed the father rest his head on his son's head as a way to tell him non-verbally, "It's okay, Dad is here. There's nothing to worry about." After that, I noticed his mother walk (not run) over to the refrigerator to grab something cold and soothing for him to drink so that his recovery would be expedited.

In that five minute interaction I found that:
Neither mom nor dad raised their voice.
Neither mom nor dad ridiculed their child.
Neither mom nor dad overreacted when they knew that the child had done something wrong.

Many children learn from other children - but it is through the actions and loving embrace that comes from a caregiver that allows them to grow emotionally. Today helped me realize that all parents are not the same however, I do wish that more parents could take some notes on what these two opened my eyes to.

Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Super Parent, I always knew your child was incredible, now I know why!

JATP... Keep Your Friends Close.. and Your Preschool Director on Speed Dial

If you are confused by this title, then you should continue reading. (That is unless, you do not have kids.)

Dear Parent:

I know that you are very concerned about this test and the process that it entails. Although the title may be deceiving, there is one thing that you should know... More often than not - it is the little things that matter here in Atlanta. Not only should you be preparing for this process, but you should also be making friends with those who you will need to assist you in the process.

It is important that you know what you do not know. There are aspects of the process that is daunting for you - there are aspects of this process that is even more challenging for the student. Sometimes when you forget or place little value on the details of Admissions Preparation - it may backfire and could result in undesirable consequences later on. My best advice to you is to seek the help of a professional who has helped navigate through this (time and time again). Not only will it assist you and your child, it will definitely help you feel better with each and every step that you take towards the final letter.

I want you to know that I am here to help you - in any and as many ways as I can. Thank you so much and I look forward to helping you soon!

~ Christine

504 versus IEP?

If you have questions about the difference between a 504 and an IEP, here is what an article found on www.about.com says:

504 Versus IEP

504 Plans Are Written to:

- Remove Barriers that prohibit student from achieving based on current conditions
- Levels playing field
- Follows guidelines set by Americans with Disabilities Act
- Some students who do not meet classifications for an Individualized Education Plan will be able to have services under a 504

IEP Plans Are Written to:
- Serve as a legal document that describes the services that your child will be receiving as part of the exceptionality that has been identified
- Tailored to meet the needs of your child
- Describes placement, services, and goals that are appropriate for your child.

For more information about 504 Plans and IEP's, you can contact christine@learningridge.com or call 404-964-8533

The Letters are In - and It Looks Really Good!

Savoring in the moment - my clients who actually completed the Admissions Preparation program had the best success to date!

When I say the Admissions Preparation Program - I mean the entire program from Start to Finish - not the "fly by night" work with my child the weekend before  the test. To be honest for you, I cannot prepare anything at that point - I can only pray that the child does not have a nervous breakdown when they go down that hallway and will have a complete stranger ask them questions that they believe are "tricky" or "silly". I had one mom tell me that after her daughter worked with me, she thought that everything else was "easy" from the assessment - to the observation - to the interviews.

Why do I believe in helping parents come up with a program that works with timelines - objectives and goals? The answer is: because I know what success looks like. The reason being is that I had observed families fail in this process before they were successful the next time around. It happens to the best of parents. They listen to people who have been in the industry for a long time but at the end of the day - that person says one thing: "Your child has a good chance getting into XYZ school.". They cannot offer one iota of advice to support that. For me, it's highway robbery. For them - it keeps their business in the black - and some Atlanta families in the dark.

The next time you need help with Admissions in the Atlanta area - know that I am here to help you with a realistic plan and with a realistic solution. However, do not wait until it is too late. There are only so many months in the year and starting early will always be in your favor! 

The Best Parents Are Those Who Respond - Not React To Situations

As a member in the Atlanta community - I have noticed a group of parents that always climb to the top - with their children, as a way to handle the trials and tribulations of family life. These parents are the ones that normally have the same set of problems as their neighbors or coworkers or subordinates - and despite the challenges of raising a family, can manage problems as it was a daily commuter flight from Atlanta to New York.

These parents I would like to call my "Responders". When presented with information that may be troubling - such as "Your child is not keeping up in reading", "Your child was caught mouthing off to the After School Program Director", "Your child misbehaved during recess" - these parents reflect upon the situation and quickly, without losing integrity, (or "face" as it would be called in Asian culture)  apologize for the act of transgression and immediately find a way to remedy the situation.

I am always proud of the way that these "Responsive Parents" are able to get what they want in the various "Academic and Social" lines that their child has to stand in. One example was of a parent that tried, for about three weeks, to prepare her young child to enter into the premier private schools in Atlanta. If anyone knows the educational climate of the private schools here in Atlanta - it is not something for the feint of heart. It takes months - sometimes even years to set all the pieces in place for successful admission. In this particular case, both her and her daughter took the crash course.  They were  "seen" by a leading so-called "Educational Consultant" who after ten minutes said, "Sure your child will get in." Unfortunately, she did not get in that year.

This "Responsive" Mother did what most mothers did. She went through the "Five Stages of Grief":
1. Denial - It must have been a mistake, my daughter is extremely bright
2. Anger - How could they not admit my child! There is something wrong with the school
3. Bargaining - If I give the school money - they are sure to accept my child next year
4. Depression - Let's give up on this idea. We will just move closer to where my in-laws live
5. Acceptance - It's okay. We will have to come up with a different plan for next year.**

** This is where I came in. We looked at everything that the family did to prepare for the process - and came up with a different game plan. This included conversations/language/activities that would increase the likelihood of success - no matter what the situation was. The mother spoke to the different directors at the school and did nothing but listen to what their feedback was - and not what they needed to do to change admissions policies. It was no longer a case of "Oh woe is me - my child was rejected" but rather, "What are the necessary steps to ensure that this never happens again?" It is great to say that this young child was accepted to the top four tiered schools in Atlanta - and as a family - has reached monumental success in the community because of they way that they "respond" to situations - and not react.

This Friday, April the 5th - Is When Letters Are Sent Home To Private School Applicants!

How did you do? I am so excited to see what the turnout was for this year!