SCRANTON, Pa. — Navigating a new school year can be daunting.
"He wasn't participating in field day due to his, you know, auditory and sensory needs, and things are just different for a child on the spectrum," said Vivan Williams, a district parent whose 11-year-old son Tanner is on the autism spectrum.
But now the two won't have to do it alone.
"The fact that the district is making that space for us, um, and that Doctor Keating is hearing parents and their concerns, was just, was great."
The Scranton School District announced a new program, a Parent Support Group for "Exceptional Children."
The goal is to connect parents in similar situations, those raising kids with extra needs.
"To be able to give parents a support group where they could work with each other, and then we could bring in resources for them to help them work through their concerns and their needs," said Scranton School District Superintendent Dr. Erin Keating. "I think is a wonderful resource for the school district."
Keating says the road map was drawn up by the district's Special Education and Support Services Department.
Program Director Ann Genett says they'll bring in professionals from across the area to educate parents on everything from Special Education early intervention to how to handle the transition period after graduation.
"We're hoping that by doing these parent groups, they get to meet each other. And they get to see the programs and understand the programs that we have in the district," said Genett.
Making the start of the school year a little less daunting.
"I look forward to being able to talk to someone that can go. I know what your experience," said Williams.
The support group is for parents across the district in ages K-12. The first meeting is scheduled for October 7th.