Discovery Center preschoolers enjoy popsicles on their annual water day May 21 to end the school year. (DISCOVERY CENTER PHOTO)
Lisa Sulich, early childhood preschool director, shared at the June Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities meeting about end-of-the school year activities at the Discovery Center.
The Annual Discovery Center Spring Program delighted families on May 16, and the annual water day in conjunction with the Bellefontaine Fire Department took place on May 21. Continuing a longtime tradition, Firefighter Ben Kennedy provided a high-pressure hose for the spray time fun on the warm and sunny day, as previously pictured in the Examiner.
Many of the preschoolers also enjoyed popsicles during their outdoor playtime.
If you are interested in enrolling your child, ages 3-5, in the Discovery Center for the 2024-25 school year, contact the center directly at 937-592-2009 for more information.
The Early Intervention Department recently delivered Sensory Kits to the Knowlton Library. These will be distributed to the other branches and will be available to check out and use while visiting the library.
These kits were made possible through ARPA grant funding.
Liz Rose, early intervention director, also reported that they will be applying for the Early Intervention Service Coordination Grant.
Staci Nichols, HR director, shared that Dora Tracy and Natalie LeMay have accepted instructor positions at the Discovery Center preschool for the 2024-25 school year. Donna Johnson, who was previously an instructor at the preschool, has accepted the position of evaluation specialist.
The meeting began with a presentation from the West Central Ohio Network (WestCON) Council of Governments. WestCON helps support 12 county boards of DD including Logan County through cost-effective shared services that help maximize resources.
Services that LCBDD receives from WestCON include financial services, provider support, investigative agent, eligibility determination, provider regulation and community relations.
WestCON was awarded funding from the ARPA Grant that will be utilized to purchase two mobile restroom trailers that will have an ADA compliant toilet and sink with an angled mirror, as well as a universal changing table and Hoyer lift.
Once the trailers are ready, they will be made available to WestCON member counties to utilize for special events in their county.
Also during the meeting, members renewed several contracts. The LCBDD works collaboratively with the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center to provide many services, such as speech therapy, substitute teachers, instructor assistants and resident educator services, all of which were approved for renewal.
A new contract with the Hardin County Board of DD to share business director services for one year was also approved.
Jason Moyer, SSA Director, reported that beginning July 1, people who have assessed needs and are on waivers through the Ohio Department of DD will be able to access 24/7 telehealth assessments.
This service offers real-time online health assessments by healthcare professionals who have specific training in intellectual and developmental disabilities. This service can help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits while also providing a positive step toward healthcare access, better health management and informed decision-making.
Business Director Jennifer Frail provided updates with community involvement and Special Olympics. The Track and Field athletes are preparing for the state meet in June.
Kelli Bader, Community First facilitator, is compiling a list of businesses who are interested in receiving one of the accessible door openers that will be purchased through ARPA grant funding.
Board meetings are typically conducted first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at 1973 State Route 47 West, Bellefontaine. The next meeting of the board is 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1. For further information on services, contact (937) 592-0015.