# data[].attributes.body
https://www.mayinstitute.org/news/acl/asd-and-dd-child-focused/teaching-a-child-with-autism-how-to-wear-a-mask-or-face-covering/#:~:text=Consider%20possible%20sensory%20issues%20that,Same%20with%20ties.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7753388/

https://www.autismpartnershipsg.com/articles/how-do-i-teach-my-child-to-put-on-a-mask/

https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/childrens-health/5-ways-to-get-young-kids-to-wear-face-masks

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Categories: ASD and DD, Child-focused; COVID-19 Topics

By Jenna Garvey, M.Ed., LABA, BCBA

[This column was published in The West Springfield Republican on 6/25/20.]

During COVID-19, we've all had to make changes to our daily routines. This includes wearing masks as a part of daily life. However, some individuals with autism may not understand why we're all suddenly wearing face coverings. Others may have sensory issues that make mask-wearing uncomfortable. Here are some guidelines for helping your child with autism tolerate wearing a mask.

First, to the extent appropriate for your child, consider providing information about why we are wearing masks. You may consider using a tool such as a social story - a simple narrative that provides information about a social situation using clear language and an unassuming approach, and often includes pictures. Try googling "social story mask" to find many options that may be appropriate, or that may spark some ideas for you to create a customized story for your child.

Consider possible sensory issues that may create a barrier to mask-wearing. If your child has an aversion to specific fabrics, keep this in mind as you try different options. For example, if your child has difficulty with synthetics but does better with cotton, try a cotton mask first! Same with ties. Some children will do better with over-the-ear elastic, while some may better tolerate a tie at the back of the head. Also consider use of a gaiter - a cloth neck covering that can be pulled up over the face and, in some cases, has a cut-out for the ears. Wearing a gaiter will eliminate the need for elastic and ties altogether. The longer we're living with COVID-19, the more options are hitting the market; there are far more choices available now than were available initially.

Next, think about how to make wearing a mask motivating and less scary. Work toward this goal by finding lots of practice opportunities, and reinforce your child's tolerance of even small steps. This will vary for everyone. Some children may have to start off by wearing the mask for just a few seconds or even just picking up or touching the mask. You can then provide reinforcement (perhaps access to a preferred activity, a special treat, or tickles and hugs) for tolerating short durations. With frequent practice, you'll increase the duration to a more functional amount of time. Consider wearing the mask around the house or during really preferred activities before jumping straight to an outing.

Finally, please keep in mind these are stressful times for us all. Masks are just one part of our new reality that includes changing expectations, disruption of routine, and unavailability of some of our favorite activities. Our children often take emotional cues from us, so try to keep stress low surrounding the need to wear a mask. We want mask-wearing to be paired with access to fun places and things, not a source of stress.

Remember Rome wasn't built in a day! It may take some planning, practice, and praise for your child to adjust to this expectation. And if you need further assistance with this or other behavioral issues arising in the home, try asking your child's educational team for guidance or consult a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for assistance.

Jenna Garvey, M.Ed., LABA, BCBA, is Clinical Director at the May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in West Springfield. She can be contacted at jgarvey@mayinstitute.org.

May Institute is a nonprofit organization that is a national leader in the field of applied behavior analysis, serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, brain injury and neurobehavioral disorders, and other special needs. Founded more than 65 years ago, we provide a wide range of exceptional educational and rehabilitative services across the lifespan. May Institute operates four schools for children and adolescents with ASD and other developmental disabilities, including one in West Springfield, Mass. For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
COVID-19: Teaching a Child with Autism How to Wear a Mask or Face Covering

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Categories: ASD and DD, Child-focused; COVID-19 Topics By Jenna Garvey, M.Ed., LABA, BCBA [This column was published in The West Springfield Republican on 6/25/20.] During COVID-19, we've all had to make changes to our daily routines. This includes wearing masks as a part of daily life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Do People Wear Masks?  | Jack Hartmann| Face Mask Song

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Wear a Mask Song | Wash your hands | Dance Time with Pororo! | Song for kids | Nursery Rhymes

# data[].attributes.body
https://aimclinics.com/resources/four-tips-for-teaching-handwashing-skills

https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/back-to-school/hand-washing-autism/

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=teaching-kids-to-wash-their-hands-1-972

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Four Tips for Teaching Handwashing Skills
3/31/2020 By Maria Longinotti, RBT
Handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of germs and keep your family healthy, and it's more important than ever due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Getting children to wash their hands can be a challenge though. Below, we've outlined several tips to teach your child handwashing skills.

1. Tell them when to wash.

It is important to develop a routine with your child and make handwashing a priority. It will take some time to turn it into a habit, but children learn when taught by example. Make it a family activity and participate in the routine with your child.

Help your child remember when to wash by incorporating it into existing routines around meals and playtime. Here's a list of common times children should wash their hands:

Before eating

After using the restroom

After playing outside

After touching pets

After coughing or sneezing

Anytime their hands are visibly dirty

2. Show them the power of soap.

It can be beneficial to teach your child why you are washing your hands through a fun activity. Try this easy, interactive experiment to show how soap helps wash away germs.

Fill up the sink and sprinkle pepper on the surface of the water.

Have your child dip their hand in.

Point out how the pepper stays in place and sticks to their hands.

Next, have them coat their hand in soap and dip it in the water again.

This time point out how the pepper moves away from the soap on their hands!

3. Use a visual aid.

A visual aid will help your child remember the steps to proper handwashing. Post it at your child's eye level above the bathroom sink so they can look at it each time. Download one of our visuals here or create your own!

Steps to remember:

Push up sleeves and grab a stool if needed to safely reach the sink.

Turn on faucet (warm water is recommended; provide supervision as needed).

Wet hands thoroughly.

Apply soap and scrub for 20 seconds. Remember to clean the front and sides of hands, along with in between the fingers.

Rinse hands under running water.

Dry hands with a clean towel or paper towel, or air dry with a hand dryer.

Reinforce! Lots of praise never hurts!

4. Make it fun!

In addition to washing your hands with your child, singing a song can help make it fun and ensure they're washing for the proper amount of time. Remember, the goal is 20 seconds-make up a song or game, sing the Happy Birthday song twice or use a 20-second snippet from your child's favorite show or movie! A countdown timer may also be helpful, depending on the child.

Handwashing is an important skill that children need to develop in order to protect themselves and their families. Taking the time to teach them when, why and how to wash their hands will help keep them interested and will help them wash more effectively.

For additional reading, check out the CDC handwashing page where the Centers for Disease Control provides information about the science behind handwashing as well as additional tips and tricks for teaching your child good habits.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Four Tips for Teaching Handwashing Skills - Autism in Motion Clinics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of germs and keep your family healthy, and it's more important than ever due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. Getting children to wash their hands can be a challenge though. We've outlined several tips to teach your child handwashing skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hand Washing for Kids - Get Rid of Germs Learn How to Wash Your Hands

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Steps to Washing Your Hands (Short Version) - Hygiene Habits for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hand Washing for Kids: Pump The Pump Music Video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Developing fine motor skills helps your children to perform important tasks such as feeding themselves, writing, zipping clothes, and more. This article will give insights to parents about the importance of fine motor skills, what fine motor milestones children hit at various stages, and provide activities to strengthen this learning domain at home.

Grabbing Fingers and Toes: Why Are Fine Motor Skills Important?

Fine motor activity involves the use of small muscles that control the hand, fingers, and thumbs. Fine motor skills help children perform important tasks such as feeding themselves, grasping objects, and writing. The ability to accomplish self-care and everyday tasks by using fine motor skills helps a child's self-esteem and confidence grow.

It's important to work with children early on to help fine motor skills develop at a young age. Fine motor skills improve with practice, so the earlier the better!

Children who struggle with fine motor tasks become frustrated and upset if they cannot complete everyday tasks. As an example, a child might have a hard time holding scissors and cutting across a dotted line. This might cause them to feel frustrated and discouraged and to avoid cutting exercises since they feel like it's too difficult for them. You can help them work up to it by starting some of the below activities early.

Fine Motor Skills Milestones by Age

A reminder to parents: your child's development path is unique. Teachers at Vivvi partner with families to support each child's appropriate pace, and we always encourage you to reach out to our pediatrician if you have concerns.

0 - 6 Months

Most babies will have a reflexive grasp at birth and around three months of age, they will start to reach for objects. They will also start to develop their voluntary grasp and 2 handed palmar grasps. At 5 months, they are typically demonstrating a 1 handed palmar grasp and at 6 months developing a controlled reach.

6 - 12 Months

From 6 to 12 months, most infants will start to reach and grasp for objects to put in their mouth, and will start to develop the ability to control their release of objects they are holding. They will also develop a pincer grasp and pick things up with this grasp (thumb and one finger). They will also be able to transfer an object from one hand to the other and be able to drop and pick up their toys.

12 - 24 Months

At 12 to 24 months of age, most children are interested in stacking using building blocks. They will also be working on being able to put rings on a stick, place pegs onto a pegboard, and turn pages a few at a time. They can also start to scribble, paint using their whole arm movement, shifting their hands and making strokes, and self-feed with little to no assistance.

Twos

Around the age of two, toddlers can start to string large beads, turn single pages, snip using scissors and hold crayons using their thumb and fingers (instead of their fist). They will also be able to use one hand consistently during most activities, and start to paint using their wrists, making dots, lines, and circular strokes. Your toddler will also be able to eat reliably with no assistance.

Threes

At three years old, your toddler will be able to build taller towers out of building blocks and manipulate clay materials by rolling them into balls, making snakes or cookies. You might also notice that they are starting to use their non-dominant hand to assist and stabilize the other when using objects.

Fours

At age four, most children will be able to continuously cut along the dotted lines on pieces of paper. They will be able to copy a cross or square shape while drawing and be able to write their name and numbers 1 to 5. They can copy letters and their handedness will be well established. They will also start to be able to get dressed all by themselves.

Best Activities to Strengthen Fine Motor Skills for Preschoolers

Here are some ideas of great activities you can do at home to help build your child's fine motor skills. These activities are fun, engaging and they can help your child get over the frustrated bump of giving up.

Playdough

Everyone knows that play dough is extremely popular with young children, and it can be a great toy for strengthening fine motor skills. Playdough is a malleable material that makes it fun for toddlers to investigate, and while they do so they build up strength in their small muscles and tendons, preparing them for other activities in the future such as handling scissors.

Threading Beads

Threading is another great activity for your child to build up their fine motor skills. By having your child thread beads onto some pipe cleaners, they will use their concentration, thinking skills, and a pincer-like grasp which will help them be able to grip a pencil later on. Using pipe cleaners rather than a string is great for younger children age 2 and up, as it is easier to hold than string and you can twist and shape it during the threading which can be even more interesting for your little one.

Weaving Hearts

Using yarn and cardboard can introduce your little one to the concept of sewing and weaving. Cut out fun shapes, like hearts, out of cardboard with a space in the middle so that your toddler can weave yarn through. It's a great way for them to strengthen their hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and it makes for great decoration.

At Vivvi, we believe in an inquiry-based learning model that helps children grow through interacting with the world around them. By engaging in activities that include sensory play, scientific inquiry, literacy, and more, children will develop the skills they need to progress in kindergarten and beyond. You can learn more about milestones and our domains of learning on our website.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Importance of Fine Motor Skills for Preschoolers | Vivvi

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Developing fine motor skills helps your children to perform important tasks such as feeding themselves, writing, zipping clothes, and more. This article will give insights to parents about the importance of fine motor skills, what fine motor milestones children hit at various stages, and provide activities to strengthen this learning domain at home.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.funearlylearning.com/importance-of-fine-motor-skills/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As parents, you play a critical role in your child's fine motor skill development. The most important thing you can do is to provide opportunities that are fun and interactive for your child. Developing fine motor skills in early childhood education helps build the foundation for important future skills like writing and self-care. In this article we'll walk you through the importance of fine motor skills and what you can do to help your child build them.

Importance of Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills involve the use of the small muscles that control the hand, fingers, and thumb. They help children perform important tasks like feeding themselves, grasping toys, buttoning and zipping clothes, writing, drawing, and more. The ability to complete self-care and every day tasks helps a child's self esteem and confidence to increase.

It's important to start working with children on building their fine motor skills early on. Fine motor skills will develop and improve as they move through childhood. It just takes the right kind of practice.

Some children may struggle with performing tasks that use their fine motor skills. This can cause them to become frustrated and upset when they can't complete every day tasks. For example, a child may have a difficult time holding scissors and cutting along a dotted line. This could cause them to be frustrated at the task and avoid cutting exercises because they feel it's too difficult.

We'll show you some great activities to help build your child's fine motor skills that are fun, engaging, and can help get children over the frustrated bump of giving up.

Activities to Develop Fine Motor Skills

Academic Activities

Free Play Activities

Building with Legos and Blocks

Puzzles

Dressing Dolls

Playing Games like Operation and Lite-Brite

Beading Necklaces

Drawing with Sidewalk Chalk

Playing with Play Dough

Self-Care Activities

Tying Shoes

Buttoning and Zipping Shirts and Jackets

Eating and Cutting Food

Brushing Hair and Teeth

Using the Toilet

Fine motor skills gradually build for children as they do activities to help strengthen their muscles and coordination. Make sure to keep the fine motor activities fun and change it up for your child! The more they want to play and explore with activities that build their fine motor skills, the more precise their movements will be.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Importance of Fine Motor Skills in Early Childhood

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As parents, you play a critical role in your child's fine motor skill development. The most important thing you can do is to provide opportunities that are fun and interactive for your child. Developing fine motor skills in early childhood education helps build the foundation for important future skills like writing and self-care.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
50+ fine motor skills activities. Learn what is fine motor development and how to explore more fun improve dexterity through play.

# data[].attributes.headline
Potty training can be challenging, but if we work together we can teach our kiddos how to use the toilet faster. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Potty training can be challenging, but if we work together we can teach our kiddos how to use the toilet faster. 

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/toilet-training/Pages/Toilet-Training-Children-with-Special-Needs.aspx

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Potty Song | Toilet Training | Nursery Rhymes | Kids Songs | Baby Cartoon | BabyBus

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Potty Training Song | CoComelon Can Help! | CoComelon Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs

# data[].attributes.headline
A visual to help walk students through the steps of using the toilet

# data[].attributes.subject
A visual to help walk students through the steps of using the toilet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
7 Expert Tips to Potty Train Kids With Special Needs - MeBeFamily

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For parents of children with developmental disabilities, potty training can […]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Fine motor skills are small actions that require precise, coordinated movements of small muscle groups. Fine motor skills are usually associated with fingers and toes doing important motions like gripping, picking things up, and wiggling. Although our fine motor skills are continually developing throughout our lives, they are growing at an extraordinarily rapid rate during toddler and early childhood years.

Nurturing your little one's fine motor skills can be a fun, colorful, creative adventure. Here are some of Cubic Frog® favorite painting activities that use simple, household items, require little to no set up, stimulate that left brain with sensory play, and also exercise and sharpen fine motor skills of the hands and fingers.

Dexterity building using fine motor skills painting: Cubic Frog® Top 10!

Cubic Frog® always wants to know your favorite easy art projects and fine motor skills painting projects! Send us art work, feel free to add your own recipes for creativity, and experiences with little artists and toddler time!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fine Motor Skills Painting: 10 Easy DIY Activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fine motor skills are small actions that require precise, coordinated movements of small muscle groups. Fine motor skills are usually associated with fingers and toes doing important motions like gripping, picking things up, and wiggling. Although our fine motor skills are continually developing throughout our lives, they are growing at an extraordinarily rapid rate during toddler and early childhood years.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Here are ideas for improving fine motor skills in Pre-K/ Preschool children. Find additional fine motor activities here.

Find more fine motor ideas on the Fine Motor Skills Resource Page

Fine Motor Skills is one of the main areas I sought to improve in my Pre-K classroom this past year (2008-09). I think fine motor is an area which is often overlooked, yet it is so important. Fine motor skills are the foundation children need before they learn handwriting, in order to have proper pencil grasp and control of a writing instrument.

My goals were to increase the fine motor materials available in our classroom environment, and to plan activities and materials that are interesting and fun so that children would be motivated to use them and would choose them during their free choice time. Most of these activities use "found materials" that can be borrowed, donated, or purchased inexpensively, rather than commercially produced and sold in an educational catalog. Below are several of the fine motor skills activities my class did this year. A few of these ideas were borrowed from Montessori (and I've noted those below).

Water Drops with Suction Cups

The little suction cups on the bottom of these bathtub shapes become mini bowls when turned upside down and used in this activity. (These were purchased at the Dollar Tree.) Children use a finger grasp to squeeze one drop of colored water into each little bowl on the dish. [Idea borrowed from Montessori]

Beads with Suction Cups

These are the same bathtub shapes as in the above activity. Children use their thumb and forefinger to grasp each little bead and place it on a bowl on the shape. The beads are pony beads purchased from a craft store. [Idea borrowed from Montessori]

Clothesline

Children use their fine motor muscles to squeeze the clothespins to clip each piece of clothing to the clothesline. I tied a piece of thick string to the handles of a wooden tray to make the clothesline, and used mini clothespins (although the regular sized clothespins can be used as well). The clothes are Barbie doll clothes purchased at a dollar store. As an alternative, you could cut out shapes of shirts and pants from felt.

Clothespins on a Box

Children squeeze the clothespins and clip them to the sides of the box. To make the activity more interesting, I wrote letters on dot stickers and placed the dot stickers around the sides of the boxes. I wrote letters on the clothespins so the children would match the letters on the clothespins to the letters on the boxes. Other skills could be used, e.g. colors, numbers, beginning sounds. This is similar to activities where children clip clothespins to a paper plate or cardstock circle; however, in my experience, those were flimsy and awkward to use, which is why I like the box better. Any sturdy box could be used (shoe box, postal box). The boxes in this picture were stacking gift boxes that held chocolate covered nuts (a Christmas gift), and they worked out perfectly.

Nuts & Bolts

These larger nuts and bolts can be purchased individually at hardware stores. The cost is usually no more than $0.40 to $0.50 each. Children use their fingers, hands, and wrists, coordinating both hands while grasping and twisting the metal nuts onto the bolts.

Sewing/Lacing Cards

These can be purchased or made with poster board and a hole puncher. Use shoe laces or plastic lacing. Tie one end of the lace to one hole of the card. Children lace the string through each hole. These can be made to match different themes or holidays.

Plate Sewing

Tie lengths of yarn to plastic yarn needles, and knot the end. Children "sew" the yarn on a styrofoam plate by pushing the needle in and out through the plate.

Stringing Cut Straws

Cut plastic drinking straws into small pieces, about 1-inch. (Cutting the straws is another great fine motor activity for kids.) Tie yarn to a plastic needle, or use plastic laces, and knot the end. Children string the straws onto the yarn or lace.

Stringing Beads

Children string pony beads onto pipe cleaners.

Bean Gluing

Children draw a simple picture on a piece of construction paper with a pencil. They trace the pencil lines with glue and glue the beans onto the design. Gripping the beans with their fingers is good fine motor practice.

Seeds and Tweezers

Children pick up different types of seeds with tweezers and sort them by type into the cups.

Unifix Cubes or Interlock Cubes

Children push the cubes with their hands to hook them together. Unifix cubes connect on one end and can make a long "train". Interlock Cubes connect on different sides and can make different things, for example the dogs the children were making in the photo.

Mosaic

In advance, cut construction paper into 1-inch long strips. Children "snip" the strips into smaller pieces and glue them onto their paper to make a mosaic. This activity is great for children who are not yet skilled with scissors, but need cutting practice because they can snip the paper with one cut.

Eyedropper Art

Children use eyedroppers to drop liquid watercolor onto a coffee filter or paper towel. (I use Colorations Liquid Watercolor from Discount School Supply.) If liquid watercolor is not available, you can color water with food color. Also see my blog post for adapting this activity for holidays or themes.

Paper Clips

The children in my class are always wanting to use paper clips because they see me use them, so I set up this activity in the fine motor center. I cut squares of colored construction paper and placed them on the tray along with colored paper clips. Children stack the papers (all of the same color) and clip them with the matching colored paper clip. This was challenging for some children to manipulate the paper clip, but they loved doing it, and it gave them an opportunity to use paper clips with permission.

Dot to Dot

I printed out the Geoboard Dot Paper from the Math Their Way website for this activity (I used the size on the second page). I added Pip Squeak markers, which are great for young children because they are short. Children draw lines with the markers to connect the dots on the paper.

Toothpick Punch

To do this activity, cut squares of construction paper (I cut mine 6×6 inches). Draw a numeral, letter, or simple shape with a Sharpie. I placed a stack of these papers in the fine motor center, along with toothpicks and a carpet square. Children place the paper on the carpet square and use the toothpick to punch holes all along the black lines. When they are done, they can hold their paper up to the light and see the light shining through the holes. Kids enjoy it and it's great fine motor practice!

Pinching Sand

Sand art is a great fine motor activity because children can pinch the sand with their fingers to apply it to their art work. Provide a simple outline (or have the children draw one), a small bowl of white glue, a small bowl of colored sand, and a "glue brush". I buy the cheap paintbrushes with stiff bristles that are sold in a package for $1 at dollar stores. These brushes are not a good enough quality for painting, but they make great glue brushes. Children paint the glue on their paper with the brush, pinch some sand with their fingers, and sprinkle it over the glue. Place a pan, tray, or paper plate on the table for children to shake off the excess sand.

Insect Wrapping

Children wrap the plastic insects with pieces of white yarn ("spider webs"). When they are finished wrapping all of the insects, they unwrap them and place the yarn back in the bowl. We do this activity during a study of bugs and spiders.

Birds Eating Worms

Cut pipe cleaners into smaller pieces and shape them to make several "worms". Place the worms on a brown carpet square (this represents the dirt). Children use a clothespin as a bird beak and catch the worms with their beak. As they catch worms, they place them in a basket until all of the worms have been collected.

Marbles and Melon Scoops

Children scoop the marbles with melon scoops and place them in the ice cube tray. This ice cube tray was found at a kitchen discount store. Also posted at Fine Motor in the Sensory Table. See my blog post for a Halloween adaption to this activity.

Pouring

Children pour something from one bottle to another. I started out having them pour popcorn seeds. They can later try pouring sand, and then water.

Color Mixing

Children mix primary-colored water to make secondary colors. The bucket in the middle is for dumping the water when finished, or to start over. Also posted on the Sensory Table page.

Knobbed Puzzles

Children exercise the fingers used for a pencil grasp when picking up puzzle pieces that have knobs or pegs.

Legos

A bit obvious, but should not be forgotten.

Play Dough

An old stand-by. Also see my webpage for more play dough activities.

Peg Boards

Another old stand-by.

Additional Fine Motor Posts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Here are ideas for improving fine motor skills in Pre-K/ Preschool children. Find additional fine motor activities here. Find more fine motor ideas on the

# data[].attributes.body
Mel has been working as a severely handicapped paraeducator for 3 years. Mel enjoys working with the students and always come to work with a positive attitude. She is very excited to start this new year! She has missed the students and is looking forward to meeting some new students as well.

Marilyn has been working as a severely handicapped paraeducator for 5 years. She loves coming into work and seeing all of the students happy faces! Marilyn loves working with the students and it brings her joy seeing the progress that they make.