INFORMATION FOR
Inclusive education is proactively planning for the needs of all learners.
The Learning Resource Center-North Satellite (LRC-NS) is an NJDOE grant-funded program that promotes inclusive education by integrating professional learning opportunities, family and community events, resources, and services. Services include an educational resource lending library, a self-service production center, and in-person and virtual professional learning opportunities.
As a member of the Learning Resource Center Network, the LRC-NS works to support the education of students with disabilities, helping them to succeed and achieve in the least restrictive environment.
The LRC-North Satellite at William Paterson University is a partnership with the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education and is 100% funded by federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B funds (CFDA #84.027A).
The LRC-NS is a membership-based organization that is available to the general public at no cost. When you join LRC-NS, you gain access to the production center, lending library and more! Not a member yet? Join today!
The Learning Resource Center - North Satellite at William Paterson University, in collaboration with the Office of Special Education, NJDOE, is pleased to offer free and engaging Professional Learning Opportunities for educators, leaders, and Instructional coaches. Through active engagement, participants will focus on content area instruction specific to inclusive education. Please see below for registration information and session details.
A Byte At A Time - Improving Instruction for all Learners
Discover how to integrate technology-based activities and websites into engaging choice boards. This session will address key concepts of Differentiated Instruction and guide participants in designing their own technology-enhanced choice boards tailored to diverse learner needs.
Dyscalculia: The Math Learning Disability
This session introduces dyscalculia, the math-related Specific Learning Disorder. Participants will learn about the characteristics of dyscalculia, its origins, and strategies to support students with this condition, enhancing their math learningexperience.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Session 1: Picture This: Powerful Communication, No Cords Required
This session provides an introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), with an emphasis on low- and mid-tech tools for use at home, school, and in the community. Participants will explore practical AAC options, including core and fringe vocabulary boards, communication books, and simple voiceoutput devices. The session will dispel common myths about AAC and highlight its importance in communication development. Participants will also receive links to ready-made AAC resources and gain hands-on strategies for creating personalized communication boards tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Session 2: AAC Matchmaker: Making High-Tech AAC A Perfect Match
This presentation explores high-tech AAC and its role in supporting individuals with complex communication needs. Participants will learn about AAC technology, debunk common myths, and discover inclusive, evidence-based practices. Key topics include the feature-matching process, considerations for selecting AAC tools, and an overview of popular apps. The session concludes by comparing individualized feature matching with a whole-school AAC approach, focusing on tool selection, staff training, and student support.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Session 3: Stick to the Plan: Effective AAC Implementation and Best Practices
This final session centers on building communication-rich environments that support meaningful interaction and independence for AAC users. Participants will explore how regulation, accessibility, and autonomy support authentic expression. Topics include communicative functions, aided language input, engagement levels, effective prompting, and using communication inventories for planning. The session also addresses common barriers and offers practical strategies to promote AAC as the student’s voice across all settings.
Understanding Childhood Anxiety
Gain an understanding of childhood anxiety and anxiety disorders, explore the connection between anxiety and challenging behaviors in both school and home settings, and identify key factors that influence the development of anxiety in children.
Ah-ha! Games for the Brain
This session provides cross-curricular activities, games, and projects that boost mathematical thinking and student engagement. Participants will discover fun and innovative ways to enhance student learning across subjects by integrating art, history, language, and math.
Cognitive Behavioral Strategies to Help Children with Anxiety
Develop an understanding of foundational cognitive-behavioral strategies to support young children with anxiety. Learn how to effectively talk with children about their anxious thoughts and emotions, and gain practical tools to help them gradually face and overcome their fears.
Strategies Specifically Designed for Teachers and Parents to Support Children with Anxiety
Explore additional strategies that educators and parents can use to support children whose anxiety may present as oppositional behavior. This session will cover techniques such as relaxation, emotion coaching, differential attention, and classroom-specific interventions to foster positive emotional and behavioral outcomes.
Demystifying Math Inclusion Confusion
When teachers implement straightforward strategies for differentiating instruction, students are more engaged and productive in the classroom. This is a simple recipe for reducing anxiety and seeing success!
