Children and teens are spending more and more time playing video games online with their friends. For most, this is a positive experience, allowing them to communicate with others even when they are unable to physically be with them. This is particularly true for people with difficulty spending time with others in-person, like those with major depressive disorder, autism spectrum disorder and social anxiety disorder.  

This unconventional method of communication is helpful in fostering connections while building the skills and confidence necessary to interact face-to-face. Although steps should be taken to ensure children’s safety online, online video games are a large part of the lives of young people and should be recognized as a source of social support.

The Therapeutic Day School of JCFS is one of 110 Chicago-area schools to receive more than $110,000 of brand-new sports equipment to help support physical education programs. The Chicago Cubs and national nonprofit Good Sport donated the equipment as well as hosted an event to sort, pack and ship physical education kits (PE) to the various recipient schools.

As part of our mission to provide a holistic education for students that helps them achieve success in life and in the community, staff at the JCFS Therapeutic Day School participate in professional development days, or staff in-service events. During a recent in-service event, staff learned new techniques for helping students accept responsibility for their actions, change their behaviors, and cultivate their social-emotional growth.

At some point, parents have to set limits on their children's behavior. Children need structure and discipline, but not every kind of parental response is effective. Impulsively, some parents resort to harsh discipline and lecturing to help their children behave, but there are much better options.

Ever wonder how a hump of clay transforms into a beautifully designed finished product?  Read about how our TDS students crafted 100 mugs to help fulfill a special design purchase order. TDS students visit the Art Room every week where the engage in out-of-the box activities.

Being a parent can be a joyful, rewarding experience, but it also comes with challenges, particularly for parents of children with special needs. Resolving to set aside even 15 minutes per day to recharge can help you regain focus and control and be the best version of yourself for your kids.

Did you know that too many toys in a child’s play environment can have a negative effect on their development? Having access to fewer toys enhances children’s cognitive and neurological development according to the findings of a study conducted by the University of Toledo and recently published in The Journal of Infant Behavior and Development.

No one realizes before they have kids, how many “what do I do now?” moments are involved in being a parent.  There are so many parenting books that it’s impossible to know what to read (if you have the time and energy to read) and too many people are eager to tell you what your family should be doing. 

Elana Boiskin, Jewish Chaplaincy Program Coordinator of JCFS was presented the distinguished Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies (MAJPS) at Spertus Institute’s commencement ceremony on December 9, 2018. Elana was among 17 Jewish communal professionals and scholars from across North America who were also awarded this prestigious degree.