E83: Empowering Parents: How to Advocate for Your Child's Needs

Sarah Rintamaki is the Founder and Executive Director of Connecting for Kids, a nonprofit organization based here in Northeast Ohio that provides education and support to families with concerns about their children. Sarah actually started out in the business management field. She has an MBA from the University of Chicago and spent a summer on Wall Street. In her 20s and 30s she built a career as an international strategic business consultant, flying all over the world to advise corporate leaders about how they should be guiding their companies. One such client, Peter B. Lewis of Progressive Insurance, talked her into coming to work for him, and that led her to the greater Cleveland area, which she now calls home. It was later, as a young mom, that things started to change. It became clear that her children were struggling and needed some pretty intense interventions. Sarah took what she thought would be a temporary leave of absence to help research what was needed and put a plan in place for her kids. Eventually, after several major life events, it became clear to Sarah that she needed to find another path, and that path led her to what she’s doing now. But that choice she made, that she felt she had to make – the pressures and lack of options that many, especially working mothers, face – is something she thinks deeply about. Listen in as Sarah talks routes to find advocacy and support during a time of concern.  This is another episode in our series with The Literacy Cooperative to bring more information and support to parents and children about better ways to learn, have a safe learning environment and beyond. Donate to this amazing organization here. Listen in now! Key Takeaways [00:02:12] Developmental delays in children [00:06:57] Early intervention evaluation resources [00:09:14] Evaluation for disability services [00:13:34] Advocacy through communication strategies [00:16:50] Documenting student social interactions [00:20:47] Evaluation and intervention process [00:23:37] Inequitable school funding in Ohio [00:30:05] Parent support and resources [00:31:53] Dyslexia screening in schools [00:35:43] Signs of dyslexia in children Where to Find Sarah LinkedIn – Sarah Rintamaki Email – [e-mail] Where to Find Connecting for Kids Website – ConnectingforKids.org Instagram – @ConnectforKids Facebook – Connecting for Kids Email – [e-mail] How to find us - Visit our website – hardnopodcast.com – for show notes, which include links to books and other helpful resources. Like what you hear? Please subscribe, rate and review so others can find us, and make sure to follow us on social media. We're @hardnopodcast on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices