EDUCATION SERVICES
Since 2008, Brett Torino Foundation and Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Education Services has developed a number of education services designed to meet the educational needs of children (K-12) diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening or chronic illness in Southern Nevada. In addition to supporting 175 diagnosed children annually, the program also offers resources and assistance to their siblings, as well as to school age children whose parents are diagnosed with cancer, recognizing the unique challenges they may face.
The program provides a way for chronically ill children to continue their education while receiving treatment, ensuring they can return to school with equal opportunities and any accommodations required by law. Named after its benevolent donor, Brett Torino of Brett Torino Foundation, the program offers tutoring, advocacy, in-patient learning, scholarships, transition services, and more. Through these programs, licensed professional staff members work to ensure that each child is given the opportunity and support to succeed in their education.
Brett Torino Foundation and Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Education Services serves children diagnosed with cancer, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, renal, blood, and immunologic diseases. These services offer children the opportunity to continue their education while undergoing treatment, recovering, during inpatient care, and even after treatment. Brett Torino is dedicated to supporting a child’s access to and success in education in numerous ways:
Brett Torino Foundation Learning Pod at NVCCF – The Learning Pod is located at NVCCF and operates during the school year for children K through 12th grades. This program is managed by a licensed teacher along with volunteer tutors to assist NVCCF kids with specialized tutoring, learning, and homework.
Brett Torino Foundation “Heart of Education” Scholarship – This special scholarship, gifted by Brett Torino, is awarded annually to a child served by NVCCF who has shown courage, achievement, perseverance, and success in their continued education.
School Re-Entry Team – NVCCF’s Director of Education and licensed interdisciplinary team work closely with medical staff, schoolteachers, and other Clark County School District staff members to facilitate a child’s return to the classroom. NVCCF staffers work to ensure appropriate accommodations to curriculum for equal access to education for children with medical and behavioral needs.
Success in Education – NVCCF’s professional staffers advocate for children at school meetings (504, IEP, and private conferences) and educate school staff regarding a child’s medical, social, and emotional needs while determining a successful path for education.
Back to School in Style – Students reentering school are treated with a new backpack, a gift card for new clothes, and the emotional support and enthusiasm needed for this transition during their fight against disease. Additionally, school supplies are provided throughout the year to children in treatment.
This program is available to critically ill children (K-12) diagnosed with life threatening illnesses including cancer, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, renal, blood, and immunologic diseases, their siblings, as well as to children whose parents are diagnosed with cancer and registered with The Caring Place Program of NVCCF. Please call Jess Anderson at NVCCF at 702.735.8434 or email her at jess@nvccf.org for more information and education support.
How the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Helps:
PROCESS FOR RECEIVING EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES
First, clients will receive an initial psycho-social assessment, with an NVCCF licensed social worker, to identify needs of a child and their family related to diagnosis, including financial, educational, emotional, and social support. At this time families are asked to bring the clients most recent report card, infinite campus information, and, if applicable, a copy of the client’s transcript, 504 plan, and /or IEP to the meeting.
All educational needs identified during the assessment will be given to the Education Services Supervisor through an internal referral. Upon the review of the referral and assessment, the Education Services Supervisor will complete a follow up call with the family and provide an educational strategy designed to meet the educational needs of the student and family. The educational strategy may include the implementation of accommodations through a 504 plan or IEP and tutoring.
After suggested recommendations have been provided, parents may be required to schedule a meeting with their child’s school to address the needs of their child and the parents’ concerns related to the successful transition to the school setting and/or effective classroom instruction. NVCCF’s Education Services Supervisor will attend such meetings and provide advocacy.
GET STARTED WITH EDUCATION SERVICES FOR YOUR CHILD
Call NVCCF at 702.735.8434 and speak with a Project A.R.K. (aids and resources for kids) staff member who will assist in completing a referral.
These education services are made possible by the long-standing support of The Brett Torino Foundation.
CONTACT A SOCIAL WORKER
Fill out the form below to contact a social worker about how NVCCF can help you and your family.
There are a number of volunteer opportunities for many events and programs.
Donations go toward improving the lives of those touched by cancer.
