Exceptional Children's Advocacy Group (ECAG)

In today’s fast-changing world, navigating the special education system and accessing the right support can feel overwhelming. The Exceptional Children's Advocacy Group (ECAG) is here to help. We provide a strong, inclusive community where parents, caregivers, and self-advocates of all ages can find guidance, connection, and empowerment. Through educational workshops, advocacy, and both virtual and in-person events, we address the real issues families face—ensuring individuals with exceptional needs have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they deserve. Together, we are stronger, more informed, and better equipped to create lasting change.
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Parent Mentor Services
Joy Howard:
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Support for families to answer questions and concerns about the special education process via in-person meetings, by email or over the phone
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Guidance and information about the CH-UH special education program
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Preparation, support and guidance for IEP meetings
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Resources relating to special education within and around the CH-UH community
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Host and promote community engagement events, workshops and special events
Joy Howard serves as our district’s Parent Mentor, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to supporting families of individuals with exceptional needs. As a healthcare worker, active community advocate, and parent of children with exceptional needs, Joy understands the challenges families face and is committed to providing guidance, resources, and empowerment. She offers compassionate support to help parents and caregivers navigate the special education system, access services, and advocate for their loved ones.
For assistance, Joy can be reached by email at joy@reachingheights.org or by phone at (216) 236-3616.
"As a mother of a child with an IEP, I know how discouraging the process can feel sometimes and how truly amazing our children are. My goal is to help families build strong toolkits so they can be their children's best and strongest advocates."
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ECAG Events & Resources
As Cleveland Heights-University Heights parents/caregivers of those living with disabilities, we believe ALL children deserve the right to learn and thrive in proactive, integrated and rigorous learning environments in a community that provides opportunities, education and collaboration to help them live up to their full potential.
We warmly invite everyone to join us for our parent support group meetings held every other month on the 3rd Mondays of the month from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm, unless special programs are happening that month. Meet other parents who share similar life experiences raising special needs children and have navigated the myriad of choices that must be made to support their children. In addition to providing support, the group also addresses specific needs parents may have by connecting them to the resources and training they need. It is also during these monthly meetings that we plan collaborative events with the school district in an effort to improve its special education program. Meetings are currently virtual and in-person Zoom link is always: https://bit.ly/ECAGCHUH


CHARLIE HEALTH PRESENTS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE
EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY GROUP
Prioritizing Behavioral Strategies & Self-Care
March 20, 2025
6 - 7:30 p.m.
📚🌟 Empowering Families: Prioritizing Behavioral Strategies & Self-Care!
Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Noble Neighborhood Branch, Heights Libraries
Join us for an uplifting and interactive evening designed to support parents, guardians, and caregivers! This event is all about equipping you with practical strategies, expert insights, and self-care tools—because a healthier family starts with a well-supported you!
Featured Speaker: Dominic Nicholas, Clinical Outreach Manager at Charlie Health – Learn effective behavioral strategies to navigate challenges and build a stronger, more connected family.
Chair Yoga with Rachel Martin – Take a moment to breathe, stretch, and recharge with simple relaxation techniques you can use every day.
Connect & Share – Meet fellow caregivers, exchange experiences, and build a supportive network!
Whether you're looking for fresh parenting strategies, stress relief, or a chance to connect with others who understand, this event is for YOU!
Come for the knowledge, stay for the connection—and leave feeling empowered!
RSVP today and make self-care a priority! We can’t wait to see you there.
Registration: https://bit.ly/41h8WqA
special events

Video
The PACTS special education program received a special message from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson!
Rec2Connect's Connect and Move Program in collaboration with the Shaker Heights Recreation Department is an engaging program that provides children with the opportunity to explore a variety of exercise and sport activities while developing essential skills in teamwork, social interaction and motor planning.
We'll be working with ages 7 - 14 on Wednesdays from 6 - 7 p.m. on February 19th through March 19th! See our flier for program description, location, time and registration information.
Registration for this program opens on February 6th. Head to https://shakerheights.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=3415 to register!

resources
CH-UH school district special education information
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Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
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Cuyahoga Board of Health Provide direction, support, and coordination in preventing, preparing for, and responding to events that threaten the public's health.
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Milestones Autism Resource Toolkits for diagnosis, behavior, and much more.
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MetroHealth School Based Health Care Enrollment
The MetroHealth Institute for H.O.P.E. School Health Program is partnering with CH-UH to offer health care services on-site at your child’s school. Your child will now have easier medical service access during the school day.
Redtreehouse.org Supporting the well-being of Ohio's families and children with challenges, disabilities, and health care needs.
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CH-UH School COVID-19 Information
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Local Pantry and Crisis Contact List
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ECAG and Parent Mentoring programming are generously supported through CH-UH Schools' IDEA funding.
some fun & learning we've had



















