LEAP Solutions, LLC

02/24/2026

Cut out a few paper hearts using construction paper. Together with your child, come up with compliments to write on each heart like “You are sweet!” and “I love your smile!”

02/24/2026

Portage Township Autism Action Coalition will be one of the many vendors to visit Thursday evening at the Special Needs & Disabilities Resource Fair at the Hobart Community Center, 111 E. Old Ridge Road. The fair will be open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
PTAAC will share information about its Blue Envelope Program, Window Cling Program, Parent Autism Support Group and much more.
Hope to see you there!

02/24/2026

In the world of school psychology, Indiana Article 7 is more than policy language tucked inside a handbook. It is the compass that guides how we support students with disabilities and partner with families across Indiana.

Article 7 outlines the rights of children to receive appropriate services, ensures evaluations are thoughtful and comprehensive, and protects families’ voices in every decision. For school psychologists, it shapes how we assess learning and behavior, collaborate with educators, and design supports that truly fit each child. It reminds us that services must be individualized, fair, and focused on helping students thrive in the least restrictive environment.

When we follow Article 7, we are not just checking compliance boxes. We are building bridges between schools and families, advocating for students’ needs, and helping children access the support they deserve to learn, grow, and succeed.

There are so many great resources in NWI to help you navigate a system that can feel overwhelming, Let us know how we can help!

💛 Did you know? 💛

Article 7 is Indiana’s Special Education Law, and it guarantees children with disabilities (ages 3–22) the right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) designed to meet their individual needs.

That means:
✔️ Services tailored to your child
✔️ Support through an IEP
✔️ Education in the least restrictive environment
✔️ Protections for families

Knowing your rights is powerful. Understanding Article 7 helps parents advocate with confidence and ensure their child receives the support they deserve.

You are your child’s strongest voice — and the law is there to support you. 💛

02/23/2026

We can do this---let's get through this next bout of gross weather because spring is almost here friends!

This SATURDAY is Katie's Community Helpers Scribble Sprouts. Class is 9:30-11 and features play, stories, activities and art/crafts related to the theme. This is an ideal class for families seeking easy, developmentally appropriate and beginner level social and play opportunities for their 0-5 year olds. Class is only $10 per family (up to 2 kids) and covers the cost of materials for crafts and activities. If you have any questions about class, let us know! See you there! Families can learn more and sign up here: https://leapsolutionsllc.squarespace.com/scribblesprouts

Have a terrific week!

02/21/2026

Kids in grades K-4 are invited to a FREE hip hop dance class featuring Powerhouse Dance Company. Share the joy of movement and music! Register your child by calling 219-926-7696, or online here: https://wpl-lib-in.libcal.com/event/15888017

02/21/2026

Mark your calendars for the annual Easter Fest sponsored by Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy and the Portage Township Parks Department!
Registration is required and there is limited space. $5 per child, No Refunds.
Saturday, March 28 from Noon to 2pm at the South Haven Fire Station. Fun games, neat prizes, and meet the Bunny himself! Register at https://secure.rec1.com/IN/portage-township-in/catalog

02/21/2026

Your Summer plans just got cooler!

Make Make youth summer art camp registration is open!

Camps are $140 for 5 day camps (3 hour days)
Morning session 5Y-12Y
Afternoon session 13Y+

All camps located at
Make Make
1050 Broadway Suite 10
Chesterton IN 46304

ALL the fun dates/details can be found on our website
Link in bio
Or
www.makemakepopup.com

02/21/2026

Kids who skip the crawling phase may have trouble with…

…developing certain motor skills and visual perception needed down the road for different learning areas (like reading and writing).

Every child’s timeline is different when they learn to crawl. The important piece is that they do crawl eventually, even as an older toddler or child.

If you have a child or student who has struggled with crawling as a baby, you can still crawl with them as an older child to help them strengthen many foundational skills.

Crawling can help kids develop the following areas:

👶Spatial Awareness for spacing letters and numbers
👶Visual perception for tracking when reading
👶Head and neck strength for copying notes and sitting at a desk when in school
👶Cognitive development through cross lateral movements

There are a number of ways to help your baby, toddler and child continue crawling if this milestone was missed or delayed. In the article below, we talk more about ways to support and encourage crawling in kids who are neurodivergent or need additional help reaching this important milestone.

Grab the link below or check it out in our profile to find out how you can help with crawling…

🔗https://ilslearningcorner.com/why-babies-should-never-skip-the-crawling-phase/?utm_source=Google%20Ads&utm_medium=Test2&utm_campaign=Test3

02/21/2026

What a great opportunity to learn how to help your child regulate-- something we talk about every day at LEAP Solutions!

Our friends at Uniquely Nico are hosting a FREE Family Workshop ~ check it out!

02/20/2026

What a beautiful burst of spring weather this week!

We've been sharing out the many fun family activities that are happening in NWI. Be sure to follow us to keep updated. The community is filled with amazing opportunities for children and families; be sure to try them out!

Our next Scribble Sprouts is February 28th! Katie will have stories, activities, crafts and play that celebrate our Community Helpers! Sign up today to secure your spot- https://leapsolutionsllc.squarespace.com/scribblesprouts

Have a great weekend!

02/19/2026

Just for fun....meet Barley- the Kitchel family dog. We are wishing him a Happy 10th Birthday today! 🎉🐶

Pets become steady companions for children and families. A child who struggles to express big feelings can whisper them into a floppy ear. A teen navigating stress or anxiety can find comfort in the rhythmic purr of a cat or the loyal nudge of a dog. For families, pets create shared routines, laughter, responsibility, and connection. Feeding, walking, grooming, and playing are small daily rituals that quietly build empathy, confidence, and trust.

In the world of mental health, we see this every day. Animals help lower stress, reduce feelings of loneliness, and provide a sense of safety and unconditional acceptance. Approaches like Animal-Assisted Therapy highlight how the human-animal bond can support emotional regulation, social skills, and overall well-being.

For children especially, pets can:
• Encourage nurturing and responsibility
• Support emotional expression
• Decrease anxiety and stress
• Strengthen social connection
• Offer unconditional companionship

For families, pets often become the heartbeat of the home. They bring us outside for walks, pull us together for play, and remind us to pause and be present.

Here’s to the furry, feathered, and finned members of our families who help us grow stronger together 💛

Share your pet photos in the comments to celebrate them!

https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/how-children-can-benefit-having-pet

https://www.portercountyanimalshelter.org/
https://lakeshorepaws.org/
https://www.teambarc.com/
https://www.catsociety.org/

02/18/2026

🎉Free tickets will be available starting at 9 AM this Saturday, February 21. They will be distributed in-person at Thomas Branch. A ticket is required for each person attending the event. 🎟️