Connections - Early Intervention and Supports

09/28/2026

💙 SIBSHOPS ARE BACK! 💙

We’re excited to announce that Connections SibShops are returning this fall! 🎉

And this year, we’re making room for even more siblings! We now have TWO age groups to better support children at different stages:

✨ Ages 7–10
✨ Ages 11–13

SibShops are special opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with disabilities, diagnoses, and/or unique health and developmental needs to connect with other kids who just “get it.” 💙

Through fun activities, conversation, games, dinner, and plenty of opportunities to connect, SibShops provide peer support and education within a recreational setting.

Because being a sibling can bring a whole mix of emotions and experiences—the good, the challenging, and everything in between. SibShops give kids a place to share, laugh, learn, and build friendships with others who understand their experience.

🎯 SibShops are NOT therapy. They are fun, supportive gatherings designed to celebrate the important role siblings play in their families.

📍 Where: Connections EIAS — 1601 South Queen Street, York
📅 When: Monthly during our Fall Series
💰 Cost: $45 for the three session series (includes dinner & a drink)
👧 Ages: 7–10 & 11–13

Our SibShop Facilitators are Certified SibShop Facilitators who have completed specialized training to support the unique experiences of siblings.

🌟 Registration for our Fall Series is OPEN!
Give your child the opportunity to meet other siblings, make connections, have some fun, and know that they aren't alone in their experience.

👉 Register here: https://www.connectionseias.com/sibshops

09/28/2026

🎃👻 IT’S BACK!!! 👻🎃

One of our most anticipated Connections traditions is back just in time for Halloween! 🧡

Our annual Halloween shirt supporting INCLUSION has a brand-new design this year! 🪿✨

🪿 Silly Goose: Inclusion Means Everyone Belongs 🪿

Because at Connections, we believe everyone deserves to feel welcomed, included, and like they belong. 💙

⏰ ONLY 3 DAYS TO ORDER!
🗓️ SALE CLOSES OCTOBER 1!

Don’t wait....once the sale closes, these shirts are gone! 👻

👉 ORDER NOW & SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR INCLUSION! 🧡💙
https://2026-connections-sillygoose-apparel-store.itemorder.com/shop/home/

09/25/2026

😎✨ Happy Friday! ✨😎

May your Friday bring you as much joy, confidence, and carefree energy as taking in circle time from your back, with your shades on, and doing things completely your own way. 😂💙

Because sometimes the best way to enjoy the moment is to simply lean back and soak it all in. 🚂🕶️

Wishing everyone a Friday full of smiles, fun, and a little bit of “I’m just going to do me” energy! 💛

09/24/2026

🍭🎃 It's that time again.....TRUNK OR TREAT! 🎃🍭

Mark your calendars because Connections Trunk or Treat is happeningThursday, October 22nd from 6:00–7:30 PM! 🌈🍬

We invite ALL of our Connections families, current AND past, to come join us for a fun, family-friendly evening of trick-or-treating, creative trunks, costumes, and lots of sweet treats!

✨ Thursday, October 22nd
✨ 6:00–7:30 PM
✨ Drop-in style.... come anytime!

Whether your little one is currently part of Connections or has been part of our journey in the past, you’re always part of the Connections family. ❤️

RSVP here: https://www.connectionseias.com/event-details/connections-trunk-or-treat

Interested in hosting a trunk? We'd love to have you! Sign up here: https://www.connectionseias.com/event-details/host-a-trunk

We can’t wait to see you there! 🎃🌈🍭

09/22/2026

💛 Family Style Play Group enrolling now!💛

Looking for a fun, low-pressure way for your little one to play, learn and get comfortable in a group setting? Our Family Style Play Group is back this fall!

📅 Fridays | October 16–November 6
📍 Connections' Clinic
⏰ 4-week session

Designed for children 20–30 months, this group takes place in our classroom and gross motor gym and is supported by one of our Special Instructors/Developmental Specialists.

Each week, children will have opportunities to:
✨ Play and socialize with other children their age
🧸 Explore sensory and gross motor activities
🎵 Join in songs and story time
🤸 Try new skills alongside their caregiver
🔄 Practice transitioning between activities
💛 Build confidence in a fun, supportive group environment

The group is structured, but still very easy-going and flexible...making it a great first group experience for little ones!

Caregivers also get the chance to connect with other families and have a Developmental Specialist available to offer support, ideas and guidance along the way.

Most importantly, this is a place where you and your little one can come exactly as you are and know you’ll be welcomed with open arms. 💛

Registration is open! We’d love to have you join us! Register here: https://wix.to/g0cpjXU

09/21/2026

🍂📚 Fall Sensory Story Time is coming to Dover! 🍁✨

We’re excited for partnership with York County Libraries and the Dover Library for a special sensory-friendly story time designed with support from the early intervention therapists at Connections Early Intervention & Supports! 💙

Join us for stories, sensory experiences, movement, and a predictable routine in a welcoming, inclusive environment where children are encouraged to come just as they are. 🧡

📅 Friday, September 25, 2026
⏰ 10:00–10:45 AM
📍 Dover Library – DOV Program Room
👧🧒 Geared toward ages 2–5

This program is designed to support children with sensory needs while giving families an opportunity to connect, explore, and enjoy story time together.

🎟️ Registration is required! Space is limited to 10 children, so be sure to reserve your spot. You only need to register once for the entire series.

👉 Register here: https://events.yorklibraries.org/event/fall-sensory-story-time-27346

We can’t wait to see you there! 🍂💙📖

09/18/2026

💙 Our therapy team is pretty special. And we think these reviews say it best. 💙
Sharing just a few of the kind words our families have recently shared about their experiences with our therapy team. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From celebrating the little wins to supporting families through the challenges, our therapists are here to make sure you and your child feel seen, supported, and cared for every step of the way.

We are so grateful to the families who take the time to share their experiences with us. Your words mean more than you know. ❤️

When you choose Connections, you’re choosing a team that truly cares.

And honestly… we’ll let the reviews speak for themselves. 🥰

09/17/2026

Do you remember our IEP Binder presentation last year with FAMILIES 2 THE MAX - F2MAX ??

So, many parents, caregivers and professionals wanted to attend this training that we ran out of space!!

BUT, FAMILIES 2 THE MAX - F2MAX is partnering with the IU 12 Local Task Force to offer this presentation again in 3 different locations!!!!!

And, the best part.....lunch or dinner is provided!

So, register now to reserve your space to learn about the Local Task Force, network with other families and community partners, and understand how to best organize your child's IEP binder for a successful school year!!

All presentations are on Thursday, October 1st!

Lunch and Learn 11:30-1:30 at the LIU Central Office 65 Billerbeck St. New Oxford
Chat and Chew 5:30-7:30 at the Franklin Learning Center 2397 Loop Rd. Chambersburg
Chat and Chew 5:30-7:30 at the York Learning Center 300 7th Ave. York

Register here: Local Task Force: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/QiBNP5c47y

09/16/2026

Check out the research study opportunity out of the Messiah University Occupational Therapy Program researching the impact physical activity has on how children feel about themselves and their sleep.

We know you parents have a lot of insight to share!!!!

Link to the Survey: https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5vaRehe5JGBlW6y

Dear Potential Research Participants,

This research study is being conducted by occupational therapy students at Messiah University under the supervision of Dr. Kim Duetsch. You are invited to participate in a study exploring how physical activity impacts how children feel about themselves (self-efficacy) and their sleep. You may have insight into the possible benefits of physical activity for your child.

Participation in this research is entirely voluntary and involves completing a one-time online survey. You must be at least 18 years old, live in the United States, and be a parent of a child between the ages of 5-21 to participate in this study,

When you access the survey, you will first see an informed consent form that explains the study in more detail. You may choose to agree or decline to participate in the research.

There are minimal risks to answering survey questions, such as feeling unsure or uncomfortable when thinking about your child’s self-efficacy or sleep. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, you may stop the survey without penalty.

Only the student researchers, statisticians, and faculty advisor will have access to your responses. Your responses will remain anonymous and stored digitally on a secure, password-protected Messiah University Microsoft OneDrive account with two-factor authentication. All devices used to access the data will also be password protected. All responses will remain anonymous and stored securely.

If you have questions about the research, please contact the faculty advisor, Dr. Kim Duetsch, at mailto:[email protected].

Thank you for considering participation in this study.

Link to survey: https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5vaRehe5JGBlW6y

09/14/2026

✏️🧱 Did you know handwriting practice doesn’t always look like handwriting?

This little learner is building Mat Man as part of the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum!

Building Mat Man helps children practice body awareness, spatial concepts, fine-motor skills, visual perception, and sequencing....all important building blocks for developing strong handwriting skills later on.

It may look like play, but there’s a LOT of learning happening!

💙 Looking for support with your child’s fine-motor or handwriting skills? Our OT team is here to help!

👉 Start by completing an OT Intake Inquiry: https://www.connectionseias.com/occupational-therapy/intakeform