GUIDING PARENTS TO SERVICES (GPS)
ABOUT
GPS supports children and their families as they transition from the Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA) at age 3 to potential programming with the Charlotte Mecklenberg Schools Exceptional Children’s program, which targets children in need of special education support. GPS provides navigation, educational, and emotional support during this pivotal time. The goal is to empower families to get the services their child needs.
This pilot program is brought to families in partnership with CDSA.
WHO WILL THIS SERVE?
GPS serves families with special health care needs. At this time, only families enrolled with CDSA making the transition to CMS are eligible. GPS supports Smart Start’s vision that all children turn five ready to thrive.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Effective July 1, 2021, GPS no longer serves the autism community in the same way as it has in the past. For families who no longer qualify for GPS but require autism support, please call Nancy Nestor at the Autism Society of North Carolina: 704-894-9678 ext. 1609.
AUTISM RESOURCES
Autism Family Resource Guide
Autism is a journey. This guidebook can be used as a map while navigating your family’s unique course.
Guía de autismo
El autismo es un viaje. Esta guía se puede utilizar como mapa mientras navega por el recorrido único de su familia.
Autism Digital Toolkit
A companion to our Family Resource Guide, here you will find further resources, articles, and support.
Social Stories for Autistic Children
Essentials for improving the way children with autism relate to others, allowing them to learn what to do and what not to do.
CONTACT THE GPS COORDINATOR
Amy DeShazo, M.Ed
GPS@smartstartofmeck.org
(704) 806-5123
Turn Five Ready to Thrive
Smart Start of Mecklenburg County
(704) 377-6588
601 E. 5th Street, Suite 500
Charlotte, NC 28202