Finding Out With Peter And Ellen:
Radio Program features Astor's Jim McGuirk

Astor Service's Executive Director Dr. James McGuirk was interviewed on the Radio Program "Finding Out With Peter And Ellen" on Sunday, April 4, 2010. This program describes Astor's programs in Dutchess County and contains useful information for parents and families.

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In this 25 minute program Dr. McGuirk covers many topics, including:
(times are approximate)

  • Astor's new name (00:30)
  • The importance of serving families, and not just children (02:15)
  • The challenges facing families (03:10)
  • The importance of early screening (03:30)
  • Early warning signs of problems in young children (04:15)
  • The range of different issues seen in children and the importance of early intervention (05:00)
  • Astor's emphasis on keeping children at home with their families (06:20)
  • Overview of Dutchess community-based services (07:00)
  • Head Start:
    helps the entire family with education, parent support and training, health care, dental care, and more (07:30)
  • Early Head Start:
    helps families beginning at birth, including services and education for parents (08:30)
  • Societal benefits of Head Start programs (09:30)
  • Success in learning = success in life (10:45)
  • Learning challenges faced by children (11:00)
  • Social justice; helping children fulfil their own potential (11:45)
  • The Astor Angels Network - a community of supporters (12:05)
  • Age range of Astor Children (14:30)
  • Challenges facing older children (14:40)
  • Evaluating outcomes of children in Astor programs (16:20)
  • Psychiatric disabilities:
    removing stigma and blame; not caused by parents; parents need for help (18:45)
  • Every family has different needs and dynamics (21:00)
  • The importance of talking to professionals and seeking help (22:00)
  • Dr. McGuirk's background and personal road to Astor (22:30)

"Finding Out With Peter And Ellen" is a a public service radio show hosted by Peter Leonard and Ellen Devorsetz. It airs on Sunday morning on WVKR-FM Poughkeepsie (91.3 FM).

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