DISABLED KIDS' PARENTS OFFERED SOME FREE TIME.

Byline: Karen Thacker Community Columnist 

Getting a break from caring for a disabled child is a welcome respite for many parents and their relatives around the Antelope Valley.

Take Kristopher Koop's grandmother and father.

At 15, Kristopher is almost 6 feet tall and 175 pounds. Although loving in many ways, he can be destructive at times and needs constant supervision.

Kristopher has Angelman syndrome - meaning he has a missing chromosome. He can't speak. He can't be toilet trained. He doesn't have complete control of his hands. He can hear, but people often must yell to get his attention. When he gets upset he knocks down or throws things.

``We both need to be away from him at times,'' said Alice Koop, Kristopher's grandmother. She and Kristopher's father, Philip, care for the boy. ``We have to follow him around when he's home.''

A trained sitter to watch Kristopher costs about $10 an hour, so having an option that is free takes a big load off their minds and pocketbook.

The option is an after-school program offered through the Easter Seal Society for children with developmental, physical or learning disabilities.

For teens 13 and older, there is after-school care at Antelope Valley High School. For children ages 5 to 13, after-school care is available at Linda Verde School in Lancaster.

``Parents of disabled children need a place they can leave their children knowing it's a safe environment, knowing they'll be with a trained staff,'' said Ricki Binstock, program director for the after-school care provided by the Easter Seal Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving life for disabled children and adults.

The program is free for disabled children, teens and their parents. There is about one teacher for every four children. The staff works with the parents to set goals for the children and choose activities to help them, Binstock said.

Activities include puzzles, games, arts and crafts, sports and movies.

A customized plan is adopted for each child. Teachers take notes on how the children progress. Goals are reviewed periodically.

The after-school program is being expanded, and interested parents and children are being sought. For more information, call the Lancaster Easter Seals Society office at [phone].

The organization will host an open house from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday in its office at 1146 Commerce Center Drive in Lancaster to let the community learn about its programs. Lancaster and Palmdale officials will attend.