Below is a sampling of trainings and workshops My IEP Advocate offers to families and professionals alike related to the special education process:

 

Understanding the IEP Process: The goal of this training is to educate families on the many steps of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process for students with disabilities. This workshop will provide comprehensive information and insightful guidance that serves to empower parents to be a more effective advocate for their student and be an informed, contributing team member in school meetings. Topics include steps of the IEP process, an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education and Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), parent and students' rights, FAQs, helpful tips, and a Q&A session.

 

Effective Advocacy for Your Child’s Education: The goal of this workshop is to equip families with tools and resources to get informed, organized, and empowered for more effective advocacy for their student with a disability.  Topics include building stronger and more effective teams, problem solving strategies, improving communication with the school, how to get organized with school, medical/clinic records and documents, helpful tips for parents, and a Q & A session.

 

Transition IEP Planning: The goal of this workshop is to educate families on developing and monitoring a quality Post-secondary Transition Plan as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with disabilities at the secondary level. Participants will be actively engaged in activities to identify and write S.M.A.R.T goals and accommodations/modifications based on their student's needs. Additional topics include postsecondary education and career goals, deferment of diploma options, transition assessments, and agency linkage. Includes a Q&A session.

 

IEP or 504? What’s the Difference?: The goal of this training is to educate families about federal disability laws that support IEPs and Section 504 Plans, the purpose of an IEP and a 504 Plan, and the differing criteria and policies for each including: eligibility, program/plan development, evaluation, funding, services and supports, placement decisions, procedural safeguards, and related topics.  Includes a Q&A session.

 

Back-to-School with Your Child’s Team: 5 Ways to Ensure a Successful School Year: The goal of this training is to educate and empower families of special needs students on the five essential actions to improve communication, organization, reviewing, planning, and monitoring of their child's special education program. Additional topics include the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the basics of the Individuals with Disabilities Education and Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), the school's "wish list," tips for parents/"did you know?" and a Q&A session.

 

Intro to the IEP Process: Transitioning from an IFSP to an IEP:  The goal of this training is to educate parents of special needs children ages birth to 2 on the steps to transition from an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to an Individualized Education program (IEP).  Topics include local Child Find contacts, an overview of parts B and C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education and Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), overview of the steps of the IEP process, parent and student rights, FAQs, helpful tips, and a Q&A session.

 

Customized trainings and Q& A Sessions can be scheduled by request.