LCPS Special Education Advisory Committee

Academic preparation is vital, but nothing builds career confidence quite like hands-on, real-world experience.

On September 22, 2026, at 3:30 PM ET, we are hosting our next live Transition Talk Q&A on Zoom, focusing entirely on the power of Work-Based Learning.

We are thrilled to have this conversation featured by Candice Zimmerman (Transition Training Associate, CTI) and hosted by Staci Carr, Ph.D (Technical Assistance Associate, CTI). Together, they will discuss the different pathways of work-based learning, how to establish local employer connections, and how these programs foster genuine student independence.

⚠️ Important Note: Because this is an interactive, real-time Q&A designed to address your specific questions, this session will not be recorded. You must attend live to participate and catch this valuable discussion!

👉 Reserve your virtual seat here (link in comments)

✨Don't miss your chance to enroll in IEP University!

Registration is still open for this free, self-paced online training from PEATC and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or professional, IEP University is designed to help you better understand the special education process and build confidence in navigating IEP meetings.

✅ Learn about the IEP process and document
✅ Gain practical strategies for collaboration
✅ Complete the training on your own schedule
✅ Access the course anytime between August 3–24

⏰ The course opens August 3 and remains available through August 24. The training takes approximately 6 hours to complete and can be worked on at your own pace throughout the three-week session.

Register today: go.peatc.org/iepu-aug26

The Center for Literacy & Disability Studies has developed a variety of “alternative pencils” for students with the most significant disabilities, including deaf-blindness.

https://bit.ly/AlternativePencilsCLD

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It's Newsletter Wednesday! 🎊 Every other Wednesday, we share helpful resources, upcoming events, and practical information for families and professionals supporting students with disabilities. Be sure to subscribe to our newseltter so you never miss an update!

This week we are highlighting one of our new resources "Transition Assessments for Students with Disabilities." Transition assessments help identify a student's strengths, interests, preferences, and goals for life after high school. This information guides the IEP team in creating meaningful transition goals and services that prepare students for adulthood.

Check out this resource to learn how transition assessments can help your child build a successful future and how you can be an active part of the planning process.

🔗go.peatc.org/transition-assessment
➡️Subscribe to our newsletter for bi-weekly resources and updates: eepurl.com/gWMAx9

⏰ Final reminder: The SEAC Parent/Guardian Survey closes this Friday, July 24!

📣 LCPS parents and guardians:
Do you have a child receiving special education services in Loudoun County Public Schools?

Please take approximately 15 minutes to complete the Loudoun SEAC Annual Parent/Guardian Survey by this Friday, July 24.

Each year, SEAC reviews parent and guardian feedback to:

✅ Identify common concerns and unmet needs
✅ Set priorities for the upcoming school year
✅ Develop presentations and resources for families
✅ Better understand what is working and what needs improvement

Please complete one survey for each student with a disability enrolled in LCPS. You may want to have your child’s IEP nearby, as some questions may require you to reference it.

🔗 Complete the survey here: https://www.surveyhero.com/c/jvuvche3

This survey is separate from the Virginia Department of Education Indicator 8 Parent Involvement Survey.

Even if your family’s experience has been positive, challenging, or somewhere in between, SEAC needs to hear from you. Every response helps us better understand the experiences of students and families across LCPS.

Please complete the survey and share this post with other LCPS parents, guardians, school communities, and parent groups. The more families we hear from, the better informed our work will be.

Learn more about Loudoun SEAC at www.lcps.org/SEAC.

SEAC Parent and Guardian Survey 2025-2026

✨ Join PEATC tomorrow evening for our FREE webinar "Creating a World Without Bullying." 🌍

During this webinar, participants will learn strategies for recognizing, preventing, and responding to bullying while helping create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children and youth. You'll leave with valuable information and resources you can use to advocate for your child and work collaboratively with their school.

It's not too late to register! Visit: go.peatc.org/BullyingReg26

It's Newsletter Wednesday! 🎊 Every other Wednesday, we share helpful resources, upcoming events, and practical information for families and professionals supporting students with disabilities. Be sure to subscribe to our newseltter so you never miss an update!

This week are are highlighting a brand new resource: "Supporting Siblings of Children with Disabilities." When one child has a disability, siblings often experience a wide range of emotions, from pride and compassion to worry and frustration. Giving siblings opportunities to ask questions, share their feelings, and spend one-on-one time with parents can strengthen the entire family.

Check out our resource to discover simple ways to support every child in your family and help siblings feel seen, heard, and valued.

🔗Check out our factsheet here: go.peatc.org/sibling-support
➡️Subscribe to our newsletter for bi-weekly resources and updates: eepurl.com/gWMAx9

Advocates in Virginia worked hard to keep the SSDI disregard in place, and YOU DID IT! But what is the SSDI Disregard, exactly? Check out our explainer below, scan the QR code or visit the link for more details!
thearcofva.org/developmental-disabilities-waiver

📅 A little over a week to go!

There's still time to register for PEATC's upcoming webinar, "Creating a World Without Bullying."

Join us to learn practical strategies for recognizing, preventing, and responding to bullying while helping create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children and youth. You'll leave with valuable information and resources you can use to advocate for your child and work collaboratively with their school.

Don't miss this opportunity! Register today: go.peatc.org/BullyingReg26