Chesterfield County Special Education Advisory Committee

PEATC is coming in HOT with trainings in 2023!

You don't want to miss this webinar on Manifestion Determination Review, see below for details from PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) ⬇️

PEATC, in collaboration with RISE for Youth, is pleased to present a Two-Part webinar series on Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) - https://bit.ly/3Xj3tL7

A child with a disability typically faces the same disciplinary actions as every other student in a school, including suspensions. Having a 504 Plan or an IEP means that special considerations may apply to disciplinary actions the school can take in certain circumstances, which gives kids with disabilities additional rights. Sometimes it is required that a manifestation determination review (MDR) meeting be held to decide the next steps.

What is an MDR? How do I prepare and represent my child at the meeting? Do I need a lawyer? What are my rights? These and other questions will be answered during this interactive two-part webinar series.

February 1, 2023 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Understanding the Manifestation Determination Review Process

February 2, 2023 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 PM
How to Prepare for and Represent Your Child in an MDR Hearing

REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/3Xj3tL7

PEATC, in collaboration with RISE for Youth, is pleased to present a Two-Part webinar series on Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) - https://bit.ly/3Xj3tL7

A child with a disability typically faces the same disciplinary actions as every other student in a school, including suspensions. Having a 504 Plan or an IEP means that special considerations may apply to disciplinary actions the school can take in certain circumstances, which gives kids with disabilities additional rights. Sometimes it is required that a manifestation determination review (MDR) meeting be held to decide the next steps.

What is an MDR? How do I prepare and represent my child at the meeting? Do I need a lawyer? What are my rights? These and other questions will be answered during this interactive two-part webinar series.

February 1, 2023 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Understanding the Manifestation Determination Review Process

February 2, 2023 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 PM
How to Prepare for and Represent Your Child in an MDR Hearing

REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/3Xj3tL7

The ESL Family Engagement Office will be hosting a program to support parents whose children are struggling with school, difficulty focusing, or experiencing emotional dysregulation.

Please note there are two options to attend although the flyer below indicates only one school.

Curtis Elementary January 24, 2023 @ 6pm

Reams Elementary February 2, 2023 @ 6pm

Destination Life-A Resource Fair to Make Connections and Build Networks

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/destination-life-a-resource-fair-to-make-connections-and-build-networks-tickets-487677415277

Register Today for January 25!

Vendors Include:

SEAC-Special Education Advisory Council
Virginia Down Syndrome Association
Decoding Dyslexia Virginia
Autism Society of Central Virginia
PALS Respite Care, LLC
YMCA of Greater Richmond
PEATC
Jacob’s Chance
River City Inclusive Gym
Children Are Really Active. LLC
Chesterfield County Public Library
HopeTree Family Services
Miracles in Motion
Family to Family Network of Virginia
Center for Family Involvement
Molina Healthcare of Virginia

Destination Life-A Resource Fair to Make Connections and Build Networks A casual networking opportunity for families to meet with local vendors and school support. Find your traveling partners for life!

Upcoming Training Opportunity!

Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia
January 24, 2023 | 6:30 pm

This presentation will describe special education dispute resolution options, how they work, and when it may be best to use a specific option. Being knowledgeable will help you make the best decisions for your child as you work to ensure that their rights are protected.

REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/3HMvDJU

Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia
January 24, 2023 | 6:30 pm

This presentation will describe special education dispute resolution options, how they work, and when it may be best to use a specific option. Being knowledgeable will help you make the best decisions for your child as you work to ensure that their rights are protected.

REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/3HMvDJU

This webinar will feature our NEW Parent-Friendly Complaint Toolkit!

📢 Special Education Complaint Toolkit 📢

PEATC is pleased to announce the publication of its latest parent-friendly resource, our Special Education Complaint Toolkit. (https://bit.ly/3ivyOLL)

This toolkit was designed to help parents understand the Special Education Administrative Complaint process for dispute resolution. The toolkit provides detailed information on everything you need to know about why, when, and how to file a complaint and it helps you prepare for the process.

Access the PDF here: https://bit.ly/3ivyOLL

PEATC is pleased to announce the publication of its latest parent-friendly resource, our Special Education Complaint Toolkit. (https://bit.ly/3ivyOLL) This toolkit was designed to help parents understand the Special Education Administrative Complaint process for dispute resolution. The toolkit provides detailed information on everything you need to know about why, when, and how to file a complaint and it helps you prepare for the process.

The toolkit is interactive so you can easily prepare materials and fill out necessary forms. Many of your questions can be answered by reviewing the toolkit; but if you need further help, you can call or email us!

Access the PDF here: https://bit.ly/3ivyOLL

I'm Determined Event hosted by CCPS!

See link below for details!

Register now! On March 4, Chesterfield County Public Schools will host an I’m Determined transition event for students ages 14-21 with a disability and their parents. Learn more about this opportunity for families at tinyurl.com/57tbya49 and register before Jan. 31.

Join us! We will be there! 💙

Are you a military parent or military-connected parent with a child with Autism?

You may be eligible for a research study at VCU looking at the impact of parent training. See details below if you are interested 👇

𝗩𝗖𝗨 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆-𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 - VCU is conducting a study to evaluate the impact of a parent training course. You must be 18 years or older, connected to the military, and have a child 5-11 years who has autism to be eligible to participate. Would you like to participate? Find out More or Contact: [email protected], 804-827-0756.

More amazing training opportunities!

Special Education Series in Spanish/Serie De Educación Especial En Español

Follow PEATC Latinx for more updates in Spanish only!

It's World Braille Day!

Today, January 4, is Louis Braille's birthday and World Braille Day!

Born in France in 1809, Louis lost his sight at the age of three due to an accident. He learned a secret code used by French soldiers and refined it into something that could be used for blind individuals to read and write. Louis published his first book using his code when he was just 15 years old.

And did you know that more people have learned braille with Hadley than anywhere else in the world?

See for yourself how useful knowing a bit a braille can be.
https://hadley.edu/Braille or call us at 800-323-4238.

Excellent training series, mark your calendars and register!

It's never too early to know the different pathways for making important decisions for your loved ones.

See details below 👇

Supported Decision-Making Training Series
Creating Your Supported Decision-Making Agreement: A Step-by-Step Guide

REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/3EMd4SX

This virtual training series will be held once a week. During this series you will get important information on how to develop a supported decision-making agreement (SDMA). SDMAs allow individuals with disabilities to exercise maximum independence and make choices and decisions about their own lives with support from people they choose.

This series is progressive so we encourage you to attend all four sessions. This series is designed for individuals with disabilities, their families, and supporters.

• January 10, 2023 - What is Supported Decision-Making and What Kind of Support Do I Want?
• January 17, 2023 - When Do I Want Support Discovery Tool
• January 24, 2023 - Relationship Map Tool and Selecting Your Supporters
• February 2, 2023 - Completing Virginia’s Supported Decision-Making Agreement Template

All January sessions will be held from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
The February 2nd session will be held from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

Happy New Year! Let's have a great 2023!

Are you ready to ring in the New Year? 🎊

Grab your new 2023 calendar and add these Family Engagement Activities!

🎉 Cheers! 🎉

Bring in the new year with a month full of fun and engaging family activities! View our January 2023 Family Engagement Calendar here - https://bit.ly/3jxxCru

Follow PEATC's Family Engagement for more!

January is filling up with excellent trainings and webinars, be sure to add this to your calendars!

Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia
January 24, 2023 | 6:30 pm

This presentation will describe special education dispute resolution options, how they work, and when it may be best to use a specific option. Being knowledgeable will help you make the best decisions for your child as you work to ensure that their rights are protected.

REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/3HMvDJU

This webinar will feature our NEW Parent-Friendly Complaint Toolkit!

Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia
January 24, 2023 | 6:30 pm

This presentation will describe special education dispute resolution options, how they work, and when it may be best to use a specific option. Being knowledgeable will help you make the best decisions for your child as you work to ensure that their rights are protected.

REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/3HMvDJU

This webinar will feature our NEW Parent-Friendly Complaint Toolkit!

SEAC members frequently receive questions regarding Early Childhood Special Education. Want to learn more about the transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Education? Check out the upcoming webinar below!

The Big Step: Early Intervention to Preschool

January 18, 2023 | 6:30 pm
REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/3HcqMBE

If your little one is currently receiving Early Intervention (EI) services, now is the time to start preparing for the transition to preschool and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services. Changing from a “family focus” to a “student focus” requires planning. This webinar discusses the importance of transition planning, what to expect, tips for success, and the roles of parents, service coordinators, and educators in ensuring a smooth transition for your child.

This webinar will be presented on Zoom. It will not be recorded.

Another IEP University training is coming up in January! Register now!

IEP University
January 9 - January 29, 2023

REGISTER HERE: IEPU-jan2023.eventbrite.com

PEATC, in collaboration with VDOE, has developed IEP University (IEPU) to help provide families and professionals with accurate and useful information around IEP development and meetings. IEPU is a self-paced online training with easy-to-understand guidance on the special education process, the IEP document, and ways to develop collaborative relationships among schools and families. IEPU will target practical strategies aimed at helping future IEP meetings be more positive, productive, and collaborative for everyone involved.

IEP University
January 9 - January 29, 2023

REGISTER HERE: IEPU-jan2023.eventbrite.com

PEATC, in collaboration with VDOE, has developed IEP University (IEPU) to help provide families and professionals with accurate and useful information around IEP development and meetings. IEPU is a self-paced online training with easy-to-understand guidance on the special education process, the IEP document, and ways to develop collaborative relationships among schools and families. IEPU will target practical strategies aimed at helping future IEP meetings be more positive, productive, and collaborative for everyone involved.

Have a great winter break!

❄️❄️❄️

Changes in schedules and routines can be overwhelming for caregivers and children with special needs, we hope you find time to enjoy the best of the holiday season!

Have a great winter break! students are on holiday Dec. 19-Jan. 2; the first day back will be Jan. 3: bit.ly/CCPScals.

SEAC Committee Members! Excellent training opportunity below if you haven't already completed this! 👇

Attention SEAC Members and Advisors: DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!

PEATC in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education is pleased to offer SEAC trainings aimed at helping SEAC members understand the role of the local Special Education Advisory Committee in Virginia and to build a more efficient and effective advisory committee.

→ Next SELF-PACED Online Course:
January 4, 2023 - January 31, 2023
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3Xjy7Fc

→ Next LIVE Online Training:
January 28, 2023
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3TNay4A

Take the first step toward teaching for at our critical needs teacher job fair. To be considered for an interview, apply by 11:59 p.m. Jan. 14 at bit.ly/ccps012123. Qualified applicants will be invited to the Jan. 21 job fair. Questions? Email [email protected].

There's still time - the survey closes this Friday, December 16th!

This is an important opportunity to voice your concerns and input on Special Education!

VDOE Parent Involvement Survey closes Friday, 12/16!

Parents of children with disabilities receiving special education services in Virginia are encouraged to complete this survey!

Your participation will help VDOE identify training needs related to the special education processes. The VDOE will use the results of this survey to improve parental involvement in the special education process and improve outcomes for all students within the Commonwealth.

English: www.surveymonkey.com/r/WMW6HJ5

En Español: www.surveymonkey.com/r/82HPLG3

Thank you to all of the SEAC committee members and members of the public who joined us for the December SEAC meeting.

We had a lively discussion on many important topics in Special Education!

A few highlights are below *Meeting minutes are available once approved and posted on board docs*

- CCPS strongly discouraged recording and posting of recorded SEAC meetings. The committee members want to be transparent with parents and caregivers and are working on best practices to bring information to the public

-PTA and PTO Inclusiveness. How can we bring more inclusive events to our schools? Let us know your thoughts!

-Data was requested on various special education classes

-Clarification was requested on restraint and seclusion in the public schools

-Ongoing transportation issues were shared

-Praise was given for funds allocated to provide for transportation and uniforms for special needs sports programs

Join us for the next SEAC committee meeting in February 2023!

Fun family event next Friday at the Children's Museum!

Sensory friendly night to kick off winter break, December 16th.

See below for details! ❄️

Meet up with the ASCV at the Children's Museum of Richmond location for their fee-free Special Night! This regular meet-up is on the third Friday of each month, from 5-7 p.m. The Children's Museum of Richmond has cool-down room and other sensory supports will be provided.

➡️Register to join us: https://htru.io/SwqM

VDOE Parent Involvement Survey closes Friday, 12/16!

Parents of children with disabilities receiving special education services in Virginia are encouraged to complete this survey!

Your participation will help VDOE identify training needs related to the special education processes. The VDOE will use the results of this survey to improve parental involvement in the special education process and improve outcomes for all students within the Commonwealth.

English: www.surveymonkey.com/r/WMW6HJ5

En Español: www.surveymonkey.com/r/82HPLG3

See you tonight! There is another event going on at CTC @ Hull, so if the parking lot is a little full, that’s the reason.

Accessibility and Inclusivity | Children's Museum of Richmond

Check out all of the accessible fun going on at Children's Museum of Richmond!

Accessibility and Inclusivity | Children's Museum of Richmond Museum accessibility and inclusivity is vital to the Children's Museum of Richmond's mission. Learn more about our accessibitiy here.

ABCs of Behavior
December 13, 2022 | 7:00 pm

In this presentation, attendees will become familiar with the ABCs of Behavior, strategies to address unwanted behavior, and gain a basic understanding of functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs).

REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/3UJTkGj

Hosted by PEATC in collaboration with PortoCharities.

This virtual workshop will be presented via Zoom. It will not be recorded.

Friday Update – Dec. 2, 2022 – Family Resource Hub

Do you receive the Friday Family Update emails from CCPS?

Within the email today is a link to a Virginia survey for parents of children in special education.

From the link:

All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are encouraged to complete the Virginia Department of Education’s annual parent involvement survey no later than Dec. 16.

Questions? Contact Family Engagement Specialist/Special Projects Coordinator Chiquita Seaborne at 804-225-3898 or [email protected].

Click the link below ->

Friday Update – Dec. 2, 2022 – Family Resource Hub We want to hear from you about the culture of your child’s school. Communication should come from each school providing a link to the Building Ranks School Culture survey for you to complete. Each link is school-specific, so if you have children in multiple schools, we encourage you to fill out on...

Happy Special Education Day 🎉

Mark your calendars!

Please join us for the monthly SEAC meeting next Wednesday!

December 7th, 2022
5:30pm
CTC Hull St in the VCU Room

Agenda posted below 👇

We see you, Manchester High students! 💙

Registration is open! ☑️

Check it out! ⤵️

IEP University is open now!

Registration closes November 16: IEPU-Fall2022.eventbrite.com

IEPU is a self-paced online training with easy-to-understand guidance on the special education process, the IEP document, and ways to develop collaborative relationships among schools and families.

peatc.org

Check out this Fact Sheet from the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center describing ways in which YOU can make a difference 👍🏻

Parent-School Partnerships Can Make the Difference!

*Also, don't forget to register for the PEATC IEP University and Building Strong Parent Advocates*

peatc.org

Timeline photos

IEP University is open now!

Registration closes November 16: IEPU-Fall2022.eventbrite.com

IEPU is a self-paced online training with easy-to-understand guidance on the special education process, the IEP document, and ways to develop collaborative relationships among schools and families.

November is National Caregivers Month 🤍

To all the parents, grandparents, foster families, and caregivers of all sizes, check out The Virginia Family Network for resources and support during the month of November.

What ways do you take care of yourself as a caregiver? Let us know!

Happy November and National Family Caregiver Month!
We are so thankful for the role you play in the lives of the kids you care for. This role is not always easy and Virginia Family Network thinks you deserve to give yourself care and compassion to be at your best as a parent/caregiver. This month, Virginia Family Network is hosting a month-long Family Caregiver Challenge. Take some time to care for yourself with as much love and compassion as you do for others. Come learn and connect with others all month while also being entered into a prize drawing. There are multiple ways to enter into the grand prize drawing including weekly via our Facebook and Instagram page every Wednesday, Registering for the Nov. Lunch and Learn, joining other VFN programs and More . Get all the details of how to participate and be entered in to the drawing to win a prize here! >>>https://bit.ly/2RMGzuH

✨Training Opportunity! ✨

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How to Conduct Positive Productive IEP Meetings
*PRESENTED IN SPANISH* -- follow PEATC Latinx for more

Wednesday, December 7, 2022 | 7:00 PM

This workshop was designed with input from parents, parent groups, advocacy organizations, teachers, mediators, facilitators and district representatives. Participants will discuss how to make IEP meetings more productive and friendly and is divided into four key areas: People, Process: Preparation and Meeting, Outcome and Follow-through. Comments by parents and school personnel are included on the slides. The workshop will focus on practical skill development for IEP team members and specific strategies for increasing communication and conflict prevention will be discussed in each of the four areas.

Register HERE: https://bit.ly/3DO4vXi
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Cómo llevar a cabo reuniones de IEP positivas y productivas
Miercoles, Diciembre 7 | 7:00 PM

Este taller fue diseñado con aportes de padres, grupos de padres, organizaciones de defensa, maestros, mediadores, facilitadores y representantes del distrito. Los participantes discutirán cómo hacer que las reuniones del IEP sean más productivas y amigables y se dividirá en cuatro áreas clave: personas, proceso: preparación y reunión, resultado y seguimiento. Los comentarios de los padres y el personal de la escuela se incluyen en las diapositivas. El taller se centrará en el desarrollo de habilidades prácticas para los miembros del equipo del IEP y se discutirán estrategias específicas para aumentar la comunicación y la prevención de conflictos en cada una de las cuatro áreas.

Regístrate AQUÍ: https://bit.ly/3DO4vXi

doe.virginia.gov

🗣️ Call for Nominations! 📢

From the Board of Education:

Public Notice
Call for Nominations for Vacancies on Board of Education Advisory Committees

The Virginia Board of Education is seeking nominees for several vacancies on the following committees:

State Special Education Advisory Committee (SSEAC)

Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure (ABTEL)

Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC)

Please note that for some of the advisory committee vacancies, specific categories of expertise or geographic representation is required by state or federal law or regulation. For all committees, the Board seeks to have diverse representation among the appointees.

State Special Education Advisory Committee (SSEAC)
The State Special Education Advisory Committee has two vacancies for:
● A parent representative from Region 6 (Term expires 6/30/25)
● A parent representative from Region 7 (Term expires 6/30/25)

Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure
The Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure has two vacancies for:
● A secondary classroom teacher representative (Term expires 6/30/24)
● A representative from a public higher education institution (Term expires 6/30/24)

Early Childhood Advisory Committee
The Early Childhood Advisory Committee has two vacancies for:
● A representative from a Head Start Provider operated by a local school division (Term expires 6/30/24)
● A representative of an early childhood care and education entity that is license exempt pursuant to Article 4 (§ 22.1-289.030 et seq.) (Term expired 6/30/24)

Educators, parents, administrators, and other individuals, as well as organizations are invited to recommend nominees to fill current vacancies as noted above. Individuals are also welcome to nominate themselves.

Members of advisory committees do not receive compensation for their service, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with state travel guidelines set forth by the Department of Accounts.

Nominations may be made by completing a nomination form. Please send the completed form to: Megan Perez, Executive Assistant for Board Relations, at [email protected]. Nominations may also be submitted by mail at P.O. Box 2120, Richmond, VA 23219.

All nominations must be received by Friday, December 2, 2022. Questions regarding the Board’s advisory committees may be addressed to Emily Webb, Director for Board Relations, at [email protected].

doe.virginia.gov

There are a few more Coffee + Conversations coming up, check out the list by following the link below.

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Parents and caregivers are invited for Coffee + Conversation, free virtual sessions 1-2 p.m. offering helpful information. Register for the topics that most interest you at https://tinyurl.com/CCPSCandC.

Coffee + Conversation is hosted by Family and Community Engagement Office and Chesterfield County Prevention Services.

Parents and caregivers are invited for Coffee + Conversation, free virtual sessions 1-2 p.m. offering helpful information. Register for the topics that most interest you at https://tinyurl.com/CCPSCandC. Coffee + Conversation is hosted by Family and Community Engagement Office and Chesterfield County Prevention Services.

⬇️ Exciting New Training Opportunity! ⬇️

Register below for Building Strong Parent Advocates 💪🏻📢

November 21 - December 12, 2022

"PEATC, in collaboration with the VDOE, invites families to join us in our newest online training course.

Families of children receiving special education services find themselves in a world filled with complicated policies, confusing acronyms and terms, and piles of paperwork. Often families find themselves looking for information and background knowledge to help them better support their children through the Individualized Education Program (IEP).

The Building Strong Parent Advocates training provides information to help families build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while empowering them to be their child’s best advocate.

REGISTER HERE! - https://bit.ly/3DdAalW

This training will take approximately 6 hours, and can be accessed anytime during the 3 weeks."

Building Strong Parent Advocates returns November 21 - December 12, 2022!!

PEATC, in collaboration with the VDOE, invites families to join us in our newest online training course.

Families of children receiving special education services find themselves in a world filled with complicated policies, confusing acronyms and terms, and piles of paperwork. Often families find themselves looking for information and background knowledge to help them better support their children through the Individualized Education Program (IEP).

The Building Strong Parent Advocates training provides information to help families build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while empowering them to be their child’s best advocate.

REGISTER HERE! - https://bit.ly/3DdAalW

This training will take approximately 6 hours, and can be accessed anytime during the 3 weeks.