Chesterfield County Special Education Advisory Committee

Registration is now open for the 2026 Virtual Family Engagement Summit on August 22 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

PEATC, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), invites you to the 2026 Virtual Family Engagement Summit: “Collaboration That Transforms Outcomes.” This FREE virtual event brings together parents, caregivers, educators, and community partners who share a common goal – helping students with disabilities succeed in school and in life.

Participants will

- Hear from inspiring speakers sharing practical tips, real-life experiences, and fresh ideas;

- Learn strategies for building stronger partnerships between families, schools, and communities;

- Explore resources and supports available to students with disabilities and their families;

- Engage in meaningful conversations; and

- Leave with tools, ideas, and actionable takeaways.

Together, we can build stronger relationships, improve communication, and create better outcomes for schildren and youth with disabilities.

The link to register is in the comments.

As the school year winds down, this is a good time to reflect on your experience with special education this year and respond to the VDOE Parent Involvement Survey. See the comments for the link.

Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Disabilities Services, join on Thursday, May 21 from 6-8:15 pm for a free webinar about educational programs available to students with developmental disabilities in Virginia. While it is free, you must register to participate. Registration link is in the comments.

This is a wonderful way to learn about all the recreational opportunities for kids with many different disabilities.

Connect with local programs, try out a new activity and gather resources at the All Abilities Recreation Fair on Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Beulah Recreation Center.

This free event will have face painting, vendors, a craft table, program demonstrations and food.

Come out and explore inclusive and adaptive recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities at this event!

Level Up Virginia, in collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) Center on Transition Innovations and Reynolds Community College, will host a Statewide Transition Fair for Students with Disabilities on May 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Reynolds Community College.

This event is designed to support students with disabilities as they explore postsecondary pathways and prepare for life after high school. Eligible schools include middle, combined, and high schools in which 50% or more of students receive free or reduced‑price lunch.

Eligible schools in CCPS are:
Bailey Bridge Middle
Carver College and Career Academy
Carver Middle
Elizabeth Davis Middle
Falling Creek Middle
LC Bird High
Manchester Middle
Manchester High
Matoaca Middle
Matoaca High
Meadowbrook High
Monacan High
Providence Middle
Salem Church Middle
Thomas Dale High

Students attending the Transition Fair will have the opportunity to:

*Explore postsecondary education and training options
*Connect with college representatives and community organizations
*Attend presentations focused on transition planning and available supports
*Registration

Individual Registration: https://bit.ly/TransitionFairIndividual (includes caregivers/parents and students not attending with their school)

Please note that lunch will not be provided. Light snacks and drinks will be available, and schools are encouraged to plan accordingly.

For questions or additional information, please contact Brittany Everett at [email protected].

Please fill out this form

The Special Education Advisory Committee has several openings for our upcoming school year. There are openings for every magisterial district except for Clover Hill. If you are the parent of a student who receives special education services through CCPS, please consider applying by the May 4 deadline.

Advisory committees established by the Chesterfield County School Board provide an important way for community members to engage with their local schools. Members are appointed from each of the county’s five magisterial districts and include parents, teachers, staff, students, and other community members who are committed to supporting Chesterfield County Public Schools in its vision of “creating a better tomorrow.”

The application link is in the comments.

You've referred your child to the Special Education team at their school. What's the next step? Our partners at PEATC offer a helpful infographic outlining the process so you're informed. go.peatc.org/AfterReferral

peatc.org

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) just released five one-pager guides to supplement the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education.

These new one-pager guides cover:
• Determination of Eligibility
• Procedural Safeguards
• Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
• School Discipline and Students with Disabilities
• Manifestation Determination Review

Download the Virginia Family’s Guide to Special Education and the new one-page guides on VDOE’s website. See the link in the comments.

If you have a child who has a disability, please come out to the Disabilities Resource Fair at Evergreen this Wednesday, 3/25 from 6-7:30 pm.

There will be LOTS of vendors and activities for the kids too!

CCPS’s What’s Next Wednesday session is all about the transition to post-secondary education after graduating as a student with an IEP. It is a virtual session on Wednesday, March 18 at 6 pm. Registration link is in the comments.