PEATC - Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center

09/04/2026

PEATC will be closed today, September 4 and Monday, September 7 for the holiday weekend. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 8 at 9:00 AM.

09/03/2026

📣 There’s still time to register for our LIVE SEAC Training!

PEATC, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education, invites SEAC members and advisors, as well as parents and professionals who are interested in learning about local SEACs in Virginia, to join us for this live training designed to strengthen your understanding of the role of the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) in Virginia and help you build a more effective advisory committee.

📅 Saturday, September 19
⏰ 8:00–11:00 a.m.
📍Virtual

Whether you’re new to SEAC or looking to strengthen your knowledge, we hope you’ll join us!

🔗 Register today: go.peatc.org/live-seac

09/02/2026

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: Parent and Student Input in the IEP Process. You and your child bring valuable insight to the IEP process. This resource highlights why parent and student input is essential to developing meaningful and effective plans. It also encourages families to share their perspectives, priorities, and concerns during meetings. Strong input helps ensure the IEP truly reflects your child's needs. Take a moment to review this resource and think about what you want to share at your next meeting.

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

09/01/2026

🌎 Together, we can help create a world without bullying.

PEATC, in partnership with the American Legion Department of Virginia Children and Youth Chairman, invites families to join us IN PERSON for Creating a World Without Bullying: Facilitated Discussion.

Parents and students in grades 5 and up will learn together about the different types of bullying, how to recognize it, and ways to protect themselves at school and online. Through activities and group conversations, families will have the chance to learn, connect, and build skills together.

📅 Saturday, October 17
🕓11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
📍American Legion Post 368, Newport News, VA

🧡 Join the conversation and help us build safer, more supportive spaces for all students.

🔗 Register: go.peatc.org/4r45dfay

08/31/2026

🔍 Ready to crack the code on 504s and IEPs?

Join PEATC and Woodgrove High School PTSO for Cracking the Code: 504s and IEPs! This workshop will help families better understand the differences between these two education plans, who qualifies, and the services and supports each can provide.

This is an *IN-PERSON* event.

📅 Wednesday, September 16
🕓6:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 Woodgrove High School in Purcellville, VA

Come learn, ask questions, and leave feeling more confident advocating for your student!

🔗 Register today: go.peatc.org/RegCTC26

08/30/2026

🎓 Registration is OPEN for the 2026 Fall Session of Transition University!

Planning for life after high school can bring a lot of questions. Transition University, a collaboration between PEATC and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), is a FREE, self-paced online course designed to help families and professionals better understand the transition process and prepare students with disabilities for life after high school.

The Fall 2026 session runs October 5 through December 7, giving you the flexibility to learn on your own schedule.

Whether transition is right around the corner or still a few years away, it’s never too early to start planning!

🔗 Register today: go.peatc.org/tu-fall2026

08/29/2026

💙 Starting the IEP evaluation process can come with a lot of information and a lot of questions.

PEATC is here to help families make sense of the process, understand their options, and feel more confident about the next steps.

"Helpful information about staRting the IEP evaluation process. It can be an overwhelming amount of information and they were calm and clear in the information."

We’re grateful to this individual for sharing their experience and trusting PEATC to provide clear, supportive information when they needed it.

Have questions about special education or the IEP process? PEATC is here to help.
📞 703-923-0010
📧 [email protected]

08/28/2026

🌟 Meet the Team! 🌟

This week, we are highlighting our Love Kingsbury, Coordinator of Staff Development and Special Education Dispute Resolution. With over 15 years of advocacy experience, Love brings extensive knowledge, empathy, and a passion for connecting families with the information and resources they need.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at PEATC?
A: I appreciate the vast knowledge that my co-workers have on various topics. No matter the conversation I have with a parent, transition to adulthood, bullying, early childhood, etc., I have co-workers who know all the things when I have questions. It's amazing to work with a group of people who have such a broad base of knowledge.

Q: What is a PEATC training/resource you would recommend to everyone?
A: I am extremely partial to our dispute resolution toolkits. I’m a true believer in collaboration, but I know there are times when the next steps have to be taken. I’m grateful for our toolkits that explain the process in a clear, plain language way. Having to use dispute resolution can be traumatic enough; not knowing the process just adds to that stress. Our toolkits can help decrease that stress by explaining how it all works.

Q: What is your go-to coffee order or favorite snack?
A: My new favorite coffee order is the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew. I love a good iced coffee in the summer!

Q: What song always puts you in a good mood?
A: “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. I don’t know how anyone can listen to September and not get up and dance!

08/28/2026

From our friends at Center on Transition Innovations ....

You don't have to navigate the transition to adulthood alone. Join us for a live, interactive virtual panel featuring real families sharing their experiences, challenges, and successes.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Tuesday, September 8
⏰ Time: 3:30 PM EST
💻 Platform: Zoom (Virtual)

What We’ll Cover:

🎓 Postsecondary Education: College, trade programs, and learning options after high school.
💼 Employment: Real paths toward finding, keeping, and thriving in a career.
🏠 Community Living: Building independence, daily skills, and community support.

Who Should Attend?
Parents, family members, individuals with disabilities, educators, and service providers—anyone supporting a young adult through transition. Bring your questions and leave with real guidance and connection.

👉 Save your free spot today: bit.ly/CTIFamilyForum
📩 Email questions to the panel ahead of time to Dr. Staci Carr at [email protected]

08/27/2026

There’s still time to register for Simple Steps to Help Your Young Child Learn & Grow: A Connecting the Dots Webinar, happening September 15 from 12:30–1:00 PM ET on Zoom.

Join us to discover simple, everyday ways to use The Basics™ principles to support your child’s brain growth, manage stress, and build strong, loving relationships. 💛

This webinar is perfect for busy parents and caregivers of young children!

🔗 Register today: go.peatc.org/learn-grow26