Training for Parents & Professionals

Overview

The following workshops are offered by Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC). Sessions are tailored to meet individual group needs and interests. Workshops can also be presented in Spanish. Parent organizations, school systems and professional agencies are welcome to contact CPAC for information about how to schedule a workshop in their area.

Since we typically receive more requests than we are able to grant each year, priority for free trainings is determined based on the following criteria:

  • Geographic diversity
  • Target audience including parents and professionals
  • Training open to all members of the community
  • Projected attendance of at least 20 people
  • Topic areas targeted in Parent Training and Information grant
  • Host group providing space, AV equipment and publicity
  • Host organization is located in an Alliance School District

For more information or to schedule a workshop, please call us at (860) 739-3089.

The ABC’s of Special Education: Understanding the Process
Parents of children with disabilities will learn how to become more active participants in their children's education. This session will include information on evaluations, record keeping, Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504, and dispute resolution.

Getting to Know Your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)
This training focuses on how parents can be actively and effectively involved in the development of the IEP. Participants will learn the key components of an IEP and will become familiar with current Connecticut IEP forms. The workshop will offer guidance about developing measurable goals and tips for monitoring a student's progress.

Child Find in Connecticut: What to Do When Concerns Arise
This training is designed to help parents and professionals understand Child Find, a process required by the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Law (IDEA) that requires school districts to locate children, birth through 21 (to the 22nd birthday in Connecticut), who may have a disability, and may be eligible for early intervention or special education. The training covers the main steps to receiving special education: referral to special education, Planning and Placement Team (PPT) process, evaluation, eligibility criteria, and implementation of the child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) Participants will learn our state's timelines for all of the above and the training will also help participants understand what interventions and alternatives are available in the regular setting before referring the child to special education.

Excuse Me, What Did You Say? Learning to Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say
Improved communication skills can help parents gain confidence whenever they are working with professionals who are helping their child. This training will help parents and professionals identify their communication strengths and weaknesses and will offer strategies to help if obstacles arise.

Transition 101: Preparing Students with Disabilities for Success After High School
This presentation will offer an overview of the secondary transition process for students who receive special education services. Participants will learn about transition planning including the value of student participation, legal requirements, and transition planning in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Getting and Keeping the First Job
Students with disabilities and their parents will hear straight talk about employment including information on accommodations, disclosure, interviewing and self-employment. Information from an employer's perspective will also be shared.

Self-Advocacy Skills: What Students and Families Need to Know
Attendees will learn why it is important for young adults to advocate for themselves and will learn about the tools available to help students develop self-advocacy skills. Participants will hear from successful self-advocates in school, work, and a variety of other settings.

When Time Outs Don’t Work
This workshop will help participants change the way they view and react to their children's challenging behavior. Participants will learn what their children's behavior is communicating, how to use positive behavior supports to encourage the development of new communication skills, and practical tips for promoting children's success. An overview of the concepts of functional behavioral assessment and positive behavior interventions will be shared.