Workshops

PEATC workshops are made possible through Federal funding from the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs and private donations. Our Federal grants designate PEATC as the Statewide Parent Training and Information Center and Region B1 RSA-Parent Training and Information Center.

In order for PEATC to comply with our grant funding, we must ensure that at least 10 parents are registered to participate in each workshop so our program activities are well managed and Virginia’s families and professionals can continue to benefit from PEATC’s trainings.

PEATC will advertise our events. It is vitally important that you, as the requester, also advertise the workshop to ensure sufficient participation. PEATC will create a flyer with the registration URL for you to use. We ask that you stay in contact with PEATC as registration changes so that we can properly plan. PEATC will manage registration for the event.

**Any workshop request must provide a minimum of four (4) weeks prior to the workshop/webinar date requested.**

The recording of our workshops and webinars is strictly prohibited. We value the privacy and confidentiality of our participants and presenters, and it is important to PEATC to maintain a respectful and secure environment for everyone involved.

If you have questions, please call 800-869-6782 or email partners@peatc.org.

Schedule a PEATC training by completing our online request form.

 

ADULTHOOD & TRANSITION

Disability Benefits: VA’s Medicaid Waivers – There are state government benefits available to individuals with disabilities. It’s important to understand that benefits such as personal assistance and community support can play an important role in planning for the future. Navigating state disability services can be difficult, time-consuming, and overwhelming. This workshop explains Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers, eligibility for services, and how to obtain this state benefit.

Disability Benefits: Social Security and VA Medicaid Waivers – Families of children with disabilities need to have an understanding of government benefits available to them as part of planning a future for their loved one. These benefits can help supplement a person’s income, qualify a person for extra help, and help them receive healthcare and community supports. Navigating the world of disability benefits can be tricky, time-consuming, and overwhelming. This workshop will help make that process easier. Join us as we discuss in clear language: what are Social Security benefits, what are Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers, who is eligible, and how do I apply?

Effectively Engaging Families in Transition Planning – Parents and caregivers have a great deal of knowledge and insight to bring to the transition planning process. They are usually the one consistent person in the life of a youth or young adult. Family members and caregivers will also still be there after a student completes high school and moves into the adult world. When family members and caregivers have a good understanding of and are actively engaged in the secondary transition process research shows that student outcomes improve. In this workshop, participants will: 1) Learn practical tools and strategies for engaging parents/guardians and students, and 2) hear real-life examples of transition planning practices that were effective because of strong parent/guardians and student engagement.

Planning for the Future: Financial and Decision Options – Planning for the future is important for all parents, but for parents of children with disabilities it is vital. This workshop will offer information to help learn about options and tools for making these important decisions. Topics covered will be: Age of Majority, Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Supported Decision Making, Special Needs Trusts, ABLE Accounts, and Letters of Intent.

Successful Transition Planning and the IEP – This workshop will encourage active participation in developing a meaningful and useful transition plan to help students in preparing for life as an adult when they finish school. A transition plan is a required part of the IEP for Virginia students aged 14 and older. Attendees will learn what needs to be in the transition plan and what the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) says about transition services.

Turning 18 in Virginia: What Individuals with Disabilities Need to Consider – Turning 18 is a big deal. An 18-year-old is legally considered an adult in Virginia and can make their own legal, financial, medical, and educational decisions. For some individuals with disabilities, this will not be an issue. Others may need support. This workshop will share basic information about things that need to be considered as your loved one turns 18.

BEHAVIOR & COMMUNICATION

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

EARLY CHILDHOOD

The Big Step: Early Intervention to Preschool – This workshop will give an overview of transitioning from Early Intervention (EI) to Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). It describes the key differences of EI and ECSE, the importance of successful transitions from EI services to preschool, and discusses the roles of the parents, service coordinators, and educators. Participants will also learn the importance of planning this important transition.

The Power of Family Engagement in Early Childhood – Building positive relationships between schools and families supports our children’s learning and development. Strong home-school connections create a more positive experience and help our children improve their relationships, health, and school success leading to more positive long-term outcomes. By taking an active role in the early years, schools and parents can help ensure our children have the support they need to develop to their full potential. In this interactive workshop, we are discussing what “family engagement” means to us and learning how both parents and professionals share in the responsibility for the success of all children including children with disabilities.

Ready or Not, Here They Grow! – Ready or not, our kids are growing and developing. Every child develops at their own pace and milestones give us a general idea of when to expect certain skills to develop. Acting early can make a difference! In this workshop, we’re going over the basics. We’ll talk about what are milestones, define the domains (categories of development), provide resources for supporting a child’s development, and share tips on what to do if there are concerns.

Who, What, and When of Early Intervention – This workshop covers the Early Intervention (EI) process and the family’s role in developing an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Participants will come away from the workshop with a detailed overview of EI and how the information families have about their children is critical to developing the IFSP for the child and their family.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

Bullying Prevention for Administrators and Teachers – This workshop is designed to help safeguard schools against bullying. The objective of the workshop is to arm attendees with research-based information on best practices in bullying prevention. Attendees will leave with the ability to distinguish accurately between bullying and other forms of aggression. Attendees will also leave with strategies that will help foster a school culture that averts the development and reduces the occurrence of bullying.

Friendship Building Strategies – Participants will explore the nature of their friendships and consider students with disabilities developing positive relationships with other students. The presentation will also describe the importance of creating opportunities for these students to belong to their school and their community to gain a sense of acceptance. Attendees will be provided strategies for parents as well as educators to use in facilitating friendships for all children, especially children with disabilities.

Is Your Child a Target of Bullying? – This workshop offers intervention strategies for parents of children with disabilities who may be the target of bullying at school. Participants will learn how to identify and prevent bullying, talk to their child about bullying, and how to obtain help from professionals when support is needed.

It’s a Balancing Act: Reclaiming Yourself Through Self-Care and Wellness – Reclaiming yourself requires finding your unique path to wellness and committing to making yourself a priority. This is difficult for all parents/caregivers, especially parents of children with disabilities. Life can be unpredictable, and coping with stress and burnout can become overwhelming. It’s a challenging balancing act to remain centered and at peace, not in pieces. This interactive workshop is designed to help parents of children with disabilities view self-care through a new lens. This workshop offers tangible strategies that can help you overcome the challenges that hinder you from balancing life and reclaiming yourself through self-care and wellness. By participating in this workshop, you’ll learn how to prioritize self-care and make it an integral part of your daily routine. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a sense of balance, peace, and well-being that can positively impact not only yourself but also your family.

Pass the Baton: Running with a New Perspective of Family Engagement – You have been passed the baton and entrusted to run with diligence and endurance to change how parents, schools and communities engage for the success of all students. As the forerunner of your team, who will be your Stakeholders? How will you define stakeholder engagement and incorporate the rules and the domains of family engagement? How will you restore the 3-strand cord (home, family, community) so it is not easily broken? This interactive workshop leads the participants to the starting point of change. Participants will learn how to collectively accept the baton, assume the position of leadership, strategize, create and implement a vision to help catapult family engagement to the next dimension.

Self-Care & Social Emotional Wellbeing During These Uncertain Times –When you make yourself a priority, you are better equipped to handle stress, avoid burnout, and remain centered. This allows you to help not only your family, but the families you serve cope with the many changes the pandemic has thrown our way. This interactive workshop will dispel myths you have heard about self-care. You will see the value of self-care and social emotional wellbeing during these uncertain times. This workshop has been designed with you in mind. You are worth the investment in yourself!

The ABC’s of Collaboration: Back to the Basics – Collaboration is an effective tool that allows families, general and special educators, administrators, and community stakeholders to partner to promote students’ cognitive development, academic performance, and social-emotional wellness from birth through college and career. How do we build strong collaborations? This interactive workshop will guide families and professionals in identifying the key characteristics needed to make collaborations more effective and sustainable.

The Power of Engaging Families – Creating relationships between parents and schools, which focus on engaging the families of students with disabilities, has a positive impact on students. During this interactive workshop, participants will explore their personal definition of “family engagement” and how both parents and professionals share in the responsibility of the success of their students.

Understanding the Dynamics of Cyberbullying Technology and our Youth – The use of technology has increased instances of  cyberbullying. Individuals with disabilities are at a greater risk of not only being cyberbullied but also of using technology to bully someone else. During this interactive workshop, we will discuss the types of cyberbullying, learn the warning signs, and explore the motivations of those who engage in cyberbullying. Because cyberbullying has created challenges for students, parents, school personnel, and law enforcement, we hope to provide attendees with tips and strategies to address cyberbullying when individuals with disabilities are involved.

Your Voice Matters – Now more than ever, family engagement is important. During this interactive workshop, participants will be empowered to see the value of their expertise and their contribution to family engagement. Attendees will explore their personal definition of family engagement and learn effective approaches to advocating for their children. Practical tips and techniques that can be used right away to sustain strong collaborative relationships with their child’s school will be shared.

MILITARY SPECIFIC

Anatomy of an IEP- Military – Like a biology lesson, this presentation dissects the IEP, examines the parts individually, discusses the function of each section, and how the parts come together to create an effective document. You will learn constructive and practical tips to help create an IEP that supports the student’s access to a free and appropriate public education and gain an understanding on how to manage special education when moving to a new town, city or state.

Keys to Special Education – If you have a student receiving special education and related services in Virginia, you have a front-row seat to this complex process. This presentation will unlock the complicated special education process by providing attendees with the keys to navigating it effectively. Attendees will also learn the different parts of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and how they work together to create a plan that allows their student to access their education. Military families will gain information about how to advocate for their students with disabilities while serving our country and be able to ask questions about the process, the document, and being attached to the armed forces.

The Military Attached Special Education Student – This workshop provides attendees with an understanding of what a military-attached, special education student and their families experience during their parent’s 6-9 changes of duty station. Practical suggestions to decrease the stress, an introduction to the Military Interstate Compact, as well as a discussion about resources available to service members and their families cap off an informative training which is appropriate for both parents and professionals.

*All PEATC workshops can be adapted to be presented to a military specific audience.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Anatomy of an IEP – Like a biology lesson, this presentation dissects the IEP, examines the parts individually, discusses the function of each section, and how the parts come together to create an effective document. You will learn constructive and practical tips to help create an IEP that supports the student’s access to a free and appropriate public education.

Disproportionality in Special Education: What does it mean? – The disproportionate representation of students, usually minority students, in special education continues to be an important topic of concern. This workshop will give participants a basic understanding of what disproportionality in special education is and why it is an issue. We will learn what do the IDEA regulations say about disproportionality and what can be done to reduce disproportionality in our schools. These questions and many more will be answered in this informative workshop.

Dispute Resolution in Virginia: Even when we do our best to collaborate and reach an agreement, things don’t always go right at IEP meetings or other special education proceedings.  That is why the law makes dispute resolution options available to families (and to schools). While this process can be stressful, information is power; the more you know, the more prepared you will be if things don’t go as planned. This presentation will describe dispute resolution options, how they work, and when it may be best to use a specific option. We will also guide on you on how to prepare when entering into a dispute resolution process. Being knowledgeable will help you make the best decisions for your child as you work to ensure that his or her rights are protected.

From Referral to Eligibility; A Deeper Dive – This presentation takes you through the reasons for evaluations for special education services, timelines that are in place, and the all-important Eligibility meeting. It also covers the steps of a re-evaluation and the parental right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE).

How to Talk So Schools Will Listen (and Listen So Schools Will Talk) – How can we improve partnerships between parents of special education students and the educators who work with them? This workshop will help participants discover communication techniques, learn how to recognize and prevent barriers to communication, and build agreements around difficult problems.

How to Conduct Positive Productive IEP Meetings – This workshop was designed with input from parents, parent groups, advocacy organizations, teacher’s, 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.

Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings – This presentation will help prepare parents for what to expect in the IEP meeting and how to have a productive, student-focused meeting. From pre-planning before the meeting to working together afterwards, this presentation will help participants learn how to build relationships while focusing on the needs of the student.

Measurable IEP Goals – This workshop brings families and educators together using a common language to build measurable goals for all students to ensure that families and schools know where the student is beginning and the progress that is being made over time. Participants will learn what a measurable goal is, how to write a measurable goal and much more in this workshop.

Ten Things You Need to Know about IEPs – Children with disabilities have had the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) which is outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Equal responsibility is shared with everyone on the IEP team in the development of a document that allows the student to access the education they are entitled to. If you’re just starting the special education process, changing schools, or simply need a refresher on special education, this workshop is a great opportunity. Attendees will learn ten things they “need to know” about IEPs. As a result, you will be more confident and capable in creating an effective IEP. (2-hour workshop)

Understanding Special Education – This workshop will help you learn the steps of the special education process. Attendees will gain a basic understanding of IDEA’s 2004 language on high expectations and become more familiar with their role as parents in the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). You will also have the opportunity to learn some practical strategies for participating effectively in IEP meetings.

YOUTH

Standing Up and Speaking Out Against Bullying – Bullying continues to have long-term effects on school-aged youth. Youth play a vital role in how bullying is seen and accepted among their peers. This unique interactive workshop is for youth who want to learn the power of their voice. The youth voice is powerful. Through dialogue, candid discussions, and interactive activities, youth will see themselves as Change Agents: Standing Up and Speaking Out Against Bullying. Youth have great talents, gifts, and potentials and this workshop will help them tap into their greatness as they lend their voices for change.

Creating a World Without Bullying – Bullying is a widespread epidemic. Children who bully are at risk for more serious behavior problems. What is bullying? What causes youth to bully? What resources are in place to assist “the child” who demonstrates bullying behaviors? This unique interactive workshop is for the youth who bully other youth. Youth will understand how their behavior aligns with the definition of bullying. They will explore potential causes for their aggressive behavior. Through dialogue and candid discussions, youth are encouraged to channel negativity and use their voice positively to effect change and help end the bullying of others.

What’s In My IEP? – PEATC is excited to be providing IEP consultations with students! In Virginia, the IEP team must invite transition age students to attend their IEP meetings. This becomes even more important when the student is 14 years or older and the team is considering goals for after they leave high school, including further education, employment, and independent living goals. It is vital that students bring their own perspective to their IEP meetings. Participating in their own IEP meeting empowers students to be stronger self-advocates and be more connected to their IEP goals. To help students feel more confident about participating in their IEP meetings and to ensure that their needs, choices, and preferences and what they want to do after high school is accurately reflected in their IEP, PEATC is offering individual consult meetings with students. These consultations will help student participants better understand what is in the IEP and how it relates to achieving their goals and dreams. While parents and guardians are encouraged to listen in, the conversation will be with the student. Contact PEATC about scheduling IEP consults with your group of students.

What’s Next? – PEATC has developed a dynamic 4 -session interactive program for students with disabilities (ages 14-26) to learn about planning for life after high school. Topics for the sessions include what is vocational rehabilitation (VR) and why do I need to know about that, soft skills for employment, building self-advocacy skills, what about college, what’s a resume and should I have one, and more.

Step 1 of 4

  • By submitting this form, you are indicating you have read and agree to the policies stated above. A list of workshops can be found at www.peatc.org under Training and Workshops.
  • I understand that PEATC policy prohibits the recording of workshops/webinars. We value the privacy and confidentiality of our participants and presenters, and it is important to PEATC to maintain a respectful and secure environment for everyone involved.