Workshops on Special Education Laws, Process and the IEP
The Basics—An Overview of the NH Special Education Process — This workshop provides participants with an introduction to the NH special education process. It includes a brief overview of each step, as well a description of the important role parents have in the process. Generally 1—2 hours
Steps in the NH Special Education Process: The NH Rules for the Education of Children with Disabilities — This session provides an overview of the steps in the NH special education process. It includes the most recent changes to the NH Rules for the Education of Children with Disabilities. Participants will learn about their roles, rights and responsibilities in the special education process. Generally 2.5—3 hours
The IEP Organizer — Having well organized school records helps parents of children with disabilities to use the information to participate more effectively in the special education process. This workshop provides participants with information, strategies and a tool they can use to organize their child’s records to feel more confident and better prepared for IEP meetings. Participants may wish to bring some of their child’s records and a large 3 ring binder to the workshop. Complete IEP Organizers will be available for sale. Generally 2 hours
IEP Clinic — It is helpful for participants to first attend a special education process workshop before attending IEP Clinic. This workshop provides participants with a more in-depth understanding of the IEP so they can be better prepared and more comfortable participating as a member of the IEP Team. Participants may wish to bring their child’s IEP to the workshop. Individual IEPs will not be written at this workshop.
Generally 2—2.5 hours
Knowledge is Key—How to be an Effective IEP Team Member— Productive IEP meetings rely on all IEP Team members having an understanding of the special education process, including their roles and responsibilities. This session includes a brief overview of each step in the process, as well as strategies to assist IEP Team members to work more effectively together. Generally 1.5—2 hours
Section 504 & IDEA — Have you ever wondered which law applies to your child—the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act? Would you like to be more clear about the differences and similarities between the two laws? This workshop provides participants with a brief overview of both laws, focusing on the purposes and eligibility requirements for each. Generally 2 hours
Around the Special Education World in One Day — Do you want to get a lot of information, but don’t have a lot of time? This comprehensive, one day seminar provides participants with the tools necessary to understand and participate more effectively in the special education process. This seminar combines components of four of our most popular training sessions, including:
- Steps in the NH Special Education Process
- Disability Awareness
- Parents and Educators: Partners in the Process
- The IEP Clinic
Generally 6—7 hours
Life After High School: Transition & the IEP – This workshop provides participants with an overview of the transition requirements in the IEP, including strategies they can use for effective transition planning. Generally 2 hours
Special Education: It’s More than Just Academics — Schools offer more than just instruction in reading, writing and arithmetic. A school’s parent/student handbook and the NH Curriculum Frameworks provide standards for a broad array of skills that are important for ALL students. Participants will learn how these skills, which include social, organizational and problem solving skills, can addressed in the IEP. Generally 1.5—2 hours
My Child’s Going to be 3, Now What? – This workshop provides participants with information on the transition from Family Centered Early Supports and Services (ESS) to preschool special education. Participants will learn about the differences between ESS and special education and ways to work with both systems to make the transition smoother. Generally 1.5—2 hours.
Extended School Year (ESY): Who, What, Why & What Else – This workshop provides an overview of the ESY process for children with disabilities. Some questions (and answers) that will be discussed include: what is ESY, how does a child qualify, and what are the options? Generally 1.5—2 hours
Developmental Red Flags (Birth to Age 5) — Children develop at different rates, but how do you know when you should be concerned and what do you do about it? This workshop provides an overview of the developmental stages children experience birth - 5 as well as gives information and support on how to nurture young children’s growth. What to do when you are concerned about a child’s development is also explored, including how to make a referral to early intervention and/or preschool special education. Generally 1.5—2 hours
Suspension, Prevention & Intervention— The special education laws provide specific protections for children with disabilities who experience behavioral difficulties, particularly if those behaviors lead to suspension from school. This workshop provides an overview of the discipline procedures in the special education process, including manifestation determination, functional behavioral assessments and positive behavioral interventions. Participants will receive a “discipline toolbox” that includes strategies to encourage positive behaviors. Generally 2—2.5 hours
Workshops on Building School-Family Partnerships
Parents and Educators: Partners in the Special Education Process – Effective communication is critical for parents and educators to work effectively together in supporting children with disabilities. Participants will learn the important role each IEP Team member and how using each others’ expertise benefits the child. This workshop is ideal for parents and educators to attend together, but can be tailored to meet the needs of individual groups. Generally 1.5—2.5 hours
Creating Agreement: Reducing and Resolving Special Education Disputes — This workshop provides an overview of strategies to avoid, reduce and resolve conflicts that may arise at IEP Team meetings. Participants will learn about informal and formal dispute resolution options including: IEP Team meeting facilitators, complaints, mediations, neutral conferences and due process hearings. Specific techniques, including an assessment tool will be provided. Generally 2 –2.5 hours
Workshops Focusing on Other Disability Related / Special Education Topics
Understanding Your Child’s Learning Style — Research shows that people learn in different ways. In this workshop, different learning styles and the theory of multiple intelligences are discussed. Participants will receive tools to help them identify a child’s learning style and ways to support the child’s learning. Generally 2 hours
Envisioning Your Child’s Future — Through a fun, hands-on activity, workshop participants are encouraged to think about and prepare for their child’s future. Participants have the opportunity to share ideas, resources and strategize with each other. This workshop can be combined with others or adapted for professionals. Generally 1.5—2 hours
The Parent Information Center on Special Education is funded in part or
whole by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education
Programs Grant No. H328M100016. The contents of the website, however, and
any documents cited herein do not necessarily reflect the views or polices
of the U.S Department of Education.