Our Workshops
Workshops Focusing on the Special Education Laws and the Process, including the Role, Rights and Responsibilities of IEP Team Members
The Parent Information Center on Special Education workshops are generally offered free of charge to parents, support groups, community organizations/ agencies, schools and others as our resources allow. Special fee arrangements may be made when an individual or group wishes to sponsor a workshop outside of our established parameters. Please contact us at (603) 224-7005 or 1-800-947-7005 for more information on hosting a workshop.
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
Around the Special Education World in One Day (Generally 6—7 hours) — 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
The NH Legislative Process — The participation of parents, educators and others in the legislative process has shaped NH special education law and regulations, as well as other laws that impact children and families. This workshop provides participants with an overview of the NH legislative process and helps prepare them to become more involved in positive systems change. Generally 1—1.5 hours
Building School-Family Partnerships
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
Parents & 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
School Discipline and Bullying
Keeping Our Children Safe: What to Do When Your Child is Bullied— When children do not feel safe at school they are unable to learn effectively and the overall climate of the school is negatively impacted. Research shows that certain groups of children, including children with disabilities, are more likely to be bullied. This workshop will discuss some of the major causes of bullying, laws and policies that are in place to protect children from bullying as well as practical strategies and resources. Generally 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 Focusing on Other 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
Understanding ADHD — This session provides basic information on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and its impact on executive functioning. Participants will learn strategies that could be included in a child’s IEP or 504 plan, as well as suggestions for parents and professionals on ways to support children who have ADHD in school. 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
Prescription for Homework Headaches — Participants will learn how they can become their child’s learning coach rather than the homework police. This workshop includes organizational and other strategies to support a child’s independence and make homework less of a headache. Generally 2 hours
Training Series
Volunteer Advocates for Special Education Training Program - PIC’s VA Training Program is a free 11-week course for parents and others who want to gain the knowledge and skills to support parents of children with disabilities in the special education process. This training is offered twice each year at various locations across New Hampshire. For more information, please visit here (link to http://www.nhspecialed.org/VAtraining.shtml)
Building Blocks for Learning 3-Part Series - Research has shown that children’s success in school is determined by multiple factors including how well children read and how involved parents are in their children’s education. Participants will receive hands-on activities and ideas on how they can support children’s learning. This series also provides participants with information on family involvement, effective study skills, strategies and practices for homework help and how a child learns to read.
Life After High school: Youth, Families and Professionals Collaborating in IEP Transition Planning - This multi-session series includes sessions for youth, families and school/agency/community personnel to help them create meaningful transition plans and IEPs. This series can be customized to meet the needs of individual groups.
Download our Workshop List (PDF)
