AACPS believes working as partners, parents and professionals in the delivery of special education will result in excellent educational opportunities for all children. National studies affirm that the interest and involvement of parents in their children's education are the most important predictors of success for a child.
Special Education is defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and outlines the process of education for those children and youth with a disabling condition that impacts their ability to learn. Educational professionals bring expertise and experience to the process. However, only the parents and the family nurture an individual with a disability throughout the educational journey. Each component depends upon the other for success in achieving mutual goals.
Workshops
Effective Partnership in Special Education: Advocating in Harmony – A workshop to assist parents in gaining skills needed to advocate for their child.
How to be an I.E.P. (Informed Effective Parent) Team Member - A workshop designed to help families attain the knowledge and skills for being an effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) team member.
Individualized Education: An Overview of the Special Education Process – A workshop designed to help families and educators understand the special education process.
Life Transition Series - A series of workshops that will assist families and educators with the process of transitioning from school into adult life.
Other Workshops - Seminars and in-services specially designed to meet the needs of families and educators.
Friends of Early Childhood Intervention
Support and networking among parents can be provided through the Friends of Early Childhood Intervention, an entity founded in 2008 to assist parents of children in the Birth to Five age range. Meetings are held monthly.
See the Infants and Toddlers Program website for resources and links.