Collaboration
Skip to search results Showing Results 1 - 50 of 307
Description: The Brain Injury Association of Virginia is a statewide, primary source of information and personal support for individuals, families, and professionals whose lives have been impacted by brain injury. Community Resource Directory Looking for a brain injury service or program in your area? Search our database for support groups, therapists, rehabilitation providers, attorneys and more. You can search by keyword, category, and/or address. Self-Paced Online Courses The Brain Injury Association of...
Description: Register for Spring 2023 (through May 1, 2023) - Learning Your Way is Formed Families Forward’s free online learning portal for parents, caregivers, youth and professionals. Participants enroll and can access course on-demand, learning at their own pace. Registration for Spring 2023 access to Learning Your Way is open February 1 through May 1, 2023. Access to the modules runs mid-February through June 2023. As of Spring 2023, Learning Your Way includes Five Courses: Special Education 101...
Description: The SEL Innovations series aims to help the field imagine new, more expansive and equitable approaches to SEL and wellness to ensure that all children, adolescents, and adults feel safe, supported, and seen so that they can thrive. This report focuses on the conditions and guiding actions to foster authentic school-family partnerships.
Description: It is very important, when expressing concerns about your child’s educational services or when requesting something from the school division, that you do so in writing. That way, you have a record of your request. Sometimes it can be hard to know exactly what to include in your communication with the school division. To make things easier, PEATC has developed a series of sample emails/letters in a variety of areas that you can use as the basis for your request(s). The templates include the...
Description: The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has recently developed a new resource for families whose children are being placed in a private day school by their Individualized Education Program (IEP) Teams.
Description: Virginia Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is the largest and oldest non-partisan volunteer child advocacy association in Virginia with more than 175,000 members across more than 950 of Virginia's schools Chartered by the National PTA in 1921, the primary goal of the Virginia PTA is to strengthen our schools and communities through parent and family involvement and to advocate for resources and funding to enable the academic success, health and well-being of ALL children in the Commonwealth. PTA...
Description: A Student Profile is a way for you to introduce your child to new teachers, related service providers, administrators, and others with whom she will come into contact. By completing the Student Profile every year, you can provide information about your child’s strengths, challenges, and successes. The Student Profile will help everyone see the positive traits that he/she brings to school and where he/she needs help. Of course, you can’t list everything about your child so pick the...
Description: Formed Families Together group,for adoptive and foster parents and kinship caregivers, are led by trained Formed Families Forward staff and volunteers who have first-hand lived experience raising children, youth and young adults with special needs. Our youth and young adult Stronger Together group is designed for teens and young adults age 14-22 who have lived experiences in one or more service systems such as: Social services (foster care, child welfare, family services) Special education...
Description: This Warm Line is a peer-run service for residents of Virginia. They offer this support line for individuals, family members, and other concerned parties who would like someone to talk to, or who request community mental health resources, or who have specific questions about their recovery journey. The peers who answer this Warm Line listen with compassion and provide non-judgmental support. The peers at MHAV are not licensed professionals, medical providers, or legal advisers. MHAV’s Warm...
Description: This self-paced tutorial has been developed for parents and professionals who are just beginning to learn about CVI. In this tutorial you will view interviews with parents, engage in web searches to expand your resources, and view presentations related to each module’s topic. Along the way, you will build an individualized action plan for your child to address Diagnosis Assessment Intervention Teamwork / collaboration IEP Development Advocacy This workshop is available in an...
Description: Why haven’t we been more successful in engaging every family in the educational lives of their children? Why do we still struggle with the notion of engaging every family as a conduit to improved student learning? This book outlines a pathway and process to engage every family, including those families that have been traditionally disengaged or disenfranchised. Updates to this second edition include updated research to ensure a firmer foundation for each of its five simple principles as...
Description: Dr. Constantino and guest Patricia Weinzapfel, author of No More Mumbo Jumbo: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Educators and Families, provide a conversation that focuses on how to recognize effective and ineffective communications and provide you with the knowledge, skills, and checklists you need to improve your relationships with families and cultivate student success. (May 2020)
Description: Strong relationships between families and teachers are critical for successful students, but where do you begin to build them? This article offers up resources and a playlist of videos about parent engagement. This is a collection of videos with examples of the many ways schools can build powerful partnerships with families. They included actionable tips for both parents and teachers about how to best to work together.
Description: This series of videos is designed to give practical parenting advice that they can immediately use to support their neurodivergent child’s executive functions. These engaging videos feature parents sharing their real life wisdom and experts who give practical ideas and easy to understand explanations. If you have a child with ADHD, Learning Disabilities, or Autism, these videos will help you reduce conflict and turns can’t’s into cans.
Description: Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement. Ready asks that individuals: stay informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses make a family emergency plan and build an emergency supply kit, and get involved in your...
Description: This includes recordings of webinar presentations and accompanying materials on a range of topics sponsored by Formed Families Forward (FFF) including: Back to School Improving Organization and Study Skills Screen-Savvy Parenting Collaborative Problem Solving with Agency Partners Special Education Eligibility And many more
Description: This document includes a non-exhaustive list of non-profit legal services and advocacy organizations in Virginia that provide no-cost legal or advocacy services, technical assistance, and/or referrals to the public. Other attorney or non-attorney services, including pro bono services and special education resources may be available in your community. The Virginia Lawyer Referral Service (VLRS), a program of the Virginia State Bar, provides a low-cost attorney referral and consultation service....
Description: When a child endures a traumatic experience, the whole family feels the impact. But adults hold the power to help lessen its effects. Several factors can change the course of kids’ lives: feeling seen and heard by a caring adult, being patiently taught coping strategies and resilience-building techniques, and being with adults who know about the effects of such experiences. The resources provided include printables, videos and more on topics to help families.
Description: Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful and overwhelming. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will help you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient. Stress can cause the following: Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration. Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests. Trouble concentrating and making decisions. Nightmares or problems sleeping. Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach...
Description: Over the past year, many students have experienced entirely virtual and remote learning and many—especially students with disabilities—will need additional support, time, and teaching to get the high quality education they deserve. Students have missed out on opportunities to learn and develop during the pandemic. In response, the federal government is providing billions of dollars to address “instructional loss”. While states, districts, and schools pilot new approaches...
Description: What are the keys to successful, student-centered IEPs? It starts with strong collaboration and communication among the entire team—administrators, teachers, parents and caregivers, service providers, and students. This team must also have access to accurate, up-to-date performance data throughout the IEP cycle. This informative infographic provides a quick reference to guide team members through each stage
Description: The mission of the American Institute of Stress is to improve the mental and physical health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence of stress management in education, research, clinical care, home life and the workplace. We educate and credential health care professionals and offer products and educational tools for everyone. They are a clearinghouse that gathers evidence based stress solutions.
Description: CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) CARES is an initiative that connects the SEL community with experts to address how SEL can be most helpful in response to today’s circumstances. The first opportunity in this series features Dr. Marc Brackett, CASEL board member and director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Key Takeaways: Give yourself and others the permission to feel all emotions. Accept all feelings and use them wisely. Strive to become an...
Description: Virginia school divisions are required to have a special education advisory committee. The purpose of the committee is to provide an opportunity for parents and other school board appointees to have a voice in the way that school divisions provide services to students with disabilities. LSEAC members are appointed by local school boards. The committees provide reports and recommendations to their school boards. The purpose of the SEACs Guide: A Guide for Local Special Education...
Description: VDOE is replacing the 2021 Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools with model policies that support positive and safe learning environments for all students while respecting the rights and values of parents.
Description: The Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities guide was developed in order to assist families of children with disabilities with understanding keys to their children's academic success, as well as decisions that they will have to make throughout their children's careers in public education. Information is provided that will assist parents with understanding not only what decisions will need to be made, but also when those decisions need to start being...
Description: For LGBTQ+ Students: engaged and supportive families provide needed understanding, care and resilience. supportive families can mitigate other risk factors for LGBTQ+ youth. lack of family support can lead to conflict, running away, homelessness increasing the overall risk for mental health problems, including depression and suicidal ideation, among LGBTQ+ youth. (Excerpted from John Taylor's Side by Side Presentation: School PRIDE in the 21st Century Strategies to Ensure Inclusive School...
Description: The National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health (NTTAC) works to ensure all young people and families get the support they need to thrive. NTTAC is a SAMHSA-funded initiative to increase the access to, effectiveness of, and dissemination of evidence-based mental health services for young people (ages 0-21) and their families, including young people experiencing serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance (SMI/SED). NTTAC supports a...
Description: Parent Resource Centers (PRCs) exist in nearly forty school divisions in the Commonwealth of Virginia. PRCs work to foster collaborative connections between families of students with disabilities and their schools. PRCs assist families by providing resources, training, and support. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) supports PRCs through the provision of funding for personnel and activities/products that support families of students with disabilities in Virginia. The VDOE also provides...
Description: Odyssey magazine is an award-winning publication published annually by the Clerc Center. Each issue is theme-based, focusing on topics of importance as they relate to research, philosophy, and application of practice of instruction in the deaf education classroom.
Description: An Ombudsman is a person who serves as a designated neutral party who advocates for a fair process and provides confidential, informal assistance and support to parents, guardians, advocates, educators, and students with disabilities. The Parent Ombudsman for Special Education serves as a resource to parents in non-legal special education matters.
Description: Remote Learning Guidance:Students with disabilities often have complex needs regarding accessing the curriculum. The individual needs of students are varied and present challenges for families currently working to provide instruction in virtual and remote learning environments. Families need to feel comfortable requesting more frequent communication and increased support from educators who are assisting with instruction in the home. The purpose of this document is to help families identify ways...
Description: More than 800,000 children in America are missing each year – one child every 40 seconds. Yet, when the National Child Identification Program began; less than two percent of parents had a copy of their child’s fingerprints to use in case of an emergency. The National Child Identification Program is a community service safety initiative dedicated to changing these statistics, by providing parents and guardians, with a tool they can use to help protect their children. The ID Kit allows...
Description: Parents can obtain ID cards for their children under age 15 at any DMV customer service center. The cost of a child ID card is $2 per year (minimum $10; maximum $16). In addition to serving as an identity document, the child’s photograph is stored in DMV’s database. If the child becomes missing, DMV can retrieve the image from the database and transmit it to law enforcement anywhere in the U. S. Child ID cards will expire on the last day of the customer’s month of birth in a...
Description: This guide is a set of strategies and key practices with the ultimate goal of supporting students with the most intensive behavioral needs, their families, and educators in their transitions back to school during and following the global pandemic in a manner that prioritizes their health and safety, social and emotional needs, and behavioral and academic growth. It provides recommendations for leadership teams and support staff, which involves general educators as they develop and implement...
Description: The Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is one of 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and is a member of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), a network of interdisciplinary centers advancing policy and practice for individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities through research, education, and service. Their resource section includes: Advocacy Resources Diagnostic Centers Family and...
Description: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced educators worldwide to adjust their methods of teaching, moving from direct classroom instruction to virtual teaching. While these adjustments have proved challenging, teachers everywhere are providing instruction in reading, math, writing and more, through remote learning techniques. They are being creative so that various curricula can be used to meet the needs of the students. Those serving students who are deaf and hard of hearing learning listening and...
Description: Figuring out what's going on with your child can feel overwhelming. That's why we're here to help. Introducing Take N.O.T.E., a simple step-by-step tool to help you figure out if the struggles you’re seeing might be signs of a learning and thinking difference. N- Notice O- Observe T- Talk E- Engage
Description: Communicating with teachers can present some challenges, but continually working with them can create opportunities.
Description: The tables describe research-supported practices for parents and families to support virtual instruction and skill development for children and students with disabilities. These tables present the name of each practice or category of practices; a brief description of the practice(s); examples of specific actions associated with the practice for general education as well as, where relevant, students with disabilities, including subgroups; and additional information about the practice. The first...
Description: How to Support Students in Virtual IEP Meetings (District Administration) Nine ways to help students with disabilities to feel comfortable and meaningfully participate in IEP meetings held remotely this fall. Send documents home for student and parent to review. Seek information before the meeting Ensure all participants use their camera. And more... Bringing Student Voice Into IEP Conversation (Edutopia) One specific area of concern and focus is students with individualized education programs,...
Description: Virtual IEP Meeting Tip Sheets (A Collaborative Effort Across OSEP-Funded Projects) Virtual Meetings: Strategies, Tips and Resources (The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education, CADRE) Resources for Families and Students (Progress Center: Promoting Progress for Students with Disabilities) IEP Accommodations During Distance Learning (Understood.org) Virtual Learning and Accommodations Guide (Assistive Technology Network of Virginia) How to Support Students in Virtual IEP...
Description: The coronavirus pandemic is bringing new challenges to special education and distance learning. One of the biggest challenges is how to implement accommodations for students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). To make accommodations work in an online setting, you’ll need some innovative thinking and an understanding of the tools available to you and your students. Take a look at the charts below for some examples of how commonly used accommodations can transfer to a virtual...
Description: As we transition from summer to the new school year, your child may face challenges with adjusting to a new routine. We have some resources that may help you and your family so they can continue to thrive. Child Won’t Follow a Routine or Schedule? Try These 5 Tips Download: Picture Schedules for Daily Routines Getting Ready for School Getting Ready for Bed Afterschool Routine Cleaning Up Room 8 Ways to Make School Morning Routines Easier Organization Printables: Resources for Families...
Description: A Four-Pronged Approach to Supporting Your Child’s Technology Use As a parent, you might be wondering what apps and games are age-appropriate for your child. How you can help your child enjoy technology and media in a safe way? FCPS recommends a four-pronged approach for supporting children. This approach will help your child become a smart, safe and balanced user of technology. Parents using the four-pronged approach will: Establish expectations by developing and enforcing media and...
Description: With remote learning, the teacher, student and the parents need to understand how to use accessibility accommodations and why. This article includes: ground rules for communication in online learning recent research on the impact of face coverings on speech understanding remote learning listening technology and connectivity options for students with hearing loss
Description: The Recorded Webinars include: Learning at Home in a Trauma Sensitive Environment webinar and discussion Our Shared Space –A Home and Virtual Classroom webinar and discussion Supporting Positive Behaviors during Learning at Home webinar/discussion A Conversation between Families & Educators: Strengthening Strategies for a Socially Distant Summer! webinar Planning the High School Transition to Post-Secondary Education webinar recording Getting Ready to Help Your Child Learn at Home...
Description: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic places huge demands on schools, communities and families. As schools prepare for re-opening, partnerships between home and school create a foundation for educating students built on equitable collaboration. This approach not only offers the most efficient and effective move to immediate return-to-school implementation but also sets the stage for a long-term shift in the deeper and productive connections between home and school. This is a ripe opportunity to...
Description: It is recognized that everyone is doing their best to manage work, self-care, children’s online education, and more during the COVID-19 pandemic. Families and professionals supporting children with disabilities face additional challenges. You are not in this alone. The PA Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN), in collaboration with the Bureau of Special Education, has created this website for families and general educators supporting complex learners at home. For the purpose...
Description: Family participation is an essential feature of the development and implementation of high-quality educational programming for students with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that families, and students when appropriate, participate in the development, monitoring, and the implementation of individualized education program (IEP). Although this participation is a legal requirement, collaborative partnerships between families and school personnel also...