2016 Connect for Success We begin many workshops asking participants who they remember as their favorite teacher – Thank You for being the representatives of the ‘favorites’ so often mentioned. The futures of Special education students’ – ones that are based on their strengths and interests – and include work, friends and community – depend on your leadership. AND – your willingness to include families in the process. PEATC exists to help - 2016 Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center www.peatc.org

What is PEATC? The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center is the “go to place” for Virginia families of children with special education needs. We are Virginia’s Parent Training and Information Center. PEATC exists to help. Brochure in folder Pronounced: Peet –Cee Brief history Stress collaboration Part of the national PTI network 2016 Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center www.peatc.org

History of Parent Centers Education of ALL Handicapped Children Act became Federal Law Five Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI) were funded and PEATC was one of the first! Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRC) 1975 1978 Review how Parent Information Centers were developed. PEATC has been helping families since 1978. Virginia has just gotten their first Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC) called “Formed Families Forward”. They serve foster parents in the Northern Virginia area. 1991 2016 Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center www.peatc.org

Parent Centers are also supported by a Technical Assistance Project Funded by the USDOE, OSEP PEATC has a HUGE support system from around the country so that we are able to constantly bring families and schools the most up to date information! 2016 Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center www.peatc.org

PEATC staff Springfield Main office: Charlottesville Remote Office Director & Deputy Director Information Specialist/Rural Outreach Bilingual Information Specialists (2) Roanoke Remote Office Information Specialists (3) Early Childhood Specialist Administrative Coordinator Tidewater Remote Office Military Outreach Specialist Hampton Remote Office Family Engagement Specialist Southwest Remote Office Regional Information Specialist Priority to reach more remote areas of the state - 2016 Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center www.peatc.org

Peatc encourages families to…. Establish a relationship before concerns arise Ask educators how they wish to communicate Stay child centered – solve problems as close to the child’s world as possible Participate in child’s educational life Homework School activities (if possible) We encourage all families at the front end of a school year to – or to defuse versus escalate them – PEATC encourages parents at the front end to get to know one another and determine an communication system that works for both home and educator When problems arise stay child-centered Throughout – participate in child’s educational life. 2016 Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center www.peatc.org

How We work with families…. One-on-one phone consultations Workshops Cafecitos Webinars Printed materials Social media (Facebook, twitter, listserv, website) We encourage all families at the front end of a school year to – or to defuse versus escalate them – PEATC encourages parents at the front end to get to know one another and determine an communication system that works for both home and educator When problems arise stay child-centered Throughout – participate in child’s educational life. 2016 Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center www.peatc.org

partnerships Taking Action for Special Kids Priority to reach more remote areas of the state - 2016 Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center www.peatc.org

Ongoing events Parent Institute for parents new to the SPED process Parents as Collaborative Leaders (PACL) trainings Advanced PACL training Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) Trainings Advanced SEAC trainings EFMP/SLO Trainings Juvenile Justice Symposium Annual Statewide Advocacy Symposium “Bridges out of Poverty” Conference “All Hands On Deck” training 2016 Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center www.peatc.org

please partner with us! PEATC 8003 Forbes Place, Suite 310 Springfield, VA 22151 703-923-0010 / 800-869-6782 www.peatc.org Hablamos Espanol 2016 Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center www.peatc.org