The goal of Connecticut’s Parent Advocacy Center’s (CPAC) intensive parent leadership training program is for participants to become active and collaborative team members to support student success. This training series prepares participants for a variety of roles at the school, district, regional or state level. Participants learn about the law related to education as well as state and federal level initiatives that impact students with disabilities and their education.

System Oversight, Infrastructure and Organization: 

Overview

This eight-session intensive series is designed to help parents and professionals gain the skills and knowledge necessary for them to be effective members at the Planning and Placement Team meeting (PPT). This training series will prepare participants for a variety roles at the school, district, regional or state level. Participants will learn about the law related to education as well as state and federal level initiatives that impact students with disabilities and their education. This training is an opportunity to learn how and where to give a voice to the needs of families of students with disabilities. The goal is for participants to become active and collaborative team members in an effort to support student success.

Next STEPs Parent Advisors use the knowledge and confidence that they gained through their participation in the Next STEPs training program to effectively advocate for their children.

Program Access & Delivery: 

Participant Preparation

This free training program includes eight, 3-hour sessions on the following topics:

  • The Parent's Role at the Table
  • Planning and Progress Monitoring
  • Developing an Appropriate IEP
  • Laying the Foundation: Educational Laws and their Impact on Students with Disabilities
  • Reaching Agreement by Working Together
  • Transition to Adult Life and Self-Advocacy
  • Supporting Other Families
  • Effective Communication Strategies

Access to this training program requires an application.

Participation in all sessions is highly encouraged.

This program has been offered in English and Spanish.

Practitioner Standards & Professional Development: 

Training and Professional Development

Parent leaders who successfully complete this training program may then connect with other parent leaders by requesting to join the CPAC Parent Leaders Facebook Group!

This Facebook Group provides:

  • a place for parent leaders to connect with each other and ask questions or share information;
  • up to date news related to changes to special education laws;
  • helpful resources used by other families and CPAC staff;
  • positive stories of student success; and
  • events and opportunities available exclusively to CPAC Parent Leaders.
Public Awareness & Outreach Activities: 

Materials & Delivery Mechanisms

The CPAC website has a wealth of information on the program: https://cpacinc.org/programs-next-steps.aspx. There is also an event flyer: https://configuremysite.com/files/CPAC204/FINAL_Spring%202024%20Next%20STEPS%20FX.pdf

 

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