Parent Resource Center News
December 2023
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PRC EVENTS
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Supported Decision Making: a virtual presentation by the Fredericksburg Area Council on Transition
Date: December 5
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Zoom
This session is a virtual event. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link in your confirmation email. If you need assistance or accommodations, please contact Brenda Boggs at the dRC at bboggs@cildrc.org or call 540-373-2559.
Supported Decision Making is a fast-growing national trend for adults with disabilities determining how to make decisions in adulthood. This presentation will discuss what Supported Decision Making is, how to use it, and how and why it can be a better alternative to guardianship for many people.
Join us as we welcome Lucy Beadnell, Director of Advocacy from the ARC of Northern Virginia for this virtual presentation. Registration is required.
Register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/fredericksburgareacouncilontransition/1045380
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group
Thursday, December 14
10-11:30pm
SPECIAL GUESTS & MORE!
This month, we welcome Spotsylvania County Social Services representatives as they share information and answer questions. This is a highly requested guest. The Parent Resource Center staff will also have some yummy treats and self care gifts to hand out to all who attend. You won’t want to miss this one!
This support group is for grandparents and other extended family members raising children. Our group shares community resources, shares experiences, challenges and successes, and provides support to one another. Meetings will be held in-person at the Parent Resource Center, but those who want to join virtually can do so by using this link: https://meet.google.com/yom-dtfj-wxv
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COMMUNITY EVENTS & RESOURCES
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This holiday season, "Grow a Reader"
Amidst all the concerts, entertaining, and gift giving that the holidays can bring, most of the time it's nice to skip to the good part - being at home for quiet moments of holiday magic with the people you love. This season is truly the perfect time to create those precious memories and bond with your child over good books and reading activities.
Check out these upcoming activities offered through the Central Rappahannock Regional Library: https://www.librarypoint.org/grow-a-reader/
- Grow a Reader Storytimes for Children and their Caregivers
- Grow a Reader Kits: Check out these creative activity kits to get your little reader started with core learning skills.
- Grow a Reader Sensory Time: Stories, songs and activities to support early literacy practices in an environment that adapts to youth on the autism spectrum and with other developmental challenges. Youth of all ages with a caregiver.
- 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Challenge: https://www.librarypoint.org/1000-books/
What's Happening @ Your Library Magazine: Winter 2023-2024 December - February Edition
Check out the latest CRRL Magazine for December, January and February! Click on the link below to browse all the activities, events and services our local library has to offer.
English Learner / ESOL Family Empowerment Program
December 6
5-6:30pm
Location: Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center located 6713 Smith Station Road, Spotsylvania, VA
Dates:
9/6/23
10/04/23
11/01/23
12/06/23
1/10/24
2/7/24
3/6/24
4/3/24
5/1/24
Time:
5-5:30pm DINNER
5:30-6:30 SESSION
Well Sibling Squad: a Social Support Network for Siblings
Tutor List for 2023-2024
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SPECIAL EDUCATION EVENTS & RESOURCES
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SEAC MEETING NOTICE
7-8:30pm
Location: Center for Family & Preschool Services, 7409 Brock Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553.
Doors open at 6:30pm. Come early for refreshments and to meet other parents and stakeholders. All are welcome to attend. For more up-to-date details on each meeting, please follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spotsyprc, or check our website for details at https://www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/o/cfps/page/seac-committee.
September 21st
October 19th
November 16th
December 14th
January 18th
February 15th
March 21st
April 18th
May 16th
National Special Education Day
Special Education Day is celebrated on December 2 to commemorate the signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act into law on this day in 1975 (IDEA). IDEA not only established the rights of children with disabilities, but laid the groundwork for teachers and families to work together, and ensure there are services and resources available for support. (National Today, nationaltoday.com)Happy Birthday, IDEA!
The NEW Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education is on the VDOE website!
This publication is a revision of the former Parent’s Guide to Special Education that was originally published in 2010. This new state guide was developed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to help those involved in special education, whether as families, teachers or school administrators, advocates, or students. Meeting the needs of children with disabilities requires an understanding of rights and responsibilities which include the child’s rights, and the school’s responsibilities to meet their needs. This guide includes a description of the special education process and what is required during each step of that process. Important timelines are highlighted throughout.
The Virginia Family’s Guide to Special Education is now available in multiple languages:
Visit https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/special-education/information-for-families for more information.
2023 Parent Involvement Survey (For School Year 2022-2023)
All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are encouraged to complete the Virginia Department of Education’s annual Parent Involvement Survey. The survey will remain open through December 15, 2023. If you have questions concerning this survey, please contact Chiquita Seaborne, Family Engagement Specialist/Special Projects Coordinator, via telephone at (804)418-4672 or via email, at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools Child Find Services
SCPS participates in an ongoing process of identifying and evaluating children ages birth to twenty-one who are suspected of having a disability.
Any child who is identified as having a disability and qualifies as in need of special education is entitled to a free, appropriate public education designed to meet his/her needs. Early identification assists parents, students and schools in the design of appropriate educational services. Referrals can be made by anyone concerned with the child's educational performance including the parent, child's teacher, community agency or a school official.
For additional information, contact:
Birth - age 2: PEID (Parent Education Infant Development)
(540)371-2712
Age 2 - 5 prior to entrance to kindergarten: Early Childhood Special Education Office
(540)582-7020
For school age children: Call your neighborhood school or
Office of Student Support Services (540)834-2500, extension 1005
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PARENT RESOURCE CENTER INFORMATION
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What do we do?
Free Consultative Services. We offer confidential, in-person, videoconference, and phone consultations for families and SCPS staff. We help problem solve and brainstorm strategies and solutions by drawing upon the many resources available within SCPS schools, as well as from community agencies and state and national centers. The PRC Staff collectively share many years of experience as both a parent and a teacher of special education, and can help educate families of the special education process and work with them to be an active and engaged member of their child's IEP team.
Free Workshops, Information Sessions, and Presentations. We offer sessions on a variety of topics related to education, parenting, and community resources. Visit our YouTube channels at the bottom of this page to see recorded presentations from previous sessions.
Free Lending Library. We maintain a library full of hands-on, interactive learning resources and books for children, as well as books and DVDs on a variety of topics for parents. Our library is open from 8-4pm, Monday through Friday. Parents are welcome to come in to check out resources, or contact us to send requested resources to your child's school. Visit our library catalog to see our growing collection of resources, books, and eBooks! https://search.follettsoftware.com/metasearch/ui/43326
NEW for 2023-24! Virtual Appointments with the PRC
Don't worry! We're still here for you throughout the week for in-person or phone appointments as well.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools Parent Resource Center
Monday-Friday
8am-4pm
Courtney Seely, Teacher Facilitator
Sandy Sprague, Parent Facilitator
Jordana Neylon, Administrative Assistant
Email: prc@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
Website: https://www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/prc
Location: 7409 Brock Rd, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22553, USA
Phone: 540-582-7060
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotsyprc
Twitter: @SCSPRC