Parent Coordination Network
Surrogate & Foster Parent Online Training Modules
A surrogate or foster parent may be needed to represent a student with a disability during the special education process as outlined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA). To serve in either of these important roles, an individual must meet several criteria, one of which is to complete a training that has been identified to meet the minimal standards established by the Texas Education Agency.
You may contact your school district or regional education service center for an in-person presentation or complete the online module at your convenience. Both English and Spanish versions are now available! (Click here for registration instructions.)
Click here for other Surrogate & Foster Parent resources.
Behavior Resources for Parents
Top 5 Ways to Help My Child with Reading & Literacy
These reading strategies were compiled by members of the Parent Coordination Network to help parents quickly locate reading resources by disability category. Each sheet features easy-to-implement tips to address stages of development specifically targeting comprehension and executive function. Click here to find specific strategies.
November is National Family Literacy Month
Family Literacy describes parents and their children learning together. It underscores the importance of adult literacy by encouraging parents to prioritize their own education so they can be more involved in their children’s learning and literacy development. To learn more about Family Literacy, check out the ProLiteracy, National Center for Families Learning, and National Coalition for Literacy websites.
Looking for specific ideas to boost your at-home reading time?
5 Tips to Celebrate National Family Literacy Month
20 Ways to Celebrate National Family Literacy Day
International Literacy Association
Read On Arizona: Celebrate Family Literacy Day - All Month Long!
Reading Adventure Packs for Families
Need more help? Use these literacy locators for support.
Act Early Texas!
Parents, be sure to check out the Access Resources tab on the Act Early Texas! home page. Educators should also explore the full offering of programs with focus on language and reading skills provided in conjunction with the Children's Learning Institute.
Transition & Employment Planning Webinar
To immediately determine eligibility and register, click here. Or for more information, contact Dr. Nina Zuna at nzuna@austin.utexas.edu.
The 2018 Statewide Parental Involvement Conference is almost here!
December 6-8, 2018
Frisco Embassy Suites & Convention Center
Steven Prater, Special Education Technical Assistance Manager at the Texas Education Agency, will host a feature session dedicated to an overview and update on the progress of the Special Education Strategic Plan and accompanying corrective actions.
There will also be a group of Special Education break-out sessions covering best practices and practical strategies for parents, parent organization representatives, and educators. A collection of sessions will be either presented or translated in Spanish.
For more information, visit the event website or check out the registration brochure in the downloadable file below.
Plan now to attend the Inclusion Works! Conference
February 10-12, 2019
Denton Embassy Suites & Convention Center
The 2019 Inclusion Works! Conference celebrates leaders that are rocking the boat to improve inclusion in Special Education. The conference will offer more than 30 sessions covering curriculum, behavioral supports in the Special Education system and an exhibit hall where attendees can see new technologies and solutions that are changing the way we all work. Participants at different stages of their careers will leave with lasing connections and new tools to rock the boat!
Partners Resource Network
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PATH Project | PEN Project | TEAM Project |
Waivers & Wait Lists
Looking to contact your local Mental Health Authority? Click here to search by county in either English or Spanish.
Tech Tool Finder: Expert-approved apps and games
Need a ShoutOut! Translated?
Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter. A black bar will appear, and "Translate" will be an option.
Please note: There are some limitations currently, as users are not able to print in a translated language.
