Hand in Hand
Parents and Educators working together
A joint publication of the Special Education Citizens' Advisory Committee (SECAC) and the Baltimore County Public Schools' Special Education Resource Center. Its purpose is to provide families and staff with information related to children with disabilities.
Spring 2021
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! YOUR OPINION MATTERS!
Parents or guardians of children receiving special education and related services were mailed the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey from the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services during the week of February 8, 2021. Parents are asked to complete the survey and return it in the postage paid envelope by May 21, 2021. The survey may also be completed online. Please look for details in your survey packet. Your feedback will help guide efforts to improve special education and related services in your local school system. Your voice can make a real difference for your child and many other children across the state of Maryland. To learn more, please visit https://www.mdparentsurvey.com.
FREE PARENT TRAININGS FROM THE SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTER
BALTIMORE COUNTY SECAC
This year, more than ever, the voices of parents and guardians need to be heard as we support our students in new and changing circumstances. As parents, the Special Education Citizens' Advisory Committee provides us a platform to give BCPS feedback from the frontlines. If you feel called to advocacy, or you just want to become more informed about special education services in BCPS, please join us at the next SECAC meeting, or any meeting this year. You are always welcome.
Meeting Schedule
- April 12, 2021 7:00-8:30 PM "Struggling Readers"
- May 3, 2021 7:00-8:30 PM "Promoting Wellness and Coping with Change as We Return to School" with Dr. Tana Hope
Please contact us with questions at bcpssecac@gmail.com. To receive regular updates add yourself to our email contact list by sending the request to serc@bcps.org.
Executive Board Members:
Megan Stewart-Sicking, Co-Chair
Julie Zielinski, Co-Chair
Aviva Goldman, Secretary
Ellen Galvez, Resource Center Representative
TRANSITION RESOURCES FROM BCPS AND SECAC
"Set your goals high, and don't stop until you get there." - Bo Jackson
The transition out of high school and into the adult world is both exciting and daunting for students and parents alike. In the state of Maryland if a student is 14 or older and has an IEP the IEP will also includes a Transition Plan that should be reviewed at least annually. The transition plan should focus on things the student can do while still in school to prepare to meet post-secondary goals. Its never too early for teens to start developing their vision and working on their self-advocacy skills!
Additional resources curated by SECAC members can be found below:
- Maryland Transition Continuum
- Maryland Transition Path to Adulthood
- Maryland Transition Student Resource Map
- Differences Between High School and College
- 12 Questions to Ask Disability Support Services
Still have questions? Reach out to your student's IEP Case Manager or Transition Facilitator.
DID YOU KNOW?
- The BCPS Division of Climate and Safety developed a Virtual Calming Room for use at home and school. Help your students reset, refocus and prepare their brains for work!
- SECAC offers a limited number of parent education scholarship funds for attendance at workshops, webinars and conferences. Set aside some time to increase your understanding of special education topics.
- Disability Rights Maryland hosts a live Facebook Q & A event every other Wednesday night at 6:30 PM. Visit @DisabilityRightsMD on Facebook Wednesday 4/21 for the next event.
- The BCPS Department of Special Education tweets tips, tricks and resources daily. Follow them @BCPS_DSE or check out some past tweets on their website.
- BCPS hosts a virtual Autism Caregiver Support Meeting weekly in Spanish and English. For more information and a schedule email Ilene Berman.
- Parents and guardians can request IEP meetings at any time throughout the school year. If you have question and concerns don't wait for your student's annual meeting! Your student's IEP team can meet as often as necessary, just put your request in writing (email or letter) to your school's IEP chair.
- Parents' Place of Maryland offers a vast array of supports and resource for Maryland families. Check out Alphabet Soup: A Guide to Special Education Acronyms to help you prepare for your next IEP meeting or parent conference!
- The Maryland State Department of Education develops Technical Assistance Bulletins to provide guidance to state education agencies. The "TABs" are a great way for parents and teachers to educate themselves on current policy.
- Disability Rights Maryland has created a series of guidance documents to assist families in understanding their children's rights during COVID 19. Topics addressed include continuity of learning plans, data collection and compensatory services.
- SERC has a new phone number. Call us today at (443) 809-5443 to find out how we can help support you and your student!
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
- Athletes Serving Athletes
- Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group
- Baltimore Chesapeake Chapter Autism Society of America
- Special Olympics Maryland
- Club 1111
- KEEN Greater DC-Baltimore
- Pathfinders for Autism
- The Parents' Place of Maryland
- The Image Center
- Spirit Club Fitness for All
- Maryland Coalition of Families
SERC LENDING LIBRARY
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE WEEKLY UPDATES FROM SERC?
SHOUT OUT TO PARENTS
Thank you BCPS parents for all you do! You are amazing and we couldn't do this without you. Your tireless efforts are recognized and genuinely appreciated!