Introduction to SUPAC SUPAC Syracuse University Parent Assistance Center Mid State Special Education Parent Technical Assistance Center Amy Zogby-Director Parent Outreach Specialists Kristine O’Brien Shana Lewis Web-Based Outreach Rachael Zubal-Ruggieri March 2015 Revision

Mid-State Special Education Parent Technical Assistance Center Provide information, resources and strategies to assist parents and families to meaningfully participate in their child’s Committees on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committees on Special Education (CSE) meetings and to prepare for their child’s transition from preschool to school-age special education programs as well as to transition from school to adult life

Regions: Trainings are available are offered throughout our Mid-State Region. Please visit our for specific information. Syracuse City and the following BOCES/CiTi Regions: Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego, Madison-Oneida, Oneida-Herkimer-Madison, Oswego, Onondaga- Cortland-Madison, Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga, & Cayuga-Onondaga

Developing and Improving Partnerships The Regents defines “partnership” as active engagement between parents and families and the education community to support student achievement. In utilizing our Special Education Parent Technical Assistance Center, Parents will gain insight in how to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with personnel responsible for providing special education, early intervention, transition, and related services. Educating Engaging Empowering

RESEARCH SHOWS!* Schools participating in the National Network of Partnership Schools: (John Hopkins University –  Higher grades and test scores  Increased in more challenging academic programs  More classes passed and credits earned  Better attendance  Improved behavior at home and at school  Better social skills and adaptation to school *Epstein, J. L. (2007). Partnerships Then and Now. Baltimore, MD: National Network of Partnership Schools at John Hopkins University.

Promotes early resolution of disputes between parents and schools

What to do when you disagree Effectively communicate Put it in Writing Team meetings/Informal meetings CSE NYS Complaint Notice Mediation Impartial Hearing

Trainings  Federal and State Special Education Laws and Regulations  Disability –Specific Workshops  The Special Education Process  Parent Advocacy  Parent Member Training  Dispute Resolution  Transition- Post Secondary  Understanding the IEP  Least Restrictive Environment  Establishing and Maintaining Effective Partnerships with School Districts  Special Education: The Organizational Notebook  and many more……. Please visit our website for a detailed list of all the trainings we offer

Information and resources on Special Education Process in NYS can be found at the Mid-State Special Education Parent Technical Assistance Center:

Parent Friendly Guides Special Education in Plain Language: IDEA Parent Guide: FAQs:

NYSED Parent Listserv You can receive notification by electronic mail of the latest memoranda and other technical assistance documents available on the Special Education website. Due to fiscal restrictions, most publications will now only be available in electronic format from our website.

Questions???