Parent-Educator Connection Newsletter Vol 9, Num 1 
October 2015
Website Guide
Document Guide
Join Our Mailing List
Parent 
Support
Groups

PEC Find Families pg 2
GKSN: 
Grandparents of Kids with Special Needs 
 We believe that no one understands a grand-parent's unique joys and concerns better than another grandparent of a child with special needs. 

On the GKSN website,   grandparents will have a chance to meet other grandparents through our Yahoogroup or Facebook groups, share ideas for supporting their kids and grandkids, and even post pictures of their grandkids! 

Please visit  www.gksn.org  and help us spread the word! 
Welcome to our E-Newsletter!
Dear Parents/Educators, 

Welcome to the new electronic version of the Parent Educator Connection newsletter.  We are excited to find a new way to share information that will help our children be successful! 

If you would like to be included in the newsletter distribution list, please email the address below.  We appreciate your help in the distribution of this valuable resource. Please share with parents, service providers or anyone you feel might benefit from this newsletter.  

We look forward to working with you and hearing your thoughts and ideas. Please let us know of topics you would like to see addressed in future issues.  

Annette Clarahan, [email protected]
Kelly Wallace, [email protected]
Parent/Family Engagement 

Secondary Transition Training for Educators and Parents 
PEC Secondary Transition Pic

November 16 & 17, 2015  8:30 AM - 4:30 PM GPAEA Mt. Pleasant, IA 
April 18 & 19, 2016 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM GPAEA Albia, IA   
    
This two day workshop is intended to help teachers and parents learn how to assist parents in their understanding of the special education transition process in Iowa and how to participate effectively. 

This course will provide information, resources and a supportive environment for participants to ask questions about the transition process. Participants will receive four parent transition planning modules, including all training materials and resources that the Iowa Department of Education and PACER developed: 
  • From Disability to Possibility: The Power of High Expectations
  • Road to Discovery Transition to Adult Living, Learning and Workin
  • Taking the Next Step: Planning for Success in Postsecondary Ed
  • Exploring and Preparing for Work as an Adult
Graduate Credit and re-certification credit is available.  
Meals are provided.  
MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Dr. Laura Riffel, the Behavior Doctor, is 
coming back to GPAEA!

Thursday, February 18, 2016 
Fairfield Arts and Convention Center
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

More information to come.
FREE!  Everyone Welcome!
Assistive Technology 
Great Prairie AEA's goal is to provide the equipment and supports needed for each individual student with an active IEP who requires assistive technology. Assistive technology (AT) is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (The Technology-Related Assistance for individuals with Disabilities Act 1988, amended 1994)  AT should be considered during every IEP. The team should discuss which items are appropriate for the student, what is working, and what may not be working.

What supports and services are available through the AEA?

  AT Evaluations- Your team can request an AT evaluation for a student.

Atomic learning- Assistive Technology tutorials

SNAP checkout- The AEA has a variety of AT equipment, software, toys, and more available for check out.

Great Prairie AEA Assistive Tech webpage- Assistive Tech Team contacts, training opportunities and tools available on this page.
 
AT Sites to check out


ICater AT Tip of the day:



Special Needs Parents Talk About Raising Kids Pinterest Page

 
 

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Students, parents, employees and others doing business with or performing services for the Great Prairie Area Education Agency are hereby notified that this agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, sex, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities. The agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, sex, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its hiring and employment practices. Any person having inquiries concerning the agency's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), § 504 or IOWA CODE § 280.3 is directed to contact: EducationalEquity/Section 504/Special Education Programming, Dr. Deb Cook, Regional Director, Great Prairie Area Education Agency, 103 South A Street, Albia, IA 52531,  641-932-5003 x5801 or  800-622-0027 x5801 ; Educational  Equity /MCGF/Title IX Gender  Equity /Title VI Race and National Origin  Equity /Title III ELL,  Doreen Underwood, Diverse Learners Consultant, 3601 West Avenue, Burlington, IA 52601,  319-753-6561 x4108  or  800-382-8970 x4108 ; or Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Hiring and Employment Practices, Greg Manske, Human Resources Director, Great Prairie Area Education Agency, 3601 West Avenue, Burlington, IA 52601, 319-753-6561 x1217 or 800-382-8970 x1217, who have been designated by the agency to coordinate the agency's efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the ADA, § 504 and IOWA CODE 280.3 (2007).