Most Mississippi children have started back to school. It can be an exciting time. For parents of children with disabilities, it can also be a nail-biting and nerve-wracking time, wondering how the transition back to school will go for those little people we cherish the most.

This week we share some tips to address common back-to-school IEP issues. I encourage you to attend the Mississippi Department of Education's Special Education Advisory Panel virtually or in person on Aug. 16 (this morning!) at 10 a.m. It's a great way to keep up with what's happening in special education and to share what's most needed from your perspective. The Aug. 25 and Aug. 26 Building Partnerships Working Together Mississippi Parent Conference is another wonderful opportunity to learn more about supporting your child at school. Check out our Resource section for additional back-to-school supports.

We also have opportunities to give feedback on the mental health system. There's still time to sign up for the committees planning the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model in Mississippi. I urge everyone to take this community needs assessment survey on how to make CCBHCs work well in Mississippi. Everyone's ideas matter, and the survey takes about ten minutes. We also have the opportunity to give input into the Mississippi Department of Mental Health's State Plan draft.

Please plan on joining us on August 30 at noon for our fifth Wednesday Families as Allies Live. If you have things you want us to share or if you want to join us on the Live, let us know. Families as Allies is about ALL of us; we are all in this together for a good cause - our sweet children.

I am glad to be in this with you.