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Special Education → Parent Engagement

What's New in Our Community

Unlocking the Major IEP Components

Join us on Monday, March 27, virtually for this workshop which was previously hosted in person on February 21. We will discuss the importance of parental input in the IEP process. During this workshop, we will create a virtual binder that includes all of the components of the IEP, and we will discuss each section. Parents can choose to print the documents and create a physical binder, or you can create a virtual notebook. You can take the binder with you to IEP meetings and use it to house information about your child. There will also be an opportunity for families to ask questions regarding the IEP process. Presented by MCPS staff. Recommended for families of elementary, middle, and high school students.

Registration is required. Please register through the MCPS Parent Academy:
https://mcpsweb.wufoo.com/forms/pjjtjal19n1s1d/

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Contact an Area Supervisor

Contact an area supervisor for information on home school model, learning and academic disabilities, elementary learning centers, learning for independence, school/community-based program, and special education services.

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Family Support Center

MaryBeth Mantzouranis
Family Support Services Coordinator
Department of Special Education
Montgomery County Public Schools

Email: FamilySupport@mcpsmd.org
Cell: 240- 753- 9487
Office: 240-740- 3900

Family Support Center - March Bulletin of Upcoming Events

Family Support Center staff are committed to provide information to parents and families to work as equal partners with MCPS.

MCPS Family Support Center seeks to:

  • Increase parental involvement in the early intervention and special education decision making process
  • Increase collaborative relationships through information and training
  • Assist families in resolving concerns and making informed decisions regarding their child's education
  • Provide information about disabilities and school system and community resources

 

Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC)

Join us on Thursday March 23, 2023

7:00- 9:00

FREE Virtual Event

March Agenda: English and Español - *Interpretation is available.

SECAC is a committee made up of parents/guardians, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) staff members, and representatives of Montgomery County community groups that advocate for students with special needs and serve to advocate for, and advise, the Office of Special Education. 

Please sign-up to and join our SECAC meetings! SECAC is open to everyone.

Please complete this form to help us plan future meetings and to receive emails.

 

ADAPTIVE SPORTS AND RECREATION RESOURCE FAIR

Join us on March 25, 2023

11:00AM - 2:00PM

FREE In-Person Event

Location: Kennedy Krieger Institute
Fairmount Campus
1750 E Fairmount Ave
Baltimore, MD 21231

This event will introduce families to several different adaptive sports and recreational activities for individuals with physical disabilities and provide resources. Attendees will observe demonstrations and try out different activities.

For more information:
https://www.kennedykrieger.org/community/initiatives/physically-challenged-sports/for-adults/news-events.
Registration:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetqB6WT6euLpyumeJYAQ7VvPBTSQEh2mip9ZQb2FbPWHZdMA/viewform

Hosted by Kennedy Krieger Institute

 

UNDERSTANDING THE IEP PROCESS: The Parents’ Role in the IEP Process

Join us on Monday, March 27, 2023

6:00PM - 7:00PM

FREE Virtual Workshop

Join us virtually for this workshop which was previously hosted in person on February 21. We will discuss the importance of parental input in the IEP process. During this workshop, we will create a virtual binder that includes all of the components of the IEP, and we will discuss each section. Parents can choose to print the documents and create a physical binder, or you can create a virtual notebook. You can take the binder with you to IEP meetings and use it to house information about your child. There will also be an opportunity for families to ask questions regarding the IEP process. Presented by MCPS staff. Recommended for families of elementary, middle, and high school students.

This is Part 3 of a 3-part series. Attendance to all 3 workshops is encouraged, but not required.

Registration is required. Please register through the MCPS Parent Academy:
https://mcpsweb.wufoo.com/forms/pjjtjal19n1s1d/
Questions? Email the Family Support Center at Familysupport@mcpsmd.org

 

*Reminders*

Please, don’t forget to complete the MSDE Survey. All parents who have students with an IEP should have received a mailed survey the week of February 16th. If you have misplaced it or would prefer to complete the survey online, please reach out to your case manager or contact me directly at marybeth_o_mantzouranis@mcpsmd.org

 

Save the Date!

We will be holding our Special Education Community Resource Fair on Saturday, April 29th from 9:00 am- 12:00 pm. We will have representatives from MCPS as well as from community organizations. Come out to learn about the many resources available to support you and your family! We will have some fun activities for the children too- a petting zoo, tattoos & face painting, and the opportunity to make a craft. More information to come!

 

Family Resources 

 

Organizations, Academies, and Programs

 

The Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County (DSNMC)

https://dsnmc.org/

The Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County serves individuals with Down syndrome and their families in Montgomery County, MD and the surrounding region.

The DSNMC helps people with Down syndrome lead self-determined lives. They do this through education and support programs, advocacy, and initiatives that span the lives of individuals with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood. 

They also provide information and support to professionals who work with individuals with Down syndrome.

 

 

Partnership for Extraordinary Minds- xMinds

https://xminds.org/about

xMinds is a collaborative partnership of parents, educators, and service providers working together to improve the educational experience and outcomes for autistic students in Pre-K–12 education in Montgomery County, MD.

 

Maryland Coalition of Families 

https://www.mdcoalition.org/

Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) is a state-wide nonprofit dedicated to connecting, supporting and empowering families who are experiencing behavioral health challenges. 

They also advocate to improve services and systems that impact individuals with behavioral health challenges and to reduce stigma related to behavioral health.

 

 

Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)

SEAC is comprised of parents/guardians, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) staff members, and representatives of Montgomery County community groups that advocate for students with special needs and serve to advocate for, and advise, the Office of Special Education.

SEAC hosts a 2-hour meeting each month, open to everyone. Parents, families, advocates, educators are all encouraged to participate each month through the academic year.

 

Parent Academy - To Go

 

 Parent Academy Logo

 

As our school district continues to navigate through COVID-19, we want our families and students to remain engaged with us throughout the school year. Student, Family and School Services is very excited to provide "Parent Academy TO GO," a series of virtual presentations for families to participate and view at home.  

Parent Academy TO GO is designed to inform and empower families as advocates and partners in their children's education. Workshops provide families with useful information and resources to support their children's academic and emotional well-being, as well as help them to be college and career ready. Through a variety of learning opportunities hosted by MCPS staff and community partners, we hope to strengthen our engagement with families and the community. We recognize that behind every successful student are supportive families, teachers, school staff and community members who take an active role in educating our students.

                                                                                       

Parental Rights, Resolution, and Compliance 

 
 

What parental rights do I have regarding the IEP? 

The Maryland State Department of Education has developed Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services Parent’s Guide to Understanding Your Individualized Education Program (IEP) Rights and Responsibilities in Maryland which summarizes all rights that parents have such as notice, disagreement, participation, and copies of certain documentation.

If you have further questions regarding your parental rights, you may refer to the Parental Rights, Maryland Procedural Safeguards Notice, contact your child’s case manager at the school, or contact the Resolution and Compliance Unit at 240-740-3230.

Resolution and Compliance Unit

 

 Conflict Resolution - Maryland State Department of Education