Are you a parent navigating the Pennsylvania special education system? If so, this blog is for you! We know there are many helpful parents resources available, but we also know you may be too busy to search for them. That is why we did the research for you and listed the best Pennsylvania special education resources below.
1. Procedural Safeguards Notice
You may know about the Procedural Safeguards Notice, but did you know there are resources available to explain it to parents? The Procedural Safeguards Notice is a crucial document listing your rights and the safeguards in place for you and your child, but if you find the document intimidating do not worry. Like most legal documents, the Procedural Safeguards Notice benefits from companion resources that explain it. Thankfully, PaTTEN (Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network) provides a guide to understanding the notice.
2. PaTTEN Family Support Specialist
Speaking of PaTTEN, if you have not explored their website you should! They offer resource guides organized by learning differences and break down the whole special education process. However, the best thing about PaTTEN is their Family Support Specialist program. Family Support Specialists can provide individualized resources and explain special education. Visit PaTTEN’s website to explore all their resources.
3. PEAL Center Family Resource Specialist
Another organization that offers individualized assistance is PEAL Center. PEAL (Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership) center offers families free assistance through a Family Resource Specialist. A Family Resource Specialist can answer your question and work with you to develop a plan for your child. Visit PEAL’s website to be connected to a Family Resource Specialist.
4. Kidvokit for Pennsylvania
Keeping track of all the emails and documents needed for IEP meetings is exhausting. There is an online tool that can help! Kidvokit saves you time by making a timeline, automatically archiving IEP related emails, and providing quick answers to your special education questions with its AI assistant. Kidvokit keeps you organized, so you can focus on advocating for your child. Visit our “How it works” page for more information.
5. Disability Rights Pennsylvania
If you find the legalities of the special education system complex, you are not alone! Thankfully there are resources like Disability Rights Pennsylvania that explain all the legal aspects of special education. Their online guides include topics such as enrolling in school, truancy, and how to file complaints if needed.
6. Center for Parent Information and Resources
Parent Centers are a good place to start if you prefer in-person resources. The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) has 3 parent centers located throughout Pennsylvania. Each parent center differs, but they usually provide family support, educational materials, and referrals. You can find a parent center near you by visiting the Center for Parent Information and Resources’ website.
7. PaTTEN’s YouTube Channel
YouTube is a goldmine of information! If you are looking for Pennsylvania special education videos, PaTTEN has a YouTube channel for you. Their channel includes many educational videos including past webinars. Visit PaTTEN’s YouTube Channel to watch their videos and check out their curated video playlists.
8. Understood.org
Understood.org is a great resource to learn about the nuances of learning differences. Understood is a national nonprofit that believes everyone deserves to be understood. Their blogs are written by experts and provide insight into learning differences. Their blogs also offer guides and tips to parents and educators. Become an even better advocate for your child by utilizing Understood.org as an educational resource.
9. Facebook Groups
Wisdom and support can be found by talking to someone who has traveled the road you’re on. Support groups provide this kind of community, and support can even be found online. Facebook Groups is a great platform for connecting with parents in similar situations. Many Facebook groups exist, but if you are looking for a Pennsylvania-specific special education group, we recommend checking out the “Pennsylvania Community Inclusion for All” and “Pennsylvania Special Education PTA” groups.
Pennsylvania Special Education Resource Recap
When you are your child’s advocate, the special education system can feel like a maze of legal jargon, rules, and steps. Hopefully the above resources provided you with some clarity! If you are looking for a support group, need referral, or need questions answered, we hope you save this blog to refer back to.
See how Kidvokit can keep you organized and ready for all IEP meetings!
