Month of November 2024

Thursday, November 26

The Montgomery County Police Autism/IDD Unit "Meet & Greet" Wandering Safety Resource Handout

Date: Next Tuesday, November 26 from 12pm - 8pm
Location: Public Safety Headquarters
100 Edison Park Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Officers will be handing out important wandering safety resources prior to the upcoming holiday travel.

Don't want to park?
Officers will be available for curbside "meet & greet"

Safety T-shirts provided to those who cannot speak and who are in immediate danger should they wonder.

Scan the QR code to receive a digital copy of the brochure.
Event flyer in English
Event flyer in Spanish
Event flyer in Amharic

Thursday, November 21

Special Education Citizens advisory Committee (SECAC)

Begins at 7PM - Meeting Agenda

Thursday, November 14

Parent Workshop: "Helping Kids and Teens with ADHD and/or Executive Function Challenges to Thrive" - Strategies for the Whole Family
Presented by Dr. Carey Heller, Licensed Psychologist. President of local CHADD

Thursday, November 14, 2024
12pm - 1PM EST

SLIDES - Slide Presentation

VIDEO - Recorded Session

• Principles for developing & implementing strategies to improve EF skills.
• Routines/Managing schedule, activities, supplies.
• Develop strategies for effective decision-making that reduce stress, negativity.
• Completing homework, chores, practicing an instrument or specific sport.
• Managing schedule/tasks, identifying conflicts & improving efficiency
• Increase cooperation and reduce pushback for challenging tasks.
• Harnessing fidgeting to improve focus.
• Discuss strategies to keep you better organized.
• Identifying accommodations at school.

Month of October 2024

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Tuesday, October 29

Behavior Changes: A Virtual Support Group Based on Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Sponsored Yvonne Alleyne, BCBA, Beth Hayre, BCBA, Na’im Madyun, School Psychologist, and Family Support Center Staff PGCPS

Tuesday, October 29th & then Thursdays

dates: (11/21, 12/19, 1/23,2/20,3/2/7, 4/10, 5/22, 6/12)
6:30-8:00pm
FREE- Virtual

Join us to learn ways to support your child’s growth! The Behavior Changes Support group will use Applied Behavior Analysis principles to help parents understand how to support their child with challenging behaviors. The group focuses on behavior – increasing skills and decreasing interfering/challenging behaviors that occur in both the home and school settings
Meeting Registration - Zoom

Thursday, October 24

Special Education Citizens advisory Committee (SECAC)

Begins at 7PM - Meeting Agenda

Wednesday, October 23

Planning for Transition: Adult Services Night
Sponsored by MCPS Transition Information for Parents and Students, Families of students with an IEP for Ages 14 to 21

Wednesday, October 23, 2024
6:30pm - 8:30pm

FREE-IN PERSON
(NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR THIS MEETING)

Join us 10/23/24 for our Adult Services Night at Richard Montgomery High School! This event will include 25 adult service providers! Families will have a chance to speak with DDA provider agencies, and will also learn about the Coordinator of Community Services in the transition process.
Location:
Richard Montgomery High School Cafeteria
250 Richard Montgomery Drive
Rockville, MD 20852

Tuesday, October 22

OCD IN CHILDREN WITH ADHD: NAVIGATING THE DUAL DIAGNOSIS
Sponsored by ADDitude

Tuesday, October 22, 2024
1:00 p.m.
FREE- Virtual Event

ADHD and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are brain-based disorders that coexist at elevated rates. For caregivers, navigating a dual diagnosis of pediatric OCD and ADHD can be confusing and counterintuitive because these conditions may seem contradictory.
Contrary to commonly held beliefs, many pediatric OCD presentations have little or nothing to do with the fear of germs. In fact, the number one compulsion for both adults and children with OCD is avoidance. In this webinar, you will learn:
About common misconceptions pediatric presentations of OCD, which have led to chronic underdiagnosing; How to identify the less common presentations of OCD, using examples of common OCD presentations in neurodivergent children; How OCD and ADHD can
interfere with learning; About the treatment of concurrent OCD and ADHD; About typical outcomes and common roadblocks to recovery
Visit registration page. Those registered will receive a link to the live event and a replay link after the event.

Saturday, October 19

Step Up for Down Syndrome Celebration and Walk
Sponsored by the Down Syndrome Network

Saturday, October 19, 2024
10:30 am-2:00 pm
IN-PERSON

Join the Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County as we unite for a common cause and raise funds at the 2024 Step Up for Down Syndrome Celebration & Walk. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, take the first step and donate or register today! Help us spread the word; all are welcome for our day of celebration!
For more information and to register, go to: https://www.ds-stride.org/stepupdsnmc/

Friday, October 18

Inclusive Playgrounds
Sponsored by The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council

Friday, October 18, 2024
3:00pm- 5:00pm
FREE- In Person Event

Come out and play and help make a difference! Maryland needs more playgrounds where all children and their families can play! Many playgrounds are not fully inclusive which means a lot of playgrounds exclude people who may play and interact differently. We need to make playgrounds welcoming and usable for everyone! The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council is creating a website for a project to show why playgrounds should be
designed for everyone. To do this, they need photos of people with and without disabilities playing together on inclusive playgrounds in Maryland. Join us on Friday, October 18th at Patapsco Valley State Park. You can find more information here: https://www.md-council.org/wpcontent/uploads/2024/03/MDDC_InclusivePlaygroundsInMaryland.pdf
There is no school on Friday, so we hope to see many families there! Please register here:https://forms.gle/8P1UfeMmJ1WyDKFc6

Saturday, October 17

Empowering Families: A Guide to Managing Anxiety
Sponsored by the Autism Society of Maryland

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Meeting Registration - Zoom (FREE)
Guest speaker, Krystal Lewis, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist at the NIMH, will share evidence-based strategies to support children experiencing symptoms of anxiety.

Families will:

• Learn how to identify signs of anxiety

• Discover effective ways to shift anxious thoughts

• Uncover the scientific and biological underpinnings of anxiety

• Explore how technology is revolutionizing our understanding of anxiety

• Get insights into current treatment options including medications and cognitive behavioral therapy

Month of September 2024

September - October

Sunflower Bakery enables pathways to emplyment for young adults and teens

Sunflower Bakery is still accepting applications for their October classes for hospitality, pastry and culinary arts employment training programs. The website contains all the necessary information.
Sunflower Bakery enables pathways to employment for young adults and teens with learning differences through pre-employment exposure and workforce development training in Pastry Arts, Hospitality and related industries. Sunflower provides an inclusive, one-of-a-kind professional training experience that combines technical hard skills with soft skills of employment readiness.
Sunflower Bakery is still accepting applications for their October classes for hospitality, pastry and culinary arts employment training programs. The website contains all the necessary information.

September 10, 17, & 24

Superpowers for Parents Series: Raising Confident and Caring Kids
Sponsored by Mental Health Association of Maryland

This free, 3-part virtual series equips parents with strategies, tools, and tips to nurture responsible, kind, engaged, and happy children:

Part 1 (Sept 10th, 6:30-7:30pm) focuses on fostering connection and self-regulation.
Part 2 (Sept 17th, 6:30-7:30pm) delves into understanding and shaping motivation.
Part 3 (Sept 24th, 6:30-7:30pm) addresses building a healthy relationship with technology, providing insights and actionable steps for effective parenting.
Participants can register here for all or part of the series, attendance to all three dates is not required.

Saturday, September 7

Run Wild for Autism- Annual 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run & Walk
Sponsored by Pathfinders for Autism
Saturday, September 7th
8:30 am- 12pm
FEES Required- In Person
14TH ANNUAL 5K AND 1 MILE FUN RUN & WALK
Please join Pathfinders for Autism for our 14th Annual Run Wild for Autism. We are thrilled to be hosting a day of awareness, competition and fundraising for the community. We look forward to seeing you on September 7th!
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
1 Safari Place
Baltimore, MD US 21217
Registration is required. Register here!

Month of August 2024

Wednesday, August 28

It's About Time: Planning, prioritizing, and time-management solution for students                                                                                               

Sponsored by ADDitude
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 1:00 p.m.
FREE- Virtual Event
Sometimes, children and teens with ADHD feel too frustrated or overwhelmed to utilize the organizational tools that would help them. With a focus on understanding and managing time, Dr. Saline will show you how to collaboratively teach effective planning and prioritizing in a way that helps kids develop the independence needed for success at school. In addition to our standard Q&A period, this webinar will include a live “Solve My Problem” portion where Dr. Saline will address specific scenarios submitted by webinar registrants.
Caregivers and educators will learn how to: Identify the executive functioning skills that affect productivity, organization, and follow-through; Use tools for improving time management, planning, and prioritizing; Develop decision-making strategies that reduce stress and negativity; Create effective routines with meaningful incentives; Increase cooperation and reduce pushback for challenging tasks. Visit registration page.Those registered will receive a link to the live event and a replay link after August 28.

Wednesday, August 28 

EXPLORING THE BRAIN: ADVOCATING FOR YOUR CHILD WITH DISABILITIES
Sponsored by Kennedy Krieger
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 7:00 p.m.
FREE- Virtual Event
Are you a parent, caregiver or educator looking for ways to best support a child or children with disabilities? In this webinar we will discuss advocacy to achieve results for your child. Learn how to navigate the individualized education program (IEP) process effectively; foster a positive, inclusive school experience; and find inclusive community activities and services. We will explore community and social opportunities to enhance your child’s development and discuss planning for a successful transition from school to adulthood. Panelists are:
● Dr. Lisa Beth Carey, assistant director of the Institute’s Center for Innovation and Leadership in Special Education
● Dr. Ebony Holliday, assistant director of community programs at the Institute’s Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSITM)
● Mallory Finn Legg, Esq., director of Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law), a community-based program of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger
● Dr. Aaron Parsons, Kennedy Krieger’s vice president of school programs
Visit the registration page.

Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC)

Join us each Thursday at the end of the month from 7:00- 9:00pm virtually in Zoom

*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.

Family Resources 

• Annual Notification on Implementing Equivalent Access for Students with Disabilities (Md. Code, Educ. § 7-910)
• Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) website has monthly meeting agendas, links to our monthly virtual SECAC meetings, and an archive of videos and presentations
• MCPS Parent Academy has workshops that 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.
• The ALO Brochure was created to help parents understand what it means when a student is being instructed and assessed on Alternate Learning Outcomes (ALO).
• MCPS Annual Special Education Summit for Parents/Guardians - Video Presentations & Slides
• MSDE Family Support Section of the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch, responds to parent inquiries, assists parents with navigating Maryland's early intervention and special education systems, and provides parents with school system resources.
• Local Family Support is provided by the Department of Special Education Services. Information is listed below.
• MCPS Compliance Manual
• Assistive Technology Guide for IEP Teams
• Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services
• Student, Family, and School Services
• Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey
• What an IEP Contains - English | español | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | 中文 | français | አማርኛ      Explanation of the contents of the IEP which corresponds to the pages in your child’s IEP.  Select the hyperlinks within the .pdf document to view the corresponding IEP page(s).
• Introduction to Secondary Transition Services - Workshop Presentation - 3/13/19 
• Parents'/Guardians' Workshop Presentation - 12/5/2018
• Parents'/Guardians' Guide to an Initial Evaluation IEP Team Meeting: English | español | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | 中文 | français | አማርኛ
• Parents'/Guardians' Guide to an IEP Development/Review Team Meeting: English | español | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | 中文 | français | አማርኛ
• Parents'/Guardians' Guide to a Reevaluation IEP Team Meeting: English | español | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | 中文 | français | አማርኛ
• Video: What happens prior to IEP meetings and parent involvement in the IEP process
• Understanding IEP Goals and Monitoring Your Child's Success - Parent Workshop- 2/28/2018
• 5 Tips to Maximize Your Involvement in the IEP Process:English | español | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | 中文 | français | አማርኛ
• Parent Information about Grading & Reporting for Students with Disabilities
• Maryland Learning Links
• Maryland State Department of Education
• Partnership for Extraordinary Minds
• Autism Society Montgomery County
• Learning Disabilities Association of America
• Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE)
• Join our MCPS Special Education Facebook Page

MSDE Parent Information Series

MSDE is proud to partner with families through the publication of their new Parent Information Series. These booklets provide essential information for families of students with disabilities from ages 3 through 21 on important topics that increase collaboration between home and school in planning for their child's education.

New! A Companion Guide to the Alternate Education Framework

MSDE is pleased to offer the latest in our Parent Information Series, A Companion Guide to the Alternate Education Framework. This guide provides information for families to better understand IEP team decisions around participating in the alternate state assessments and alternate academic achievement standards for our students with significant cognitive disabilities. We hope that this information assists our families in ensuring they have what they need to fully participate as equal partners in the decision making process.

Download the Booklet  |  Spanish Version

Special Education Process - Guide 1

The first booklet in the series takes the parent from referral through evaluation and eligibility determination. This booklet provides tips for the parent to understand their role in order to actively participate at each meeting for each process.

Download the Booklet  |  Spanish Version

Parental Rights - Guide 2

The second booklet in the series discusses some of the key elements in the Procedural Safeguards/Parental Rights Handbook that parents are given during annual review and other IEP team meetings. It explains their legal rights in clear terms and is a companion (not replacement) to the larger Brochure.

Download the Booklet  |  Spanish Version

Understanding the IEP - Guide 3

This booklet takes parents through each section of the IEP and briefly explains what should be there and why. There are some legal requirements explained, as well as things the parent should expect from their IEP teams.

Download the Booklet  |  Spanish Version

Secondary Transition - Guide 4

The final booklet in the series provides parents with information about secondary transition. It is fairly comprehensive and includes information about other agencies and services that students may engage with once they leave high school. It also provides parents and students with tips and steps that they can take to facilitate this important transition.

Download the Booklet  |  Spanish Version

Contact: Alison Barmat
Department of Early Intervention/Special Education Services
Office: (410) 767-7770
alison.barmat@maryland.gov

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

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.

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

MSDE Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch

MSDE Family Support Section of the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch, responds to parent inquiries, assists parents with navigating Maryland's early intervention and special education systems, and provides parents with school system resources.

Special Education State Complaint Resolution Procedures

State Complaint Form (Birth - 3 Individualized Family Service Plan or 4 if extended Individualized Family Service Plan)

State Complaint Form (3 - 21 Individualized Family Service Program)

Request for Mediation/Due Process Form

Listing of Free or Low Cost Assistance for Special Education Disputes

Parent Information Series on Procedural Safeguards

Procedural Safeguards/Parent Rights Brochure

A Parent’s Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education State Complaints

A Parent's Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education Mediation

A Parent's Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education Due Process Complaints

IDEA Dispute Resolution Processes Comparison Chart