Special Education → Parent Engagement

What's New In Our Community


     

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 - Upcoming Events:

Unlocking the Major IEP Components through the Parental Lens 

 Join us on Monday, February 6 as we begin part 2 of a 3-part series on the IEP.

This workshop will be virtual. - You must register here through the Parent Academy to attend.

7:00-8:00 pm

 (This is Part 2 of a 3-part series. Attendance to all 3 workshops is encouraged but not required.)

This workshop is designed to guide and support the parental role as an active member of your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team. Parents will learn how to navigate the IEP process with an in-depth understanding of the major components of the IEP process. In this session, parents will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into the IEP supports and services that are aligned with their child's education. Presented by MCPS staff. Recommended for families of elementary, middle, and high school students.

Unlocking the Major IEP Feb 6

 

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

Family Resources 

 

 

Organizations, Academies, and Programs

 

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