The Parent Information Center of Delaware
Is a not for profit 501 (c)(3) organization incorporated in Delaware.
In existence since 1985, PIC is Delaware’s only and largest organization dedicated to helping families of typical children and children with a wide range of disabilities,developmental, learning, emotional, physical and intellectual gain greater understanding of their children's disability or special needs and acquire the advocacy skills necessary to secure appropriate educational and related services.
Our Mission
To improve developmental and educational outcomes for all children, especially for children with disabilities, by providing information, education and support to their families.
Our Vision
Is for all children to fulfill their potential to lead productive and independent lives in their communities.
Principles that guide us
- To develop a relationship with families and professionals that is based on understanding, respect and trust
- To acknowledge and support families' individuality based on disability, race, culture, or language
- To respect and maintain in confidentiality the information families share with us
- To provide services that are relevant, of quality and easily accessible to families
- To serve families in a manner that is appropriate, responsive and accountable
- To support families in their role as advocates for their children, as resources to others, as leaders and as systems change agents
Parent Training and Information
PIC administers Delaware's only Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) funded in part by the US Department of Education/Office of Special Education Programs as mandated under Individuals with Disabilites Education Act.
The PTI is designated to provide information, training, technical assistance and support to families of children and youth with all disabilities from birth to age 26.There are 105 such Parent Training and Information and Community Parent Resource Centers in the US and territories.
To find out about the PTI in each statewww.taalliance.org
Throught the PTI project, PIC offers individual technical assistance and problem solving, training workshops, webinars and conferences, a weekly electronic newsletter that reaches over 4,000 readers, a quarterly print newsletter and a comprehensive lending library.
These services are designed to help parents of children with disabilities gain greater understanding of their children's special needs and acquire the advocacy skills necessary to secure appropriate educational and related services.
Download a Brochure
In English In Spanish
Educational Surrogate Parent Program (ESPP)
PIC coordinates the ESPP on behalf of the Delaware Department of Education. The ESPP was established to ensure that children with special education needs, who are in foster care, have the same protections as all other eligible children under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). PIC provides Educational Surrogate Parents with special education training, support and information. (Referral form)
Download a Brochure
Who and how many does PIC serve?
In just one year , PIC responded to 1,111 requests for consultations and provided information and training to 1,646 families and professionals. Of the families served, 48% were low-income, racially and culturally diverse.
What Parents say about PIC
Annual Survey of individual technical assistance to families and professionals
Annual Survey of learning opportunities and trainings
Funding
Funding for PIC's programs and services is derived entirely, or in part from the following:
US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs-CFDA 84.328M, the Delaware Department of Education, the State of Delaware Grant-in-Aid Program, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services /CDW program, and the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies/Family SHADE project.
