PIC Learning Opportunities

Workshops, Webinars, Academies and

                   Audio Conferences

PIC offers a wide variety of learning opportunities in both English and Spanish, for families, educators, community organizations, and parent groups.

These events are held in all three Delaware counties and are intended to provide participants with the tools and skills necessary to enhance children’s academic and functional achievement, while successfully navigating the educational system and accessing services and resources.

Cost: Workshops, webinars, institutes and audio conferences are offered at no, or minimal cost to families.

We charge a fee of $150.00 per instructional hour, as well as, a material fee to professionals, unless the event also includes families.

Support: Transportation and childcare stipends are available to low- income family members who attend and complete PIC learning opportunities. Persons in need of accommodations should make their requests three weeks prior to the event by contacting PIC at: 888-547-4412

Registration: Online

Call 888-547-4412 to register by phone, or

302-540-5520 to text your registration .

 Cancelation: Please cancel at least 24 hours prior to the event. Individuals who are repeat no-shows will be unable to register for future PIC events.

 Download our listing by TOPICS

SPECIAL EDUCATION AND DISABILITY                                

1. WHEN YOUR BABY GROWS UP - SMOOTH TRANSITIONS FROM CHILD DEVELOPMENT WATCH TO SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS (EARLY CHILDHOOD TRANSITION) 

 Parents of soon-to-be three-year old children with disabilities learn the difference between Child Development Watch Early Intervention services and special education services in preschool and school-based preschool settings. Parents also understand the difference between an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) that focuses on a child’s development and the family’s well-being in contrast to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that focuses solely on a child’s access to and benefit from special education services. 

2. YOUR CHILD MAY NEED SPECIAL EDUCATION - DON’T IGNORE THE SIGNS - Parents learn about educational evaluations and eligibility requirements for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title 14 of the Delaware Code of Regulations and their essential role in the referral/evaluation/eligibility process.

3. WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT SPECIAL EDUCATION?  LEARN ABOUT THE IDEA AND DELAWARE REGULATIONS - In this session, parents learn about their own and their children’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities and Education Act (IDEA) and Title 14 of the Delaware Code of Regulations and how to apply these procedural safeguards when securing services for their children with disabilities.

"This workshop fulfills a training requirement for Educational Surrogate Parents"

4. WHAT IS SECTION 504? ANOTHER OPTION FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES - By applying provisions under Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, eligible children with disabilities may receive accommodations, special aids and services, as well as, related services and specialized instruction that address their special needs.

5. A STEP BY STEP APPROACH TO BUILDING MEANINGFUL IEP’S - This session introduces participants to the Delaware Individualized Education Program (IEP) document and provides a detailed overview of the different IEP components. By becoming more familiar with the content of the IEP, parents gain a thorough understanding on how-to contribute to the development of a meaningful and appropriate IEP that meets their children unique educational and functional needs. 

"This workshop fulfills a training requirement for Educational Surrogate Parents"

6. IEP GOALS –THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY - Are your child's annual goals measurable and meaningful? If you are not sure, put your own child's IEP to the test by participating in this session. In this session, parents learn to recognize and write appropriate and measurable annual goals. Using evaluations, academic and functional performance data to determine individual needs and special education services, parents  learn to develop meaningful goals that maximize their children’s special education and related services.  

7. THE TRANSITION IEP - A BLUEPRINT FOR YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE - This session introduces participants to the transition IEP t (used for students ages 14-21) and provides a detailed overview of several IEP components. By becoming more familiar with the content of the transition IEP, parents and students gain a clearer understanding of activities and services that help students reach meaningful and realistic employment and post- secondary education and independent living goals.

"This workshop fulfills a training requirement for Educational Surrogate Parents"

8. SEEING EYE TO EYE - HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY RESOLVE CONFLICTS WITH YOUR CHILD’S IEP TEAM - Do you feel you have to give up or give in when it comes to working with your child’s IEP team? This session presents formal and informal options for resolving conflicts. Parents learn about mediation, state complaints and due process hearings, along with a number of easy and effective advocacy strategies.

9. THE A-Z OF DISCIPLINARY REMOVALS FROM SCHOOL - Is your child frequently suspended? Participate in this session to learn about your child’s rights and school’s responsibilities when suspending special education students.  Find out what constitutes a suspension, understand the steps involved in manifestation determination meetings, and become familiar with appropriate interim alternative educational settings.
10. EFFECTIVE SKILLS FOR ADVOCACY - This session gives parents effective skills for advocacy by defining advocacy, roles of parents and professionals, providing essential information about rights and responsibilities and for communicating with different audiences for results.

 11. THE JOURNEY TO ADULTHOOD - This session helps parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities prepare youth for the changes of puberty and adolescence.  Participants will learn about: The risks and benefits of sex education; preparing youth for the changes of puberty and adolescence; guidelines and tools for teaching children about emotional and physical changes and talking to their children about becoming adults

     GENERAL EDUCATION AND FAMILY                                ENGAGEMENT 

12.ENGAGED PARENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE - This session covers the importance of family involvement in children’s education and supports parents’ efforts to become engaged. Parents learn strategies for helping with homework, establishing a working relationship with their children’s teachers, and for finding community organizations that provide additional support.  

13. CLASS IN SESSION: WHAT IS MY CHILD LEARNING THIS YEAR - Parents want to help their children at home, but don't know with What, or How. This session gives parents an overview of What, such as the content standards (expectations) and curriculum (content) by grade level, as well as tips on How to reinforce at home What children learn in school. 

14. TUNING IN, TURNING ON, DROPPING OUT - THE UNFORESEEN CONSEQUENCES OF TRUANCY - This session focuses on the latest research about the detrimental effects of truancy on student achievement with discussions and tips so parents can lessen, or prevent truancy and tardiness, and also make uninterrupted school attendance a priority.

15.BEAT BACK BULLYING - TEACHING CHILDREN TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS AND DIFFERENCES WITHOUT HURT OR MALICE

Every day in our communities and schools children are threatened, teased and bullied. Do you know the warning signs of bullying? In this seminar, parents will learn to identify signs of bullying and will be given tips for prevention. Parents will also learn how to support their child when bullying has occurred.

16.STUDENTS PLANNING AHEAD FOR POST- SCHOOL SUCCESS WITH THE STUDENT SUCCESS PLAN - This series introduces parents to the Student Success Plans that are used in middle and high schools. This is an educational journey that provides parents with the necessary resources to assist them in helping their children identify careers based on interest and abilities, look for jobs, and write resumes. 

17. HE SAID/SHE SAID - COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY WITH SCHOOL PERSONNE - Ineffective communication is often the reason for disagreements between parents and school personnel. This session gives parents tools for respectful and effective means to share information and expectations with teachers and school administrators, while learning about differences in school operation and school culture. 

18. KNOW YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING STYLE - This session helps parents and those who work with children identify the different learning styles of children, as well as their own, so that they may better understand how to purposefully support and promote their and their child's learning.

19. DEALING WITH TANTRUMS AND MELTDOWNS THROUGH POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL SUPPORTS - Parents learn about the basics of positive discipline, to understand children’s individual temperament and to apply reliable techniques designed to turn undesirable behaviors into acceptable ones.

20. PARENTING THE SECOND TIME AROUND - TIPS AND RESOURCES FOR RAISING A GRANDCHILD.

Parenting is different the second time around. This session offers help for grandparents and addresses the emotional, educational, and legal issues that arise when raising grandchildren. Information about valuable community supports is also provided. 

 21. STAYING AHEAD OF THE GAME - UNDERSTANDING HOW SCHOOL DISTRICT & SCHOOL REPORT CARDS IMPACT CHILDREN’S EDUCATION - Accountability at school and school district levels demands that students’ test scores and schools’ annual performance indicators be made available to parents. This session helps parents understand where to access such information, how to interpret data and what options exist if a school fails to meet adequate yearly progress.

22. PROTECTIONS FOR CHILDREN CONSIDERED HOMELESS - The McKinney -Vento Act provides exceptional provisions for children who are homeless or migrant. It is important for parents to know the broader definition of homelessness so they how they may ensure that children’s education is minimally disrupted.

ANNUAL INSTITUTES

A.FAMILY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (FLA)  - FLA is comprised of a compilation of workshops and leadership activities. Each session is innovative, interactive and engaging and provides participants with the proper tools to become a leader in their community. The Family Leadership Academy is based on the Families as Collaborative Leaders curriculum developed at the University of Vermont and the PACER Center. It offers such sessions as: Collaboration, Group Development, Conflict Resolution, Reframing Agendas, & Understanding Diversity. Upon completion of the Family Leadership Academy participants will receive a Leader Certificate, and information and referrals to numerous leadership opportunities within the community.   

B.PARENTS AS AGENTS FOR CHANGE  - This series is designed to instill solid advocacy skills in participants who wish to use the legislative process to improve, or change existing service systems. Participants learn to use the Power of a Personal Story, progress From a Wish to a Bill through an in depth understanding of the legislative process; set the stage for a Win-Win by interacting with members of the Delaware Legislative Assembly; Harness the Power of Many using social media and internet technology and finally by going Beyond the Dress Rehearsal in giving testimony, or attending other legislative functions.