The Friday FYI
March 29, 2024
Visit our website & Facebook page for the latest updates!
Visit the Hanover County Parent Teacher Resource Center website for the latest announcements about upcoming workshops & webinars and the links to register. Don't forget to check out our Facebook page, too!
Please note: If you have "early access" (before Friday) to the Friday FYI, please be sure to revisit this page after Friday morning at 7:30am when the Friday FYI is officially published! We will continue to update each edition until Friday morning when the link is distributed through HCPS Blackboard Connect. Thank you!
Parent Involvement Survey
Share your thoughts with the Virginia Department of Education on the 2023-2024 Parent Involvement Survey. The survey is now open!
For Preschool & Elementary Families: Learn more about student-led IEPs!
Join us in-person (Atlee Public Library) on online (register to receive the link) on April 26th, from 12:00-1:00pm, for this workshop designed to share how even our youngest learners can grow their self-determination skills. Participants will learn about competence, autonomy, and relatedness and how these skills relate to self-determination. In addition, participants will complete a One-Pager, which is a tool students, families, and teachers can use to help students to have a voice in their IEP meetings! Register here.
Online Courses & Information
- PEATC's Virtual Family Engagement Summit is April 20, 2024, from 9:00am-4:00pm. This year's theme is "We're All on the Same Team." Visit the link for more information and to register.
- IEP University (open until April 22, 2024) is a self-paced, online course that provides families and professionals with information about the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process and on the IEP document itself, as well as suggestions for developing collaborative relationships between home and school. Click the link for more information and to register.
- SEAC Self-Paced Training (open until April 22, 2024) is for those who are interested in learning more about what the SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee) membership entails, including roles and responsibilities. SEAC membership applications will open soon!
Transition Courses & Information
- Turning 18 in VA, a live, virtual webinar presented by PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) provides families and educational staff with valuable information about what happens when students turn 18 in VA. Click the link for more information & to register.
- Real Work for Real Pay: From High School to Employment for Your Child with a Disability, a webinar presented by PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) on April 18 OR April 24, at 7:45pm. Visit the link for more information and for registration links for the webinars.
- May 1st is IPSE Day (Inclusive Post Secondary Education) Day! Visit the Think College website for more information.
- Transition Resources from Think College: Click the link for a list of free resources to help think about, plan for, and transition to life after high school. Learn about all of the ways you can help your student to #thinkcollege.
- Transition University is open now through April 28, 2024. This free, self-paced course provides families and professionals with information to help make transitions easier for students with disabilities. Information about decision-making options, transitioning to independent living, and connecting to community services will be shared
- The Center on Transition Innovations has several courses related to transition and employment that are now open. Many are self-paced. Some of the courses are designed for students, but staff are welcome to complete the courses as well. Topics include Fundamentals of Transition Planning, Get Ready for College, Get Ready for Independent Living, Get Ready for Your Career, and Work-Based Learning.
- PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) has developed a transition checklist for families. The Next Steps to Independence Checklist is subdivided into age groups, beginning with birth to 3 and ending with ages 18-22 years. It also includes important action steps for every age level. This is a great resource for families!
Summer Camp Information!
Many of these summer camps are NOW OPEN for registration! Take a look and find the best fit for your student!
- Virginia Family SPED Camp List (includes many camps out of our area and state)
- Autism Society of Central Virginia
- Jacob's Chance (in partnership with Henrico Recreation & Parks)
- New Community School Saber Summer Spectacular
- VA Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
- Weinstein JCC Summer Camps (Voices Together is for students in K-8 on the autism spectrum)
- YMCA Summer Camps/ EveryBuddy Camp
- Soar365 Summer Camp
- Summer Camp at Maymont
- Very Special Camps (NOT local to Richmond, VA)
- Camp Free2BeMe (ages 14 and up, young adults with autism)
- Miracles in Motion (*registration is not yet open)
- Hanover Parks & Rec (ongoing programs): Be sure to click the Therapeutic Recreation tab
- Science Museum of VA
Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program
The Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program will provide (reimbursement) funds for caregivers to coordinate respite care for persons in their care with an identified disability. The caregiver hires, trains, and pays the respite provider to provide services and then receives reimbursement from the Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program. Caregivers may apply to be reimbursed up to $595/year. Respite solutions can be traditional or non-traditional and can include activities like summer camp. Respite providers are chosen by the caregivers and may be individuals (skilled or unskilled) or agencies. Respite providers must be 18 years of age and may not live in the home. (Please note: Caregivers cannot be reimbursed until AFTER the respite is provided/student attends the summer camp, etc.) Find out more information, and the application link, on the Virginia Lifespan Respite Program website.
Local Activities & Programming
Autism Society of Central VA
The Autism Society of Central Virginia has reorganized their website, so you can find activities and events for your student's age group. Visit the ASCV Programming page, and click on the tab for your child's age to explore all of the wonderful things the ASCV has to offer!
Jacob's Chance
Virginia Down Syndrome Association
Contact the Parent Teacher Resource Center
HCPS Parent Teacher Resource Center
Email: hanoverprc@hcps.us
Website: https://www.hcps.us/departments/instruction/special_education/parent_resource_center
Phone: 804-365-4596
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HanoverParentResourceCenter