The Friday FYI
February 23, 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!
The Next Steps Transition Conference and Resource Fair will be March 2, 2024, at Hanover High School. Conference sessions on a variety of topics related to transition for students of ALL ages will be offered. Exhibitors will be on site from 9:00am-1:00pm, and families can visit their tables to get information about the organizations and the activities they provide.
Learn more about the Next Steps Transition Conference & Resource Fair by visiting the event website: bit.ly/NextStepsTransitionConference
You will find information about the conference sessions being offered, recommended tracks for each grade level, and link to the websites of the agencies & organizations that will have resource tables at the event.
PRE-REGISTER for the Next Steps Transition Conference & Resource Fair HERE.
Registration is not required but will help us in planning for the event.
Don't forget these upcoming workshops!
Preschool Workshop Series
Families and community providers are invited to join us for the first in a series of three workshops designed to support families in supporting their preschooler's behavior and social-emotional growth! We will meet on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 12:00-1:00pm, at the Atlee Community Library. Register here.
AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) Virtual Q&A
Join the AAC Team on Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 12:00-1:00pm for a Virtual Q&A about all things AAC! You can submit questions in advance and register here. The link for the virtual event will be sent to those who pre-register.
AAC Field Trip
The AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) Team is going to the grocery store! Join us on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 10:30am to learn more about how to use AAC in the community with your student. Register here. Information about where to meet will be sent to those who pre-register.
Online Courses & Webinars
- 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.
- March 6, 2024, 3:00pm: Think College is presenting a webinar "Flexible Supports for College Success." Key topics addressed in the webinar:
- Supported Education: Learn how peer mentors and educational coaches provide individualized support to students
- Campus Resources: Discover disability services accommodations and campus support center offerings.
- Student Perspectives: Hear stories from current students on their experience using and accessing campus support service
- March 6, 2024, 6:00-7:00pm: PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) is offering a course for students called "Do You Want to Work?" that will explain vocational rehabilitation services and more. Find out more on the PEATC website.
- March 19, 2024, 6:00 pm: The Spectrum of Decision-Making Options in Virginia: Supported Decision-Making to Guardianship and Everything in Between. Join DBHDS (Department of Behavioral Health & Human Services) to learn more about the decision-making options available to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Virginia. Learn the difference between capacity, competency, and consent, as well as how people can get help making decisions from the least restrictive options (i.e. supported decision-making) to the most restrictive options (i.e. legal guardianship). REGISTER HERE
Summer Camp Information!
It's rainy and cold today, so I am thinking about summer! Many of these summer camps are NOW OPEN for registration! Take a look and find the best fit for your student!
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
Very Special Camps (NOT local to Richmond, VA)
Camp Free2BeMe (ages 14 and up, young adults with autism)
Autism Society of Central Virginia (*registration is not yet open)
Miracles in Motion (*registration is not yet open)
Hanover Parks & Rec (ongoing programs): Be sure to click the Therapeutic Recreation tab
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.
SEAC Membership Applications will open in March
SEAC Training from PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) & VDOE (Virginia Department of Education) coming in March!
- PEATC, in collaboration with the VDOE, is offering an online, self-paced SEAC training session aimed at helping members and other interested participants understand the role of the local SEAC in Virginia and build a more effective and efficient advisory committee. A certificate of completion will be provided for all who complete the training.
- PEATC, in collaboration with the VDOE, is offering a live online, SEAC training session aimed at helping members and other interested participants understand the role of the local SEAC in Virginia and build a more effective and efficient advisory committee. A certificate of completion will be provided for all who complete the training.
April Event! Self-Determination for Preschool and Elementary
Local Activities & Programming & Spring at the YMCA
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
Broom Ball, Bowling, and Basketball! Visit the Jacob's Chance website for more information about their winter recreation activities, including basketball and Taekwondo. Jacob's Chance has a variety of other events & activities throughout the year, including social gatherings for various ages, family events, and more!
Virginia Down Syndrome Association
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association has February events listed on their calendar page. Visit their website to learn more!
Using AT (Assistive Technology) Resources at home
Visit the Step Up AT website for resources on using AT (Assistive Technology) at home to support early literacy and to learn more about ways to engage young children in reading. There are other video resources on AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication), Writing Tools, and tools for students with vision or hearing impairments.
VIDEO Resource from the VA Department of Education
The Virginia Department of Education has posted a series of videos designed to help families understand the special education process from start to finish. Videos are less than 3 minutes long and cover all phases of the special education process from Identification to Eligibility to Individualized Education Programs. Visit the Virginia SPED Family website or the PTRC IEP & Family Resource Guide page to find the links to all of the videos!
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