The PEAL Center

Middle School Inclusion Series
A series of solution-oriented workshops that examined issues confronting parents and educators as students move from elementary school to middle school.  Simultaneous video/audio-conferencing.  Participants were able to join in the discussion from their homes.   

Part 1 Developing a Strong IEP
This session will explore the parent’s role in the IEP process.  Parents, you will learn the basics of your child’s right to special education services, how the process of developing special education plans works, and your role in developing an IEP that is responsive to your goals for your child.  Participants will have the opportunity to begin to translate your dreams for your child into concrete elements that can be incorporated into your child’s IEP.

Part 2 Working Effectively with Your School Team
How can I work with my school district to develop education services for my child that are based on high expectations to prepare my child for a productive life?  How can we build a school team committed to classrooms where all students participate in learning? Participants will discover strategies for parents and educators to build collaborative and constructive school teams committed to classrooms that welcome and support high expectations for all learners.

Part 3 IEP Clinic
Have a question about your child’s IEP or Evaluation Report?  Would you like to have the opportunity to discuss your child’s services and supports?  Bring your questions, documents and good ideas to the IEP Clinic where our Parent Advisors can talk with you and be that “other set of eyes” to look over your child’s records.  Let’s talk about positive solutions and creative ideas to insure that your dreams and hopes for the future are addressed in your educational program today.

Parent Leadership Institute: PEAL Center
Family to Family Healthcare Information Center is accepting applications to take part in the Central Pennsylvania’s 7 month institute beginning in October.  The free institute will help parent leaders develop an understanding of public healthcare and disability policies and how those policies are manifested in each particular system or “silo”.  You will be coached to develop skills to increase the impact of your voice to promote change beneficial to children and families across Pennsylvania. More information and applications are available at www.pealcenter.org/pli.html <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?PEALCenter/074fc42e73/ed0e3a906a/25e4219a45> call 412-281-4404 and an application can be mailed to you.

Electronic Medical Healthcare Notebook Workshops
Family to Family Healthcare Information Center at the PEAL will offer workshops for parents of Children with Special Health Care Needs to learn how to build an electronic healthcare notebook.  The workshop is free to all participants and PEAL will provide a 1 GIG Flash Drive to electronically store your notebook work. The  notebook is an organizing tool for families and will help you keep track of important information.
Monday, November 23, 2009 - 6:00-8:00 PM  -   PaTTAN-Pittsburgh
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - 6:00-8:00 PM -  Fox Chapel High School
For more info, contact Joan Badger at 412-281-4404 or email jbadger@pealcenter.org.  Space is limited.

Free Sign Language Course Offered in Gibsonia for Parents and Young Children
October 8, 2009, 10:30 AM, First of Five Sessions.  Northern Tier Regional Library, 4015 Dickey Road in Gibsonia. The PEAL Center will offer a free sign language course for parents and young children consisting of five sessions where parents with their infants, toddlers and young children from birth to Kindergarten age will be taught basic signs to improve communication skills. Each lesson introduces 15-20 basic signs based on American Sign Language and incorporates visual and concrete cues, signing, art, stories, games and play-based activities. The course is taught by a teacher with a degree in child development/child care and trained in special education for the hearing impaired.  Registration is required and more information is available by calling the PEAL Center at 412-281-4404 ext. 13.

Behavior Change is a Family Affair - There is still time to register.
Saturday, November 14, 2009, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM - Maennerchor Club – Erie
Positive Behavior Support Strategies to Support Children with Challenging Behavior, Kiki McGough, Parent and Educator.  We all have challenging days! This interactive session will highlight effective strategies to promote family school partnerships to support students with challenging behavior.  
For information and to register visit:  www.pealcenter.org - Working Together to Find Solutions

Beginning with the End in Mind - Part 3  IEP Clinic
November 24, 2009,  6:00-8:30 PM  - Cosponsored by Heart 2 Heart  Parent Support Network
Butler Area Public Library, 218 North McKean Street, Butler, PA  16001
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  Reply by fax 412-281-4408 orE-mail to:  Admin@pealcenter.org
Use "Mini-Series" as the title of your message. Include your name, address, county, phone, e-mail address, school district, parent/educator/other, location and sessions you will attend, and whether you are requesting Act 48 credits.

SAVE THE DATE for the PEAL Centers' Fourth Annual Inclusive Education Conference  
Building Communities of Peace, Harmony and Respect
March 16 and 17, 2009, Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh North, Cranberry Township
Keynote speakers:  Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary and Champion of social justice and peace
Beth Harry, Parent and Professor of Special Education at the University of Miami in Florida
Michael Remus, Parent, educator, Special Education Director in Arizona, a system
change agent, and a multitude of other roles.
March 15, 2009 - School Leaders Symposium featuring Michael Remus
Visit www.pealcenter.org for conference details as they become available.