Across South Carolina there are families who are navigating raising a child with a disability while experiencing housing instability. Family Connection of South Carolina is hosting a series of summits for families and professionals working with families who would like to learn more about rights and resources for students under two federal laws: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Each one-day summit is open to families, professionals, and community-serving organizations and will include an in-depth discussion on identification, coordination, and implementation in South Carolina. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required, and tickets are limited. Midlands Training date and location: July 30th: Lexington Municipal Conference Center 111 Maiden Lane, Lexington 10am-2pm Register!

The first day of school is quickly approaching for all families! Not sure what information to share with your child's teacher(s) or best communication methods? Join Sally Baker, Director of Education, for a virtual session with helpful tips to effectively communicate with your child's school or childcare center. Register!

Are you ready to make a difference? Learn how to support SC families navigating disabilities and housing instability! Don't miss this chance to empower yourself and your community. Spread the word and invite your friends and colleagues! Why Attend? Discover: Key rights and resources under IDEA and McKinney-Vento Engage: In practical discussions on identification and implementation Network: With fellow professionals and organizations Bonus Perks: Delicious boxed lunch Fresh coffee and pastries from a local coffee shop Earn Credits: This training has been approved by three (3) Community Health Worker Continuing Education Units (CHW CEUs) by the SC Health Worker Association. Social Work CEU credits pending approval from SC AHEC Things to Know: No Cost: There is no cost to attend. Seats are Limited: Reserve your spot today! Register in Advance: No registration at the door. REGISTRATION OPEN NOW! Don't forget to share with your networks and be a part of change in SC. We want to get as many people as possible involved to educate and share this information with their communities across South Carolina. Can't make it to this event? Only two more in-person trainings! Find other training sessions throughout the state by visiting our website. For questions or […]

New school year, new Individualized Education Plan (IEP)? Starting the 2024-2025 academic year, SC schools have a new IEP platform (EDPlan SC). Join Dr. Susan Thomas for a virtual session to help better understand your child’s IEP. We’ll cover purpose and required components, quality indicators of a well-written plan and how to measure success. Register!  

Cindy Tomlinson will present the seven key principles of positive parenting of a child with a disability. This first session in a three-part series will cover ways of creating a safe, positive, learning environment for your child. The series focuses on positive ways to promote children’s development, and is designed for parents and caregivers of children up to age 12--but all parents are welcome. Each session is approved for 1.5 hours of Foster Parent Credit.  Register!

Across South Carolina, more and more families are navigating raising a child with a disability while experiencing housing instability. Join Family Connection of South Carolina to learn more about rights and resources for students under two federal laws, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. These free, one-day trainings are open to professionals and community-based organizations and will include an in-depth discussion on identification, coordination, and implementation in South Carolina. Registration now open! Check back for more details. For questions or accommodations, email trainings@familyconnectionsc.org.

Are you an SC resident and a parent/caregiver of a child with a disability or special healthcare need? Become a volunteer Support Parent and offer emotional support to other parents who have a child with a similar diagnosis as your child. This four-hour evidence-based training will give you the skills to help educate, inspire, and empower parents and their children to live rich, fulfilling lives. Learn more and register!

Across South Carolina, more and more families are navigating raising a child with a disability while experiencing housing instability. Join Family Connection of South Carolina to learn more about rights and resources for students under two federal laws, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. These free, one-day trainings are open to professionals and community-based organizations and will include an in-depth discussion on identification, coordination, and implementation in South Carolina. Registration now open! Check back for more details. For questions or accommodations, email trainings@familyconnectionsc.org.

Coming to the Lowcountry: Wednesday, September 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lowcountry Conference Center 406 Sigma Dr, Summerville, SC 29486   Across South Carolina, more families are navigating raising a child with a disability while experiencing housing instability. Join Family Connection of South Carolina to learn more about rights and resources for students under two federal laws, the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This free, one-day training is open to professionals and family-serving organizations and will include an in-depth discussion on identification, coordination, and implementation in South Carolina. Register!   For questions or accommodations, email trainings@familyconnectionsc.org.

Many children live with anxiety and fears. In this family chat, families will have a chance to hear strategies from clinical psychologist Dr. Lauren Moskowitz whose research focuses upon parent-mediated approaches to improve the quality of life for anxious youth with IDD and autism. The event will be held on Zoom on September 24th from 8 - 9 PM.   QUESTIONS? Send Chantai@parentingspecialneeds.org any questions or challenges regarding accessing care for your loved one you would like addressed in this Family Chat. Register here!

Helping Your Child Reach Their Potential Thursday, September 26 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.   Cindy Tomlinson will discuss the important role parents play in laying the foundations for children’s success at school and beyond. Learn the six tips to being an effective teacher at home. The series focuses on positive ways to promote children’s development, and is designed for parents and caregivers of children up to age 12--but all parents are welcome. Each session is approved for 1.5 hours of Foster Parent Credit. Register!

Registration Participants must register in order to recieve the webinar link. REGISTER NOW. About the Program This course delivers instruction on essential featues that are part of a Boardmaker 7 Subscription; the Boardmaker Editor, myBoardmaker.com, and the Boardmaker Student Center. Target Audience: Recommended for anyone that has not received formal training in Boardmaker 7. Participants Will Learn: How to use components together to maximize learning and efficiency. Create, edit, find, play, and assign; all with your Boardmaker Subscription. How to create activities from scratch and with Boardmaker templates. How to find pre-made activities and curricula. How to play and manage activities. About the Presenter John Gragnani - Tobii Dynavox John Gragnani is the Director of Education Accounts for Tobii Dynavox (Boardmaker). He has worked for the past 14 years with organizations on how to acquire and implement Boardmaker, as well as, legacy Boardmaker versions for instruction. Prior to his work with Boardmaker, John was a Regional Director for Tobii Dynavox for 9 years working with individuals using high tech AAC to improve lives through greater communication. John was also Director of the UPC/Infinitec AT Center in Chicago and has been a sign language interpreter for over 20 years.