Family support is an important part of early intervention and education for children with disabilities. Family Support Services is one way we offer support to families across our county and statewide.
We provide families and professionals with information about the many services available to children with disabilities.
The Family Support Services helps families by:
- linking families that have had similar experiences
- offering opportunities to attend specialized workshops and seminars
- providing information and resources on helping your child with visual impairments
- providing information on family rights under IDEA, and the IFSP/IEP process
- establishing family-to-family support networks to help meet needs in our local communities
Family Support Network (FSN) – Parent Coordinators provide support and training to families of children receiving Early Intervention services
Preschool Partners (PP) – Parent Coordinators provide support and training to families of children ages three through five receiving services through an Extended IFSP or an IEP
Partners for Success (PFS) – Parent Coordinators provide support and training to families of children receiving services through an IEP. Families of children with disabilities can access support throughout their child’s academic career and as they transition into adult life.
Support Services is designed to inform families and build working relationships among families, schools and the community this may also include:
- Special Education Resources
- Information and Referral
- Assistance with the I.E.P. (Individualized Education Program)
- Seminars and Workshops
- Consultation
- Lending Library
- Newsletter
- Information about local, state, and national parent organizations
- Facilitation of parent support groups
We also offer
Information
- An information and Referral Center - to answer your questions
- Multi-Media Lending Library - resources available for you to borrow
Training
- Understanding Special Education (USE) - an introductory course designed to help families and educators understand the special education process and procedural safeguards.
- IEP Participation/Successful IEP's - Understanding the role each member of the IEP team plays and how to participate successfully.
- Transition at 14 - a workshop which will assist in the process of transitioning from school into adult life.
- Caring for the Caregiver - For caregivers who are providing long-term care for others at home.
- Stress Management - A fun approach for understanding the good and bad of stress and how to use them to your benefit.
- Stepping Ahead to Success - Transition at age 3.
- Ready Set Go! - Understanding the importance of positive preparation of families to enter into or return to school.
- 1, 2, 3 Magic - Discipline strategies for children.
- Letter of Intent - Learn what a letter of intent is and make a notebook for caregivers to understand the family's wishes for the future of your child with disabilities.
- All About Me - Make a book all about your child that will become a tool to use with daycare providers, teachers, doctors, and others that will come in contact with your child. This book can be used as a wonderful tool to open communication and start dialogues with others.
- Passport to Success - Mini-session used to help families to become effective parents.
- Bullying Strategies - Intervention strategies and understanding bullies.
- Disability Etiquette - For businesses and individuals to understand others with disabilities and how to properly interact.
- Other Workshops - Seminars and in services especially designed to meet the needs of families and educators.
For more information
WCPS contact:
Jessica Tawes, Family Support Services:
Resource Center for Families and Schools in Worcester County
6270 Worcester Highway
Newark, MD 21841
Phone:410-632-5234
Email: [email protected]
Click here for our WCPS Family Support Facebook page
For more information about the Family Support Services:
Resource Center for Families and Schools in MARYLAND
MSDE contact:
Ken Hudock
Section Chief, Family Support Services
Maryland State Department of Education
Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services
Phone: 410-767-0255
Email: [email protected]