While the days are long and hot, the beginning of the school year is just around the corner! As exciting as the beginning of the year is, it can also be stressful for both parents and children. Whether you need planning or advocacy advice for transitions, tips and tricks for behavior, or information about IEPs, PEAK is here to help! 

From planning for smooth transitions between grades or schools to navigating the IEP, PEAK is offering a handful of FREE workshops to help you feel as prepared and excited as possible for the school year ahead. PEAK’s workshops are designed not only for parents of children with disabilities, but also for general and special educators, paraprofessionals, administrators, service providers, and any interested community members across the entire state of Colorado. Take a look below for more details about the exciting workshops and webinars coming up: 

Aug. 15: The IEP: A Tool for Realizing Possibilities! 

The IEP workshop will walk you through the ins and outs of an effective IEP process. You will have the opportunity to practice writing effective IEP goals, learn how to create a “What Works” portfolio for your student, and learn how you can become and stay actively and effectively involved in the IEP process.

Location: Carnegie Library, Trinidad

Time: 2-4pm

Registration: http://bit.ly/IEPTrinidad

Aug. 22:  The IEP: A Tool for Realizing Possibilities! 

See above for more details on this workshop. 

Location:  Developmental Pathways, Aurora

Time: 5:30-8pm

Registration: https://form.jotform.com/91214073383149

Sept. 19: The Why's and How's of Behavior

This workshop will help you gain an understanding about behavior as a form of communication. Participants will learn about Functional Behavioral Assessments, ways to use Positive Behavior Support at home and in the classroom, and strategies that can be used to reinforce positive behaviors! 

Location: The Arc of Pueblo

Time: 5:30-8pm

Registration: http://bit.ly/BehaviorPueblo

Sept. 25: The Why's and How's of Behavior

See above for more details on this workshop. 

Location: The Arc Pikes Peak Region in Colorado Springs 

Time: 5:30-8pm

Registration: http://bit.ly/BehaviorCS

Upcoming Webinars: 

Aug. 28: From Evaluation to Service Delivery; How to Ensure Positive Outcomes for Young Children 

This webinar will look at the key components of meaningful information gathering, functional goal development & relevant service delivery to improve the outcomes of young children with disabilities.

Time: 12-1pm

Registration: http://bit.ly/Web-Outcome

Sept. 4: Transition: Grade to Grade

Explore tips to smooth the transition process from grade-to-grade and school-to-school -- preschool through high school. 

Time: 12-1pm

Registration: http://bit.ly/Web-Transition

Sept. 10: Key Components of Positive Behavior Support

This webinar will look at the components of Positive Behavior Support and function based strategies to use at home and ways to partner with schools. 

Time: 12-1pm

Registration: http://bit.ly/Web-PBehavior  

We are excited to help you feel more confident going into the new school year. Whether you are new to advocacy for students with disabilities or have been involved for years, PEAK is here to help you on any step of your journey. Along with our upcoming workshops and webinars, you can also view past recorded webinars here. These webinars cover a wide variety of topics, including delving deeper into the IEP process, motivating stories of advocacy, and additional tips and tricks for transitions. As always you can call one of our Parent Advisors for any questions or advice you need. Reach them at 719-531-9400 or email parentadvisor@peakparent.org. We hope you take advantage of the many resources PEAK provides, and we look forward to seeing you at our workshops and webinars!