Calling all IEP veterans!

Is this you?
**I've been to lots of IEP meetings for you my child or others.
**Special education is familiar ground for me.
**I wish I could help parents who are new to special ed and really struggling.
**I have a few hours a month to help others.
**I'd like to earn a little extra income.

If this sounds like you, Sooner SUCCESS and Supporting the Pieces would like to introduce you to the newest program at the Oklahoma Parents Center...Community IEP Partners.

What is the Community IEP Partner's Program?
The Community IEP Partners Program trains and matches Partners with parents wanting support at their child's IEP meeting. The goal is to have Partners available in every community throughout the state of Oklahoma

Who are Community IEP Partners?
Partners are parents and others who have gone through a Partner Training Program. Partners are volunteers for the Oklahoma Parents Center, the Training and Information Project for Oklahoma. They receive a $25.00 stipend for each meeting that they attend as assigned by OPC.

What is the role of a Community IEP Partner?
Partners assist parents to advocate for their children. Partners need to be good listeners that are willing to continue training in special education and be open to collaboration. Their role is to help parents prepare for the meeting, plan an agenda, identify the issues, write out proposals etc. At the meeting they will take notes and act as a trained listener who is familiar with special education rules and regulations. Partners model parent/professional partnership and collaboration.

Are there Community IEP Partners in our area?
OPC is coming to Enid on October 25, 2008 to train interested individuals to become Community IEP Partners.

Date: 10/25/08

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with a 1-hour break for lunch)

Location: Integris Bass Hospital, Northeast Conference Room.
600 S. Monroe, Enid OK

Fee: This training is free of charge, however registration is required.

To register, contact:
Lisa Simmons at 603-1580
OR
Theresa Sharp at 977-7479

Check out the Oklahoma Parent Center

The Oklahoma Parent Center is the statewide parent training and information center serving parents of children with disabilities. Their goal is to educate and support parents, families and professionals in building partnerships that meet the needs of children and youth with the full range of disabilities ages’ birth to 26. They use a regionalized model with staff living in the area that they serve.

Who Should Call the Oklahoma Parent Training and Information Center?
* Parents of children with disabilities, or suspected disabilities age birth to 26.
* Parents of children with emotional or behavioral problems age birth to 26.
* Professionals in educational, medical, or human service fields.

What Services does the Oklahoma Parent Training and Information Center Offer?
* Training on a variety of topics related to children with disabilities
* Community IEP Partner Training and Matching
* “Count Me in” Disability Awareness Programs
* Information and referral
* Special Education Help-Line
* Statewide Conference
* Quarterly newsletter

New Programs offered by the Oklahoma Parent Training and Information Center:
The Oklahoma Parent Training and Information Center is initiating some new programs with collaborating partner agencies for parents in Oklahoma.
They include:
* Community IEP Partners
* “Count Me In” Disability Awareness Programs
* Bullying Prevention Training and resources

Check out their latest "Back to School" newsletter online.