GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Community Health Programs (CHP) Family Services hosts IEP 101, an online workshop and orientation program for parents of public school children who are entitled to special needs education services, on Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. 

 

This is the third such online event hosted by CHP Family Services, which has new resources for families of children with special needs. Previous workshops have drawn dozens of participants.

 

The meeting is hosted by Rania Markham and Melanie Wickwire of CHP Family Services, both parents of children with special needs. Registration is required and can be completed here.

 

Children with special needs are entitled to the Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is developed in collaboration with parents/caregivers and school education specialists. IEPs are intended to ensure that special needs students receive the best possible education and support services.

 

Parents play an important advocacy role for their children in the IEP process and can benefit from awareness of IEP options and services.

 

"Parents can learn a great deal from each other in understanding and navigating the IEP process," said Markham, who has a son with autism. "We're here to share our knowledge and help parents become strong advocates for their children's education."