As your Parent Training and Information Center, Family Connection works specifically to support special populations as defined by federal law. In collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Education, Office of Special Education Services (OSES), resources and support are provided to educators, administrators, students, and families with resources in relation to students with special needs in Special Populations. Special Populations are identified as: students who are English learners, homeless, immigrant, migrant, military-connected, students placed in alternative settings such as foster care students who are in correctional settings/placements such as juvenile justice. Stay tuned for more information on trainings and services provided statewide by our Family Education Managers to help ensure these students do not encounter a disruption in their education.   Make a Referral

Belinda Patel’s son was diagnosed with autism around the age of three, and she remembers the overwhelming feelings of simply not knowing what to do next. Someone gave her the name and contact information of a support parent, and when Belinda called her, they talked frequently at length and even had playdates. “I hope there are parents who look back years from now and are glad they had a support parent. I hope I am making a difference.  I hope maybe I have inspired someone else to become a support parent.  I feel that we are a community, and that we can go further together. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Family Connection community.” [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] “It was a big help having someone to talk with then,” she said. “Later, when my son was in occupational therapy, I met and became friends with another mom and

It’s that time of year, where we find ourselves deep in the alphabet soup of the special education world. IEPs, 504s, referrals and assessments; wherever you are in the journey, these quick tips can help you thrive, not just survive, back to school meetings. 10 Tips for Advocating for Your Child Adapted and revised from http://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/10-things-to-remember-when-advocating-for-your-special-needs-child 1. You Know Your Child Best Regardless of what the reports say or what the professionals say, you are the parent that has been by your child’s side since day one. 2. Collaborate! The Professionals, Teachers, And Support Staff Truly Want to Help Your Child truly do have your child’s best interests at heart. They really do want to help your child. Remind yourself that they are there to work together with you, they aren’t your enemy. 3. Speak Up For Your Child If They Are Unable This tip is especially important if your

As the school year begins, here are some updates of interest. Drinking Water in Schools In recent years, there has been increased attention to lead in drinking water. Although lead is found throughout the environment, lead can accumulate in the body over time and cause health problems if inhaled or swallowed. As such, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) are acting to address drinking water quality in schools. More Details   State Funding for School Resource Officers For Fiscal Year 2018–19, the General Assembly appropriated $2 million in the General Fund for school resource officers (SROs). These funds are intended to increase the number of SROs serving in schools, which will help ensure the safety of all students and staff.   Office of Special Education: Alternative Pathway In August 2018, beginning with

Family Connection has just over 450 active volunteer support parents statewide. Support parents are volunteers raising their own child, at least one year or older, with a disability or a special health care need. They enjoy talking and sharing information, over the telephone, with other families who are dealing with some of the same issues. Support parents are trained to provide emotional support and information to families based on the child’s disability or special healthcare concern. There are many advantages to having a veteran parent of a child with special needs in your corner. Our network of families come together to educate, inspire and empower other parents and their children to live rich, fulfilling lives in spite of many challenges. [siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Image”][/siteorigin_widget] Meet Christina Emrich: I have been with Family Connection for about 10 years, after having Dionne Fleshman as my own support parent. I have three children, and all