Home » Programs » Community Parent Resource Center

Community Parent Resource Center

Parent Network of WNY is a designated Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC). CPRCs provide training and assistance to the families of the nation's 7 million children with disabilities. They are funded through the U.S. Department of Education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Every state has at least one Parent Center and those with large populations have more. There are currently 105 Parent Centers in the United States. Parent Centers help families specifically to:

  • Better understand their children's disabilities and education needs
  • Communicate more effectively with schools and related professionals
  • Understand their rights and responsibilities under the idea
  • Obtain and connect with appropriate services for your child
  • Resolve disagreements regarding services with schools and other agencies
  • Connect with other community resources that assist children with disabilities

Parent Centers work collaboratively to improve outcomes for children with disabilities. Parent Network of WNY believes that collaboration is the best method for parents to receive current and timely information and to seek services while eliminating duplication. That is why Parent Network of WNY has developed numerous, meaningful and effective partnerships with several community organizations.

Parent Network of WNY serves families of all ages and all disabilities (physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional). Parent Network of WNY provides a variety of services including one-on-one support and assistance through our Information & Referral Services , workshops and seminars to increase knowledge on disabilities, special education topics and other concerns, our quarterly Special Insights Newsletter on current topics and trends,  and a collection of books, videos, and various media resources found in the Dena B. Goldstein Family Resource Initiative. The majority of Parent Network's staff and board members are parents of children with disabilities, so they are able to bring personal experience and empathy when working with families.