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Gain the benefits of Parent Network of WNY workshops from the comfort of your home or office

We offer a wide variety of topics regarding Behavior, Transition, Special Education and OPWDD Services.  Parent Network of WNY frequently updates our selection of courses!  All courses are free of charge and once completed, a certificate of completion is available for download.

Take a moment to see our variety of courses below!
Click on the title and it will take you to the course.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 716-332-4170.

Behavior

Getting to Calm While Getting In Sync
Presented by Carol Stock Kranowitz, Author of the best selling book “The Out-Of-Sync Child”

Simple, fun activities to help every child or young adult develop, learn and grow. Learn effective strategies through exercises and communication. Guided sensory-motor activities and exercises for all ages.

How to Handle Negative Behavior in the Home & Community
Dealing with challenging behavior at home and in the community can be a full-time job. This workshop will help parents and caregivers to understand negative behavior. It will teach you to recognize early warning signs of trouble. The course will teach you how to manage conflict and offer suggestions for establishing consequences before the behavior turns into something even more difficult to handle.

Early Childhood & School Age

504 vs IEP – What is the Difference?
You will learn about 504 plans, eligibility and understand the possible supports available under the plan, versus how every child receiving special education services has an Individualized Education Program (IEP). In this workshop participants will learn about the parts of an IEP, receive tips and tools to become more involved in the planning process.

ADHD-Strategies for Success and IEP Development
Learn the signs and symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ ADHD). This class discusses the characteristics of ADD/ ADHD, and the tips and tools to help identify strategies that can be included in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

All About Autism
In this course participants will learn about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and will discuss how and why Autism Spectrum Disorders are diagnosed and by whom. The course will also cover learning styles, recent research and ways to promote success at home, school and in the community.

A Parent’s Guide to Special Education (formerly Parent Member)
Participants will increase their knowledge and skills to become effective Parent Members during a CPSE/CSE meeting. Included will be informational will be provided about eligibility for special education services, education planning and goal setting, least restrictive environment and understanding the evaluation and placement process.

Celebrating the Whole Child
A workshop for families on meeting the emotional needs of children with learning disabilities.

Individualized IEP Program
Individualized! Are you part of the planning team for your child? Register today to learn how your child’s education program is just for them. Become confident as a partner creating your child’s IEP.

Sensory Processing Disorder
This workshop explores the different sensory processing disorders and offers parents and caregivers activities, tips and suggestions to help their child manage his/her sensory needs.

Speak- Up! Skills for Effective Advocacy & How to Prepare for Meetings
This workshop is for parents, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities who participate in various meetings with professionals throughout a school year. The class will provide you with tips on how to be prepared and organized when school resumes in the fall. You will learn how to be a powerful advocate (someone who speaks up).

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
In this workshop you will learn what Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is, examples of behaviors associated with SPD, strategies for working with your child at home and how to work with your schools.

Mindfulness

Holiday Anxiety… Let It Go!
Holidays are a time of stress, but holidays are also about LOVE. This workshop will give you the tools to “Let It Go” and help you and your family cope with the stressors brought on by holidays. You will feel more empowered to enjoy and experience love and joy this holiday season.

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

Binder Training: Organizing All Your Stuff!
Where did you put that paper? It’s here somewhere!!! Participants will learn which papers or documents to keep, organizing tips and understand how having the right paper at your fingertips can lead to a successful education plan.

Using Self Directed Services
In this online video workshop individuals’ families and caregivers will learn what OPWDD funded self-directed services are and how they work. Participants develop a basic understanding of creating an initial service plan for the individual with a developmental disability, identify what their responsibilities will be and who they will be working with during this process. Learn what terms like employer and budget authority, and roles like start-up broker, support broker, and more will play in Self-Directed Services.

Parent Information

Parent’s Rights During A CPS Investigation
Parents aren’t often aware that they have legally protected rights during a CPS investigation, or how to access those rights. Erie County Assigned Counsel Program Social Worker will help you learn about your rights and answer specific questions.

Professional Development

Classroom Management in Hybrid/Remote Learning, Schoolwork/Homework Help
Participants will learn strategies that can be adapted to manage virtual and in person classrooms.

Conflict Resolution
Participants will learn tips and strategies to end conflicts before they start, effectively communicate, and meet the needs of all parties.

Cultural Competence
Participants will be able to define and identify the components of cultural competence and describe why it is important for improved student outcomes.

Effective Communication
Participants will learn the 4 styles of communication and the influence and benefits of each style.

Having the Difficult Conversation
Participants will learn active listening skills and other strategies to engage families in challenging circumstances and create productive working relationships.

Using Learning Profiles to Improve Learning
Participants will be able to identify learning profiles and utilize strategies to maximize learning and build confidence.

Sleep Recommendations

Healthy Bedtime Routines
Presented by Dr. Amanda B. Hassinger from UBMD Pediatrics Sleep Center

Healthy Sleep Patterns
Presented by Dr. Amanda B. Hassinger from UBMD Pediatrics Sleep Center

What Does Good Sleep Look Like?
Presented by Dr. Amanda B. Hassinger from UBMD Pediatrics Sleep Center

Addressing Sleep Challenges for the Neurodivergent Child
Presented by Dr. Amanda B. Hassinger from UBMD Pediatrics Sleep Center

Spanish

Navegando Los Servicios Para Adultos
Es beneficioso conocer y comprender los servicios y apoyos disponibles para ayudar con el proceso de transición a la edad adulta. Los mejores planes vienen con planificación y coordinación, eso significa conocer sus opciones y tomar decisiones informadas. En esta sesión se incluye un segmento sobre cómo navegar por los servicios para adultos, los requisitos de elegibilidad y la información de contacto regional.

Transition

Finding the Best Graduation Option for Students with Disabilities
This workshop explores graduation options and outlines the updates to New York State regulations. Learn about the different kinds of diplomas, and what you as a parent or caregiver can do to help your young adult graduate.

How to Protect my Child’s Future Through Guardianship, Wills, and Trusts
Planning for the future is especially important when you have a child with a disability. This workshop provides parents or caregivers with an overview of things to think about: guardianship, wills, and trusts. The workshop will help you to understand your options as you begin to think about plans for your special needs child.

Live, Learn, Work & Play
These four parts of our lives make our days go round. Young adults often need help finding a way to fill their days. Register today to learn how to make sure they have the correct services and supports to reach their goals.

Preparing for Life After High School
Big changes, big adventures, big opportunities ahead!!! Are your “t”’s crossed and your “I”’s dotted? Join this webinar to learn strategies to make sure you are prepared and ready for the next stage of your young adult’s life, ADULTHOOD!

Supported Decision Making as an Alternative to Guardianship
Parents of transition age children are often told they “should” or “must” get guardianship when children with I/DD reach 18, but guardianship means the loss of all legal rights, and is inconsistent with the self-determination parents want for their children. Supported decision-making is an emerging practice that allows people with I/DD to retain all their rights while getting support in their decisions from trusted persons in their lives. In this webinar you will learn about supported decision-making and an exciting project sponsored by DDPC, SDMNY that is facilitating supported decision-making in a number of sites around New York.

Youth In Care

Buffalo Public Schools – High School Selection Process
Learn more about the High School showcase, what are the high school options and learn more about the application process.

Introduction To Effective Educational Advocacy 
Participants will understand the importance of being an advocate, learn effective communication tools to maintain relationships and increase advocacy and learn how to identify position vs interest-based negotiation skills.

Making Sense Of School Discipline And Suspensions
Learn about the damaging impact of school exclusion on children, families, schools and communities. Discussion of the foundational philosophy and content of the Buffalo Public School Code of Conduct.  Understanding short- and long-term suspensions. Tips for preemptive and proactive approaches to school discipline, and prevention/diversion. Scenarios and advocacy tips included.

Pathways To Graduation
Learn more about the different ways your student can graduate high school.

School Matters For Youth In Care
Learn more about where education intersects with child welfare, school stability in out of home care or in temporary housing.  Scenarios with tips will also be included.

Special Education Process With Youth In Foster Care
Increase your knowledge of the special education process, have a better understanding of the role of each participant on the Committee for Special Education, and increase your knowledge of timelines and vocabulary. This will increase your confidence to support the needs of your child or the student you are working with.

“Parent Network provides information of a general nature and is designed for information and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice.”

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Come Visit

Parent Network of WNY
1021 Broadway Street
Buffalo, NY 14212

Contact Us

Family Support Lines:
English – 716-332-4170
Espanol – 716-449-6394
Toll Free – 866-277-4762
info@parentnetworkwny.org

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