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

Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
Behavior! Now you know the cause of a challenging behavior… What’s next? Join us to find out to find out the process for creating a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
Behavior! Are you and your child stuck doing the same thing again and again without a positive change? Join us to learn about the school’s responsibility to find out the cause.

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.

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.

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).

The Sensational Sensory Diet
What is a Sensory Diet? A sensory diet consists of various activities that target specific sensory systems within your child. The goal of a sensory diet is to help regulate a child’s sensory systems so they can attend to and focus on their daily activities. They can be implemented at home or at school to help your child function. A sensory diet is individualized to each child based on their needs and preferences. A child’s sensory diet contains a handful of activities that your child can select in order to regulate themselves.

Transition to Kindergarten for Children with Special Needs
Going to Kindergarten is an exciting time for every child and family. In this workshop we will discuss the differences between preschool special education and school age special education.

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.

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

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.

What is a Life Plan?
A Life Plan is a plan of care for implementing decisions made during a person-centered planning process that becomes the active plan of care document. This presentation will explain the life plan’s importance, the process and influences considered when creating it, how it affects you and your family, and when it will happen. Understanding Health Home services, keeping your Life Plan current to accurately reflect services available, and its impacts are discussed.

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.

Structure and Routine
Participants will learn how to assist families to set up a routine for successful learning at home.

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

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.

The Continuum of Employment Options
We want competitive jobs, a living wage, and to work in the community. Learn more about funding and employment services from The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

“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.”

Sign up to receive our latest events, news and resources.

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