Westchester Institute for Human Development

Understanding Your Child's IEP
2018-02-14 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Hawthorne Country Day School, 5 Bradhurst Avenue, Hawthorne, NY, 10532, United States
Location: Hawthorne Country Day School
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop will include a discussion of the nature and purpose of the IEP, the various components of the IEP, and what information is covered within each of those components in plain language. The IEP form itself will also be reviewed in detail so that parents can have a better understanding of how to navigate the IEP, where certain kinds of information would appropriately be covered, and how to follow along during discussions at CSE meetings. Having a better understanding of this critical document will enable parents to be more astute in assessing their child’s education program (is it effective? is it appropriate?), in light of the student’s progress and development from year to year. Click here for Event Flyer.

Special Education, Graduation and Credential Options, and Planning for Life After High School
2018-02-13 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Roosevelt High School, Yonkers, NY, 631 Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers, NY, 10710, United States
Location: Roosevelt High School Media Center, Yonkers, NY
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Educational programs to which our children are exposed pave the way for their opportunities following the K-12 years. This presentation will address the expanding high school credential and exiting options for students with disabilities, and the importance of identifying post-secondary goals so that appropriate transition supports and services can be put into place. The discussion will include post-secondary measurable goals, high school transition service needs, and the coordinated set of transition activities. Please come join the conversation! Click here for Event Flyer.

Transitioning from CPSE to Kindergarten (CSE)
2018-02-07 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Location: Edgemont UFSD
Snow Date: 02/13/18
Contact Janet Lowe at jlowe@wihd.org or (914) 493-2902 for more information.

Special Education, Graduation and Credential Options, and Planning for Life After High School
2018-02-06 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | White Plains Ed House, Assembly Room, 5 Homeside Lane, White Plains, NY, United States
Location: White Plains City School District – Education House
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Educational programs to which our children are exposed pave the way for their opportunities following the K-12 years. This presentation will address the expanding high school credential and exiting options for students with disabilities, and the importance of identifying post-secondary goals so that appropriate transition supports and services can be put into place. The discussion will include post-secondary measurable goals, high school transition service needs, and the coordinated set of transition activities. Please come join the conversation! Click here for Event Flyer.

Planning for Your Child's Annual Review
2018-01-30 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Dows Lane Elementary School, 6 Dows Lane, Irvington, NY, 10533, United States
Location: Dows Lane Elementary School, Irvington, NY
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Parents are integral partners in the special education process. This workshop will start with the purpose of the annual review, how the CSE team maneuvers through the various sections of the IEP in their discussion, and measures parents can take to effectively prepare for the annual review so as to properly engage in the CSE meeting. Discussion will include a review of essential online tools to support your preparation, as well as strategies for approaching differences of opinion and keeping the focus on your child. Click here for Event Flyer.

Transitioning from CPSE to Kindergarten (CSE)
2018-01-26 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Mahopac Library, 668 Route 6, Mahopac, NY, 10541, United States
Location: Mahopac Library, 3rd Floor Meeting Room
Snow Date: 02/09/18
Sponsored by PARC Preschool
Contact Janet Lowe at jlowe@wihd.org or (914) 493-2902 for more information.

Preparing for Your Child's Annual Review
2018-01-25 09:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Hawthorne Country Day School, 5 Bradhurst Avenue, Hawthorne, NY, 10532, United States
Location: Hawthorne Country Day School
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop will cover the purpose and process of the annual review, and how the CSE team navigates through the IEP, and measures parents can take to effectively prepare for the annual review so as to properly engage in the CSE meeting. Parents will be introduced to essential tools available on the HVSEPC website to support them in their preparation. Click here for Event Flyer.

Parents as Partners: Effective Communication within Special Education
2018-01-24 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Chancellor Livingston Elementary School, 48 Knollwood Road, Rhinebeck, NY, 12572, United States
** NOTE LOCATION CHANGE!
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
(snow date Thursday, 1/25/18)
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Chancellor Livingston Elementary School
48 Knollwood Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
This presentation will offer parents a review of basic communication skills that can be useful during meetings and other discussions about their child’s education program. Building confidence in the ability to communicate clearly and effectively will assist parents in becoming meaningful partners within the special education process. For more information contact: Ms. Emily Davison, Director of Special Education Services, Rhinebeck Central School District, (845) 871-5570, ext. 5551

Preparing for the Annual Review
2018-01-23 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Gigi’s Playhouse, 720 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, NY, 10502, United States
Location: Gigi’s Playhouse Westchester, Ardsley, NY
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Parents are integral partners in the special education process. This workshop will start with the purpose of the annual review, how the CSE team maneuvers through the various sections of the IEP in their discussion, and measures parents can take to effectively prepare for the annual review so as to properly engage in the CSE meeting. Discussion will include a review of essential online tools to support your preparation, as well as strategies for approaching differences of opinion and keeping the focus on your child. Click here for Event Flyer.

Transitioning from CPSE to Kindergarten (CSE) (in English and Spanish)
2018-01-23 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Location: Carmel Central School District
Snow Date: 01/30/18
Contact Janet Lowe at jlowe@wihd.org or (914) 493-2902 for more information.

Preparing for Your Child’s Annual Review
2018-01-22 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Dows Lane Elementary School, 6 Dows Lane, Irvington, NY, 10533, United States

Preparing for Your Child's Annual Review
2018-01-16 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Blind Brook Middle School High School, 840 King Street, Rye Brook, NY, 10573, United States
Location: Blind Brook Middle School / High School
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop will cover the purpose and process of the annual review, and how the CSE team navigates through the IEP, and measures parents can take to effectively prepare for the annual review so as to properly engage in the CSE meeting. Parents will be introduced to essential tools available on the HVSEPC website to support them in their preparation. Click here for Event Flyer.

Preparing for Your Child's Annual Review (in English and Spanish)
2018-01-11 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Park Early Childhood Center, 22 Edward Street, Ossining, NY, 10562, United States
Location: Park Early Childhood Center, Ossining, New York
Presenters: Stephanie Bellantoni, Outreach Coordinator, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center, and Lulu Bencosme, Bilingual Outreach Coordinator, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop will cover the purpose and process of the annual review, and how the CSE team navigates through the IEP, and measures parents can take to effectively prepare for the annual review so as to properly engage in the CSE meeting. Parents will be introduced to essential tools available on the HVSEPC website to support them in their preparation. (snow date 1/18/18).
Click here for Event Flyer.

Transition and CSE Meetings for Parents
2018-01-10 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Rockland BOCES, 65 Parrott Road, Building # 10, West Nyack, NY, United States
Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 7:00 pm
Location: Rockland BOCES, 65 Parrott Road, West Nyack, NY
Presenters: Stephanie Wozniak, Transition Specialist, Lower Hudson Regional Special Education Technical Assistance Support Center, and Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center.
Discussion will include: * How Transition Planning is Reflected in the IEP * Measurable Post-Secondary Goals * Transition Needs – Coordinated Set of Transition Activities * The Parent Role at the CSE – How to Have Meaningful Partnerships in Transition *
Click here for Event Flyer.

Transitioning from CPSE to Kindergarten (CSE)
2018-01-10 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
Location: Yorktown Central School District
Snow Date: 01/17/18
Contact Janet Lowe at jlowe@wihd.org or (914) 493-2902 for more information.

Special Education 101 for Parents
2018-01-08 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development – Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom, Valhalla, NY 10595
Presenters: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center; Naomi Brickel, Director, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center; Barbara Kestenbaum, Professional Development Trainer, Early Childhood Direction Center; Laurie Levine, Regional Special Education Training Specialist, Lower Hudson RSE-TASC; Stephanie Wozniak, Regional Special Education Training Specialist, Lower Hudson RSE-TASC.
This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of the Special Education process. It is geared to parents of students with IEPs who were recently classified, or those looking to gain greater understanding of this complex process. This workshop will give you the information you need to know in order to be an effective Special Ed Parent. Click here for Event Flyer.
Space is limited! Register today!
Contact Lucille Rossi at lrossi@wihd.org or (914) 493-7665.

Preparing for Your Child's Annual Review
2017-12-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Rebecca Turner Elementary School, 625 S 4th Ave, Mt. Vernon, NY, 10550, United States
Location: Rebecca Turner Elementary School, 625 S 4th Ave, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550
Speaker: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Parents are essential members of the Committee on Special Education (CSE). This workshop will start with the purpose of the annual review, how the CSE team maneuvers through the various sections of the IEP in their discussion, and measures parents can take to effectively prepare for the annual review so as to properly engage in the CSE meeting. Parents will be guided through the process of organizing their thoughts and issues prior to the annual review, for effective presentation. They will be introduced to essential tools available on the HVSEPC website to support them in their preparation. The discussion will also include recommendations for handling a CSE that is struggling to meet consensus.
Click here for Event Flyer.

New Special Education Regulations and Updates
2017-12-13 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development
Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom, Valhalla, NY 10595
Presenters: Naomi Brickel, Director, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Laurie Levine, Regional Special Education Training Specialist
This session will provide an overview of recent changes in policy enacted by the NYSED Board of Regents, and any important proposals being considered. It is a must for parents and professionals of students with disabilities in middle and high school. Administrators and SEPTA (or other special education parent leadership) are encouraged to attend together. Click here for Event Flyer.
Space is limited! Register today!
Contact Stephanie Bellantoni at sbellantoni@wihd.org or call (914) 493-7665.

CPSE/CSE Parent Member Training
2017-12-12 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Arlington Central School District Administrative Office, 144 Todd Hill Road, Lagrangeville, NY, 12540, United States
CPSE/CSE Parent Member Training
Tuesday, December 12th at 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Arlington Central School District Central Administrative Office
144 Todd Hill Road, Lagrangeville, New York 12540
This training is designed to provide Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committee on Special Education (CSE) Parent Members with a best practices approach to the special education process consistent with State law and regulation. Participants will develop techniques and strategies to support parents and fulfill the Parent Member role in a CPSE/CSE meeting.
As a Parent Member you will get more than you give! You will gain the opportunity to increase your understanding of regulations and the CPSE/CSE process, as well as get to know the people and programs in your school district, so that you can be a more effective member of your own child’s CPSE/CSE. *Please bring any food and drinks you would like to have during the training. Vending machines are available within the building as well.
Registration is required. Please contact: Debbie Lynch at 845.486.4494 x20200
Click here for Event Flyer.

Hear Our Voices Self- Advocacy Group Holiday Party
2017-12-11 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Hear Our Voices: Self Advocacy Group at WIHD
Holiday Party Buffet
Monday, December 11, 2017
Westchester Institute for Human Development
Main Lobby
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Welcoming Remarks and Introductions of Self-advocates, Families and Staff
Meet, Mingle and Join the Fun!
Please RSVP by Monday, December 4th to mlevitz@wihd.org or (914) 493-8119.
Click here for Event Flyer. Please email mlevitz@wihd.org with any questions.

CPSE/CSE Parent Member Training
2017-12-06 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development
Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom, Valhalla, NY 10595
Presenters: Laurie Levine, Regional Special Education Training Specialist, Lower Hudson RSE-TASC; and Naomi Brickel, Director, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop is designed to provide CPSE and CSE Parent Members with a best practices approach to the CPSE/CSE process and their role as a Parent Member that is consistent with State law and regulation. The goals of this training are for Parent Members to have a greater understanding of the role and requirements of a Parent Member and the special education process; and develop techniques and strategies to support the parent and fulfill the Parent Member role in a meeting. Click here for Event Flyer.
Space is limited! Register today!
Contact Stephanie Bellantoni at sbellantoni@wihd.org or (914) 493-7665.

EVENT CANCELLED - A Tale of Two Attorneys: A Supreme Court Decision
2017-12-04 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
EVENT CANCELLED

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First Steps in the Career Planning Process
2017-11-30 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Beacon High School, 101 Matteawan Road (Rm C-138), Beacon, NY, 12508, United States
Location: Beacon High School, Beacon, NY
Speaker: Joyce M. Hawk, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This presentation will review the career assessment process which schools are required to provide to students beginning at age 12 in order to determine career-related skills, talents and interests. Parents will learn how to provide information about their child’s strengths and abilities and engage their child in the decision-making process as future planning goals are developed in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Sponsored by Beacon City School District’s IEP/504 Parent Support Group
For more information contact Lionel Lutley, Meeting Facilitator
at lionel.lutley@yahoo.co.uk or 845-559-4337

LES INVITAMOS A NUESTRO GROUPO DE PADRES
2017-11-29 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Columbus Elementary School, 275 Washington Ave,, New Rochelle, NY, 10801, United States
Lugar de Evento: Columbus Elementary School,
275 Washington Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801
Presentadora: Lulu Bencosme, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
La Senora Bencosme del Instituto de Desarrollo para ninos en Westchester, va a presentar como aplicar para servicios de OPWDD y hablar sobre recursos que ofrece su agencia para ninos con necessidadese especiales. Preguntas? Llamar a Caryn Da’Loia (914) 576-4407 o Dr. Elizabeth Stanton (914) 576-4408.

Special Education – Nuts and Bolts
2017-11-28 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Blind Brook Middle School High School, 840 King Street, Rye Brook, NY, 10573, United States
Location: Blind Brook MSHS Instructional Media Center
840 King Street, Rye Brook, NY 10573

Speaker: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This presentation will include an overview of Special Education and Section 504, the factors considered in determining eligibility, and an explanation of the steps in the special education process. As the parent of a child with learning differences and special education needs, this discussion will prepare you to be more engaged in your child’s education and school experience, and to be a more effective member of your child’s decision making team. Please join us!
Click here for Event Flyer

Understanding Graduation Requirements, Diploma Options, and Commencement Credentials
2017-11-27 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc., 73 James P. Kelly Way, Middletown, NY, 10940, United States
Location: Mental Health Association in Orange County,
73 James P. Kelly Way, Middletown, NY 10940
Presenter: Joyce M. Hawk, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This presentation gives a brief overview of the requirements needed for a diploma but will mostly focus on the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential which is awarded to students participating in the NYS Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) testing program. OPEN TO ALL FAMILIES, INDIVIDUALS, PROVIDERS, EDUCATORS, and AGENCY PARTNERS.
To register online go to https://goo.gl/forms/de2DpWNTldcDuFkz1 or contact Mahlon Groom at mgroom@mhaorangeny.com or (845) 342-2400 Ext. 1253. Click here for Event Flyer.

TELLs (Transition for English Language Learners) Consortium and Book Study Group (4-Day)
2017-11-20 08:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Session 1 – PNW BOCES – School Services Building*, 200 BOCES Drive, School Services Bldg., Yorktown Heights, NY, 10598, United States
Location:
Session 1 – 11/20/17 – Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES (200 BOCES Drive, Yorktown Heights)
Session 2 – 12/19/17 – Southern Westchester BOCES (450 Mamaroneck Avenue, Harrison)
Session 3 – 1/29/18 – Rockland BOCES (65 Parrott Road, West Nyack)
Session 4 – 2/26/18 – Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES (200 BOCES Drive, Yorktown Heights)
Speakers: Kathleen “Kit” Casey, Transition Specialist, Lower Hudson RSE-TASC, and Lulu Bencosme, Bilingual Specialist, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Join us as we discuss transition planning for middle and high school students who are ELLs with special needs. During the four-part series, facilitated by a bilingual family specialist and a transition specialist, we will explore strategies for supporting students in terms of identifying educational and vocational goals, accessing programs and services, as well as developing family and community connections.
During each meeting participants will engage in networking, topic discussions and a book study featuring Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Youth by Gary Greene. Complementary copies of the book will be provided to all registrants. Please plan to attend all four sessions. Click here for Event Flyer and Registration.

Les Invitamos a Nuestro Grupo de Padres
2017-11-17 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Barnard Elementary School, 129 Barnard Road, New Rochelle, NY, 10801, United States
Lugar de Evento: Barnard Elementary School,
129 Barnard Road, New Rochelle, NY 10801
Presentadora: Lulu Bencosme, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
La Senora Bencosme del Instituto de Desarrollo para ninos en Westchester, va a presentar como aplicar para servicios de OPWDD y hablar sobre recursos que ofrece su agencia para ninos con necessidadese especiales. Preguntas? Llamar a Alycia Da’Loia-Moore (914) 576-4692.
Click aqui para mas informacion.

More About Taking Charge of Our Everyday Life through Self-Direction
2017-11-13 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Hear Our Voices: Self Advocacy Group at WIHD
Topic: More About Taking Charge of Our Everyday Life through Self-Direction
Discussion Leader: John Maltby, MS. director for the Community Support Network
Monday, November 13, 2017
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Please email mlevitz@wihd.org with any questions.

General Education Supports and Special Education Eligibility - A Discussion
2017-11-08 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | George Fischer Middle School, 281 Fair Street, Carmel, NY, United States
Location: George Fischer Middle School, 281 Fair Street, Carmel, NY
Speaker: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop will explore the various ways in which we as members of our Committee on Special Education examine a student’s performance levels and the possibility of a special education program. The discussion will include the availability of general education supports, 504 plans, requests for referrals, evaluations, timelines, and the factors considered for special education eligibility and IEPs. There is an underlying theme of collaboration and communication amongst the CSE members, to support amicable interactions and better outcomes for students. Click here for Event Flyer.
