PACER Center Workshops by Grant

PACER Center
952-838-9000

Champions for Children with Disabilities

All workshop times are listed in the central time zone (CST) unless otherwise noted.

In the event of inclement weather, PACER Center may cancel workshops. If you are registered for a workshop, we will contact you about cancellations. Also, please check this site the day of the workshop for a possible cancellation due to weather problems.

The Minnesota Parent Center is a unique statewide project designed to help families and schools build stronger ties to benefit students.
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Workshops

PACER Center offers free workshops throughout Minnesota to parents of children with disabilities and the professionals working with families.

Workshop topics include areas of interest in special education, including information on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) program, early childhood, the area of transition for students 14-21 (housing, post secondary, employment, and community), assistive technology, and many more!

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Workshops Ordered by Program

Alternative workshop listings are available:
Workshops Ordered by Name
Workshops Ordered by Date
Workshops Ordered by Location

Grants

Dropout Prevention
Early Childhood
Emotional or Behavioral Disorders
Federal Parent Training (Parents Helping Parents)
Health Information & Advocacy Center
Housing
Juvenile Justice
MN Department of Education
Public Policy
Rehabilitation
Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
Simon Technology Center
State P.T. Surrogate

Dropout Prevention
- Workshop schedule coming soon!
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Early Childhood
- Understanding the IFSP / IEP - see flyer
  The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires states to provide certain services to eligible children with developmental delays or disabilities. This workshop will help parents of young children understand the essential components of the IFSP and the IEP. Participants will learn about: the different criteria for early intervention and preschool services, timelines for the evaluation process, writing measurable goals, families’ rights within the special education process, and how to resolve differences.
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  6:30pm-8:30pm (Willmar)
  Register for this workshop
- Understanding the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) - see flyer
  The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires states to provide certain services to eligible children with developmental delays or disabilities. This workshop will help parents of young children understand the essential components of the IFSP and the IEP. Participants will learn about: the different criteria for early intervention and preschool services, timelines for the evaluation process, writing measurable goals, families’ rights within the special education process, and how to resolve differences.
  Thursday, November 19, 2009
  6:00pm-8:00pm (Roseau)
  Register for this workshop
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Emotional or Behavioral Disorders
- Workshop schedule coming soon!
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Federal Parent Training (Parents Helping Parents)
- IDEA: Understanding the IEP - see flyer
  This Individualized Education Program (IEP) workshop explores new IEP requirements and components of IEP development, including evaluation, resolving disagreements, and an expanded section on writing measureable goals
  Monday, November 09, 2009
  6:30pm-9:30pm (St Paul)
  Register for this workshop
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Health Information & Advocacy Center
- Who Pays? Taking the Maze Out of Funding - see flyer
  This training is designed to inform families about a wide range of potential funding sources using a manual developed by the MDH/Minnesota Children with Special Health Needs staff. The goal is to help persons know what programs and resources exist in order to improve access to health care and more effectively advocate for children, youth, young adults and their families. Our presenter will be Nadine Taylor from the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Children with Special Health Needs program.
  Thursday, November 19, 2009
  6:30pm-9:00pm (PACER)
  Register for this workshop
Housing
- Housing: First Steps Toward Independent Living - see flyer
  Come hear about the person-centered planning process and begin to create your son/daughter’s housing plan. This workshop provides an opportunity for families to think about the first steps needed in helping their son or daughter with a disability prepare to move out of the family home. Topics include independent living skills, support networks, and parents’ real-life journeys through the housing process.
  Tuesday, December 08, 2009
  7:00pm-9:30pm (PACER)
  Register for this workshop
Juvenile Justice
- How to Advocate for Your Child with Disabilities in the Juvenile Justice System
  Description coming soon
  Monday, December 07, 2009
  7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center)
  Register for this workshop
MN Department of Education
- Workshop schedule coming soon!
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Public Policy
- Speak Up for Special Education - see flyer
  This workshop is for parents who want to learn how to become public policy advocates. Participants will have an opportunity to meet with elected officials and to learn: skills and techniques to communicate with elected officials, what happened in the 2009 legislative session, and potential issues facing Minnesota’s special education system in 2010.
  Wednesday, November 11, 2009
  6:30pm-8:30pm (St. Cloud)
  Register for this workshop
- Federal Stimulus: What It Means for Your Child in Special Ed. - see flyer
  The federal stimulus bill, known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will provide additional special education funding to schools for the next two years. For Minnesota, this will mean an estimated increase of $205 million for special education. This workshop is for parents who want to learn more about: the federal stimulus bill and its impact on special education in schools, and how parents can make sure schools use the money appropriately on special education priorities.
  Tuesday, November 17, 2009
  6:30pm-8:30pm (Minnetonka)
  Register for this workshop
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Rehabilitation
- Focus on Transition - see flyer
  This presentation will help parents understand the importance of planning for their young adult’s future employment and independent living. Topics include: transition legislation, the five transition areas, how to gather information about your young adult’s: interests, preferences, strengths, and challenges.
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  6:30pm-8:30pm (Monticello)
  Register for this workshop
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Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
- Workshop schedule coming soon!
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Simon Technology Center
- SAVE THE DATE - STC Open House - see flyer
  Hey Kids!! Bring your parents to this popular annual event. Parents and professionals will have demonstrations of assistive technology and educational software, resources, and there will be fun interactive games for children. This year’s theme will focus on technologies and resources available in your own backyard and is open to all age levels and disabilities. The Open House offers many opportunities to sample assistive technology and learn how assistive technology can make a difference.
  Saturday, November 14, 2009
  10:00am-2:00pm (PACER Center)
  Register for this workshop
- Computer and Assistive Technology Basics - see flyer
  Come learn the basic skills needed to use a computer and navigate the Internet. You’ll also find out what assistive technology is, how it can benefit people with disabilities, and how you can have access to computers and the Internet for little or no money. Sponsored in part by the Minneapolis Foundation’s Digital Inclusion Fund. Minneapolis residents who attend all three workshops will get a free one-year membership to the Simon Technology Center Lending Library.
  Tuesday, December 01, 2009
  6:00pm-8:00pm (PACER Center)
  Register for this workshop
- Free/Open Source Software and Internet Resources - see flyer
  Learn about the many free software and Internet resources available for writing, e-mailing, translating, sharing photos, and more. Discover where to find them and how to make them work for you. Sponsored in part by the Minneapolis Foundation’s Digital Inclusion Fund. Minneapolis residents who attend all three workshops will get a free one-year membership to the Simon Technology Center Lending Library.
  Tuesday, December 08, 2009
  6:00pm-8:00pm (PACER Center)
  Register for this workshop
- Creation Station: The Art of Leatherworking
  Join the fun as you create unique bracelets, key chains, and ornaments from leather. Use leatherworking stamps and dies to add a personal touch to your design. (Bring ear plugs if loud sounds bother you: Hammering the leather is noisy!)
  Saturday, December 12, 2009
  10:00am-12:00pm (PACER Center)
  Register for this workshop
- How to Access, Download, and Play Free Digital Books for Children - see flyer
  The Internet offers a wealth of free books to help children read, learn, and grow. Come discover where to find them and how to share them. Sponsored in part by the Minneapolis Foundation’s Digital Inclusion Fund. Minneapolis residents who attend all three workshops will get a free one-year membership to the Simon Technology Center Lending Library.
  Tuesday, December 15, 2009
  6:00pm-8:00pm (PACER Center)
  Register for this workshop
- Creation Station: Sculpey™ Extravaganza
  However you squish it, squash it, or squeeze it, Sculpey™ clay gives shape to imagination. Create amazing necklaces, key chains, bracelets, or whatever you can imagine!
  Saturday, January 09, 2010
  10:00am-12:00pm (PACER Center)
  Register for this workshop
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State P.T. Surrogate
- Workshop schedule coming soon!

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