With summer break coming to an end, many families are thinking about going back to school and beginning to prepare for the upcoming school year. As you think about what that looks like for your child and family, one question on your mind might be, “How can I make sure my child gets the support they need?”
Building Stronger Relationships with Your School System
The Arc is here to support you as you navigate the many nuances of special education and individualized education plans (IEPs). We offer Project Learn, a program that partners with families and advocates for inclusive educational practices, empowering parents to actively participate in shaping their children’s educational experiences. Our goal is to help set a solid foundation for success at school and beyond.
Through Project Learn, The Arc supports you and your student in understanding your rights, developing a strategy to build a stronger relationship with your school system, and helping you understand your IEP. This program connects families with an experienced educational consultant and provides six sessions of one-on-one support, giving you and your student the tools and resources you need to become strong self-advocates.
Christa Needed Better Resources for Her Daughter
Christa first encountered Project Learn at an outreach event specifically tailored for parents of children with disabilities, where she was searching for supportive services designed to cater to the needs of her daughter, Della.
Christa was concerned about the limitations of Della’s existing IEP, which primarily focused on physical therapy goals, neglecting other critical areas of her development. With Project Learn, she found a dedicated advocate who played a pivotal role in addressing her concerns with the IEP. The program supported Christa in setting up a comprehensive data collection binder, which became instrumental in tracking Della’s progress and needs over time.
A Holistic Approach to Education Planning
Project Learn takes a holistic approach to education planning. Beth Nolan, educational advocate and co-founder of Project Learn, partners with families to identify and implement solutions.
Beth actively participated in Della’s IEP meetings and supported Christa in expanding Della’s goals to encompass a broader spectrum of needs that included educational, social, and emotional aspects of her development.
“I love having an advocate at my child’s IEP meeting who knows the rules and can ask for specifics that I may not know about.” – Christa, Project Learn Parent
The comprehensive approach to Project Learn not only aligned with Della’s overall well-being but also empowered Christa by providing her with the necessary tools and knowledge to actively participate in her daughter’s educational journey.
“By providing that one-on-one support to parents, we’re helping them resolve IEP challenges, so their children have the resources they need to be successful in school,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth, & Their Families at The Arc. “The other part of this program is empowering parents with the knowledge they need to continue to advocate for their student at school and beyond.”
How to Apply for Project Learn with The Arc
If you’re ready to learn more about how The Arc can help you get more involved in your child’s education apply for Project Learn, today.
Once the application is submitted, The Arc’s Family Navigator will reach out to gather more information. There is a minimal cost to participate, with a maximum fee of $50 based on an income sliding scale.
After acceptance into the program, the family meets with the Family Navigator to set up a data binder containing essential documents such as assessment results, doctor’s letters, and progress reports, which are vital for IEP meetings. The Family Navigator also discusses any additional needs and connects the family with the Educational Advocate, who provides one-on-one support. Finally, families complete a survey to evaluate the services and check in with the family navigator to ensure all their needs are met.
As the new school year approaches, it is important to ensure your child receives the support they need. With The Arc’s Project Learn, you can build a strong foundation for your child’s educational success and become an empowered advocate for their needs.