Leadership

Description: Register for Together we go far: Teaming with paraprofessionals to support learners with autism - Special education is a team endeavor, and paraprofessionals are essential to this team. Most paraprofessionals receive their training on the job, and often by the special education teacher. Unfortunately, most special education teachers were not taught how to supervise, coach, and collaborate with paraprofessionals during their training. This presentation aims to provide special education teachers...

Description: Register for Together we go far: Partnering with families to support caregiver-mediated intervention - Our goal in education is to improve autistic students’ lives, not just within the classroom but across their homes, community, and future employment settings. To that end, it is essential to partner with families to learn about their priorities, values, and needs. Through this partnership, schools can support families and assist them in implementing feasible and meaningful...

Description: Deaf 101 is a free online short course designed to provide basic knowledge and tools necessary to communicate effectively with deaf individuals, especially in educational and professional settings. The course is broken down into two modules: the first describes the spectrum of deaf identity and answers common questions about deaf people; the second provides participants with quick tips and strategies to communicate effectively with deaf people. You can take the course all at once or in...

Description: Self-Paced Course: Think Like a Behaviorist: Behavior 101 is designed to address common misperceptions about behavior and children with ASD. Participants will learn about the importance of understanding behavior, the functions of behavior, the basic principles of ABA, common myths about ABA, and the ABCs (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence). Learn how to think like a behaviorist in this first part of a series on behavior 101. This course is designed for any professional who supports young...

Description: In April 2024, the VDOE provided a webinar on using VPI funding in ECSE Classrooms. For access to the recording, please contact valeads@gmu.edu. You may find the three helpful documents on the VDOE’s VPI Webpage. VPI Guidelines give a full VPI program overview. VPI Eligibility Guide gives specific guidance on determining and documenting eligibility. And finally, FAQ-VPI Funding for ECSE Classrooms answers many common questions related to using VPI funds to support students in...

Description: VCU-ACE is excited to once again offer the full-day Communication/AAC Workshops to support educators! This interactive workshop builds upon theoretical foundations by providing hands-on practice with evidence-based strategies that effectively support autistic students who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Participants will develop skills for planning and implementing AAC, increase their understanding of AAC competencies, and leave with tools to...

Description: Register for the Special Education Workshop Series: FALL into Knowledge 2025 - Are you looking to better understand the special education process and how to support your child’s success in school? Don't miss this five-session webinar series designed for Virginia families who want practical, easy-to-understand guidance on navigating special education services!Turn over a new leaf in understanding special education. Whether you’re brand new to special education or need a...

Description: Registration Looking to create a communication-rich environment that allows each and every child in your classroom to actively engage and participate in meaningful interactions? Join our Early Childhood Virtual Learning Community in Autism  to learn how to support learners with diverse communication abilities.This 7-week series will target topics including: Effective teaming and collaboration Creation and implementation of class-wide communication supports Practical tools and...

Description: Register for Ins and Outs of IEPs - When everyone works together, the IEP process can be a powerful tool for student success. Join us for a practical session about how to prepare, participate, and follow up on your child’s IEP meeting with confidence and collaboration.*IN-PERSON WORKSHOP*Location:Salem City High School400 Spartan DriveSalem, VA 24153Presented by PEATC in collaboration with Salem City Public Schools

Description: New this Year! The VDOE will host ECSE Office Hours for ECSE administrators, special education directors or those who would like to increase knowledge and ask questions on content related to ECSE. Office Hours will be held the third Thursday of the month from 11:00-12:00. Each month, a specific topic will be discussed. There will be a short introduction of the topic followed by the opportunity for you to ask questions. Registration is not required. Simply use the Join the meeting link to...

Description: Calling ALL Paraprofessionals in Virginia Public Schools! Looking for a space to connect, learn, and grow professionally? Now you have one! You’re the essential “boots on the ground” who help schools run smoothly and support students and staff every day—and we see you! VCU-RRTC’s Autism Center for Education (ACE) is launching a NEW online community just for YOU! There are 4 sessions designed to empower paraprofessionals who support teachers working...

Description: Register for Building Strong Parent Advocates: November 3rd-November 23rd - PEATC, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education, invites families to join us for our online training course, Building Strong Parent Advocates. Families of children receiving special education services find themselves in a world filled with complicated policies, confusing acronyms and terms, and piles of paperwork. Often families find themselves looking for information and background knowledge...

Description: Register for IEP University (IEPU), November 3rd-November 23rd -The IEP process can be difficult and stressful. Everyone comes to the IEP table with thoughts of their personal responsibilities, perspectives, and individual concerns. IEP meetings can be places of high anxiety and there are occasions when conflict may erupt as a result of managing emotions while simultaneously following policy and procedures. PEATC, in collaboration with VDOE, has developed IEP University (IEPU) to help...

Description: Early Childhood Academy is a FREE self-paced online course for families of young children (birth through age six) with disabilities & developmental delays. You are your child’s first and most important teacher and you help set a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success! In this 5-week online program, families of children with disabilities learn about supporting their child’s early learning and development and preparing them for kindergarten and beyond. Learn...