Parent Training

Informational Sessions for Parents of Children with Disabilities

Join our experts for free informational training sessions focused on parent advocacy and inclusion of children with developmental disabilities. Sessions cover topics of concern for early childhood and school-aged children.

The training is sponsored by The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD).  MCDD is one of a national network of University Centers for Excellence (UCEDD) federally funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. We are committed to helping people with developmental disabilities maximize their potential and enjoy success in community life.

These trainings were made possible by a grant from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.

To register for one of our upcoming trainings, please visit the event page or call 443-923-9555.

You may also click a link below (either "Lower Shore:" or "Mid Shore:") to register for a training or for more information. 

EARLY CHILDHOOD SESSIONS:

“Let Me Tell You What My Child Can Do”

Learn about state and national resources that can help you become more engaged in and better informed about your child’s developmental milestones, development program, and outcomes.

“IFSP vs. IEP”

Understand the difference between the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and learn about the transition process (IFSP to IEP).

“I Am My Child’s Best Advocate”

Understand the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and your parental rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and learn effective communication strategies.

EARLY CHILDHOOD SESSIONS SPEAKER:

Mary Coster, program director of Children’s Training and Services for the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities and a licensed clinical social worker, has been working with young children with developmental disabilities and special healthcare needs and their families for 18 years. 

SCHOOL AGED SESSIONS:

“Knowing Your Parental Rights: Advanced Training”

Understand distinctions in federal and state law and how the law relates to regional limitations. 

“Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities”

Learn appropriate transition planning for your child, secondary to post-secondary.

“Discipline for Students with Disabilities”

Learn the discipline process for students with disabilities in Maryland public schools.

*the May 28th session will be held at Sojourner Douglass College – Cambridge Campus, 824 Fairmount Avenue, Cambridge, MD 21613

“Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation”

Learn the appropriate processes for documenting and reporting incidents of bullying, harassment, and intimidation.

SCHOOL-AGED SESSIONS SPEAKER:

Maureen van Stone, Esq., MS, associate director of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute and director of Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law), is a licensed attorney who practices exclusively in the area of special education law.

Related Materials and Information

MCDD Eastern Shore Parent Trainings Flyer (PDF)