Partners in PROMISE

?? Happy Thanksgiving from Partners in PROMISE! ??? Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and love that military children and families bring to our community. We are so grateful for each of you and the sacrifices you make.?? May your day be filled with gratitude, joy, and moments that warm your heart. ???????? From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! ????? #MilitaryFamilies #MilitaryChildren #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #Community #SpecialEducation EFMP

?? Naval Services FamilyLine?Education Benefits Seminar ?? Are you a military spouse or dependent? Don’t miss our resource partner’s event on January 15th from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Navy League office in Arlington! ?? What You'll Learn: ?? Understanding the Post 9/11 GI Bill ?? Exploring Chapter 35 benefits ?? Navigating the Yellow Ribbon Program ?? Tips on finding scholarships Special Guest Speaker: Kate Horrell, Military Qualified Financial Planner? and VA Educational Benefits Expert, will share her insights and expertise to help you maximize your educational resources! Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your educational journey! Please register here! https://lnkd.in/e526MGSc #EducationalSeminar #NavalServicesFamilyLine #MilitaryChildren #MilitaryFamilies #Post911GIBill #ResourcePartners

??Who Can Request a Special Education Evaluation? ???? Did you know that parents and school staff can request a special education evaluation? Whether you’re a concerned caregiver or an educator, here’s what you need to know to get started:?? ? How to Request an Evaluation?? ?Send an email to the principal and general education teacher, OR?? ?Email the special education coordinator or director directly.?? ? What Happens Next??? ?Schools have a timeline to respond, but this varies by state.?? ?The school team should reach out to schedule a meeting to discuss the next steps.?? ?? Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with your state’s timelines so you know what to expect!?? ? Check out this helpful guide for navigating the process: Navigating the Special Ed Evaluation Process - https://lnkd.in/ea5u93hW?? Advocacy starts with knowledge! ?? Let’s work together to ensure every child gets the support they need.?? #MilitaryChildren #MilitaryFamilies #EFMP #SpecialEducation #Advocacy #IEP

???? The School Year is in Full Swing!?? How are we doing, friends? How are we feeling as we settle into routines, tackle new challenges, and embrace the opportunities this school year brings? ???? Whether you're feeling confident, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between—know that you're not alone. ???? Share your thoughts, victories, or questions below! Let’s support and encourage each other as we navigate this journey together.?? #MilitaryChildren #MilitaryFamilies #EFMP #MiddleOfTheYear #CheckIn #SpecialEducation #WeAreInThisTogether

?? Let’s Talk Special Education Resources!???? Here are some of our favorite resources for navigating special education and advocating for your learner:?? 1?? Partners in PROMISE – https://promiseact.org?? Our mission is to Protect the Rights of Military Children in special education and disability communities. We provide data-informed solutions, equip parents, and enable military students to thrive! ???? 2?? Special Education Action – https://lnkd.in/e-AZgMBk? A non-profit publisher dedicated to delivering comprehensive coverage of special education topics to empower families and educators alike. ???? 3?? Policy Letters and Support Documents – [https://lnkd.in/euzbnA6R)? Explore written guidance from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to better understand the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its implementation.?? Knowledge is power! Save these resources and share them with your community to empower others in their special education journey. ???? #MilitaryChildren #MilitaryFamilies #EFMP #SpecialEducationResources #Advocacy #ParentSupport #IEP

In honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month, we’re sharing stories that celebrate the resilience, strength, and sacrifices of our military families. Get to know the inspiring journeys of some of Pip's Team and their military families ?? Michelle Norman is the Executive Director and Founder of Partners in PROMISE. She has been a navy spouse for over 29 years and the mother of a 21-year-old daughter with cerebral palsy and many other medical diagnoses. After years of successfully advocating and winning multiple legal cases to ensure her daughter receives the minimum education required by law, Michelle realized she was not alone. After seeing a gap in support, the Virginia Beach resident has become a passionate advocate for all military children with special needs and their families.? #VeteransMonth #MilitaryFamiliesMonth #MilitaryChildren #EFMP #SpecialEducation #USN

??PIPs on the Move: Supporting Military Families in Special Education? It’s been an exciting week for Partners in PROMISE! ???? On November 18, 2024, PIPs Community Partnerships Manager Georgia Monsam, and her friend Marcie Slusher attended the Annual Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Care Fair. They shared PIPs’ mission and highlighted how we support military children and families navigating special education. ???? Learn more about this incredible event here: https://lnkd.in/gyeK8fex.?? On November 20, 2024, PIPs Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator, Meg Graves, was able to set up a booth at the Air Force Senior Leadership Orientation Course (AF SLOC) to discuss PIPs’ mission and connect with leaders about the unique needs of military families in special education. , Meg Graves, PIPs Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator, ?? We’re proud to champion support for our military-connected learners and their families—ensuring they receive the resources and advocacy they deserve. ???? #MilitaryChildren #MilitaryFamilies #EFMP #PIPsMission #SpecialEducation #AFW2 #AFSLOC

?? New DOE Guidance on Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs)! Exciting news for parents, educators, and advocates! The U.S. Department of Education has released updated guidance on using Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) to create supportive learning environments for students.?? ?? What’s New??? This guidance highlights how FBAs can help address behavioral challenges while fostering an inclusive, supportive atmosphere for all students.?? ?? Review the Guidance Here:?? ?? https://lnkd.in/eWEHWXcm? ?? Register for the Webinar: The DOE is hosting a webinar titled *"Using Functional Behavioral Assessments to Create Supportive Learning Environments"* to dive deeper into this critical topic.?? ?? Date: 12/03/2024 ? Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST ?? Register Here: https://lnkd.in/e6PMtrzE Let’s work together to ensure every student has the behavioral support they need to thrive! ???? #MilitaryChildren #MilitaryFamilies #EFMP #FBAGuidance #SpecialEducation #InclusiveLearning #Advocacy

?? Partners in PROMISE Recognizes National Child's Day!?? Did you know? National Child's Day has its roots in the global push for children's rights: ?? 1959: The U.N. General Assembly adopted the *Declaration of the Rights of the Child*, emphasizing the rights and protections children deserve. ?? 1989: The *Convention on the Rights of the Child* was ratified by the U.N., reinforcing this commitment. ?? 1995: Lee Rechter, a retired school counselor, pioneered National Child's Day to honor children. ?? 2001: President George W. Bush signed a one-time proclamation to observe the day on June 3. ?? 2009: President Barack Obama moved the observance to November, aligning with the mission to advocate for children. This day serves as a reminder to advocate for, celebrate, and promote children’s rights and to engage in meaningful actions that shape a brighter future for them. ? Here are some resources supporting military-connected children: - Partners in PROMISE: https://thepromiseact.org/ - The Military Child Education Coalition:? https://militarychild.org/ - National Military Family Association: https://lnkd.in/erVpcijU - MIC3 - Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission: https://mic3.net/? Let’s continue to protect and uplift all children, ensuring they have the rights, resources, and support they need to thrive. ???? #NationalChildsDay #ChildrensRights #MilitaryChildren #MilitaryFamilies #Advocacy

?? What to Do If Your Special Education Evaluation Request Is Denied??? Receiving a denial for a special education evaluation request can feel discouraging, but there are important steps you can take to advocate for your child: 1?? Clarify Your Request: Ensure you’re requesting a special education evaluation (not an IEP) and use precise terminology.? 2?? Make your Request in Writing: Always make the request in writing. Address it to the principal and include your child’s teacher. If you’re requesting for a sibling of an IEP student, check with the IEP team for your current student about who to contact specifically. You can also reach out to the Special Education Director or Coordinator for assistance with the request. If needed, reach out to the Special Education Director or Coordinator for assistance with the request.? 3?? Obtain a Prior Written Notice (PWN): If the request is denied, make sure the school provides the denial in writing through a PWN. This document will outline the reasons for the decision. https://lnkd.in/e6nWD55y 4?? Discuss Alternative Options: Ask if a 504 Plan could be a viable alternative and how the school plans to support your child’s needs. 5?? Document a Plan in Writing: Ensure that any agreed-upon support plans are documented with the school to keep everyone on the same page. ?? Stay organized and prepared! Customize your binder for keeping track of essential documents here: https://lnkd.in/eNi_hZnd Advocacy is key! Stay informed, persistent, and proactive. ? #MilitaryChildren #MilitaryFamilies #EFMP #SpecialEducation #ParentAdvocacy #Evaluation #504Plan