PACER Center Workshops by Date

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 Date

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

Monday, September 13, 2010
IDEA Fall Kick Off: Blueprint for Understanding the Special Education Process - see flyer
PACER’s new, two part series on the special education process and the IEP begins with this workshop. Participation in this session is encouraged before attending Session Two " IDEA and the IEP" on Sept. 28, 2010. The special education process can be compared to building a house. There is a logical order to both. This workshop will cover how use the building blocks of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to develop appropriate services for your student.
6:30pm-9:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
English: Special Education: What Do I Need to Know - see flyer
Special Education is instruction designed specifically to meet the requirements of children with special needs. It is provided in the most appropriate setting for the children and at no cost to parents or families. This workshop will cover topics such as: why is it important for parents to be involved?, how can I work effectively with the school?, what do I need to know about the evaluation process?, how do we make the Individualized Education Program (IEP) fit the child?, and how do special education and regular education work together?
6:30pm-8:30pm (Bloomington - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Waxbarashada Gaar ahaaneed: Maxaan u baahanahay in aan ka ogaado? (Somali - Special Education: What Do I Need to Know) - see flyer
Waxbarashada gaar ahaaneed waa waxbarasho qaas ahaan loogu naqshadeeyay ilmaha dib u dhaca leh, si looga qanciyo baahida waxbarasho. Waxbarashadan waxaa lagu fuliyaa halka ugu haboon ee ilmahu wax ku baran karaan, iyadoo lacag la’aan ah. Tababarkan loogu talagalay waalidka leh ilmaha baahida qaaska ah leh, waxaa looga hadlayaa mowduucyada soo socda:Waa maxay sababta ay muhiim u tahay in waaliku ka qeyb qaato?,Sidee si xaqiiqi ah dugsiga u wada shaqeyn karnaa?,Maxaan u baahanahay in aan ka ogaado nidaamka qiimeeynta?,Sidee ku helnaa howlo qorshaha waxbarashada gaar ahaaneed ee ilma ha ku haboon?,Habkee waxbarashada caadiga ah iyo waxbarashada gaar ahaaneed u wada shaqeeyaan?
6:30pm-8:30pm (Bloomington - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Educacion Especial: ¿Qué es lo que necesito saber? (Special Education: What Do I Need to Know-Spanish) - see flyer
Un taller Gratuito completamente en Español.Educación especial es una educación diseñada específicamente para satisfacer los requerimientos de niños con necesidades especiales. Se proporciona en el ambiente más apropiado para los niños y es sin costo para los padres o familiares. Todos los niños con necesidades especiales tienen derecho a recibir los servicios sin importar su estatus migratorio o el de sus padres. Este nuevo taller para padres de niños con necesidades especiales cubrirá temas como: ¿Qué información es importante para compartirse con la escuela?,¿Cómo puedo me puedo comunicar más efectivamente con la escuela?,¿Qué necesito saber del proceso de evaluación?, ¿Cómo hacemos para que el Programa de Educación Individualizada se ajuste al niño,¿Cómo la educación regular y la educación especial trabajan juntas?
6:30pm-8:30pm (Bloomington - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Social Security and Transition Age Youth - see flyer
This workshop is for parents of children ages 14 and older. You will learn about: social security disability programs, supplemental security income, work incentives, plan for Achieving Self-Sufficiency Program (PASS), and ticket to work. The presenter will be Joani Werner, of the Social Security Administration. She has actively promoted employment for people with disabilities, she is co-founder of the award-winning St. Paul PASS Pilot Program.
6:30pm-8:00pm (Cloquet - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Talk the Talk - see flyer
Parents need to have an active role in early intervention and early childhood special education services for their children. In this workshop, you will learn: the importance of your role when working with early childhood professionals, how to prepare for an IFSP/IEP meeting, how to identify your child's strengths and needs, and the skills and strategies to use to more effectively communicate with them.
6:30pm-8:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Creation Station: Crafty Magic - see flyer
This event is recommended for kids ages 4-20 and their parents. Come learn how to create your own amazing magic tricks out of seemingly ordinary craft materials. A guest magician will teach you how to perfect your tricks and --presto chango!--he may even show you a couple of his own.
10am-noon (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Transition: Pathway to the Future - see flyer
Transition planning is an important step in preparing your student for life after high school. Participants at this workshop will learn how to help their students achieve their dreams and goals. Topics will include: using the IEP to develop transition services, having high expectations, understanding age of majority and transfer of rights to the student, identifying required transition areas for planning, and learning about adult services.
6:30pm-8:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Engaged Parents Equal Successful Children - see flyer
Parents are their child's first teacher. This workshop will provide parents of children with developmental delays or disabilities from birth to age 7, with ideas on how to be active participants in their child's early education and set the foundation for future learning.
6:30pm-8:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Monday, September 27, 2010
Focus on Transition - see flyer
This workshop will help parents understand the importance of planning for their young adult's future employment and independent living. Covered topics will include: transition legislation, the five transition areas, ways to gather information about their young adult's interests, preferences, strengths, and challenges, and more!
6:30pm-8:00pm (Albert Lea - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Educación Especial: ¿Qué es lo que necesito saber? (Special Education: What Do I Need to Know-Spanish) - see flyer
Educación especial es una educación diseñada específicamente para satisfacer los requerimientos de niños con necesidades especiales. Se proporciona en el ambiente más apropiado para los niños y es sin costo para los padres o familiares. Todos los niños con necesidades especiales tienen derecho a recibir los servicios sin importar su estatus migratorio o el de sus padres. Este nuevo taller para padres de niños con necesidades especiales cubrirá temas como: ¿Qué información es importante para compartirse con la escuela?,¿Cómo puedo me puedo comunicar más efectivamente con la escuela?,¿Qué necesito saber del proceso de evaluación?,¿Cómo hacemos para que el Programa de Educación Individualizada se ajuste al niño,¿Cómo la educación regular y la educación especial trabajan juntas?
6:30pm-8:30pm (New Hope - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
IDEA: Fall Kick Off: IDEA and the IEP - see flyer
This new PACER workshop is the second of a two-part series on the special education process and the IEP. The focus of this session is IDEA and the IEP, and participation in both sessions is encouraged. Hear an overview of the requirements of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Visit individual stations to learn more about evaluation, progress reports, preparing for IEP meetings, understanding accommodations and modifications and more!
6:30pm-8:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
English: Special Education: What Do I Need to Know - see flyer
Special Education is instruction designed specifically to meet the requirements of children with special needs. It is provided in the most appropriate setting for the children and at no cost to parents or families. This workshop will cover topics including: why is it important that parents be involved?, how can I work effectively with the school?, what do I need to know about the evaluation process?, how do we make IEP's fit the child?, and how do special education and regular education work together?
6:30pm-8:30pm (New Hope - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Annual STC Assistive Technology Open House
Kids, bring your parents to the Simon Technology Center's annual open house. Explore hands-on technology and create wonderful works of art in the Creation Station. It's from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with craft activities offered throughout the day.
10am-2:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Monday, October 04, 2010
IDEA: Understanding the Special Education Process
Please check back soon for a workshop description.
6:30pm-9:30pm (St. Paul)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Exploring the Invisible Disability of FASD
Please check back soon for workshop description.
6:30pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Juvenile Justice and Special Education: What Parents Need to Know
Please check back soon for workshop description.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, October 07, 2010
IDEA: Blueprint for Special Education
Please check back soon for workshop description.
5:30pm-8:30pm (Anoka)
Register for this workshop
Saturday, October 09, 2010
PACER's Annual Housing Resource and Information Fair
Please check back soon for workshop description.
9:00am-12:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Is Your Child the Target of Bullying?
Please check back soon for workshop description.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
A Fitting IDEA: Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Children with Disabilities
Please check back soon for workshop description.
6:30pm-9:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, October 14, 2010
IDEA: Understanding the IEP
Please check back soon for workshop description.
6:30pm-9:30pm (Willmar)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Six Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy
This workshop will explore six skills parents can use to become more effective advocates for their child with a disability. Come learn about: understanding your child's disability, knowing your school district, knowing your rights and responsibilities, using clear and effective communication, understanding the special education process, and knowing dispute resolution options.
6:30pm-8:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Families Are Important
Check back soon for workshop description.
6:30pm-8:30pm (Anoka)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Getting the Help You Need
Please check back soon for workshop description.
6:30pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
English: Special Education: What Do I Need to Know
Please check back soon for workshop description.
6:30pm-8:30pm (Brooklyn Center)
Register for this workshop
Monday, November 01, 2010
Tips for Talking with School Staff
Please check back soon for workshop description.
6:30pm-8:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Special Education: Where Does Juvenile Justice Fit In?
Please check back soon for workshop description.
7:00pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Who Pays? Taking the Maze out of Funding
Please check back soon for workshop description.
6:30pm-9:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Parent Leadership Institute
Check back soon for workshop description.
8:30am-3:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
IEP's: The Building Blocks of Early Childhood Special Education
Check back soon for workshop description.
6:30pm-8:30pm (Anoka)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Planning for Educational Inclusion
Please check back soon for workshop description.
6:30pm-8:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Opening Doors Symposium
Are you interested in finding ways to include children with disabilities in recreation programs and helping them be more physically active? For the past four years, an interdisciplinary team at Children's Hospital Boston and the Institute for Community Inclusion in Boston has been working to create and evaluate Project Adventure, a program designed to increase access to recreation for children with special health care needs and disabilites. Information will be presented on the project and how the goals of recreation and inclusion can be applied in different settings. The symposium is free, but space is limited. Please call PACER at 952-838-9000. For more information about Opening Doors, visit openingdoorsforyouth.org
8:30am-3:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Achieving Communicative Competence in Augmented Alternative Communication (AAC)
During this workshop, learn about a framework for identifying social and strategic competence needs for users of AAC. Specific goals to target communication needs at all communication ability levels will be discussed. Video, activities, discussion, case studies, and planning tools will be used to help attendees personalize the goals and strategies and then determine how to implement them with users of augmented alternative communication (AAC).
9:00am-3:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Monday, November 15, 2010
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Child Turns 3
Check back soon for workshop description.
6:30pm-8:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Youth With Disabilities in the Juvenile Justice System
Check back soon for workshop description.
1:00pm-3:30pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Creation Station: Xtreme Paper Art - see flyer
This event is recommended for kids ages 4-20 and their parents. Strips of colorful, textured paper can become anything you can imagine. Weave them, twist them, layer them, scrunch them, glue them, go wild! Then decorate your unique design in your own special way--and your art is ready to hang on your wall.
10am-noon (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Technology for Girls: Dream It, Build It! - see flyer
If you can dream it, you can build it! Join us to put your creative thinking skills to test while we design bridges using toothpicks, pennies, aluminum foil, and gumdrops. We will test our structures by adding weight. Come see what structures will fall and which will stand!
6:00pm-8:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Creation Station: Embellishing Memories - see flyer
This event is recommended for kids ages 4-20 and their parents. Use decorative papers, beautiful embellishments, and more to make your special photo memories stand out. This scrapbook page could be used as a keepsake or given as a gift. Please bring up to five photos to use on your pages.
10am-noon (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Creation Station: 3-D Delights - see flyer
This event is recommended for kids ages 4-20 and their parents. Your artwork will start with a cool design drawn on colorful paper, then you'll add buttons, stickers, tissue paper, and more to transform it into a 3-D masterpiece. Get ready to see your creation jump right off the page!
10am-noon (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Technology for Girls: My Messy Little Experiments - see flyer
What weighs more, a pound of gold or a pound of feathers? Does an egg float or sink in water? How about a paper clip? We will answer all the questions you ever had about science and have fun while completing all the little experiments you thought about trying at home but were too messy.
6:00pm-8:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Technology for Girls: Forensics: Be a CSI! - see flyer
Put on your lab coat and come to PACER to be a crime scene investigator (CSI). We will explore the science of forensics by fingerprinting, analyzing powders, making teeth impressions, and determining someone's height based on her shoe size. We will test our CSI skills by analyzing data and solving a mock crime.
6:00pm-8:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop

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