PACER Center
952-838-9000
Champions for Children with Disabilities
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.See all the upcoming MN PIRC workshops >>>
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
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Thursday, November 05, 2009
Understanding the IFSP / IEP
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires states to provide certain services to eligible children with developmental delays or disabilities. This workshop will help parents of young children understand the essential components of the IFSP and the IEP. Participants will learn about: the different criteria for early intervention and preschool services, timelines for the evaluation process, writing measurable goals, families’ rights within the special education process, and how to resolve differences.
6:30pm-8:30pm (Proctor - see Map)
Register for this workshop
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Thursday, November 05, 2009
Foster and Surrogate Parents: Understanding Special Education - This Workshop has been Canceled
This new workshop will help foster and surrogate parents understand the special education process including the identification and evaluation of children with disabilities. Parents will learn how to represent special needs children in their care or through volunteering to be a surrogate parent.
7:00pm-9:30pm (PACER - see Map)
This workshop is full.
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Thursday, November 05, 2009
Federal Stimulus: What It Means for Your Child in Special Ed. - see flyer
The federal stimulus bill, known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will provide additional special education funding to schools for the next two years. For Minnesota, this will mean an estimated increase of $205 million for special education. This workshop is for parents who want to learn more about: the federal stimulus bill and its impact on special education in schools, and how parents can make sure schools use the money appropriately on special education priorities.
6:30pm-8:30pm (St. Paul - see Map)
Register for this workshop
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Monday, November 09, 2009
IDEA: Understanding the IEP - see flyer
This Individualized Education Program (IEP) workshop explores new IEP requirements and components of IEP development, including evaluation, resolving disagreements, and an expanded section on writing measureable goals
6:30pm-9:30pm (St Paul - see Map)
Register for this workshop
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Speak Up for Special Education - see flyer
This workshop is for parents who want to learn how to become public policy advocates. Participants will have an opportunity to meet with elected officials and to learn: skills and techniques to communicate with elected officials, what happened in the 2009 legislative session, and potential issues facing Minnesota’s special education system in 2010.
6:30pm-8:30pm (St. Cloud - see Map)
Register for this workshop
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Thursday, November 12, 2009
Understanding the IFSP / IEP - see flyer
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires states to provide certain services to eligible children with developmental delays or disabilities. This workshop will help parents of young children understand the essential components of the IFSP and the IEP. Participants will learn about: the different criteria for early intervention and preschool services, timelines for the evaluation process, writing measurable goals, families’ rights within the special education process, and how to resolve differences.
6:30pm-8:30pm (Willmar)
Register for this workshop
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Thursday, November 12, 2009
Focus on Transition - see flyer
This presentation will help parents understand the importance of planning for their young adult’s future employment and independent living. Topics include: transition legislation, the five transition areas, how to gather information about your young adult’s: interests, preferences, strengths, and challenges.
6:30pm-8:30pm (Monticello - see Map)
Register for this workshop
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Saturday, November 14, 2009
SAVE THE DATE - STC Open House - see flyer
Hey Kids!! Bring your parents to this popular annual event. Parents and professionals will have demonstrations of assistive technology and educational software, resources, and there will be fun interactive games for children. This year’s theme will focus on technologies and resources available in your own backyard and is open to all age levels and disabilities. The Open House offers many opportunities to sample assistive technology and learn how assistive technology can make a difference.
10:00am-2:00pm (PACER Center - see Map)
Register for this workshop
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Federal Stimulus: What It Means for Your Child in Special Ed. - see flyer
The federal stimulus bill, known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will provide additional special education funding to schools for the next two years. For Minnesota, this will mean an estimated increase of $205 million for special education. This workshop is for parents who want to learn more about: the federal stimulus bill and its impact on special education in schools, and how parents can make sure schools use the money appropriately on special education priorities.
6:30pm-8:30pm (Minnetonka - see Map)
Register for this workshop
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Understanding the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) - see flyer
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires states to provide certain services to eligible children with developmental delays or disabilities. This workshop will help parents of young children understand the essential components of the IFSP and the IEP. Participants will learn about: the different criteria for early intervention and preschool services, timelines for the evaluation process, writing measurable goals, families’ rights within the special education process, and how to resolve differences.
6:00pm-8:00pm (Roseau - see Map)
Register for this workshop
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Who Pays? Taking the Maze Out of Funding - see flyer
This training is designed to inform families about a wide range of potential funding sources using a manual developed by the MDH/Minnesota Children with Special Health Needs staff. The goal is to help persons know what programs and resources exist in order to improve access to health care and more effectively advocate for children, youth, young adults and their families. Our presenter will be Nadine Taylor from the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Children with Special Health Needs program.
6:30pm-9:00pm (PACER - see Map)
Register for this workshop
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Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Housing: First Steps Toward Independent Living
Come hear about the person-centered planning process and begin to create your son/daughter’s housing plan. This workshop provides an opportunity for families to think about the first steps needed in helping their son or daughter with a disability prepare to move out of the family home. Topics include independent living skills, support networks, and parents’ real-life journeys through the housing process.
7:00pm-9:30pm (PACER - see Map)
Register for this workshop
PACER's site offers many PDF files for download, which require 
