Introduction to SUPAC
SUPAC
Syracuse University Parent Assistance Center
Mid State Special Education Parent Technical Assistance Center
Amy Zogby-Director
Parent Outreach Specialists
Kristine O’Brien
Shana Lewis
Web-Based Outreach
Rachael Zubal-Ruggieri
March 2015 Revision
Mid-State Special Education Parent
Technical Assistance Center
Provide information, resources and strategies to assist
parents and families to meaningfully participate in their
child’s Committees on Preschool Special Education
(CPSE) and Committees on Special Education (CSE)
meetings and to prepare for their child’s transition from
preschool to school-age special education programs as
well as to transition from school to adult life
Regions:
Trainings are available are offered throughout our Mid-State
Region.
Please visit our website@ http://ww.supac.org/events-calendar/
for specific information.
Syracuse City and the following BOCES/CiTi Regions:
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego, Madison-Oneida,
Oneida-Herkimer-Madison, Oswego, OnondagaCortland-Madison, Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga, &
Cayuga-Onondaga
Developing and Improving Partnerships
The Regents defines “partnership” as active engagement between parents
and families and the education community to support student
achievement.
In utilizing our Special Education Parent Technical
Assistance Center , Parents will gain insight in how to
communicate effectively and work collaboratively with
personnel responsible for providing special education,
early intervention, transition, and related services.
Educating
Engaging
Empowering
RESEARCH SHOWS!*
Schools participating in the National Network of Partnership Schools:
(John Hopkins University – www.partnershipschools.org)
 Higher grades and test scores
 Increased in more challenging academic programs
 More classes passed and credits earned
 Better attendance
 Improved behavior at home and at school
 Better social skills and adaptation to school
*Epstein, J. L. (2007). Partnerships Then and Now. Baltimore, MD: National Network of
Partnership Schools at John Hopkins University.
Promotes early resolution of disputes
between parents and schools
What to do when you
disagree
• Effectively communicate
• Put it in Writing
• Team meetings/Informal meetings
• CSE
• NYS Complaint Notice
• Mediation
• Impartial Hearing
Trainings
 Federal and State Special Education Laws and Regulations
 Disability –Specific Workshops
 The Special Education Process
 Parent Advocacy
 Parent Member Training
 Dispute Resolution
 Transition- Post Secondary
 Understanding the IEP
 Least Restrictive Environment
 Establishing and Maintaining Effective Partnerships with
School Districts
 Special Education: The Organizational Notebook
and many more…….
Please visit our website for a detailed list of all the trainings we
offer
www.supac.org
Information and resources on
Special Education Process in NYS
can be found at the
Mid-State Special Education Parent Technical
Assistance Center:
www.supac.org
Parent Friendly Guides
Special Education in Plain Language:
www.nyspecialedtaskforce.org/publications.html
IDEA Parent Guide:
www.pacer.org/legislation/idea/pdf/idea2004parentguide.pdf
504 FAQs:
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html
NYSED Parent Listserv
• You can receive notification by electronic mail
of the latest memoranda and other technical
assistance documents available on the Special
Education website. Due to fiscal restrictions,
most publications will now only be available in
electronic format from our website.
www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/register.htm
Questions???
www.supac.org
315-443-4336
supac@syr.edu