All CSPD trainings are free to Montana districts for educators and paraeducators through a regional system funded by OPI. To learn more about CSPD, contact Anne Carpenter, OPI.
Presented by Danni McCarthy
October 20th & 27th, 2026 | 4:00 - 6:00 PM
This comprehensive, two-part VIRTUAL training series is designed to identify the key components of Montana’s special education process, from referral and evaluation through eligibility determination, IEP development, service delivery, and exit procedures.
- Analyze federal and Montana special education requirements to ensure compliance and support the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for eligible students.
- Apply best practices for implementing special education procedures that promote meaningful parent participation, student progress, and successful educational outcomes from referral through graduation or aging out.
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Now Available on the CSPD Training Calendar: Teaching Children Who Are Deafblind Module Series! These practical modules equip educators with evidence-based strategies to support deafblind learners in classroom and home environments.
Special Education Data Collections
Special Education Exiting and Post-School Survey- Due Sept. 30
Special Education Child Count will open Oct. 5 for submission.
Need help? Contact OPISPEDCollections@mt.gov
Indicator 8: Parent Involvement Surveys
This fall marks the fourth year that Montana’s Parent Involvement Survey will be conducted electronically. This survey is critical for IDEA Indicator 8 in the state’s SPP/APR, providing essential insights into family partnerships within the special education process. Please distribute this survey to parents of all IDEA-identified students for the 2026-2027 school year. The survey closes on June 30, 2027. Results from the 2025-2026 survey will be shared this fall.
District leaders and special education directors, watch your inbox for an email with the supporting documents to distribute for the 2026-27 Parent Involvement Survey for students served under IDEA. Please reach out to Tamara.Lysons@mt.gov if you haven't received it.
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October 20 @ 6 PM | Special Education Funding, Patrick Cates & Kimber Emmons, OPI
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November 17 @ 6 PM | Neurodivergence & Girls, Jennifer Schoffer-Closson, UM
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December 15 @ 6 PM | Neurodivergence & Boys, Brett Gilleo, Big Sky Therapeutic Services
Special Education Paraprofessionals:
PPP Level 1 includes 40 LRP Modules completed online. As of July 1, eligible paras new to Level 1 will now receive $250 for the completion of their first 20 modules and an additional $250 upon completion of the second 20 modules with a maximum of $500 per paraeducator for the life of the project. Level 1 requires verification of employment at a MT public school working as a special education paraeducator.
For Paras interested in Level 2 for Spring 2027 at Dawson Community College, you will need to have all 40 Level 1 modules completed and submit a 1000 hours verification form as well as enrollment paperwork for DCC. Spaces are limited so apply early to make sure you secure a spot!
Sped Tech License Update:
ARM 10.57.431 Special Education Technician License- Class 9 is effective May 1, 2026. Applications for Sped Tech licenses are now available in Teach MT.
The Board of Public Education Negotiated Rulemaking Committee is considering AMENDMENTS TO ARM 10.55.602 and 10.55.805 SPECIAL EDUCATION and adoption of NEW RULE 1 (10.55.725) regarding special education graduation requirements and to considered the addition of definitions, duties, and responsibilities of a special education technician.
Para Pathways Project Level 3:
There is funding in the State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) to support working special education paraeducators and Special Ed Technicians with tuition towards becoming a fully licensed special education teacher in Montana. Competitive Applications for Level 2 completers are now available for tuition reimbursement starting for Fall 2026/Spring 2027 semesters. The application will be posted on our PPP website or is available upon request from OPIParaPathways@mt.gov.
Find more information the Para Pathways Project on our website. For any questions regarding the program, please contact OPIParaPathways@mt.gov or DCCParaPathways@dawson.edu
PARTNER OPPORTUNITIES
Registration is now open for the Montana Youth Transitions Conference, November 2-4, 2026 at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center.
Helpful resources for Montana educators working with secondary transition students and families from the Social Security website:
Registration is now open for STEMIEFest 2026!
November 9-10 | VIRTUAL
STEMIEFest is a free and virtual gathering of families, early childhood, early intervention, and early childhood special education professionals and faculty, and more to engage in innovative STEM learning experiences and activities.
We are focused on encouraging adults in children’s lives to observe, interpret, and nurture children’s emerging science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) ideas.
 IMET SELF-PACED ONLINE COURSES
The Utah State University TASK12 Interpreter, Mentorship, Education, & Training (IMET) Program offers a variety of independent study, self-paced, online training courses produced for sign language interpreters. The courses are designed to be completed independently on various knowledge- & skill-based topics.
OVERVIEW
Participating TASK12 Member States (including Montana) have collaborated with the IMET Program to provide access to various online professional development courses created for sign language interpreters. Certificates of Completion and RID CEUs are available upon successful completion. The courses have been designed to be completed online, independently, and at your own pace. Click here to learn more and review courses available.
- Must live or work in a participating State to register (MT).
- Courses are offered at no cost to the participant.
- Courses are self-paced and fully online using the Canvas platform.
- Certificate of Completion & RID CEUs are available.
Questions, contact Lucy Beltz, lucy.beltz2@mt.gov or LeeAnn Lundgreen, leeann.lundgreen@usu.edu
Intervener Training Opportunities to Support Students who are DeafBlind
Interveners are specialized support staff who assist students with combined vision and hearing loss. If your district is exploring professional development opportunities for staff supporting students who are DeafBlind, the Montana DeafBlind Project is here to help.
Training programs that build these specialized skills often become available during the summer months. The Montana DeafBlind Project can partner with you to develop a customized training plan, ensuring staff are equipped to support students’ full access to their education.
Please contact us at MTDeafBlind@mso.umt.edu or call 406-243-4936 and leave a message. We look forward to connecting with your team and supporting your staff as new training opportunities become available.
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National Resource Center for Paraeducators Opportunities
The National Resource Center for Paraeducators, Related Service Providers, & Interveners (NRCP) provides national leadership, training, and technical assistance to improve the recruitment, preparation, and retention of paraeducators and those who support them. For decades, NRCP has served as a national hub for research‑informed resources, training models, and shared learning that advance paraeducator practice. For questions, please contact Laura Lema, TAESE.
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39th Annual National NRCP Virtual Conference | February 19-21, 2027
- (Cost $100-325 depending on role and date of registration)
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NRCP Legacy Webinars: 24 On-demand professional learning—built for the paraeducator role.
- Access to 24 high-quality virtual trainings designed to build skills, confidence, and capacity. Enjoy 12 months of access for ongoing learning and review. (Cost varies by individual, school, or district package)
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Saturday Mornings with the NRCP 2026-27
- The National Resource Center for Paraeducators, Related Service Providers, and Interveners is excited to announce our FIFTH year of monthly, low-cost, 2-hour, professional development webinars designed for and about paraeducators! ($30 per person, per webinar | $150 for six | $300 for all 12)
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OPI Special Education Staff are here to help.
Click on the contact list below to open the PDF to learn more about each staff member's program area expertise and ways they can assist you.
 The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
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