Information for Families of Students with Disabilities

Virginia Department of Education sent this bulletin at 02/04/2026 04:08 PM EST

Virginia Department of Education: Engage Your Family

Information for Families of Students with Disabilities - February 4, 2026

New Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities from the VDOE

The VDOE has released three new resources created by the Family Engagement Network (FEN), through a grant provided by the Virginia Department of Education and managed by the Center for Family Involvement at the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Transition Across the Grade Span: From Pre-K to Post-Grad is a resource that helps families plan for their child's future, from early childhood through adulthood, by addressing skills in four key areas of transition planning.

The Keys to Academic Success: Critical Decision Points in Early Childhood Companion assists families with helping their young child with a disability or developmental delay receive the best possible preschool education.

Promoting Mental Wellness for Students with Disabilities in Cell Phone-Free Schools: Guidance and Resources offers resources for families available through the Virginia Department of Education to support cell phone-free schools by providing guidance for addressing the unique needs of students with disabilities, including considerations for assistive technology and exemptions.

Special Education Parent Involvement Survey for the 2025-26 School Year

All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the VDOE annual Special Education Parent Involvement Survey.

This survey will remain open through December 11, 2026. Please complete one survey for each of your children currently receiving special education services during the 2025-26 school year.

If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Dr. Chiquita Seaborne, Family Engagement Specialist/Special Projects Coordinator, via email at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov, or via telephone at (804) 418-4672.

Training Opportunities Provided by PEATC and the VDOE

PEATC, in collaboration with the VDOE, is providing the following virtual, self-paced training opportunities for families and professionals. You may begin any of the self-paced trainings at any point during the open period.

Building Strong Parent Advocates: February 2 - 23, 2026

The Building Strong Parent Advocates training provides information to help families build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while empowering them to be their child's best advocate. The online training will take approximately six hours and a certificate of completion will be provided for all who complete this self-paced training.

Early Childhood Academy: February 6 - March 13, 2026

In this free virtual learning program, parents and caregivers will learn useful tips and ideas for supporting their child's development, as well as the resources available to help make the transition from early intervention to school less confusing. Parents who complete all sessions will receive a certificate of completion.

IEP University: February 2 - 23, 2026

IEP University is a self-paced online training with easy-to-understand guidance on the special education process, the IEP document, and ways to develop collaborative relationships among schools and families. A certificate of completion for six hours will be provided to all who complete the training.

Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Self-Paced Training Course: February 2 - 23, 2026 or SEAC LIVE Online Training Option: February 21, 2026, 8-11:30 a.m.

This training is designed to help SEAC members and other interested participants understand the role of the local Special Education Advisory Committee in Virginia and to build a more efficient and effective advisory committee. A certificate of completion will be provided for all who complete the training.

Self-Paced Training Offered by the VCU Rehabilitation Research and Training Center Autism Center for Education (ACE)

The Autism Roadmap: A Family's Guide is a self-paced online course that is always available. Getting an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis for a child marks the beginning of a unique and meaningful journey for your family. Like any journey worth taking, this one will have its challenges, discoveries, and countless moments of growth. This course will equip you with knowledge, strategies, and confidence to make informed decisions and serve as your roadmap, from diagnosis to independent adulthood. Explore all lessons or jump to the most relevant to you. Registration is free but required.

This service is provided to you at no charge by the Virginia Department of Education Office of Facilities and Family Engagement. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit Subscriber Help.