Did you know Douglas County has a Special Education Advisory Council? Do you know if your county does?
It seems something many parents have not been aware of...I know I wasn’t. From the vantage point of myself and other special needs parents in the district, there hasn’t been much communication, having only now received last minute ‘advertising’ about them, their mission and how to become involved. Here is some information to help special needs parents in Douglas County and beyond become more aware and more involved of all areas of resources, services and advocacy for their children.
The Douglas County Special Education Advisory Council (DCSEAC) is made up of parents of students with disabilities along with district administrators and community representatives. From the website, their mission is:
“...to assure that the parent and family perspective is honored and acknowledged as an integral component of the educational journey, and serve as an integral part of the decision making process at all levels within the Douglas County School District.
The general intent of the council is to gather, communicate and disseminate information to key stakeholders, as well as advocate, influence, and support programming for students with disabilities in the Douglas County School District.”
The DCSEAC and the members that are advocating for your children and mine could only benefit from added community and parental support and information, as well as learning of your ideas and concerns around special education in the school district. Considering the budget cuts that have already come down, along with what every administrator, teacher, parent and student is bracing for, this would the perfect time to become involved.
The DCSEAC meets the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Southridge Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 17, 2010. You can check their calendar (bottom of their home page) often for changes in scheduled meetings as well as any upcoming events.
This is information on just one area of finding resources for special needs children in Douglas County. Regardless of what county you live in, which state you live in, you may have a similar organization available to you. It’s worth poking around your school’s website and talking to other parents to gain information on these hidden advocates in schools.
For More Information:
The Douglas County Special Education Advisory Council
Comments
You've prompted me to find out more about this in my own county.
I knew about the DCSEAC, but had no idea that they meet monthly. Glad to know. Maybe it is time to start attending and get the word out.
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