PEATC - Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center

PEATC - Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center PEATC is committed to building positive futures for Virginia students with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them.

The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center builds positive futures for Virginia’s children by working collaboratively with families, schools and communities in order to improve opportunities for excellence in education and success in school and community life. Our special focus is children with disabilities.

It's Newsletter Wednesday! 🎊 Every other Wednesday, we share helpful resources, upcoming events, and practical informati...
06/24/2026

It's Newsletter Wednesday! 🎊 Every other Wednesday, we share helpful resources, upcoming events, and practical information for families and professionals supporting students with disabilities. Be sure to subscribe to our newseltter so you never miss an update!

This week we are highlighing our "Dispute Resolution Guide." When challenges arise between families and schools, it can be hard to know what steps to take next. Understanding your options ahead of time can help you feel more prepared and empowered to advocate for your child.

🔗Check out our factsheet here: go.peatc.org/dispute-resolution
➡️Subscribe to our newsletter for bi-weekly resources and updates: eepurl.com/gWMAx9

☀️💡Smart Start Series Tip #2Is your child getting ready to start middle school or high school this fall? A little prepa...
06/23/2026

☀️💡Smart Start Series Tip #2

Is your child getting ready to start middle school or high school this fall? A little preparation over the summer can help ease back-to-school jitters and build confidence for this exciting transition.

If possible, practice opening lockers, reading class schedules, finding classrooms, and navigating the school building before the first day. Becoming familiar with new routines and surroundings can help students feel more comfortable and ready to succeed.

Have questions about transitioning to a new school or ensuring your child’s supports are in place? PEATC is here to help.

Connect with us today:
📞703-923-0010
📧[email protected] See less

🌟Meet the PEATC Team!🌟Our staff spotlight today is Anna Barrett, our Region 3 Family Support Specialist! With more than ...
06/22/2026

🌟Meet the PEATC Team!🌟

Our staff spotlight today is Anna Barrett, our Region 3 Family Support Specialist! With more than 20 years of experience in the disability services field, she is dedicated to connecting families with the information, resources, and support they need to thrive.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at PEATC?
A: nWhat I enjoy most about working at PEATC is connecting families with resources, information, and support that helps them feel more condifent as they navigate their child's educationals journey. I love helping parents learn about their rights, understand the special education process, and discover tools that can make a positive difference for their families.

Q: What is a PEATC training/resource you would recommend to everyone?
A: One of my favorite PEATC trainings is "Friendship Building Strategies." It provides practical ideas and encouragement to help children build meaningful social connections and friendships, which can have a positive impact on their overall well-being and success.

Q: What is your go-to coffee order or favorite snack?
A: My latest go-to drink is a matcha latte with mango cold foam -- yummy!

Q: What song always puts you in a good mood?
A: Almost any song by Bob Marley puts me in a good mood, but "Three Little Birds" is a favorite for its positive message and uplifting vibe.

06/21/2026

✨💡Did you know?

In Virginia, every IEP must include a statement of how the child will participate in state and division-wide assessments, including whether they need accommodations or alternate assessments.

These decisions can have a significant impact on how your child demonstrates their knowledge and skills. Understanding the assessment section of the IEP can help you ask questions, participate in discussions, and ensure your child's needs are being considered.

Have questions about assessments, accommodations, or your child's IEP? PEATC is here to help.

Connect with us today:
📞 703-923-0010
📧 [email protected]

Ready to start planning for your child's life after high school?Transition University is still open! This FREE, self-pac...
06/20/2026

Ready to start planning for your child's life after high school?

Transition University is still open! This FREE, self-paced online course is designed to help parents and caregivers of elementary, middle, and high school students who recieve special education services, and the professionals who serve them, better understand the transition process for students recieving special education services.

Over five sessions, you'll explore topics such as:
➡️ Transition planning and why it matters
➡️ Age of Majority, supported decision-making, power of attorney, and guardianship
➡️ Employment, education, independent living, and community involvement
➡️ Resources and strategies to support a successful transition to adulthood

Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, it's never too early to begin preparing for the future!

Register today: go.peatc.org/TransitionU26

PEATC offices are closed today for the Juneteenth holiday.May today serve as an opportunity to learn, reflect, and stren...
06/19/2026

PEATC offices are closed today for the Juneteenth holiday.

May today serve as an opportunity to learn, reflect, and strengthen our collective commitment to justice, belonging, and equal opportunity for all.

🌟 Registration is now open for the 2026 Virtual Special Education Summit in Spanish! PEATC, in collaboration with the Vi...
06/18/2026

🌟 Registration is now open for the 2026 Virtual Special Education Summit in Spanish!

PEATC, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), is proud to present the 2026 Virtual Special Education Summit in Spanish.

Participants will gain valuable information, resources, and practical strategies to help students with disabilities succeed in school. Whether you're new to the special education process or looking to strengthen your advocacy skills, this summit will provide tools and guidance to support your journey.

This virtual summit will be presented entirely in Spanish.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and feel empowered to support the educational success of students with disabilities.

📅 Register today: go.peatc.org/bd4ud7js

🌟Meet the PEATC Team!🌟Today, our Staff Spotlight is Stephanie Hoover, our Region 2 Family Support Specialist! Stephanie ...
06/18/2026

🌟Meet the PEATC Team!🌟

Today, our Staff Spotlight is Stephanie Hoover, our Region 2 Family Support Specialist! Stephanie has a passion for special education advocacy and for more than a decade, she has dedicated herself to helping families understand special education, using her experience and expertise to empower parents and strengthen support for children with disabilities.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at PEATC?
A: What I enjoy most about working at PEATC is building relationships with families and helping them feel supported as they navigate their child's educational journey. I love connecting families with resources, answering questions, and helping them feel empowered to participate as partners in their child's education. I also enjoy collaborating with schools, community organizations, and professionals to create stronger support systems for families across Virginia.

Q: What is a PEATC training/resource you would recommend to everyone?
A: One of my favorite PEATC trainings is the IEP University. It provides families with valuable knowledge about their child's IEP and how to navigate their input in the IEP to help point a clear picture of their child, because they know them best.

Q: What is your go-to coffee order or favorite snack?
A: My go-to coffee order is an iced white cholocate mocha breve.

Q: What song always puts you in a good mood?
A: "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey always puts me in a good mood. It's upbeat, positive, and a great reminder to keep moving forward.

06/17/2026

Are you subscribed to PEATC's bi-weekly newsletter? Sign up today so you don't miss out on...
🔷Helpful resources
🔷PEATC/Special Education/Disability News
🔷Local exhibits and events
🔷Upcoming workshops & trainings

Subscribe here: eepurl.com/gWMAx9

We know many families are hearing news about changes being discussed at the federal level. We want you to know that PEAT...
06/16/2026

We know many families are hearing news about changes being discussed at the federal level. We want you to know that PEATC is still here — fully operating, fully staffed, and fully committed to supporting you and your children.

⚖️ Also know that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the protections it provides remain in full effect. The laws have not changed.

No matter what happens in the broader system, our mission doesn’t change. We will continue providing trusted guidance, training, and support to Virginia families, just as we always have.

💬 If you’re interested in advocating for strong protections for students with disabilities, you can always reach out to your U.S. Senators and Representatives to share your voice. You can find your representatives here: congress.gov/members/find-your-member or senate.gov and house.gov.

And if you need help navigating special education or have questions about disability services, PEATC remains a steady and reliable resource for you. We’re here through every transition — and we’re not going anywhere.

🌐 peatc.org
📞 703-923-0010
📧 [email protected]

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Warrenton, VA
20186

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