Event Calendar

P2P Lunch-n-Learn – The P2P Lunch-n-Learn is a dedicated time for parents, caregivers, and providers to access presentations and training from PAVE programs and local Pierce County service providers. Presentation/training topics will vary based on the expressed needs of families in the local community. This group takes place during lunchtime, allowing parents to learn while enjoying a meal in a relaxed and informal setting.  These lunch-n-learns occur virtually on the 1^st Thursday of every month from 12-1 pm PT.

Highlights:

• Topic Based Gathering: Each session might have a specific theme or topic of discussion. Themes could range from handling tantrums and promoting positive behavior to managing screen time, fostering resilience, and supporting learning at home.
• Trainings: The trainings are designed to be interactive and engaging. Participants have opportunities to ask questions, participate in discussions, and share their own experiences.
• Inclusive Environment: The training sessions are inclusive and welcoming, catering to parents with diverse backgrounds and experiences

The University Place School District’s Special Services Department is sponsoring a PAVE event for Parents/Guardians/Teachers to learn more about IDEA Special Education Processes and Procedures. Time will be designated at the end of the presentation for you to ask questions. Below are the specific details for this event:

When:  Thursday, May 2, 2024

Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Where: Curtis Senior High School, Staff Development Room

Intended Audience:   Parents/Guardians/Teachers

(childcare will not be provided)

Presenter:  Vanessa Lewis, PAVE  – PTI Coordinator

Coffee & Tea with P2P – This support group is for parents and caregivers seeking support to navigate the various emotions and life adjustments of raising a child, youth, and adult with a disability. This parent group helps connect families to Pierce County community resources, fosters relationships with other parents, and builds a support network for parents feeling isolated. This group meets online twice monthly on the 1st & 3rd Fridays from 10-11 am PT.

Highlights:

• Open Discussions: During the meetings, parents engage in open and honest discussions about various aspects of parenting children with disabilities. Topics might include navigating the healthcare system, accessing educational resources, managing daily routines, promoting social interactions, and self-care for parents.
• Shared Experiences: Parents/caregivers share their personal experiences, challenges, and strategies they have found effective in raising children with disabilities.
• Cultural and Language Sensitivity: Efforts are made to ensure that the group is culturally sensitive and inclusive, respecting the diverse backgrounds and needs of all participants.

Awesome Autism Parent Support Group – The Awesome Autism Parent Support Group is a community dedicated to providing a nurturing and empowering environment for parents and caregivers of children with autism. The primary goal is to offer emotional support, share resources, exchange experiences, and promote a sense of unity among parents, individuals, and families raising and child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The group meets online on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month from 12-1 pm PT.

Highlights:

• Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: The support group is a safe space where all parents, regardless of their background or experiences, are welcomed and embraced.
• Information Sharing: Valuable information about autism, including the latest research, therapeutic interventions, educational strategies, and community resources, is shared within the group.
• Guest Speakers and Workshops: The support group might invite guest speakers, such as autism experts, therapists, educators, and medical professionals, to provide insights and guidance on various topics related to autism and parenting.
• Emotional Support: The support group offers a platform for parents to express their feelings, frustrations, and joys without judgment.

Bremerton ESD virtual training series!

Virtually Supporting YOU!

Preparing for the 2024 – 2025 School Year

Register to join!

Black/African American Family Support Group – The Black/African American Family Support Group provides a safe, validating, and empowering space for parents, caregivers, and families of African descent so they can find understanding, strength, and resources to navigate their unique and often challenging and isolating journey of raising Black/African American children or family member with a disability. This group gathers online on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 10 – 11 am PT.

Highlights:

• Cultural Sensitivity: The support group is familiar with the cultural nuances, historical context, and systemic challenges that Black and African American families may encounter. It ensures that the support provided is culturally sensitive, relevant, and respectful of participants’ experiences.
• Community Building: The group offers a platform for parents to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
• Guest Speakers: The support group may invite guest speakers who are experienced professionals, community leaders, or parents themselves to share their insights, expertise, and personal journeys, offering inspiration and practical advice.
• Celebration of Diversity: The support group celebrates the diversity within the Black and African American community and highlights the strengths and contributions of individuals with disabilities, promoting a positive narrative that challenges stereotypes.
• Resource Sharing: The support group provides information about available resources, services, and programs that cater to the needs of Black and African American families, including therapists, educational materials, and assistive technologies.

Share Community Stories. Build Community Voice. Develop Community Plans to Strengthen Families Locally

The SFL Collaborative seeks to increase family & community resilience to prevent child maltreatment and foster care entry. We invite you to have a seat at the table and make your voice heard. With your help, communities are creating stronger supports for families and children.

Join parents, volunteers, community agencies, schools, and tribes, in partnership with DCYF in building stronger, healthier communities and families.

**Stipends are available to those who attend this meeting in an unpaid capacity.

Coffee & Tea with P2P – This support group is for parents and caregivers seeking support to navigate the various emotions and life adjustments of raising a child, youth, and adult with a disability. This parent group helps connect families to Pierce County community resources, fosters relationships with other parents, and builds a support network for parents feeling isolated. This group meets online twice monthly on the 1st & 3rd Fridays from 10-11 am PT.

Highlights:

• Open Discussions: During the meetings, parents engage in open and honest discussions about various aspects of parenting children with disabilities. Topics might include navigating the healthcare system, accessing educational resources, managing daily routines, promoting social interactions, and self-care for parents.
• Shared Experiences: Parents/caregivers share their personal experiences, challenges, and strategies they have found effective in raising children with disabilities.
• Cultural and Language Sensitivity: Efforts are made to ensure that the group is culturally sensitive and inclusive, respecting the diverse backgrounds and needs of all participants.

Each webinar is 90 minutes. Webinars are accessible to participants in all time zones and will be recorded for later viewing on demand. Registered attendees can access the recordings for up to two weeks following the scheduled webinar.

Time: 11am PT/ 12pm MT/ 1pm CT/ 2pm ET

February 20
Discover TRICARE’s Big Three: Basic Plans, ECHO, and ABA
The webinar “Discover TRICARE’s Big Three: Basic Plans, ECHO, and ABA!” aims to provide information and insights into the three primary components of the TRICARE healthcare system. It will cover the Basic Plans, which are essential healthcare coverage options for military members and their families, along with an explanation of the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO), designed to support eligible family members with specific medical or developmental needs. Additionally, the webinar will delve into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapies available through TRICARE for children with autism spectrum disorder. Attendees can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of these vital components and how they contribute to the well-being of military families.

February 27
The S.M.A.R.T in IEP
The webinar “The S.M.A.R.T. in IEP” focuses on supporting military families with children who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). It aims to provide strategies and insights to help military families navigate the IEP process effectively. The acronym S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, highlighting key aspects of setting goals within an IEP. By attending this webinar, military families can learn how to ensure that their child’s IEP goals are tailored to their unique needs, measurable, attainable, relevant to their education, and set within a specific timeframe.

March 19
Unlocking 504
The webinar “Unlocking 504” is dedicated to supporting military families with valuable information and guidance regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This webinar aims to help families understand the rights and accommodations available under Section 504 for their children in educational settings. By attending this webinar, military families can learn how to navigate the process of unlocking the potential benefits of Section 504, ensuring that their children receive the necessary accommodations to thrive academically and beyond.

April 9
I’m the “I” in IEP
The webinar “I’m the ‘I’ in IEP” is dedicated to assisting military families in understanding and advocating for their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). With a focus on empowering parents and caregivers, this webinar aims to provide insights and strategies for active participation in the IEP process. Attendees will learn about their crucial role as the “I” in their child’s IEP, including how to effectively communicate their child’s strengths, needs, and goals to the IEP team. By attending this webinar, military families can gain confidence in navigating the IEP process and advocating for the best possible educational outcomes for their child.

April 23
Financially “Dependent”
The webinar “Financially ‘Dependent’: SSI, ABLE Act, and Special Needs Trust” is tailored to support military families with dependents who have disabilities. This webinar aims to provide valuable information and guidance on navigating financial assistance programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, and special needs trusts. Attendees will learn about eligibility criteria, application processes, and the benefits offered by each of these programs. By attending this webinar, families can gain a deeper understanding of the financial resources available to support their dependents with disabilities, empowering them to make informed decisions about their financial future.

May 21
Don’t Stress this PCS
The webinar “Don’t Stress the PCS is specifically tailored to support military families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) during the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) process. With a focus on addressing the unique needs and challenges of EFMP families, this webinar aims to provide practical guidance and resources to navigate the PCS transition smoothly. By attending this webinar, EFMP families can gain valuable insights and strategies to minimize stress while prioritizing the well-being of their family members.

For more information, view STOMP workshop topic Descriptions