Child Find: Schools Have a Legal Duty to Evaluate Children Impacted by Disability

A Brief Overview School districts have an affirmative duty to locate, evaluate and potentially serve any infant, toddler or school-aged student impacted by disability under the Child Find Mandate — part of special education law. The duty to evaluate is based on a known or suspected disability that may significantly impact access to learning. Data from evaluation then determines eligibility. Read More

Social Emotional Learning, Part 2: Trauma-Informed Instruction

A Brief Overview Understanding trauma and providing consistent skill building in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) can improve outcomes in education and elsewhere. Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction provides free SEL training materials for educators and families on its website: k12.wa.us. Trauma-informed adults can use specific strategies to help children understand their emotions, describe Read More

Social Emotional Learning, Part 1: The Importance of Compassionate Schools

A Brief Overview: The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) provides a training program for school staff focused on Social-Emotional Learning. The SEL Online Education Modules are designed for educators, administrators, school staff, others professionals, and parents. Moments of trouble can provide insight about unmet needs. Meeting those moments with compassion helps children learn Read More

Links to Support Families During the Coronavirus Crisis

Please note that these resources are not affiliated with PAVE, and PAVE does not recommend or endorse these programs or services. This list is not exhaustive and is provided for informational purposes only. PAVE provides a separate resource list to help parents support learning at home: Links for Learning at Home During School Closure WestEd.org, Read More

Ideas and Resources to Support Your Child’s Behavior at School

A Brief Overview Behavior specialists generally agree that difficult behaviors arise from unmet needs. How adults respond is critical if a child is going to learn new ways to communicate. Humans spend about 80 percent of their brain energy trying to belong. This can explain a lot when a child with a disability feels isolated Read More

Genetic Testing: Parents Face Many Choices

A Brief Overview More than 1,000 genetic tests are available. Whether to test is voluntary, and families can consider how the testing might impact social and emotional well-being. Genetic testing is available at various ages and stages through the lifespan. Read on for information about options from pre-birth through adulthood. A directory from the National Read More

Helper Dogs Provide Service, Therapy or Emotional Support

A Brief Overview Service dogs and therapy dogs have different jobs. Read on to learn more about the differences and how dogs can help people with diverse disabilities. A service dog is trained to support a specific person in unique circumstances. Therapy dogs are chosen by temperament and trained to use closeness and touch to Read More

Links for Youth

Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) is a nationwide program that works towards elevating achievement in education and workforce development through innovative leadership development with the goal of better preparing young people with disabilities for careers, college, and citizenship. Rooted in Rights utilizes pure and accessible stories from within Washington State to truly channel narratives surrounding Read More

Links for Parent & Family

Lines For Life  (503-575-3764)  offers a Racial Equity Support Line with support offered by BIPOC professionals for individuals who are seeking support in response to experiences of racism, microaggressions, and issues related to immigration or cross-cultural conflict. Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Standard Time. Arc of Washington – A statewide website with county support, resources Read More

Links for Learning in School

IDEA Basics: Individuals With Disabilities Education Act – This 3-minute YouTube video provides foundational information about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal law that governs special education. Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction (OSPI) – Special education law and process, guidance for families, dispute resolution procedures in Washington State and a resource Read More