Online – Lunch & Learn: Social Media, Disability, and Safety

February 4 @ 12:00 pm 1:00 pm PST

Register to Join!

Join Peter Jung M.Ed., Youth Specialist for PAVE, for a lunch and learn on how to manage risks and address concerns around the quickly evolving world of social media. Topics covered will include safety advice, how to build agency over social media use, and understanding how to use social media beneficially.

Register to Join! 

Free

Pierce County Parent to Parent – Self Care Saturdays – Sehmel Homestead Park

March 22 @ 10:00 am 11:30 am PDT

Come and join the P2P Team for a morning of outdoor fun! Everyone, regardless of age or ability, is invited to drop by for a walk and some community bonding. Meet us at the playground! Look for the PAVE tabletop sign.

Two chances each month to join us. 2nd Saturdays @ Ft. Steilacoom Park in Lakewood and 4th Saturdays @ Sehmel Homestead Park in Gig Harbor. No need to register.

Free
10123 78th Ave NW
Gig Harbor, Washington United States

Pierce County Parent to Parent – Self Care Saturdays – Ft. Steilacoom Park

March 8 @ 10:00 am 11:30 am PST

Come and join the P2P Team for a morning of outdoor fun! Everyone, regardless of age or ability, is invited to drop by for a walk and some community bonding. Meet us at the playground! Look for the PAVE tabletop sign.

Two chances each month to join us. 2nd Saturdays @ Ft. Steilacoom Park in Lakewood and 4th Saturdays @ Sehmel Homestead Park in Gig Harbor. No need to register.

Free
8714 87th Ave. SW
Lakewood, Washington United States

Online – Special Education Trainings with a Focus for Tribal Communities

January 25 @ 10:00 am 11:00 am PST

Register to join

January 4: IDEA Unveiled: overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), focusing on rights, processes, and strategies to support students with disabilities and their families.

January 11: Starting Strong (IFSP):focus on understanding and implementing Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) to support early intervention services and empower families in guiding their child’s development.

January 18: Navigating 504: focus on eligibility, accommodations, and strategies to ensure equal access to education for students with disabilities.

January 25: Unlocking the Potential to IEP Data: focus on how to effectively interpret and utilize Individualized Education Program (IEP) data to support student progress and drive meaningful educational outcomes.

Register to join

Free

Online – Awesome Autism Parent Support Group

February 13 @ 12:00 pm 1:00 pm PST

Register to Join!

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 2nd Thursday 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.

Registration is required to get access to the Zoom link. Register to Join!

Free

Online – Community Connections Birth – 5 Info Series

February 5 @ 12:00 pm 1:00 pm PST

Register to Join

Join us for an informative series designed to equip early intervention advocates with the tools, insights, and strategies needed to make a lasting impact. Whether you’re new professional to the field or a parent looking to enhance your advocacy skills, this series will provide valuable information on programs, services, and how to effectively support children and families in need of early intervention services.

Date: 2/5/25
Topic: Pierce County ESIT & ICC
Time: 12:00 – 1:00PM

Date: 2/19/25
Topic: DDA
Time: 2:00 – 3:30PM

Date: 2/26/25
Topic: PAVE PTI/P2P 0-3 Toolkit
Time: 12:00 – 1:00PM

Date: 3/5/25
Topic: PAVE PTI/P2P 3-5 Toolkit
Time: 12:00 – 1:00PM

Date: 3/12/25
Topic: PAVE P2P Early Intervention
Advocates Workshop
Time: 12:00 – 1:30PM

Register to Join

Free

Online- Helping Parent Volunteer Training

March 11 @ 12:00 pm 1:30 pm PDT

Register to join

What Will I Learn?

  • Emotional Support Strategies
  • Emotional Responses
  • Self-Care Strategies
  • The Match Process
  • Empowerment
  • Communication & Active Listening
  • Volunteer Expectations
  • Ways to volunteer
  • PAVE Programs
  • Local Resources

Pierce County Parent to Parent partners with The ARC of Washington and Pierce County community connections to provide support, information, and education for parents of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs.

This is the required training to become a 1:1 helping parent volunteer and support other parents who have just learned their child has a condition or need support for any reason.

Helping Parent Volunteers and staff assist families in coping with many challenging experiences and feelings.

Register to Join

Free

Online – Black / African American Family Support Group

January 28 @ 6:00 pm 7:00 pm PST

Register to join

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 supports:
Open discussions,
Shared experiences and cultural and language sensitivity.

Meets virtually on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

Register to join

Free

Online – Black / African American Family Support Group

January 14 @ 6:00 pm 7:00 pm PST

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 supports:
Open discussions,
Shared experiences and cultural and language sensitivity.

Meets virtually on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

Free

Online – Coffee or Tea with P2P

February 7 @ 10:00 am 11:00 am PST

Please register to attend

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 in-person monthly on the 1st Friday from 10-11am 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.

Please register to attend

Free

Virtual Workshop – Special Education with a focus on Military Families Fort Jackson

February 5 @ 7:00 am 9:00 am PST

Register to join!

When You Attend a STOMP Workshop You Learn …

Empower yourself with knowledge of educational rights, support services, and access to TRICARE, ECHO, and ABA programs.
Connect with local resources and a supportive community network to share ideas and solutions with other parents and professionals.

Based on Eastern Standard Time:
10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET
February 5: Pathways to Military Medical & Medicaid Benefits for Exceptional Families
February 12: Demystifying Key Components of an IEP
February 19: Dispute Resolution: Orders and Chain of Command for Resolving Conflicts
February 26: Sound the Cadence: Raising Voices in Advocacy

Register to join!

Free

Virtual Workshop – Special Education with a focus on Military Families JB Lewis McChord

February 4 @ 9:30 am 11:30 am PST

Register to join!

When You Attend a STOMP Workshop You Learn …

Empower yourself with knowledge of educational rights, support services, and access to TRICARE, ECHO, and ABA programs.
Connect with local resources and a supportive community network to share ideas and solutions with other parents and professionals.

February 4: TRICARE, ECHO, ABA & Medicaid (Secondary dependency)
February 6: Financial Planning for the Future
February 11: Effective Communication
February 13: Sound the Cadence: Raising Voices in Advocacy

Register to join!

Free

Online – Special Education Trainings with a Focus for Tribal Communities

January 11 @ 10:00 am 11:00 am PST

Register to join

January 4: IDEA Unveiled: overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), focusing on rights, processes, and strategies to support students with disabilities and their families.

January 11: Starting Strong (IFSP):focus on understanding and implementing Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) to support early intervention services and empower families in guiding their child’s development.

January 18: Navigating 504: focus on eligibility, accommodations, and strategies to ensure equal access to education for students with disabilities.

January 25: Unlocking the Potential to IEP Data: focus on how to effectively interpret and utilize Individualized Education Program (IEP) data to support student progress and drive meaningful educational outcomes.

Register to join

Free

Online – P2P Caregiver Connection

February 1 @ 8:00 am 9:00 am PST

This group meets virtually on the 1st Saturday of the month and Quarterly in person! Register to join us!

PAVES Pierce “Parent 2 Parent Support Groups” offers a nurturing space for caregivers to connect, share experiences, and find guidance. Parents come together to discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and exchange practical strategies in raising children with disabilities. Through mutual understanding and empathy, this group provides emotional support, valuable resources, and a sense of community, helping families navigate the unique journey of caring for their exceptional children with care and strength.

The P2P Caregiver Connection is dedicated for childcare providers, teachers, paraeducators/caregivers who support young children with disabilities and their families.

Please note that all parent support groups supply the following:

  • An intentional space for parents to find others who share their life experiences.
  • Facilitated meetings/gatherings focused on several topics that reflect the parent’s/caregiver’s perspective and needs on raising children/youth/adults with disabilities.
  • Information and resources on PAVE programs, services, and upcoming events.
  • Live parent-to-parent emotional support

*Additionally, support groups specific to a cultural and linguistic community (Native, Spanish-speaking, and Black & African American families) will be supported by a PAVE facilitator that is a cultural/linguistic match for the families served. 

This group meets virtually on the 1st Saturday of the month and Quarterly in person! Register to join us!

Free

Online – P2P Caregiver Connection

February 1 @ 8:00 am 9:00 am PST

Register to join!

PAVES Pierce “Parent 2 Parent Support Groups” offers a nurturing space for caregivers to connect, share experiences, and find guidance. Parents come together to discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and exchange practical strategies in raising children with disabilities. Through mutual understanding and empathy, this group provides emotional support, valuable resources, and a sense of community, helping families navigate the unique journey of caring for their exceptional children with care and strength.

The P2P Caregiver Connection is dedicated for childcare providers, teachers, paraeducators/caregivers who support young children with disabilities and their families.

Please note that all parent support groups supply the following:

  • An intentional space for parents to find others who share their life experiences.
  • Facilitated meetings/gatherings focused on several topics that reflect the parent’s/caregiver’s perspective and needs on raising children/youth/adults with disabilities.
  • Information and resources on PAVE programs, services, and upcoming events.
  • Live parent-to-parent emotional support

*Additionally, support groups specific to a cultural and linguistic community (Native, Spanish-speaking, and Black & African American families) will be supported by a PAVE facilitator that is a cultural/linguistic match for the families served. 

Register to join!

Free