The OKLAHOMA PARENTS CENTER provides training to all families of children and youth in Oklahoma and the providers who service and support them. In order to effectively advocate for children, detailed information is needed on the laws, communication, team building skills, etc. Ongoing training opportunities for all parents and professionals can assist in this process. The following workshops are available to groups and organizations upon request. They are two hours long unless otherwise specified.

Basic Rights
Describes the State and Federal laws that affect special education in Oklahoma and offers an overview of parents’ rights and responsibilities. This workshop focuses on how to access special education and related services for children with disabilities.
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Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Designed to provide participants with basic information on the IEP process and product and to help promote the meaningful participation of all IEP team members. The workshop covers the process from referral to writing the IEP to the annual review.
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Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 has been called the “Civil Rights Act” for people with disabilities because it prohibits discrimination against them, thereby protecting their civil rights. Participants are provided with information on what the law means and how it affects children with disabilities. Parent/student rights in identification, evaluation, placement, and an accommodation plan are explored along with a comparison of how this law relates to other laws protection children with disabilities. This workshop holds special importance for those interested in helping students who do not qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
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Transition from Early Intervention to School
Provides participants with information on the scope of supports and services necessary to design and implement an efficient and effective transition to school. The workshop focuses on communication skills, problem solving, and team building strategies. An overview of the transition process is given and the differences between early intervention and the public school systems are explained.
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Transition from School to Adult Life
Provides participants with information to help plan for the transition of students with disabilities to adult life. The workshop explores the rationale for transition planning, regulatory issues who’s involved in the planning process and developing the IEP/Transition Plan. Information is also provided on resources available and some of the major areas to consider in transition planning.
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Communication Skills
Provides participants with tools for interacting more comfortably and effectively with each other. The workshop focuses on using positive language, active listening techniques, and strategies for communicating clearly and respectfully.
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Positive Behavior Planning
Introduces families to a new way of thinking about their child’s behaviors and about the need to advocate for behavioral instruction. This workshop introduces and provides an overview of the concepts of functional behavior assessment and positive interventions. It is not designed to teach how-to skills in these areas.
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Bullying Prevention & Solutions
Learn how to prevent the most common form of violence for school age children. Bullying 101 is a case for identifying and eliminating bullying in Schools. Bullying 102 is an action plan for schools, students and parents to end bullying. Learn how to recognize and prevent bullying violence in schools; learn intervention strategies to reduce bullying problems by 50% or more by year 2; learn what classroom teachers, staff, administrators, school boards, safe school committees, parents, students, and community decision-makers, can do to have a productive school where everyone is safe to learn.
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HOW TO SCHEDULE A WORKSHOP FOR YOUR GROUP IN 5 EASY STEPS 

1. Decide on a workshop topic. 

2. Contact OKLAHOMA PARENTS CENTER, INC. to schedule a date and time. 

3. Pick a place to hold your workshop (free places are the best. Check with your library, school or Chamber of Commerce Building).

4.Get the word out. OPC staff will help you with flyers and news releases.

5.Sit back and enjoy the workshop, gain knowledge, confidence and skills.

OKLAHOMA PARENTS CENTER staff will be glad to assist you in selecting a workshop topic. We will help you get the word out, and help locate a place to hold your workshop. Best of all, we bring all of the necessary materials and handouts.