Instructor: Michelle McGowan, Special Education Advocate

Michelle is a dedicated Special Education Advocate with over 20 years of experience supporting students with disabilities, including Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Emotional Disturbance, and Intellectual Impairment. She is also involved in the District Attorney’s Juvenile Diversion Initiative, where she works to keep youth diploma-bound, collaborates with schools to overturn expulsions, and empowers parents to understand their children’s educational rights.

Description: Navigating special education can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the process. This workshop is designed to help caregivers build a strong foundation by understanding the laws, rights, and procedures that support students with disabilities in school.

Participants will learn the basics of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The training will also provide an overview of the evaluation and eligibility process, what to expect during an IEP meeting, and the parent rights and procedural safeguards available to support your child’s educational journey.

Whether your child is newly entering special education or you are looking for a refresher, this class will help you feel more informed, confident, and prepared to advocate effectively for your child’s needs.

Interested in learning more about special education?
This class is part of a year-long educational program designed to help caregivers understand special education, navigate the IEP process, and become confident advocates for their children. Be sure to explore the other trainings in this series to build your knowledge and advocacy skills throughout the school year.

• Friday, August 21^st (9:30am – 12:30pm) | Building a Strong IEP – Click Here to Register
• Monday, August 24^th  (6pm – 9pm) | Building a Strong IEP – Click Here to Register
• Monday, September 14^th (9:30am – 12:30pm) | Understanding Evaluations – Click Here to Register
• Friday, September 25^th  (6pm – 9pm) | Understanding Evaluations – Click Here to Register
• Tuesday, October 6^th (9:30am – 12:30pm) | Behavior & Discipline Rights – Click Here to Register
• Monday, October 12^th (6pm – 9pm) | Behavior & Discipline Rights – Click Here to Register
• Tuesday, November 3^rd  (9:30am – 12:30pm) | Advocacy Skills for Parents – Click Here to Register
• Friday, November 6^th (6pm – 9pm) | Advocacy Skills for Parents – Click Here to Register
• Wednesday, December 9^th (6pm – 9pm) | Mid-Year Progress Check – Click Here to Register
• Friday, December 18^th (9:30am – 12:30pm) | Mid-Year Progress Check – Click Here to Register

***Please Note: This class will be facilitated on the Zoom platform.

Internet access and access to a computer/laptop/tablet/smartphone is required to attend.

We kindly request that participants avoid using distracting virtual backgrounds. For privacy, we recommend using the blur feature instead.

The Zoom link to attend this class will be provided via email.

Please follow the link below for a brief tutorial on how to sign up for a free Zoom account.

Zoom User Guide

Help us create a positive learning environment!
We invite all participants to review our Participant Guidelines Video before attending class. The video outlines Zoom expectations, attendance procedures, certificate requirements, and best practices for making the most of your FAKCE training experience.

Watch Participant Guidelines Video