Parent/Guardian Training
Helping Your Child Stay Calm: Strategies for Managing Big Emotions
This training helps families support their children in recognizing and managing anger, frustration, and intense feelings before those emotions lead to meltdowns or behavioral outbursts. Participants will learn simple, practical strategies to teach self-regulation skills, create calming routines, and build emotional awareness at home. The session focuses on positive, proactive tools that strengthen resilience, improve communication, and help children feel more confident and in control, even during challenging moments.
April 21, 2026, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Via Zoom
Presenter: Rebecca Sitman, Teaching and Learning Specialist
Please register for this session by April 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Register at https://www.dciu.org/ParentTrainings Zoom link will be sent the day before the training.
The Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU), in partnership with the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (OIDD), is hosting two Secondary Transition Fairs designed to support students with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school.
Please remember to submit field trip permission forms so your classes can attend the student fair. A helpful tip: the QR codes at the bottom of the flyer will automatically generate a calendar reminder in a digital calendar. This can be useful for families, for you, and even as a self-advocacy/organization activity for students.
Event Details:
Parent Transition Fair
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Audience: Parents and caregivers of students with disabilities
Student & Educator Transition Fair
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Audience: Middle and high school special education teachers, guidance counselors, social workers, administrators, transition coordinators, and their students.
Presenter: Detective Joe Walsh, Aston Township Police Department. This training will help parents understand the digital world their children live in, as well as learn ways to keep them safe online. We will discuss social media, online gaming, cyberbullying, privacy, and more. Parents will be given tips they can use to protect their children while supporting healthy technology use.
March 26, 2026, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Via Zoom
Please register for this session by March 25, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., at https://www.dciu.org/ParentTrainings
Supporting Math Learning: Assessments & At-Home Strategies
Presenter: Sydney Tassone, Professional Development Specialist. In this month’s parent series, we will explore math assessments frequently used across Delaware County. Participants will learn how to make sense of standardized math assessment results (such as state tests and district benchmarks) and discuss practical strategies to support student learning at home. This evening session is designed for caregivers of students from kindergarten through 10th grade.
February 10, 2026 6:00-8:00 p.m. Via Zoom
Please register for this session by February 9, 2026, at https://www.dciu.org/ParentTrainings
Making a Difference Awards-Planning Meeting Thursday, January 22, 202,6 6:00-8:00 p.m. Via Zoom
The Right to Education Local Task Force will be holding the annual Making a Difference Awards on May 27, 2026 at Radnor High School. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate and recognize individuals who promote inclusion of students with special needs across school and community settings. During this meeting, the team will review nomination procedures along with other planning documents. All are welcome to participate in this planning meeting and help us make the annual award ceremony a night to remember!
Supporting Your Teens' Emotional Needs to Promote Social Well-Being and Academic Success
This training session will be conducted by Raleigh Booze, LPC, and Deborah Larkin, LPC. Both Mr. Booze and Ms. Larkin are representatives from Lakeside Neurologic. Parents and guardians will gain valuable tools to better support their teens' emotional needs. Lakeside Neurologic specializes in brain-based strategies to assist students effectively.
Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026, 06:00 PM via Zoom
https://haverfordsd.zoom.us/j/85869482465
Complex Learners Parent/Guardian Social Event
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026, 06:00 PM, Haverford Middle School, Darby Road, Havertown, PA, USA
Please join us for a night of conversation and community. This event is for parents/guardians of students who participate in Autistic Support, Life Skills Support, or Multiple Disabilities Support either within our schools or in an out-of-district placement. This event is simply to allow families the opportunity to get to know one another and discuss helpful resources within the community. Light refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP here.
Involved and Informed: A Conference for Autism Fathers and Autism Advocates
This one-of-a-kind conference was created to elevate the voices of autism fathers while bringing together advocates, professionals, and caregivers committed to strengthening families and communities. Hosted by the Center for Autism Research at CHOP in collaboration with Nemours Swank Center, Montclair University, Autism Delaware, ABA Centers of Delaware, and Alternative Choices, Involved and Informed offers honest conversation, practical resources, and meaningful connection grounded in real lived experience.
The day will include:
- A powerful Welcome Reception and panel focused on father engagement and community leadership
- Keynote and breakout sessions addressing real-world challenges across the autism lifespan
- Small group discussions designed to foster connection, reflection, and support
- Opportunities to engage directly with trusted community and research partners
Whether you are a father, caregiver, professional, or advocate, this conference is designed to ensure you leave feeling informed, connected, and empowered.
Saturday, March 28, 2026, Eastside Charter School | Wilmington, DE, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Register today to secure your spot: https://www.ticketleap.events/
Space is limited, and we encourage early registration.
Parent Training DCIU Teaching and Learning Supporting Literacy at Home
January 21, 2026 6:00-8:00 p.m. Via Zoom
Presenter: Maggie Ficco, Professional Development Specialist. This training is designed to help families support their children with literacy development at home. They will go over the common terms you will hear and see from your child's assessments in the school district, what they mean, and how to support those skills at home.
Please register for this session by January 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Register at https://www.dciu.org/ParentTrainings
Zoom link will be sent the day before the training.
Parent Training DCIU Teaching and Learning Understanding Executive Function: Helping Your Child Stay Focused, Organized, and in Control
November 13, 2025 6:00-8:00 p.m. Via Zoom
Presenter: Rebecca Sitman, Teaching and Learning Specialist This workshop will explore the executive function challenges commonly experienced by students. Areas of focus will include attention, focus, emotional regulation, task initiation, and organization. Participants will also examine coping strategies and supports designed to address executive functioning deficits and their impact on both schoolwork and homework.
Please register for this session by November 12, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
Register using this link: https://www.dciu.org/ParentTrainings
Zoom link will be sent the day before the training.
Right to Education Local Task Force - Post Secondary Employment Panel Discussion
Thursday November 13, 2025 6:00-8:00 p.m. Via Zoom
Post secondary transition planning for students with IEPs involves multiple steps. One step relates to opportunities for post-secondary employment. Representatives from a variety of community agencies will share resources and supports available to young adults with special needs who will be pursuing employment upon graduation from high school.
Please register for this training by Wednesday November 12 at 4:00 p.m.
Register using this link: https://www.dciu.org/ParentTrainings
Zoom link will be sent the day before the training.
The Right to Education Local Task Force
Working together to ensure the delivery of Special Education Services to eligible students.
Who Are We?
- Family members, community members, local professionals, and Delaware County School Districts
What Do We Do?
- Disseminate information about local resources, services, legislation updates, parent and professional training opportunities, and current issues impacting local special education.
- Provide opportunities to network with agencies, other parents, and professionals to help address questions and concerns.
- Build a sense of community through meaningful discussions and shared experiences.
Delaware County Local Task Force on the Right to Education Video