This resource provides guidance to LEAs about restraint prevention, IEP team and positive support planning, the RISC system, restraint reporting, and much more.
The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides resources for families and educational agencies to resolve educational disputes for children served in early intervention, students who are gifted (or thought to be gifted), and students with disabilities (or thought to have disabilities). This organization coordinates special education facilitation, mediation, and due process hearing systems on behalf of PDE and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Visit the ODR Resource Page for specific information that will be helpful to you, in your role as a special education leader.
ODR Overview Webinar: ODR Overview - Office for Dispute Resolution (odr-pa.org)
This Overview is a one-hour introduction to resources and services available from ODR. This training can be offered to schools, parent groups, and other organizations at no cost.
Special Education ConsultLine: https://odr-pa.org/consultline-contact/
Toll-free service established to serve parents and advocates of children with disabilities. Organizations and agencies that provide support to families of children with disabilities may also use the ConsultLine. This organization provides a direct link to a specialist who will listen to concerns and discuss options about a child’s needs. They will answer questions and explain information about related federal and state laws and discuss options for resolving disagreements about your child’s program. See brochure for more information: https://odr-pa.org/wp-content/uploads/ConsultLine-ENG.pdf
This BEC is designed to clarify procedures concerning the transition of children from Preschool Early Intervention programs to the kindergarten or first grade programs of their school districts of residence or local charter school. This includes how to begin the transition process, preparing for the transition meeting, and planning for re-evaluations and IEPs.
The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, aims to support the growth and learning of the state's youngest children. OCDEL works to create a high-quality early childhood education system with strong standards for programs and professionals. This includes providing support, ensuring accountability, and engaging the community.
https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/early-learning.html
The Preschool Early Intervention program must include this form as an attachment to the Notice Of Your Child’s Transition to School-Age Meeting invitation. The school district or charter school is responsible for reviewing and discussing these options during a student's transition meeting, to be held by the end of February if the family elects to register their child in the school district or charter school.