The U.S. Department of Education announced today nearly $14 million in five-year grants to operate 40 parent training and information centers to assist America’s families of children with disabilities.
The centers will provide parents with details and assistance on laws, policies and research-based education practices for children with disabilities. They will inform parents how data can be used to guide instruction; how to interpret results from evaluations and assessments; and ways to effectively engage in school reform activities.
"Parents are crucial to their child’s readiness to learn at every step of the education pipeline,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “These centers will work on behalf of parents to help their children with disabilities achieve their academic potential."
The parent center grants currently funded by the Department of Education promote effective education of infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities by strengthening the role and responsibility of parents and ensuring they have meaningful opportunities to participate in their children’s education.
The grants are being funded by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
