PEATC has been instrumental in helping our elementary schools improve outreach to our culturally diverse families. The link between home and school is so important, and the PEATC faciliatators are helping us assess needs, pool resources, and increase parent involvement.
PEATC has been an invaluable asset in helping our county begin a campaign to promote more parental involvement with our local schools. They have helped us rewrite our school compacts and were instrumental in the forming of parent and teacher surveys to help pinpoint the necessary areas needing improvement. They have also helped provide presentations to parents on how to help their children with homework, how to prepare their children for testing, and how to have a successful parent/teacher conference. These presentations were presented in English and Spanish in order to meet the needs of our diverse community. The PEATC representatives have also helped us translate some of our materials into Spanish to help better communicate with our Hispanic families. Their help is all geared toward helping the school/family relationship.
I am a Hispanic parent and my child is at Palmer Elementary School, three times Mr. Cesar Clavijo came to the school to provided us with workshops about Homework, Testing skills, and reading. He was patiente and took all the time to explain to us and deliver the workshops the best way possible. Today i am a better parent thanks to PEATC and Mr. Clavijo
PEATC is wonderful organization and we need to help build the bridge between parents and teachers. Parents are so confused and need support with IEP's and other questions. PEATC is a best practice and something that needs to be emulated across the country. I am a BIG fan of PEATC.
I've had the privilege to serve on the board of PEATC for the last three years and recently took on the role of board president. My dedication to this organization stems from the fact that I am a parent of a special needs child and although I can successfully advocate on her behalf, I know that there are parents out there that are not as prepared to advocate for their children as my wife and I. The education system and the services that are available to us can sometimes be difficult to navigate and access. An organization like PEATC not only assists parents in need, but also works with the school administrators and educators to build more collaborative relationships. This not only benefits the students but the school systems as well. Taking what can be a very “hostile” situation down to a level of civility and productiveness. PEATC’s reach is long and wide, with responsibility for the entire state of Virginia. It has also serviced the state of Illinois. Support to an organization like PEATC has a tremendous impact on the children of Virginia and their ability to have a positive impact in both their schools and the community at large. Consider supporting this great organization.
PEATC is a wonderful organization that offers great assistance to families of students with disabilities via one on one assistance and through community workshops and events statewide. Navigating the process to obtain service for children with special needs is not an easy thing for most parents - but PEATC is there for them. They provide answers and are there for them every step of the way if necessary. The staff is dedicated and very passionate about what they do. They help to equip families with knowledge so that their child experiences all of the opportunities and resources available to them. I am proud to serve on the Board of such a wonderful organization!
I have been working with PEATC first as parent, then as a professional since 1994. They have always provided great resources and information on a variety of topics - and in my case for parents of children with disabilities. I always liked the thought of working with the schools as a partner rather than an adversary, and this is exactly what PEATC promotes. Problems can be worked out much more effectively this way. As a professional, I have participated in several trainings with PEATC and have included them as guest speakers in our community. They are always willing to help out in any area of the state. What a great service to the families of Virginia.
PEATC is an organization that makes a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. PEATC staff are passionate, dedicated and determined to equip families with knowledge so that their family member can experience all of the opportunities and resources available to them. Navigating the disability 'system' is no easy task - but PEATC provides answers, opens doors, and empowers people. I am proud to serve on the Board of such a fabulous organziation.
For any family facing challenges with their child with disabilities, it has a dedicated staff to help support and guide them, especially working with the school system. Multiple cultures and languages are supported and all areas of Virginia are reached!
PEATC helped me to be the best advocate for my child! They were so caring and compassionate and gave me the information I needed to help my child. Just when I thought there was no hope for me to work with my child's school, PEATC taught me how to work together as a team with the school so that my child would be better served! Thank you so much, PEATC! I couldn't have done it without you!
PEATC strives to serve families who are navigating the Special Education maze. Offering current, valid and relevant resources is only one aspect of PEATC. The knowledgeable staff (who also each have a child with special needs) lends an empathetic ear to those seeking information and resources. I would highly recommend PEATC and Parent Training and Information Centers in general.
The PEATC offers a strong variety of truly educational and supportive programs for parents of children with special needs. I am consistently amazed by the depth and breadth of programs offered. That such education is made available to the community -- and at no charge -- is of incredible value. Not everyone can afford private therapists, doctors, etc. The PEATC is an invaluable resource for us all.
I feel that PEATC cuts across disciplines to support families in their efforts to secure the best possible educational experiences for their children. I was excited to learn that they secured the PIRC responsibilities for the state of VA and disappointed when it was gone. I do hope that they will continue to expand their influence in both the early childhood, disability and general education communities.