Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIC) are federally funded to provide support, education, and training to families and students, birth to 26, seeking or navigating Special Education programs and services. In Illinois, Family Matters is the PTIC serving the entire state. Staffed with parents of children with disabilities, information specialists and trainers provide individualized support, workshops, webinars, help with early intervention and school service plans, and connect families to local and state resources. Follow their Facebook page for the latest information and trainings – https://www.facebook.com/FamilyMattersPTIC.
Family Matters provides:
- Disability-related information
- IEP coaching
- Referrals
- Linkage to community resources
- Telephone and email consultation regarding individual issues
- Parent trainings and teleconferences (also available in Spanish upon request)
- Training for professionals and support staff
- Informational packets on special education issues
- Educational record reviews
- Parent-to-parent support
In addition, Family Matters can provide training on the following topics:
- Special education rights and responsibilities
- IEP planning and participation
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- Every Student Succeeds Act
- Alternate assessments
- Behavior and discipline
- Parent / school collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Transition from early intervention to early childhood services
- Other topics upon request