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Parent Member Trainings

Have you ever considered becoming a parent member for the Committee on Special Education (CSE) in your school district? Do you know what a parent member is and what role they play at a CSE meeting? 

A parent member of the CSE is a parent of a child with a disability who lives in the school district or a neighboring school district. They are at the meeting to support the parents/guardians and to help insure that the focus of the meeting is on the child. A parent member of the CSE should not be confused with a Parent Advocate (Parent Advocates receive much more in-depth training in things such as special education laws). 

The role of the Parent Member at a Committee meeting is to:
  • Advocate for the child’s needs
  • Support the parent(s) and explain the process as needed
  • Provide feedback from a parent’s point of view
  • Seek clarification and explain to the parent as needed
  • Participate in decisions as an equal member of the committee

Parent Network of WNY has collaborated with the Early Childhood Direction Center and the Regional Special Education Technical Assistance Support Center to develop a workshop for parents and parent members. This workshop teaches participants the steps to the special education process and helps them understand a child’s special education rights. They learn what to expect at a CSE meeting and how to advocate for their child. Participants receive tips and tools to become more involved in the planning of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to insure it is truly individualized to fit a student’s needs. This workshop is open to everyone interested in the Special Education process. At the end of the workshop, participants receive a certificate of attendance which they can then take to their school district as proof of receiving the knowledge necessary to be an effective parent member on the CSE.
  • For a schedule of upcoming Parent Member Trainings, click here.
  • For Frequently Asked Questions about becoming a Parent Member, click here.
  • For Tips for a CSE Parent Member, click here.
  • For Effective Practices for CSE Meetings, click here.