Get One-on-One Support at Parent Resource Center
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By Tammy Lane

Too often, families of children with special needs feel isolated or adrift, unsure of where to turn.

But for families in Fayette County public schools, the Parent Resource Center can provide one-on-one support and crucial resources as they navigate the often confusing waters of government agencies and community services.

“I really don’t think parents know what is available to them,” Resource Center coordinator Stella Smith said.

“We are here to help them through the sometimes difficult process of finding answers to the many questions they have when raising a child with special needs.

The center, run by Smith and Anita Jones, is in room 302 of the annex behind the school district offices at 701 East Main Street.

This hub offers a lending library, printed resources, free workshops, and an electronic newsletter with information about upcoming seminars and events.

During the summer, the Parent Resource Center provides a list of summer camps that are designed to accommodate children with special needs. This listing is usually available the first part of April.

The Center also offers free “lunchshops” related to various disabilities. Topics scheduled for 2010 include:

“Transition Issues: High School to Post Secondary” (Feb. 23).

“Autism: Trying to Put the Puzzle Pieces in Place for Parents” (March 16).

“Transition Issues: Elementary to Middle.” (April 13).

The lunchshops are free, run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the College for Technical Education, 1165 Centre Parkway and lunch is provided. (Info: 381-4229.)

The Parent Resource Center also sponsors a support group for families. It is not disability-specific, so all families may attend.

At the kickoff meeting, Kevin McManis from Protection and Advocacy discussed the Michele P. Waiver. For more information, visit http://chfs.ky.gov/dms/mpw.htm.

Other resources offered by the Parent Resource Center include educating families on the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process and negotiating at their ARC (Admissions and Release Committee) meeting.

Rachel Baker, a special education administrator for Fayette County Public Schools, wants parents to feel comfortable as their children move through the school system.

Even after high school, young adults sometimes call upon teachers, counselors and other resource folks who helped them along the way.

“It’s kind of ongoing. They never leave us in a lot of ways,” said Baker, who is gratified by the long-term effects of her efforts.

Smith, whose 13-year-old son was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome as a baby, can identify with other families.

“I understand the struggles that parents face, just dealing with the day-to-day decisions of our child’s education and the transition into adulthood,” she said.

Smith recently received the Betty Triplett Award from the Kentucky Partnership for Families and Children (http://www.kypartnership.net/).

“I’m available to help in any way that I can. Helping families is not just a job for me… it is my passion!”

Info: www.fcps.net/prc or 381-4229.
stella.smith@fayette.kyschools.us
anita.jones@fayette.kyschools.us

Tammy L. Lane is a communications specialist with Fayette County Public Schools