Special Education & Family Support

MAKING THE FUTURE MORE SECURE FOR LOVED ONES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Tuesday, October 27, 2026 6:00 p.m. Virtual Event Gaining more peace of mind regarding “What will happen when I’m gone?” by learning how to most effectively support your loved ones. Join Donald T. Brown, ChFC, ChSNC, of Special Needs Funding Coach to discuss: • Protecting eligibility for government benefits • The basics of special needs trusts and ABLE accounts • Writing a letter of intent Information will be presented in a practical, easy to understand way. Questions are welcome. Visit registration page. This event is sponsored by HCPSS and aligns with the questions about the school system offering training about special education issues and providing information on agencies that can assist in the transition from school on the MDSE Parent Involvement Survey that is sent to families of students with an IEP or IFSP annually. Free

NAMI BASICS Tuesdays, September 29 to November 3, 2026 6:30-9:00 p.m. Virtual Event This 6-session educational program is for parents, caregivers and other family members who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. The course is confidential and led by trained parents with lived experiences and includes: Basics of mental illness, diagnosis, and treatment advances Overview of treatment options for your child Coping strategies for families and caregivers Tools for success: communication, problem-solving Visit interest form. namihowardcountymd.org For more information or to register, please email . Sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Howard County. Free

POSITIVE SOLUTIONS FOR FAMILIES Wednesdays, September 30 to November 4, 2026 6:30-8:00 p.m. Virtual Event Positive Solutions for Families is an evidence-based, family-friendly workshop series to promote positive and effective parenting behaviors. During this interactive workshop, parents of children birth-5 with an IFSP or IEP will: Learn how to support their child’s social and emotional skills Identify the connection between positive relationships, play, and behavior Discover the importance of using routines and transitions Understand why challenging behaviors occur and how to address them Connect with other families and get free resources Visit registration page . For more information please contact . Facilitated by the HCPSS Office of Early Childhood Special Education. This event aligns with the question about the school or school system offering training about special education issues and being connected with other families for mutual support on the MDSE parent survey that is sent to families of students with an IEP or IFSP annually. Free