Special Education — Parent Training and Information Centers. (ALN: 84.328)

Also Known As: Special Education-Training and Information for Parents of Children with Disabilities; Parent Information Centers and Parent Resource Centers; Community Parent Resource Centers.

Program Description 

The IDEA authorizes three types of competitive projects: parent training and information centers, community parent resource centers, and technical assistance for parent centers. The award period for these projects is typically 5 years.

Parent training and information centers must serve parents of children of all ages (birth to 26) and all types of disabilities. Awards are made only to parent organizations as defined by IDEA. The training and information provided by the centers must meet the training and information needs of parents of children with disabilities living in areas served by the centers, particularly underserved parents and parents of children who may be inappropriately identified. At least one award for a parent training and information center must be made in each state, subject to the receipt of acceptable applications. Large and heavily populated states typically have multiple centers that serve designated counties. The parent centers also play an important role in dispute resolution by explaining to parents the benefits of alternative methods of dispute resolution, such as mediation, which states are required, by the IDEA, to make available. Parent center staff attend or facilitate over 1,000 alternative dispute resolution sessions every year. These alternative methods of dispute resolution can help avoid costly litigation. As part of that role, parent centers are required to meet with parents to explain the IDEA-mandated mediation process. In states where parent centers provide this service, they typically do so through contracts with State educational agencies.

Community parent resource centers are parent training and information centers, operated by local parent organizations, that help ensure underserved parents of children with disabilities, including low-income parents, parents of children who are English learners, and parents with disabilities, have the training and information they need to enable them to participate effectively in helping their children. Community parent resource centers are required to establish cooperative partnerships with the parent training and information centers in their states.

Technical assistance is authorized to assist parent training and information centers, including community centers, in areas such as coordinating parent training efforts, disseminating scientifically based research and information, and the effective use of technology. These technical assistance services enhance the capacity of parent centers to serve parents effectively. The Center for Parent Information and Resources network maintains a wide variety of information and materials for parents and professionals, as well as a directory of the parent centers.

In order to receive an award for a parent center, the IDEA requires that applicants must be a parent organization that has a board of directors, the majority of which must consist of parents of children with disabilities. The board must also include individuals with disabilities and individuals working in the fields of special education, related services, or early intervention. The parent and professional members of the board must be broadly representative of the population to be served, including low-income parents and parents of English learners.

Eligible applicants for grants under this program vary depending on the type of project funded.

Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers (CFDA 84.328M)

For Parent Training and Information Centers, parent organizations may apply. A parent organization is a private nonprofit organization (other than an institution of higher education [IHE]) that:

1. has a board of directors:
   1. the majority of whom are parents of children with disabilities ages birth through 26;
   2. that includes:
      1. individuals working in the fields of special education, related services, and early intervention,
      2. individuals with disabilities, and
   3. the parent and professional members of which are broadly representative of the population to be served, including low-income parents of limited English proficient (LEP) children; and
2. has as its mission serving families of children with disabilities who are ages birth through 26, and have the full range of disabilities described in Sec. 602(3) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Community Parent Resource Centers (CFDA: 84.328C)

For Community Parent Resource Centers, local parent organizations may apply. A local parent organization is a parent organization (see above) that has:

1. a board of directors, the majority of whom are parents of children with disabilities ages birth through 26 from the community to be served; and
2. has as its mission serving parents of children with disabilities from that community who:
   1. are ages birth through 26, and
   2. have the full ranges of disabilities (as defined in Sec. 602(3) of IDEA). "Community to be served" refers to a community whose members experience significant isolation from available sources of information and support as a result of cultural, economic, linguistic, or other circumstances deemed appropriate by the secretary of education.

Technical Assistance for Parent Training and Information Centers (CFDA: 84.328R)

For Technical Assistance for Parent Training and Information Centers:

• state education agencies (SEAs);
• local education agencies (LEAs);
• public charter schools that are LEAs under state law; IHEs;
• other public agencies;
• private nonprofit organizations;
• outlying areas (American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands);
• freely associated states;
• Indian tribes or tribal organizations; and
• for-profit organizations

may apply.