BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//SPAN Parent Advocacy Network - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:SPAN Parent Advocacy Network X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://spanadvocacy.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for SPAN Parent Advocacy Network REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20250101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260602T110000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260602T120000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260224T084139Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T192111Z UID:10000139-1780398000-1780401600@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:Basic Rights in Special Education DESCRIPTION:MULTIPLE DATES AVAILABLE \nThis workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities as parents of children with special needs. \nThis workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities as parents of children with special needs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)\, the NJ Code\, and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Parents learn to identify their dreams and goals for their children\, and learn laws and advocacy strategies that will help them help their children reach those goals. Parents of classified children and children who are having difficulty in school\, but may not be classified\, benefit from this training. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dates AvailableMAY 8\, MAY 12\, JUNE 11 \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/basic-rights/2026-06-02/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Program Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mom-spending-time-with-her-black-baby-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260602T183000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260602T193000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260421T145754Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T150051Z UID:10000128-1780425000-1780428600@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:Parent 2 Parent Support Parent Training DESCRIPTION:Parents/Caregivers will train to be volunteers for social/emotional supports.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/parent-2-parent-support-parent-training/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Program Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/two-creative-women-partners-discussing-ideas-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260602T190000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260602T200000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260420T164415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T161829Z UID:10000141-1780426800-1780430400@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:Look to the Future: Transition from School to Adult Life DESCRIPTION:This workshop will discuss issues relating to transitioning from school to adult life\, identifying outcomes\, and developing goals as part of the IEP process. Parents and students will become knowledgeable regarding resources in the community in order to build linkages and ensure a dignified life as contributing citizens. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/look-to-the-future-transition-from-school-to-adult-life-2/2026-06-02/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Program Trainings,Transition from School to Adult Life,Youth Engagement ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/roommates-sharing-happy-moments-together.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260603T161500 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260603T171500 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260312T173926Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T174601Z UID:10000106-1780503300-1780506900@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:The SPAN Youth Chat for Ages 14-26 DESCRIPTION:SPAN Youth Chats is a community of youth supporting youth\, monthly\, hearing from professionals and SPAN staff on empowerment in daily living \n\n\n\n\nOn March 4th\, join Jeremy Hayer and the SPAN Youth Engagement Team for a presentation on Assistive Technology\, exploring practical tools and strategies that support independence\, learning\, and everyday success. \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/the-span-youth-chat-for-ages-14-26-2/2026-06-03/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Youth Engagement ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/span-youth-chat.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260603T190000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260603T200000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260420T173108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T192427Z UID:10000123-1780513200-1780516800@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:Creating Agreement: Working Together to Resolve Conflict DESCRIPTION:This workshop will focus on helping parents and professionals “create agreement” and avoid\, minimize\, or appropriately address conflict in the IFSP and IEP process. Participants will: 1. explore the benefits and challenges of parent-professional collaboration2. learn best practices for creating agreement\, addressing power imbalances\, and implementing cultural reciprocity3. learn how to “create agreement” with others in your district \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/creating-agreement-working-together-to-resolve-conflict/2026-06-03/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Youth Engagement ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/diverse-girl-boy-meet-homework.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260609T190000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260609T200000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260319T210339Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T162200Z UID:10000108-1781031600-1781035200@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:AAC Overview DESCRIPTION:Training Objectives\nThis session is designed to help parents and families1. Gain a clear understanding of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and how it can support children with communication needs.2. Explore the different types of AAC and discuss how families can use these supports during everyday routines at home\, in the community\, and in school.3. Understanding what AAC is\, how it works\, and how it can help their child’s communication\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/aac-overview/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Program Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/computer-keyboard-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260611T110000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260611T123000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260224T084139Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T192111Z UID:10000122-1781175600-1781181000@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:Basic Rights in Special Education DESCRIPTION:MULTIPLE DATES AVAILABLE \nThis workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities as parents of children with special needs. \nThis workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities as parents of children with special needs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)\, the NJ Code\, and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Parents learn to identify their dreams and goals for their children\, and learn laws and advocacy strategies that will help them help their children reach those goals. Parents of classified children and children who are having difficulty in school\, but may not be classified\, benefit from this training. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dates AvailableMAY 8\, MAY 12\, JUNE 11 \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/basic-rights/2026-06-11/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Program Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mom-spending-time-with-her-black-baby-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260616T120000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260616T130000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260506T185930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T190612Z UID:10000135-1781611200-1781614800@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn: Understanding the School Budget DESCRIPTION:Lunch & Learn: Understanding the School BudgetPresented by: New Jersey Family Engagement Hub &Paterson Education Fund \n\nAsking the Right Questions\nUnderstanding the School Budget\nParent Advocacy\nMeeting Facilitation\n\nTuesday\, June 16\, 2026The New Jersey Family Engagement Hub is a project of SPAN funded by the U.S. Department of Education. \nPEF Workshops 2026 Decode school budget numbers to understand district  priorities and how they impact your child’s education. \nNurturing bonds for a brighter future12:00 PM to 1:00 PM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/understanding-the-school-budget/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Family Engagement ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/june-16-event.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260709T093000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260730T120000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260429T130019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T144520Z UID:10000131-1783589400-1785412800@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:Capacitación de Padres de Recursos de SPAN (SRP\, por sus siglas en inglés) Verano 2026 DESCRIPTION:Los Participantes podrán aprenderacerca de: \n\nLas leyes yregulaciones \nEl proceso de Educación Especial Estrategiaspara\ntrabajarefectivamente con el equipoescolar\nLas dinámicas de los sistemas queprestan servicio a los niñoscondiscapacidadesy necesidadesespeciales desalud.\n\nAuto Defensores\, Padres\, Cuidadores de la salud y Profesionales están invitados a participar. La capacitación es gratuita si los participantes se comprometen a realizar 30 horas de voluntariado al finalizar la capacitación. \nHay un pago de 350 dólares para aquellos que no deseen servoluntarios. \n \n Haga clic aquí para registrarse aesteevento\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Las sesiones se llevarán a cabo los martes y jueves\, de 9:30 a. m. a 12:00 p. m.\, en las siguientes fechas de julio: \nJueves\, 9 de julio -Sesión virtual 1Martes\, 14 de julio -Sesión virtual 2Jueves\, 16 de julio -Sesión virtual 3Martes\, 21 de julio -Sesión virtual 4Jueves\, 23 de julio -Sesión virtual 5Martes\, 28 de julio -Sesión virtual 6Jueves\, 30 de julio – Sesión virtual 7 URL:/event/capacitacion-de-padres-de-recursos-de-span/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Program Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/srp-summer-2026-spanish-cover.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260709T093000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260730T120000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260429T130049Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T144623Z UID:10000130-1783589400-1785412800@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:2026 SPAN Resource Parent (SRP) - Virtual (SUMMER) DESCRIPTION: Participants learn about:• Laws and regulations• Special education processes• Strategies for working effectively with the school team• Dynamics of systems that serve children with disabilities and special health care needs \nSelf-Advocates\, Parents\, Caregivers and Professionals are welcome to participate. The training is free for participants who agree to volunteer for 30 hours upon completion. \nThere is a $350 fee for those who do not wish to volunteer.​ \n \n REGISTER\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The sessions will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am to 12 pm on the following dates in July: \nThursday\, July 9 – Virtual Session 1Tuesday\, July 14 – Virtual Session 2Thursday\, July 16- Virtual Session 3Tuesday\, July 21 – Virtual Session 4Thursday\, July 23 – Virtual Session 5Tuesday\, July 28- Virtual Session 6Thursday\, July 30 -Virtual Session 7 URL:/event/2026-span-resource-parent-srp-virtual-summer/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Program Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Summer-South_SRP-English.-COVER.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260714T183000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260714T193000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260414T000711Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T151836Z UID:10000112-1784053800-1784057400@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:All Kids Belong: The Importance of LRE/ Inclusion DESCRIPTION:This workshop provides participants with a description of the essential components of an Individualized Education Plan. As a result of this workshop\, participants will be able to:1. Read and understand an IEP document\, 2. Effectively participate in IEP meetings and3. Address IEP concerns/issues in a proactive and positive way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/all-kids-belong-the-importance-of-lre-inclusion/2026-07-14/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Family Engagement ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/All-Kids-Belong-The-Importance-of-LRE-Inclusion-image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260715T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260715T110000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260421T142433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T142821Z UID:10000124-1784109600-1784113200@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:From Measurable Goals to Making Progress DESCRIPTION:Through this workshop\, parents and professionals will:1. Learn strategies to create IEPs with measurable annual goals and objectives as well as the required information regarding student progress.2. Receive step-by-step guidance in writing measurable goals to meet student needs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/from-measurable-goals-to-making-progress/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Education ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/colleagues-studying-together-exam-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260722T153000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260722T163000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260529T153001Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T153012Z UID:10000142-1784734200-1784737800@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:A Strengths-based Approach to Teaching DESCRIPTION:Learn how a strengths-based approach helps educators build trust\, motivation\, and engagement by identifying and leveraging what students do well\, especially those who struggle most.\n \nShift from deficit-based thinking to strength-based noticing without minimizing challenges or expectations.\n \nIdentify and name student strengths\, academic\, social\, emotional\, and behavioral\, in authentic\, meaningful ways.\n \nUse strengths to support growth\, regulation\, and problem-solving\, particularly for students who feel discouraged or disconnected.\n \nReframe behavior and learning challenges as skill gaps rather than character flaws.\n \nCreate classroom practices and language that help students see themselves as capable\, valued contributors.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/a-strengths-based-approach-to-teaching/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Family Engagement ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/46936.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260722T183000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260722T193000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260224T092515Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T143837Z UID:10000127-1784745000-1784748600@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:Positive Behavior Support: Addressing Challenging Behavior DESCRIPTION:Better understand the functions of behaviorIncrease knowledge of positive behavioral interventions and supportsLearn strategies that encourage/increase desirable behavior \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dates AvailableApril 15\, 2026 (in-person)July 22\, 2026 (virtual) \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/positive-behavior-support-addressing-challenging-behavior/2026-07-22/ LOCATION:Location\, 231 Blackhorse Ln\, 2nd floor\, Monmouth Junction\, NJ\, 08852\, United States CATEGORIES:Program Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/preschool-children-with-teachers-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260729T120000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260729T133000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260529T161546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T161557Z UID:10000143-1785326400-1785331800@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:Employment Success for Young Adults: The Secret Is Families DESCRIPTION:– Explore what families partnering with career services or vocational rehabilitation counselors can look like– Learn how including families is part of person-centered planning– Offer ready-to-use tools and practices to prepare young adults\, caregivers\, and professionals to work together \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/employment-success-for-young-adults-the-secret-is-families/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Transition from School to Adult Life ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/african-american-woman-receiving-cv-after-job-application-waiting-company-office-lobby-start-job-interview-meeting-candidate-with-resume-feeling-nervous-about-employment-opportunity-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260805T110000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260805T120000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260420T173108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T192427Z UID:10000140-1785927600-1785931200@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:Creating Agreement: Working Together to Resolve Conflict DESCRIPTION:This workshop will focus on helping parents and professionals “create agreement” and avoid\, minimize\, or appropriately address conflict in the IFSP and IEP process. Participants will: 1. explore the benefits and challenges of parent-professional collaboration2. learn best practices for creating agreement\, addressing power imbalances\, and implementing cultural reciprocity3. learn how to “create agreement” with others in your district \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/creating-agreement-working-together-to-resolve-conflict/2026-08-05/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Youth Engagement ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/diverse-girl-boy-meet-homework.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260812T103000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260812T140000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260529T164545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T164554Z UID:10000144-1786530600-1786543200@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:The Parents as Champions (PAC) Learning Series (In-Person) DESCRIPTION:This enhanced PAC series focuses on two key pillars of student success\, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Literacy\, woven throughout the entire series.\n \nBy strengthening these areas\, the series equips families with practical tools and strategies to support children’s academic\, social\, and emotional growth at home and in school.\n \nJoin us as we grow a community of informed\, confident\, and engaged parent leaders.\n \nAttendance at all three sessions is required to receive a certificate of completion\, and participants who successfully complete the series will be awarded a National Association for Family\, School\, and Community Engagement membership.\n \nNAFSCE is the only professional association dedicated solely to those who spend each and every day making family engagement happen-and strive to engage all families in the development of their children. \nLearn more about NAFSCE by visiting: https://nafsce.org/\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/the-parents-as-champions-pac-learning-series/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Program Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/students-sitting-floor-with-laptop-looking-friends-telling-them-something-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260924T190000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260924T200000 DTSTAMP:20260530T073636 CREATED:20260414T002515Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T152950Z UID:10000114-1790276400-1790280000@spanadvocacy.org SUMMARY:Assistive Technology Consideration in the IEP DESCRIPTION:This session is designed to help parents understand how Assistive Technology (AT) is considered during the IEP process and what it means for their child. Participants will learn about:1. Evidence based best practices that teams use to decide whether a student may benefit from AT2. The types of tools and supports that can be explored3. How decisions are documented in the IEP. From this session parents will feel more confident navigating the AT consideration process and advocating for appropriate support. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER URL:/event/assistive-technology-consideration-in-the-iep/ LOCATION:Virtual\, United States CATEGORIES:Program Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/teenage-girl-helping-little-sister-using-tablet-online-school-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR