FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER

Month of May 2026

AUTISM AND NUTRITION: LOOKING AT THE FACTS 

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Virtual Event - Free

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Saturday, May 9, 2026

MCPS Spring Special Eduation Resource Fair

Month of April 2026

DEAF & HARD-OF-HEARING PLAYGROUP AT PLAY STREET MUSEUM

Friday, April 10, 2026 12:30-2:00 p.m.  | Free Event

Play Street Museum

8865 Stanford Blvd Suite 113, Columbia, MD

Join Maryland/DC Hands & Voices at the Play Street Museum for a private playgroup. Up to 20 children can attend, so RSVP to reserve your ticket. This event is for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their siblings, ages 2 to 8. Visit registration page. Please call or text Dylan at 443-367-8324 or email at conroyde.law@gmail.com if you have any questions or need to update your RSVP. Sponsored by Maryland/DC Hands & Voices.

Family Resources 

• Annual Notification on Implementing Equivalent Access for Students with Disabilities (Md. Code, Educ. § 7-910)
• Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) website has monthly meeting agendas, links to our monthly virtual SECAC meetings, and an archive of videos and presentations
• MCPS Parent Academy has workshops that provide families with useful information and resources to support their children's academic and emotional well-being, as well as help them to be college and career ready.
• The ALO Brochure was created to help parents understand what it means when a student is being instructed and assessed on Alternate Learning Outcomes (ALO).
• MCPS Annual Special Education Summit for Parents/Guardians - Video Presentations & Slides
• MSDE Family Support Section of the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch, responds to parent inquiries, assists parents with navigating Maryland's early intervention and special education systems, and provides parents with school system resources.
• Local Family Support is provided by the Department of Special Education Services. Information is listed below.
• MCPS Compliance Manual
• Assistive Technology Guide for IEP Teams
• Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services
• Student, Family, and School Services
• Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey
• What an IEP Contains - English | español | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | 中文 | français | አማርኛ      Explanation of the contents of the IEP which corresponds to the pages in your child’s IEP.  Select the hyperlinks within the .pdf document to view the corresponding IEP page(s).
• Introduction to Secondary Transition Services - Workshop Presentation - 3/13/19 
• Parents'/Guardians' Workshop Presentation - 12/5/2018
• Parents'/Guardians' Guide to an Initial Evaluation IEP Team Meeting: English | español | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | 中文 | français | አማርኛ
• Parents'/Guardians' Guide to an IEP Development/Review Team Meeting: English | español | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | 中文 | français | አማርኛ
• Parents'/Guardians' Guide to a Reevaluation IEP Team Meeting: English | español | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | 中文 | français | አማርኛ
• Video: What happens prior to IEP meetings and parent involvement in the IEP process
• Understanding IEP Goals and Monitoring Your Child's Success - Parent Workshop- 2/28/2018
• 5 Tips to Maximize Your Involvement in the IEP Process:English | español | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | 中文 | français | አማርኛ
• Parent Information about Grading & Reporting for Students with Disabilities
• Maryland Learning Links
• Maryland State Department of Education
• Partnership for Extraordinary Minds
• Autism Society Montgomery County
• Learning Disabilities Association of America
• Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE)
• Join our MCPS Special Education Facebook Page

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AUTISM SOCIETY OF MARYLAND (AUSOM)

Coordinadora de Recursos en Español
Special education resources for all students with IEPs, IFSPs, and 504 Plans 
1:1 special education consultations for any disability
Online resources in Spanish, Korean, and Chinese 
For information, visit https://autismsocietymd.org/special-ed-resources/
Events and Activities: 
Among Friends with Autism Play Group/Entre Amigos Con Autismo Play Group
Family Support Group
Navigating the Autism Journey Family Support Group
Grupo de Apoyo para Padres Latinos, tercer lunes del mes
Adult Social Group for independent adults age 24+ 
Yoga for Children, Teens & Adults 
Social events for individuals and families 
Visit the event calendar at https://autismsocietymd.org/events/ 
Other Services and Initiatives: 
1:1 family navigator support for autism families with additional needs
Emergency small grants
Autism Hiring Program
911 Address Flagging Program
AAC communication boards in playgrounds and public libraries 
For information, visit https://autismsocietymd.org/ or contact AUSOM at info@AutismSocietyMD.org or 410-290-3466 
Services are free

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COORDINATING CENTER 

Using person-centered philosophy and approach, we work with individuals and their families to achieve their aspirations for independence, health, and a meaningful life. We help navigate complex systems and connect individuals with the necessary supports and services to thrive at home and in their communities. Services include:
•Help coordinate and participate in medical appointments
•Ensure communication with and among the medical home team is clear, frequent, and timely
•Attend IEP meetings
•Anticipate, prepare, and plan for all transitions including early intervention to school, hospital to home, pediatric care to adult health care and other services for adults in the community
•Educate children, youth, and families on self-management skills
•Provide community resources
Virtual Cup of Joe parent meetup monthly to share experiences and learn more about the Coordinating Center. Programs and services include Autism Waiver, Model Waiver Program, Rare and Expensive Case Management Program (REM) and DDA Services. 
www.coordinatingcenter.org
Services are free

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DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF MARYLAND

DSAmd offers a variety of online, on demand and in person events, including:
Workshops for Parents and Caregivers
Youth Friends Hangout
Sibling Support Group
Cooking Class|
"Fireside" Chat for Black Families
Improviser Class
Young Adult Hangout
Self-Advocate Circle 
Dance Class
B-5 Resource Hour
Parenting a Child with Complex Behaviors Support Group
For more information about any of these events, or to register, please visit dsamd.org/events. For more information about DSAmd visit dsamd.org
Services are free

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GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE ANNAPOLIS 

129 Lubrano Drive, L-104, Annapolis, MD

Part of the International Down Syndrome Achievement Center network, GiGi’s offers educational, therapeutic, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Programs are available for all age groups, both virtual and in person. https://gigisplayhouse.org/annapolis/  

Services are free

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MARYLAND COALITION OF FAMILIES 

Help for parents of young children 

Support for families of children with behavioral health needs 

Help for children and adults with substance issues

Services include:

Workshops and events

Support groups for families 

Community resources

Accept your child/loved one without feeling judged, openly talk about the challenges of parenting a child with unique needs, understand development and know what to expect, advocate for your child’s/loved one’s needs, connect with other families who know what you’re going through. http://www.mdcoalition.org/

Services are free

MSDE Parent Information Series

MSDE is proud to partner with families through the publication of their new Parent Information Series. These booklets provide essential information for families of students with disabilities from ages 3 through 21 on important topics that increase collaboration between home and school in planning for their child's education.

New! A Companion Guide to the Alternate Education Framework

MSDE is pleased to offer the latest in our Parent Information Series, A Companion Guide to the Alternate Education Framework. This guide provides information for families to better understand IEP team decisions around participating in the alternate state assessments and alternate academic achievement standards for our students with significant cognitive disabilities. We hope that this information assists our families in ensuring they have what they need to fully participate as equal partners in the decision making process.

Download the Booklet  |  Spanish Version

Special Education Process - Guide 1

The first booklet in the series takes the parent from referral through evaluation and eligibility determination. This booklet provides tips for the parent to understand their role in order to actively participate at each meeting for each process.

Download the Booklet  |  Spanish Version

Parental Rights - Guide 2

The second booklet in the series discusses some of the key elements in the Procedural Safeguards/Parental Rights Handbook that parents are given during annual review and other IEP team meetings. It explains their legal rights in clear terms and is a companion (not replacement) to the larger Brochure.

Download the Booklet  |  Spanish Version

Understanding the IEP - Guide 3

This booklet takes parents through each section of the IEP and briefly explains what should be there and why. There are some legal requirements explained, as well as things the parent should expect from their IEP teams.

Download the Booklet  |  Spanish Version

Secondary Transition - Guide 4

The final booklet in the series provides parents with information about secondary transition. It is fairly comprehensive and includes information about other agencies and services that students may engage with once they leave high school. It also provides parents and students with tips and steps that they can take to facilitate this important transition.

Download the Booklet  |  Spanish Version

Contact: Alison Barmat
Department of Early Intervention/Special Education Services
Office: (410) 767-7770
alison.barmat@maryland.gov

Organizations, Academies, and Programs

The Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County (DSNMC)

https://dsnmc.org/

The Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County serves individuals with Down syndrome and their families in Montgomery County, MD and the surrounding region.

The DSNMC helps people with Down syndrome lead self-determined lives. They do this through education and support programs, advocacy, and initiatives that span the lives of individuals with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood. 

They also provide information and support to professionals who work with individuals with Down syndrome.

Partnership for Extraordinary Minds- xMinds

https://xminds.org/about

xMinds is a collaborative partnership of parents, educators, and service providers working together to improve the educational experience and outcomes for autistic students in Pre-K–12 education in Montgomery County, MD.

Maryland Coalition of Families 

https://www.mdcoalition.org/

Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) is a state-wide nonprofit dedicated to connecting, supporting and empowering families who are experiencing behavioral health challenges. 

They also advocate to improve services and systems that impact individuals with behavioral health challenges and to reduce stigma related to behavioral health.

Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC)

SECAC is comprised of parents/guardians, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) staff members, and representatives of Montgomery County community groups that advocate for students with special needs and serve to advocate for, and advise, the Office of Special Education.

SECAC hosts a 2-hour meeting each month, open to everyone. Parents, families, advocates, educators are all encouraged to participate each month through the academic year.

Parent Academy - To Go

As our school district continues to navigate through COVID-19, we want our families and students to remain engaged with us throughout the school year. Student, Family and School Services is very excited to provide "Parent Academy TO GO," a series of virtual presentations for families to participate and view at home.  

Parent Academy TO GO is designed to inform and empower families as advocates and partners in their children's education. Workshops provide families with useful information and resources to support their children's academic and emotional well-being, as well as help them to be college and career ready. Through a variety of learning opportunities hosted by MCPS staff and community partners, we hope to strengthen our engagement with families and the community. We recognize that behind every successful student are supportive families, teachers, school staff and community members who take an active role in educating our students.

What parental rights do I have regarding the IEP? 

The Maryland State Department of Education has developed Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services Parent’s Guide to Understanding Your Individualized Education Program (IEP) Rights and Responsibilities in Maryland which summarizes all rights that parents have such as notice, disagreement, participation, and copies of certain documentation.

If you have further questions regarding your parental rights, you may refer to the Parental Rights, Maryland Procedural Safeguards Notice, contact your child’s case manager at the school, or contact the Resolution and Compliance Unit at 240-740-3230.

Resolution and Compliance Unit

MSDE Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch

MSDE Family Support Section of the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch, responds to parent inquiries, assists parents with navigating Maryland's early intervention and special education systems, and provides parents with school system resources.

Special Education State Complaint Resolution Procedures

State Complaint Form (Birth - 3 Individualized Family Service Plan or 4 if extended Individualized Family Service Plan)

State Complaint Form (3 - 21 Individualized Family Service Program)

Request for Mediation/Due Process Form

Listing of Free or Low Cost Assistance for Special Education Disputes

Parent Information Series on Procedural Safeguards

Procedural Safeguards/Parent Rights Brochure

A Parent’s Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education State Complaints

A Parent's Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education Mediation

A Parent's Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education Due Process Complaints

IDEA Dispute Resolution Processes Comparison Chart