A Message from Elena Sanchez, Executive Director

Dear Families, Friends, Professionals and Community Members,
We want to welcome the new school year 2020-2021, with special recognition to our children, parents, and teachers.  We hope that you and your loved ones remain safe during these very challenging times. This school year comes to us with new technological strategies, new ways of thinking and new educational opportunities. As we continue dealing with the coronavirus pandemic's ongoing struggles, one thing remains constant: The value of collaborating with parents.  
Here at Parents’ Place, we welcome the new school year with an exciting, free-virtual training for our families and community, our very own 31st Annual Disabilities/Possibilities Seminar. This year our seminar is titled “Supporting Families, Caregivers and Professionals of children with Special Needs During Uncertain Times." Our speaker Laura Counts, MA from the Child Development Institute in  Reseda, CA, will also present on navigating the Early Start to school district transition process.      Moreover, she will be focusing on understanding the complex family/caregiver needs and the importance of managing stress during the quarantine. Please register on the link here:            https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvd-6tpzkoHdR2ray2AptYT8MTjT0lXkNb
As students head back to school either in person or distance learning, there might be questions that parents have about their parental rights under Individual Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Please join us for a training on Special Education and COVID-19 on Oct. 21, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. presented by Disability Rights California. 
Our Chinese speaking support group will host a special training via Zoom for families who speak    Mandarin about Apps for Social and Life Skills on Oct. 27, 2020 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Our special gratitude goes out to Dr. Scott Turner, Director of the ESGV/SELPA, for sharing a dialogue via ZOOM with families of the English-Speaking support group REACH about distance learning and resources. If you would like to receive a copy of the PowerPoint presented that day, please contact us at empower@parentsplacefrc.com. 
 Every year with a collaboration with the West Covina Fire Department and the Baldwin Park CHP, we have provided toys for children and young adults who have special needs and participate in our support groups. Due to the Coronavirus, our Holiday Toy Giveaway is uncertain. We are asking organizations or     individuals who wish to donate a new toy to provide your assistance in helping make this holiday season brighter for our families served. 
Finally, we are excited to announce a new partnership with the San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center.  Mr. Anthony Hill, Esq. and his dedicated team has partnered with Parents' Place to establish a Technology Lending Library Program for Regional Center service recipients. Together, we will have technology devices/iPads through our lending program. On a case by case basis, Parents' Place might also assist with internet connectivity. This much-needed program is in its inception stages; however, if you are on our email list, you will receive details of the Technology Lending Library as soon as we have it up and running http://www.parentsplacefrc.com/newsletter.html. Thank you, SGPRC, for advocating for technology accessibility on behalf of our families and community. 
If you are seeking support or if you are interested in attending a specific training during this distance learning, please reach out to us at 626-919-1091 or empower@parentsplacefrc.com. We welcome your suggestions. ~ Remember to allow yourself space to rest and recharge. On behalf of Parents’ Place Board of Directors, staff and myself, we wish you stay safe and healthy on this new school year 2020-2021.