Education Advocacy workshop at Malloy Jordan

Last week, Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina (CLC) hosted our first stand-alone Education Advocacy Program (EAP) workshop. Throughout the school year, we have partnered with agencies across the county to hold similar events for their constituents, but this was our first opportunity to engage with the broader community. The workshop was led by EAP Director Hayley Lampkin Blyth and organized by Legal Assistant Leah Powell. During this event, the discussion delved into crucial topics aimed at empowering parents and guardians with essential knowledge and resources needed to properly advocate for their children’s educational rights. We hosted the workshop at the Malloy Jordan East Winston Heritage Center.

Topics that the workshop emphasized included the importance of parents and guardians building stronger relationships with their children’s schools, navigating the complexities of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans, and how to effectively request special education services tailored to their child’s unique needs. Attendees also explored the different forms of exclusionary disciplinary actions within schools and how alternative approaches to fostering positive behaviors can be suggested instead.

The discussion concluded by elaborating on extending parent grievance procedures specific to Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools This involved equipping attendees with the knowledge needed to address concerns effectively, including a comprehensive overview of dispute resolution mechanisms for special education matters.

Attendees were provided with a complimentary dinner and had the chance to win passes to the new Kaleideum experiential learning museum downtown the workshop provided attendees as a token of appreciation.

Please visit our Education Advocacy Program page on our website for more information on the program, resources for advocating for your child’s needs, and for future workshops!