SAN JOSE, CA - In response to the immediate need for distance learning support for both students and parents, the Santa Clara County Office of Education’s Inclusion Collaborative has expanded its resources to include a weekly Family Resource Chat forum where parents can learn and practice education techniques with an Inclusion Training Specialist, exchange information, and connect with each other.
“Districts and teachers are hard at work developing distance learning studies for students. We empathize with parents, and want them to feel empowered and confident in supporting their children while they learn at home,” says Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, County Superintendent of Schools at the Santa Clara Office of Education. “Family Resource Chat provides parents with a place to connect, share ideas and information and gives them an outlet to discuss resources that are available.These extraordinary times have proven that strength comes from teamwork. We are in this together.”
Family Resource Chat offers scheduled topics that range from “Sensory Supports from Home,” to “How to Create Your Own Social Stories,” “Supports to Solve Conflicts,” and more. Parents are encouraged to register for and attend the chats posted online.
“Every individual has the right to quality inclusive learning, and we will continue to learn new ways to support each other while sharing best practices, learning techniques, stories, and offering a listening ear.” said Kathy Wahl, Director II of the Inclusion Collaborative. “With the Family Resource Chat, parents can expect to find a place where they can learn how to support their child with distance learning and gain insight from other parents that may be struggling with similar challenges.”
In addition to Family Resource Chat, the SCCOE Inclusion Collaborative also provides resources to provide answers and address concerns such as the 16-hour warmline, available in five languages, at 408-453-6651 or by email at WarmLineRemoteLearning@sccoe.org. Parents can also find more information and resources on the Learning Resource Portal available on the SCCOE website.
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.