III.  Coaching Level

N2C and its collaborating partners will create opportunities for families to increase their knowledge and build their capacity through coaching groups of families in their communities so these families can gain access to accurate and up-to-date information and become involved to support their children with disabilities throughout their lifespan.

This Level asks parents to use their knowledge and capacity to build the knowledge and capacities of other parents to bring about positive outcomes for children with disabilities in their communities. There are four options for training and guidance at this level. Individual parents can have support and coaching from another parent during and IEP meeting through the Buddy System.  This reciprocal arrangement supports volunteer parents in an “I’ll go with you and you go with me” concept.  Families can participate in or start their own support groups with assistance from N2C.  (For example, Parent to Parent of Georgia facilitates at least seven support groups targeting the Hispanic population every month.)  Families can organize a C.A.F.E. (Circles of Adults Focusing on Education).  These parent-requested and parent-driven trainings and meetings with local school personnel are designed to highlight and address educational issues and concerns.   Finally, parents can assist in organizing, or just participate in a Town Hall Meeting, which is formal training on relevant education topics, such as the new Georgia Special Education rules, provided by leaders in the field. 

• Buddy System: One to one “coaching” during IEP meetings by another parent
• Support Group:  Provide support and information to families
• CAFÉ: Parents and Educators working together in small groups to address specific educational issues or concerns
• Town Hall Meetings:  Meetings to disseminate educational information in local communities

N2C Education Tips - Did You Know?