Webinars
This educational material is the intellectual property of the Montana Empowerment Center and is to be used for educational purposes only.
About the Montana Empowerment Center
Introduction Video to Montana Empowerment Center
a quick look at who we are and what we do as Montana’s Parent Training and Information Center. (3:06)
Early Intervention- Birth to 3 years
What is Early Intervention Services: Part C?
Staff from Benchmark Human Services, one of Montana’s Part C providers created this
presentation for families with young children ages birth to 3 years who have delays, are at risk
for delays or who have disabilities. Join them as they explain the Early Intervention/Part C
Services in Montana, who the providers are and how to get connected. (17:56)
Transitioning from Early Intervention Part C to Part B Preschool: A Parent’s Viewpoint
Join us as we talk about the transition from Part C/Early Intervention Services (children 0-3
years with delays, at risk for delays or with disabilities) to Part B Services/Special Education
Preschool when a child turns 3 years of age. We will discuss the transition and eligibility
process for these services, options for where these services might take place, your child’s first
IEP meeting as well as how to inquire about these services even if your child was not in a Part C
program. (14:41)
Child Find and the Evaluation Process
Special Education Alert: Child Find- What Parents Need to Know
Join us as we talk about Child Find, what it is and what you need to know. (9:23)
Special Education Alert: The Referral and Evaluation Process, Part 1
Join us as we walk through how to submit a referral to request a Special Education Evaluation
and what that process looks like. (7:49)
Special Education Alert: The Referral and Evaluation Process, Part 2
Join us for a brief review of the types of assessments that could be a part of the evaluation
process. (6:56)
Special Education Alert: The Education Evaluation Process is Complete, What’s Next?
After your child has received their Educational Evaluation, what happens next? What if they
qualify for special education services? What happens if they don’t qualify for special education
services? MEC will walk you through what that process might look like. (9:08)
Special Education Alert – Education Evaluations in Public Schools
Join us as we take a look at the Educational Evaluations in the Public Schools, how they
happen, how to request one, what if school tells you no, what is an Independent Education
Evaluations and more! (7:20)
504s
What’s a 504?
Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that protects students of all ages from disability
discrimination by schools that receive federal funding. Section 504 levels the educational
playing field by making accommodations so that children with disabilities can learn. Join us to
learn all about 504s. (44:22)
Thursday Empower Hour- Section 504 with Disability Rights Montana (2025)
Disability Rights Montana’s Tal Goldin, presents on Section 504 Plans in Education, including the rights and responsibilities of students, families, and schools when obtaining and maintaining a 504 plan. Mr. Goldin is a Helena-based civil rights attorney and the Director of Advocacy at Disability Rights Montana. There is also a brief update on some changes in the graduation age in Montana schools. Join us!
IEPs
Understanding the IEP Document: Section by Section
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a document that plans for the special education
experience of a child with a disability. When the members of a child’s IEP team sit down
together and consider how the child will be involved in and participate in school life, for
families it can be like reading a foreign language. So join us as we do a step by step look at each
of the components within the IEP and the process. (41:56)
Understanding your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Document, Part 1
Join us as we take a look at the IEP document section by section. We will talk about what
information is collected in each section to help you better understand this document for your
child. Part one covers the first page of the IEP. (10:56)
Understanding your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Document, Part 2
Join us as we take a look at the IEP document section by section. We will talk about what
information is collected in each section to help you better understand this document for your
child. Part two covers page two of the IEP, present levels of academic achievement and
functional performance or PLAFF statements as well as goals. (6:54)
Understanding your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Document, Part 3
Join us as we take a look at the IEP document section by section. We will talk about what
information is collected in each section to help you better understand this document for your
child. Part 3 covers the sections: Progress reports, services, Least Restrictive Environment
(LRE), ESY and Re-Evaluations. (10:33)
Understanding your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Document, Part 4
Join us as we take a look at the IEP document section by section. We will talk about what
information is collected in each section to help you better understand this document for your
child. Part four covers the signature and notes pages of the IEP. (7:29)
Understanding your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Document, Part 5
Join us as we take a look at the IEP document section by section. We will talk about what
information is collected in each section to help you better understand this document for your
child. Part five covers the Prior Written Notice, Procedural Safeguards, Rights and
Responsibilities sections of the IEP. (8:51)
Prior Written Notice (PWN): What? When? Who? Why?
So what is Prior Written Notice or PWN? A Prior Written Notice (PWN) is a written explanation
of a change the school district wants to make or refuses to make in a child’s Individualized
Educational Program (IEP). Listen in as we tell you more about it and what you should know
about this important document. (7:03)
Virtual IEP BootCamp 2023
Join the Montana Empowerment Center, Inc. as they share information on IDEA and ADA law,
Section 504 and how that impacts education for students with disabilities. The team will
discuss parent’s rights in the educational process of their children as well as a parent’s
responsibilities. Next, the team will walk through the IEP, step by step to help families better
understand this document and what role they have in its creation and implementation.
(1:19:00)
The Endrew F. Case by the US Supreme Court
Join the Montana Empowerment Center, Inc. as it shares information on the US Supreme Court
Case known as “Endrew F.”, looking at the standard on whether a child’s IEP is sufficient to
enable educational benefit for them to make progress. (10:08)
Communication
Better Together - Productive and Meaningful Team Meetings
Join us as we talk about ways your IEP team can work together to have positive and productive
meetings focused on your student’s school needs. (10:30)
Communicating the Concerns about your Child
Working closely with your school team is an important piece of your child’s education. Listen
as we share some good ways to help when communicating with your school. (5:23)
Family Engagement
Better Together: Educators and Parents Teaming Up to Increase Student Success- Roles of the IEP team members.
Join the Montana Empowerment Center in their 3 part lunch series on how parents and schools can work together to increase student success in school. In part one, we will discuss the roles of a parent and as a professional when they are members of the IEP Team. (49:28)
Better Together: Educators and Parents Teaming Up: Communication with Schools
Join the Montana Empowerment Center in their 3 part lunch series on how parents and schools can work together to increase student success in school. In part 2, we will talk about Communicating with schools, from both a parent and professional perspective. (40:03)
Better Together: Educators and Parents -What if the IEP team doesn't agree?
Join the Montana Empowerment Center in their 3 part lunch series on how parents and schools can work together to increase student success in school. In part 3, we will discuss what happens if the IEP team doesn’t agree? How do we work through the next steps to come to a resolution? (1:07:10)
Reaching Out For Help When Your Child Needs Help in School
When Your Child is Struggling in School
So you have noticed your child is struggling at school, what can you do? Join the Montana
Empowerment Center, Inc. as we take a look at what parents can do when you notice your
child is having difficulties at school. (7:32)
Regression in School, Tracking the Data, The Whys and Hows
Believe it or not… a TON of information is lost during long breaks… that may come across as a
shocker! To help battle this “brain drain” for children with special needs, ESY is available… but
often challenging to get in to! Extended School Year (ESY) is a supplemental service that can be
utilized for a child who has an IEP. These children can be eligible for ESY services under the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Join us when Brett Gilleo, LCPC, LMFT, BCBA
with Big Sky Therapeutic Services, Great Falls to find out if this is an option for your child.
(39:38)
What Parents Need to Know about Regression and Extended School Year (ESY)
How can you tell if your child is regressing in school? Join Montana Empowerment Center, Inc.
as we take a look at regression in school as well as explore Extended School Year (ESY), what it
is and how does a student qualify. (8:56)
Transition- High School and Beyond
Post Secondary Transition in the IEP (2022)
Life is full of transitions, and one of the more remarkable ones occurs when we get ready to
leave high school and go out in the world as young adults. When the student has a disability, it
is especially helpful to plan ahead for that transition. Join us when Dale Kimmet, Montana
Office of Public Instruction talks about that post-secondary transition IEP. (1:04:48)
*Graduation
Graduation for Special Education Students in Montana
Listen in on Montana’s graduation requirements and what graduation looks like for students
with disabilities. (9:19)
Vocational Rehabilitation- Pre Employment Transition Services Program
Join us as we take a look at the Pre-Employment Transition Services through Vocational
Rehabilitation. (3:51)
What is SSI- Supplemental Security Income
Listen in as North Central Independent Living Services, Inc. staff share information about
Supplemental Security Income or SSI- who is eligible, how does someone apply and more.
(3:57)
Special Needs Planning: Benefits of Special Needs Trusts
This webinar is designed to educate parents of special needs children on the benefits of a
Supplemental Needs Trust (also referred to as a Special Needs Trust). It is being presented by
Jon McCarty, Esq. of Montana Estate Lawyers, P.C. Presentation starts at the 7:00 mark.
(1:05:28)
What to do When You Disagree with the School
Early Assistance Program, IEP Facilitation and Mediation
Have you ever wondered what to do when you and the school can’t reach an agreement
regarding your child’s IEP? Join Montana Empowerment Center, Inc. as we discuss the process
of dispute resolution and the steps within that process. This session will cover MT OPI’s Early
Assistance Program, talk about IEP facilitation and what the mediation process looks like. (9:54)
Dispute Resolution Series, Part 2: State Complaint, Due Process Hearing and Expedited Due Process Hearing
Have you ever wondered what to do when you and the school can’t reach an agreement
regarding your child’s IEP? Join Montana Empowerment Center, Inc. for part 2 of this webinar
series as we discuss dispute resolution and the steps within that process. This session will
cover what is a State Complaint, a Due Process Hearing and an Expedited Due Process Hearing.
(11:19)
CADRE (Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education)- The Tapestry of Managing Conflict: Resolving Disputes under the IDEA and Beyond
When you and the school do not agree on the IEP, you have options. Join us as we discuss
topics under IDEA about the Dispute Resolution process. We will explore topics such as
Facilitated IEP, Mediation, Due Process to name a few. (1:29:08)
Behavior, Discipline at School, Informal Removal
Informal Removal of Students- My child keeps getting sent home from school. What can I do?
Informal removal of students is a common practice that has negative effects on all students.
We will provide information to clarify what is meant by informal removals and why they are
not best practice for our students to succeed. (6:05)
The Discipline of Students with Disabilities in Schools, Part 1
Join the Montana Empowerment Center, Inc. for a presentation on the recent guidance from
the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) on the discipline of students with disabilities.
This is part 1 of a 3 part series. (30:18)
The Discipline of Students with Disabilities in Schools, Part 2 - Questions and Answers Addressing the Needs of Children with Disabilities and IDEA’s Disciplinary Procedures
Join the Montana Empowerment Center, Inc. for a presentation on the recent guidance from
the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) on the discipline of students with disabilities.
This is part two of a three part series and will discuss the OSEP document, “Questions and
Answers: Addressing the Needs of Children with Disabilities and IDEA’s Discipline Provisions.”
(38:24)
The Discipline of Students with Disabilities in Schools, Part 3 - Positive Proactive approaches to Supporting Children with Disabilities: A Guide for Stakeholders
Join the Montana Empowerment Center, Inc. for a presentation on the recent guidance from
the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) on the discipline of students with disabilities.
This is part three of a three part series where we will be discussing OSEP’s document “Positive
Proactive Approaches to Supporting Children with Disabilities: Guide for Stakeholders.” (32:10)
Other
Bullying-Stop the Hate
Let’s take a look at bully-free schools and the laws that support them. (9:36)
Family Engagement
Join the Montana Empowerment Center, Inc. and the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) as we
discuss the importance families have in supporting their child’s education and how your
involvement contributes to your child’s success in the classroom. (9:30)
MTSS: Multi–Tiered System of Support
Both academic and behavioral success is important for all children. MTSS, or Multi-Tier System
of Supports (MTSS) is a phrase you may hear about at school or from other parents. MTSS is a
multi-step framework providing instruction and support to promote success for ALL children.
MTSS goes beyond just academics. It also covers social and emotional support. Join Montana
Empowerment Center, Inc. as we look further into what MTSS is and if your school is using it,
how it can help your child and your family. (15:07)
Back to School Post Covid 19
Concerned about this coming school year and what it will look like for your child? Here are
some suggestions on how to prepare and some questions to ask. (5:29)
Youth Suicide-A Crisis Across Montana: What Can Communities and Individuals Do?
Awareness and Prevention: Statistics,
Warning Signs and Resources (9:58)