For more info please call 406-256-2828 What:
Grandparents raising grandchildren invites you to come join their support group meeting at the Forever Families Building. There will be child care available if this is a concern for some. There will also be some speakers from Youth Dynamics discussing the services they offer, And a time to discuss and share other topics you would like to see addressed. When/Where:
Forever Families Building
1414 4th Ave North Suite B
Thursday, February 21, 2013
6:30pm Contact:
Shaye Skovgaard
406-256-2828

To register contact Kelly Melius at kellym@esgw.org or call 406-657-9728 What:
Easter Seals-Goodwill is offering a series of classes using Michelle Garcia Winner's THINK SOCIAL! curriculum to help kids ages 9-14 who need extra support in learning and practicing social skills. Participants will increase confidence and positive self esteem, learn to work with others, improve communication and listening skills, enhance coping skills, practice everyday ettiquete and social skills, and learn to manage conflict.   When:
Feb 6 - Mar 27, 2013
Wednesdays 5 - 6:30pm  Contact:
Billings - 406-252-9600 - Kelly
Missoula - 406-850-2977 - Audrey
Cost:
For the 8-week session the cost is $200.

Please call 406-252-9799 by FEBRUARY 4th to set up an enrollment appointment.

What:
15 Week parenting classes focusing on discipline, rewards, consequences, family rules, decision making, child development, brain development, empathy, family morals, values and more. Parents are urged to bring their children to a Parent-Child interaction facility in each class. Free child care and dinner are provided for children during each class. Where:
The Family Tree Center
2520 5th Ave South
Billings, MT 59102 When:
Grade School Age: Wednesdays 5:30-7:30pm Beginning Feb. 6th
Babies & Toddlers: Mondays 5:30-7:30pm Beginning Feb 11th
Babies & Toddlers: Mondays 5:30-7:30pm Open ended class. Please call to enroll. Cost:
Fees are $20 for materials (due at first class) and $10 per class if a certificate of completion is required. Class must be paid in full before certificates are issued. Contact:
Any questions or concerns call 406-252-9799
www.familytreecenterbillings.org

Click here to download the registration forms for this Conference

What:
The purpose of this conference is to provide up-to-date research and treatment strategies on a wide variety of special education issues. This conference provides numerous opportunities for professionals to acquire new information and ideas to work collaboratively to meet the needs of students with special needs. Therapists and educators will enhance their knowledge of best practice in instructional strategies. Participants will have the opportunity to hear nationally and internationally recognized speakers on a variety of topics. Educators can attend selected concurrent courses to best meet their professional needs. When/Where:
March 6-8, 2013
Multiple times
Shoreline Conference Center-Shoreline, WA (North Seattle Area) Contact:
Rehab Seminars
500 Goss Road
Port Townsend, WA  98368 Phone: (360) 379-6994 Fax: (360) 379-5271

Click here to register for this Conference  register by March 1st

What:
COPAA is premised on the belief that every child deserves the right to a quality education that prepares them for meaningful employment, higher education, lifelong learning, and full participation in their chosen communities. The key to effective educational programs for children with disabilities is collaboration, as equals, by parents and educators. This is the premise of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, the federal statutes that guarantee children with disabilities a free, appropriate public education. Access to quality representation protects student and parent rights and levels the playing field to foster meaningful student and parent participation as equal members of the student's planning team. The COPAA Conference is the premier opportunity for training and networking with the nation's most experienced and knowledgeable special education advocates and attorneys. Participants attend to learn about the most recent cases, legislative changes, the latest advocacy issues and educational interventions. When/Where:
Thursday, March 7, 2013 - Sunday, March 10, 2013
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM Eastern Time
Hyatt Albuquerque
330 Tijeras NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 Contact:
Click here for any questions or concerns

Click here to register for this workshop

What:
In this class, you will learn how to use Montana Library 2Go to access thousands of FREE digital books and audiobooks for your eReader device (iPad, iPod, Nook, Kindle, Android based, etc.). Use these free books in your classroom or for your own personal use. We will also explore websites for other free digital content and resources. When/Where:
February 13, 2013
MSU Billings College of Education Building Rm 122
Billings, MT 59102
5:30 - 8:00 pm Cost:
$25 (nonrefundable)
Please bring your computer, eReader, and library card from your public library. Contact:
John Keener at 657-1743 or john.keener@msubillings.edu
Debra Miller at 657-2072 or dmiller@msubillings.edu

Special Education and RTI, January 30, 2013 - 5:30-8:00pm
Where do special education students fit in an RTI model? What is the difference between a Tier III intervention and special education services? What is the special education teacer's role in RTI? How do I use RTI in special education eligibility decisions? What are the legal considerations of RTI? This session will cover these and other common questions about special education and RTI implementation.
Click here to register for this Program
Data Analysis and Problem Solving Teams, February 27, 2013- 5:30-8:00pm
Data decision making is at the heart of an effective RTI model. This interactive session will provide participants an opportunity to apply research-based data decision making strategies to determine
1) the effectiveness of core instruction and curriculum
2) student's response to Tier II and Tier III instruction
3) appropriate instructional strategies to meet the needs of learners.
Click here to register for this Program
Utilizing the AIMSweb Advanced Features for RTI, March 20, 2013- 5:30-8:00pm
AIMSweb is a user friendly data system that schools in Montana are using for screening and progress monitoring. This interactive session will demonstrate how some of the advanced AIMSweb features - including the RTI tab, advanced settings, data analysis options, as well as other participant requests - can increase your efficiency and effectiveness in implementing RTI. This session will also present the validity and reliability of these commonly used t

Click here to Register for this Convention   Click here to view the Session Schedule

What:
Join us in San Antonio for the CEC 2013 Convention & Expo - the largest professional development event dedicated to special and gifted education. There, educators from around the world will discuss the most pressing issues in special and gifted education and share information in areas such as common core state standards; administration and supervision; autism spectrum disorders; emotional and behavior disorders and supports; instructional strategies for math, reading, and science; policy; technology; and response to intervention. The CEC Convention & Expo offers hundreds of educational sessions conducted by leading experts and endless opportunities to network with others working with children and youth with exceptionalities and their families. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about new and pending legislation and explore cutting-edge products and services in the exhibit hall. When/Where:
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
200 East Market Street  San Antonio, TX 78205
San Antonio, Texas
April 3-6, 2013 Contact:
Click here for any questions or concerns

Click here to register for this workshop What:
Strengths-Based Coaching®: 12 hour training for coaches and leaders in the fields of early childhood, school-age, and youth. Strengths-Based Coaching®: A Journey into Coaching is a practical approach for working with adults that will fundamentally change the way coaches and leaders support and sustain quality improvements in their programs, agencies, and school districts. This training enhances the coaching role of leaders,  building on their strengths, knowledge, and skills. Strengths-Based Coaching® is based on five foundations: adult learning theory, core beliefs, how to approach others, relationship building, and communication. These five foundations lead to positive feedback that creates partnerships and builds on the strengths of staff. Participants will: Identify conditions that lead to change IDentify the fundamental beliefs, knowledge and skills for effectively coaching others Distinguish the six stages of coaching State the goals, benefits and use of strength based coaching Identify methods to promote positive relationships and supportive interactions Demonstration learning questions as a strategy for Strength Based Coaching® Analyze issues and situations and identify strengths- based coaching strategies which will be effective at these times When/Where:
January 14-15 ~ Holiday Inn, Bozeman (Course #2815) OR
January 17-18 ~Joe McDonald Health & Fitness Center, Salish Kootenai College, Pablo (Course #2724)
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM each day Contact:
 Assistance with Registration, please contact Leabeth Daviau at mailto:

Watch the live webcast with a broadband or slower connection. Note: The webcast links are only active during the date and time of the session, but all sessions are archived for future viewing. What:
This session of Grand Rounds explored opportunities for optimal quality of life for individuals with disabilities. One in 6 adult Americans lives with a disability when defined by a limitation in function. Many are at higher risk for multiple chronic conditions, injuries, and increased vulnerability during disasters. Comparatively, people with disabilities are 4 times more likely to report their health to be fair/poor and 2.5 times more likely to have unmet health care needs than non-disabled peers. $400 billion is spent annually on disability-related health expenditures. Public health can help change this by promoting wellness and preventing disease in people with disabilities. CDC′s approach for a population who experiences diverse functional limitations is to assure that mainstream public health surveys, programs, and policies include people with disabilities across the lifespan, a method that can be modeled by state and federal programs. This powerful session of Grand Rounds explored public health opportunities for disease prevention, intervention and improvement to enable people to live well with functional limitations. We also highlighted accomplishments of partners and public health agencies in creating and modifying health programs to accommodate people with disabilities. Tentative future Grand Rounds topics include venous thromboembolism (VTE), HPV, teen pregnancy and immunization. Target Audience:
Physicians nurses epidemiologists pharmacists veterinarians certified

Click here to register for this conference

What:
Inclusive education is a process of school reform that creates equality in education and increases achievement for ALL students, including students with disabilities. PEAK Parent Center's annual Conference on Inclusive Education holds the tools you need to reinvent schools to be places where all students can achieve success! We've been bringing the nation best practice for over 25 years! Register today and experience it for yourself! This conference is an excellent development opportunity for everyone involved in the education and support of students with disabilities. At this conference, we value various, distinct groups coming together to learn and build capacity and collaboration. When/Where:
February 7-8, 2013  8:30am - 5:30pm
DoubleTree by Hilton Denver is 3203 Quebec Street, Denver, Colorado 80207, and it is at the intersection of Quebec Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Contact:
PEAK Parent Center
611 North Weber Street, Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-531-9400
Hotline: 1-800-284-0251
Fax: 719-531-9452
e-mail: conference@peakparent.org

Please call the Extension office at 406-256-2828 to confirm your attendance by December 12th. What:
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren monthly support group meetings will be held once again. This month will be an informal meet and greet. When/Where:
Thursday December 13th, at 6:30pm at Forever Families, located at 445 Daniel St. Billings, MT 59101. Please bring your grandchildren and join us for a time of sharing while we create some holiday gifts. Refreshments will be provided.   Hope to see you at the meeting. Please invite others you know who will benefit.  

Click here to register for the conference What:
Wednesday:
Learning in Hand is an educator's resources for mobile learning. It was started in 2002 as part of Tony Vincent's classroom website. At first focusing on Palm handhelds, Learning in Hand now covers podcasting, iPods, iPod touch, iPhone, iPad, and netbooks. Thursday:
75 Quick on-the-spot Techniques for Children with Emotional & Behavioral Problems with Dr. Steve Olivas. Thursday:
Improving Social Skills & Decreasing Disruptive Classroom Behavior with Kids with Aspergers Syndrome with Melissa Genaux.
When/Where:
February 6-8, 2013
Hilton Garden Inn
3720 North Reserve Street
Missoula, MT Contact:
Conference Coordinator
Nancy Marks
WM-CSPD Coordinator
Missoula, MT
nmarks@mcps.k12.mt.us

Click here to download the proposal form for this conference
Must be submitted by DECEMBER 15, 2012 What:
Lighting the Way is an annual conference focused on Autism Spectrum Disorders held on the Augustana College campus for educators, families, counselors, social workers, transition specialists, and community members. The conference is hosted by Augustana College and co-sponsored by South Dakota Parent Connection, Sioux Falls School District, Children's Care Hospital and School, Autism Behavioral Consulting, Division of Developmental Disabilities, and USD Center for Disabilities. Target Audience Individuals, including people with disabilities family members organizations are encouraged to participate. When/Where:
Augustana College
2001 South Summit Avenue,
Sioux Falls, SD 57197
June 13-14, 2013 Contact:
Elaine Roberts, Co-Chairperson eroberts@sdparent.org or hugh.weber@augie.edu

Click here to register for this webinar What:
Have you done a school or district iPad implementation? Now that all the logistics are somewhat under control, are your teachers struggling with how to effectively utilize iPads in the classroom? Join this webinar to learn how to set your teachers up for success by providing them resources on:
- 21st Century Student Assessment using Filmmaking
- 21st Century Student Assessment using Animation
- 21st Century Student Assessment using Podcasting workshop
- Authentic Assessment using iPads When:
Thursday, December 13, 2012
12:00pm Mountain Standard Time Contact:
Click here to submit any questions or concerns

Click here to register for this webinar

What:
This presentation from the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Webinar Series will explore how local communities can activate partnerships to create positive change in bullying prevention. HRSA's new Bullying Prevention Training Module and Community Action Toolkit will be showcased, along with an overview of the vision behind this train-the-trainer resource for community members of all different backgrounds: elected officials, faith leaders, youth leaders, and professionals in education, health and safety, law enforcement, child care and out-of-school care, mental health and social services, local recreation offices, as well as leaders of the local business community. We all have a role to play in bullying prevention. Participants will learn: Community strategies that can be used to prevent and respond to bullying, including tips to mobilize
all stakeholders How to use three new federal resources to educate community leaders about bullying prevention
best practices, misdirections and action planning How to organize a community event to address bullying and develop local solutions
When:
Wednesday December 5, 2012
1pm - 2pm Mountain Contact:
General information, publications and shortage designation
ask@hrsa.gov
888-ASK-HRSA (888-275-4772, TTY: 877-489-4772), 8:30 am to 5 pm ET, weekdays (except Federal holidays)

Webinar: From Research to Real Life-Increasing Visibility and Use of Family-to-Family Centers December 3, 2012-1pm (Mountain)
Call-in: 866/214-9397, Pin: 5058724774
Webinar Link: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/familyvoices/join?id=24R5TP&role=attend
The Family Voices National Center for Family and Professional Partnerships is hosting this webinar presented by Suzanne M. Bronheim, PhD of Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development. Suzanne will share findings from a 2010 research partnership with three Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2F HICs) to better understand how Hispanic/Latino families' and African American families' utilization of F2F HICs might be increased. This research project is based on a social marketing theory that suggests that people try new things if that "innovation" fits with their values and experience, seems to have an advantage over other approaches, is easy to use, can be tried and dropped if they don't like it and if others they know and trust are also aware of it and have used it. The project has used this framework to study how Hispanic/Latino and African American families prefer to receive information and how they view the F2F HICs as a resource. In addition, this project has studied similar issues for the social networks of families to learn how they view and access F2F HICs. Suzanne will be joined by staff of the F2F HICs that partnered in this project to share lessons learned and suggestions of how other F2F HICs can use this framework.  

Click here to register for Autism Training Solutions What:
The Montana Autism Education Project is providing a limited number of FREE parent subscriptions for the Autism Training Solutions online autism training program. The subscriptions will begin in mid-December and will last for three months. For each individual subscription, the parent watches short online videos and then answers quizzes. Parents will have 24/7 access to 13 hours of online video lessons teaching: Antecedent Interventions
      Consequence Interventions       Teaching New Behavior       Principles of Behavior: Behavior Reduction       Principles of Behavior: Reinforcement       Introduction to Austim Spectrum Disorders       Teaching to Request/Mand       Instructional Control  
Participants will also be asked to complete a training survey at the conclusion

Click here to register for the Webinar

What:
Conflict coaching is a one-on-one process that helps someone in conflict gain a better understanding of the conflict and how s/he may manage conflict constructively. Increasingly used in workplace and community conflicts, this session explores how it may help parents, educators and special education dispute resolution professionals work through their conflicts. The discussion will focus on how elements of conflict coaching can be brought into conferences and mediation to help build better relationships and de-escalate conflicts. When:
January 9, 2013, 12:30am - 1:45pm MST Contact:
Philip Moses
Assistant Director
The National Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE)
P.O. Box 51360
Eugene, OR 97405-0906
(541-686-5060)
www.directionservice.org/cadre/ For more information about the webinar and guest presenter Trica Jones, please visit the CADRE website: http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/joneswebinar.cfm

Click here to submit questions for the Meeting

What:
The purpose of Montana PAK is to develop a monthly forum for parents to collaborate and receive information about special education advocacy and the federal/state laws that protect their children. In addition, PAK aims to provide a public medium to discuss educational concerns and to raise awareness about the scope of services, as well as local resources, which are available for children. When:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Business Development Center
Conference Room 305 West Mercury St.
Butte MT Contact:
Questions? Call the PLUK office at 800-222-7585.
If you would like to attend, but need some support with child supervision, transportation, etc. just let us know and we will do our best to assist.