LEA Support

• Implement and promote ADR strategies to prevent and resolve conflicts between districts and families in a timely and effective manner.
• Act as a neutral third party in mediating disputes to achieve mutually agreeable outcomes.
• Provide training and support to districts and families on conflict resolution techniques and strategies.​​​​

Program Specialists are a bridge between families, schools, and agencies by:

• Maintaining strong, cooperative relationships with staff, families, and partner organizations.
• Serve as a liaison between SELPA, districts, and families to ensure open communication and transparency.
• Ensuring timely and effective communication with all stakeholders.
• Maintain thorough documentation of disputes, resolutions, and meeting outcomes.

Program Specialists provide expert training and professional development in CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® strategies. Offering ongoing coaching and consultation to educators, administrators, and support staff. CPI strategies are designed to help educators manage challenging situations in a way that emphasizes prevention, safety, and respect. These techniques support districts in maintaining a positive classroom environment while responding appropriately to students in distress.

CPI practices align with:

• Current laws and regulations
• Best practices in trauma-informed care
• The unique needs of each school or district
• Coordinating CPI training across member districts to ensure consistency in:
• Behavioral supports
• Crisis response procedures
• Safe, student-centered approaches

Facilitated IEP Meetings

At the SELPA, our Program Specialists are trained to serve as neutral facilitators during IEP meetings. Facilitated IEP meetings promote a supportive, neutral environment where all team members can collaborate effectively.

During a facilitated IEP, the Program Specialist:

• Guides the meeting process to keep it student-focused and productive.
• Ensures all voices are heard, including parents, general education staff, and specialists.
• Helps the team stay on track and work toward shared understanding and agreement.

In IEP meetings that may involve conflict or sensitive issues, Program Specialists provide structured and impartial support to ensure:

• Effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving
• Trust among stakeholders and meaningful participation from families, educators, and administrators
• Teams create clear, measurable, and actionable IEP goals and plans.

Key Elements of IEP Best Practices

• Compliance with Federal and State Regulations. IEPs must align with legal requirements while addressing the individual strengths, challenges, and goals of each student.
• Clear, Measurable Goals. Goals should be specific, results-oriented, and tailored to support student growth in academic, behavioral, functional, or developmental areas.
• Meaningful Parent and Student Participation. Families and, when appropriate, students should be active participants in the planning process to ensure the IEP reflects their voice and priorities.
• Collaborative Team Approach. A strong team dynamic encourages open communication, problem-solving, and shared responsibility for student success.

• Provide behaviorally-related technical assistance to school districts and charter schools staff on special education program development and compliance with federal and state mandates.
• Facilitate professional learning opportunities for staff at regional and school-site levels on prevention and intervention of distressing behavior.
• Offer consultation and support on instructional and behavioral strategies for students.
• Assist districts/charters in meeting special education reporting requirements and compliance with educational standards.
• Support the acquisition and use of instructional materials and resources related to behavior intervention.
• Train to analyze student data and recommend curriculum modifications.
• Provide ongoing training on behavior management and instructional methodologies to staff.
• Foster positive working relationships with parents, staff, and other school personnel.
• Serve as a liaison with community organizations and agencies.
• Maintain effective communication with parents, staff, and external partners.
• Implement Research-Supported Interventions.
• Provide recommendations in relation to the monitoring and adjusting of behavioral interventions.

Program Specialists work closely with districts to support program quality and compliance by:

• Assisting with the development and improvement of special education programs to meet state and federal mandates.
• Supporting districts in providing a full range of educational opportunities to students with disabilities.
• Facilitating the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process when concerns arise.
• Monitoring changes in regulations and helping districts meet compliance and reporting requirements.
• Assisting with the preparation of compliance documentation and reports.

To help build capacity across schools, Program Specialists:

• Provide technical support to both special education and general education staff.
• Help develop and improve programs for students with disabilities.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver staff professional development and training.
• Consult with teams and related service providers to ensure cohesive service delivery.
• Develop and conduct workshops, webinars, and resources on ADR, IEP facilitation, and special education best practices.
• Support districts in building internal capacity to handle disputes and conduct effective IEP meetings independently.