Education Allies

Supporting Caregivers and Families with Home-School Partnerships.

 

Education Allies: Supporting Caregivers with Home-School Partnerships

About:

This course will cover the key terms and basics of education for parents of school-aged children with Down syndrome. We will help parents navigate the nuances of public education and prepare to advocate for their child. During monthly meetings, sessions will cover the foundations of special education in public schools and offer an opportunity for parents to support one another in their educational journeys. Topics will cover setting learning goals, home-school collaboration, and measuring progress. Additionally, parents can connect with other families, share experiences, and collaborate on strategies to support home-school partnering.

Date and Time:

 10:00-11:30 on:

    • Saturday Feb 1

    • Saturday March 1

    • Saturday April 5

"I cannot say enough good things about this program! We have learned so much already! The reading and math activities have not only helped my daughter academically, but they’ve also become a fun family activity. The instructors are phenomenal, as they not only provide tips for learning, but also strategies for handling challenging behavior that can arise. Phoebe also loves playing with her friends while I am in class and is always excited to attend. I highly recommend this amazing program to all families!"

—Molly L.

Cost and Registration:

There is a one-time fee of $125.

-DDA hours accepted for this program.

*We offer financial aid for all programs. Please email nzehar@dscpugetsound.org for more info.

 Instructors:

  • Alison Wilhelm, M.Ed

    Alison is currently a third-year doctoral student Special Education at the University of Washington. Her passion is to pursue inclusive, equitable and academically rigorous instruction for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At UW, she is the current project coordinator for the Reading Development Project and an instructional coach for the SPED teacher preparation program. She previously earned her Master of Education and Bachelor’s degrees from Vanderbilt University. Prior to beginning her Ph.D., she taught for 8 years in a variety of educational settings in Nashville Public Schools. She has worked with young children through young adults with developmental disabilities, and collaborated closely with parents, practitioners, and researchers during her time in the field. Alison and her family are enjoying getting to know and explore the Pacific Northwest!

  • Leia Steffas

    DSC Program Director & Special Education Middle School Teacher for Bellevue School District.

    A special education middle school teacher for the Bellevue School District, Leia has been immersed in inclusive school environments from the time she was in elementary school until graduation, where she supported peers with disabilities in special education classrooms and afterschool sports programs.