Families of children with disabilities face unique challenges that can impact their child’s development and education. Family engagement, including support, resources, and access to information, is important to ensure these children receive the services and support they need to thrive. Through its System of Support, California is committed to working toward a world where every student with disabilities experiences an education that nurtures their full potential.
Thirty-three Family Empowerment Centers across California provide families with just these types of services. Seeds of Partnership, a statewide training and technical assistance project operated by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), provides support and assistance to the centers with funding from the Special Education Division of the California Department of Education (CDE).
At its annual in-person meeting held at CDE in Downtown Sacramento this summer, the statewide program celebrated a significant milestone: every one of the 58 counties in California now has a designated parent resource center in their region to provide support and resources to families. “It’s so gratifying to know that families across the entire state now have access to these support services thanks to Family Empowerment Center funding,” explained SCOE Seeds of Partnership Coordinator Robin Ryan. “The centers have access to ongoing professional learning and support through Seeds of Partnership, and from Education Administrator Noelia Hernandez and her team at CDE.”
Retired State Senator Dede Alpert (co-author of Senate Bill 511 that established Family Empowerment Centers in 2001) helped program leaders celebrate the accomplishment. “A special thanks to all those who never gave up until the whole state was covered—and who continue this important work that has helped California families,” she said, reflecting on the success that was possible thanks in part to her contributions more than 20 years ago.
SCOE Deputy Superintendent Nancy Herota, Ed.D., encouraged the program representatives from across the state, saying, “Your work in advocating for inclusivity and belonging…amplifies the voices of parents and their children across California. Families look to you for special education, parent-to-parent, and disability-related support and community resources. Your hard work is a genuine testament to the deep commitment you have.”
Find Local Resources
Family Empowerment Centers assist California families who have children and young adults (ages 3–22) with disabilities. They offer specialized training, peer-to-peer support, information, and referral services. Use the Find a Family Empowerment Center tool to get in touch with a parent center. For questions or more information, email seeds@scoe.net.