Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center, CPAC: CPAC continues to shine with exciting growth and meaningful family‑centered initiatives. Seven new Parent Mentors have joined the Family Connections program and will begin training soon, preparing to support families and participate in fall Community of Practice sessions. Their first Parent’s Guide to Connecticut’s Early Intervention (Birth to Three) System is nearing completion, offering families an accessible overview, helpful checklists, flowcharts, and real testimonials. CPAC also welcomed a new Early Childhood Consultant to strengthen early learning efforts. On the youth side, new Youth Team members returned energized from the Follow-Up forum and are actively blogging, exploring creative engagement strategies, and preparing to present at the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Back‑to‑School meeting in September. The Next Steps parent leadership program launched virtually with strong participation, and CPAC is piloting a new virtual summer book study using Dyslexia Advocate, already drawing high interest.

Region A Drop-In Call: The next Region A Drop-In call will take place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET. From 10:45 to 11:30 AM, our Collective Impact workgroups will gather in breakout rooms for discussions and peer networking. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, share ideas, and strengthen regional partnerships!

Save the Date: 2026 NEPACT Region A Conference: The 2026 NEPACT Region A Parent Center Conference is officially happening this fall in either October or November 2026! (We will have the final date soon!) As always, we look forward to bringing together Parent Centers from across our region to connect, learn, and build capacity. (We will pay for one person from each Parent Center in Region A to attend, but others are welcome to attend using your funds). We are planning to have three Collective Impact Workgroups each do a panel presentation, offer professional development in each of these areas (Military-Connected Families; Transition to Adult Life; and Empowering Staff for Success.) Stay tuned, we will be sharing the finalized dates, location, and registration details before the end of the month!

2026 OSEP Conference: The annual OSEP Conference will take place on August 4 & 5, 2026, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. We look forward to seeing many of you there, safe travels!

Save the Date: 2026 Native American Convening (Virtual): An invitation was recently sent to the Region A Project/Executive Directors and other key staff for the upcoming convening on Tuesday, September 8 and Wednesday, September 9, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM both days. The Parent Network of Western New York will share more information regarding the event's schedule and description at the end of this month. 

CPIR Events Calendar: Looking for more professional development and training opportunities? Don’t forget to check out the HUB Central Events calendar at the Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) to stay up to date on upcoming webinars, training, and network events. View the calendar: HUB Central Events calendar.

Idealist and Points of Light’s Guide to Volunteer Recruitment and Retention: To navigate staffing and funding challenges, nonprofits can recruit skilled professionals to lend specialized expertise for short-term projects. At the same time, organizations are reexamining how they engage individuals with lived experience, recognizing their perspectives as valuable expertise deserving of stipends, honoraria, or professional development rather than unpaid service. This strategic approach builds capacity while fostering an equitable, inclusive culture. Check out Idealist’s Volunteer Engagement Resources for tools and best practices here.

Reflecting Our Community: A Toolkit for Strengthening Patient and Family Advisory Councils: Meaningful family engagement is measured by whether families have authentic opportunities to influence decisions, not the length of a meeting. By reducing barriers, offering flexible participation options like brief surveys or short virtual chats, and focusing on meaningful conversations over lengthy commitments, organizations can empower families to shape programs from the beginning. To help guide this work, the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health and IPFCC recently released a comprehensive toolkit packed with practical strategies for recruiting diverse family advisors and building authentic, lasting partnerships across child- and family-serving systems. Access the resource here.

VR Youth Engagement Resources: The RAISE Center has released a new collection of youth- and family-created resources designed to make Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), and transition planning easier to navigate. Developed through the Youth Engagement Transition Initiative (YETI), the hub features practical guidance for families, recommendations for VR professionals, "The Top 10 Ways to Connect Youth to VR," and the YEN Talks podcast series. These tools provide actionable strategies to help Parent Centers, schools, and VR counselors work together to keep youth voices at the center of planning for life after high school. Explore the collection here.

Nonprofit Learning Lab: Training, Webinars & Resources to Strengthen Your Organization: Meaningful staff growth doesn't always require a large training budget, often, it starts with a conversation. By meeting individually with team members to identify their strengths and career goals, organizations can offer creative, low-cost development opportunities. This could include leading a special project, presenting at a conference, joining a workgroup, or cross-training in another department. Personalizing professional development builds leadership capacity and boosts staff engagement, proving that an investment in people is the most valuable investment an organization can make. The Nonprofit Learning Lab offers free and low-cost webinars, certificate programs, and leadership training to help you get started. Learn more here.

Develop Programmatic Responses to Systemic Barriers: Attendance Works has released a comprehensive online resource to help educators and community partners tackle the systemic root causes of chronic absenteeism. The webpage features diagnostic tools to help organizations identify why youth are missing school, along with actionable solutions, such as "Walking School Buses," improved afterschool programs, and breakfast initiatives, to help remove daily obstacles and build a stronger culture of attendance. Explore the toolkit here.

Considering a Student’s Limited English Proficiency in the IEP: This checklist is intended to help IEP teams consider the education and disability-related needs of students with limited English proficiency who also have disabilities. Learn more here.

Schools Need Better Training To Address Bullying: Schools continue to struggle with bullying because staff often lack the training needed to recognize early warning signs and respond effectively. The article highlights that while many districts have policies in place, educators still need stronger, more consistent professional development to address both traditional bullying and newer forms like cyberbullying. Improving training and equipping school personnel with practical tools can help create safer, more supportive environments for students. Read full article here.

Federal Youth Policy Updates: The Youth Law Center’s briefing highlights key federal actions affecting youth in foster care, juvenile justice, and related systems. The update emphasizes growing federal attention on improving conditions in youth facilities, expanding access to community‑based supports, and strengthening protections for young people involved in public systems. Overall, the briefing underscores a continued push toward policies that prioritize well‑being, equity, and long‑term stability for vulnerable youth. Read more here.

National Coalition for Public Education Toolkit: Check out this toolkit about preserving public education.

Culture Card: A Guide to Build Cultural Awareness: This SAMHSA guide is intended to serve as a general briefing to enhance cultural competence while providing services to American Indian/Alaska Native communities. Cultural competence is defined as the ability to function effectively in the context of cultural differences. A more specific orientation or training should be provided by a member of the particular AI/AN community. Read more here.

Data Tools for Partners: Check out these tools to access and use Census Data, including Census Survey Explorer, Quick Facts, My Community Explorer, Digital Equity Act Population Viewer, Operational Quality Metrics, and more!

Effective Behavior Management Strategies For The Classroom: The article emphasizes proactive strategies—like teaching expectations clearly, reinforcing positive behaviors, and using consistent routines—to help students feel supported and motivated. It also notes that when challenges arise, responding calmly, offering choices, and guiding students toward reflection can strengthen self‑control and improve classroom climate. Read full article here.

Five Options 1-2-3: The Parent Center Hub’s overview of special education dispute resolution explains the different ways families and schools can address disagreements about a child’s services. It outlines the three main options—mediation, state complaints, and due process hearings—and describes when each approach may be appropriate. The resource emphasizes that these tools are designed to help families resolve concerns, protect their rights, and work toward solutions that support their child’s educational needs. Read more here.

Effective Strategies to Prevent Student Drop Out: The National Dropout Prevention Center outlines 15 proven strategies that help schools keep students engaged and on track for graduation. These approaches range from strengthening family engagement and providing targeted academic support to creating safe learning environments, offering mentoring, and expanding career‑focused pathways. Together, these strategies give schools a comprehensive framework to address barriers, build stronger connections with students, and improve long‑term success. Read more here.

Supporting Young Children’s Social-Emotional Growth:  NAEYC’s Message in a Backpack reminds families that everyday moments can help children build strong social–emotional skills. The article encourages parents to model empathy, talk about feelings, and create routines that help children feel safe and connected. Simple practices—like naming emotions, offering choices, and celebrating small successes—support confidence, resilience, and positive relationships at home and in the classroom. Read full article here.

What is the Every Student Succeeds Act?  This webpage has overview information about the Every Student Succeeds Act, including its various provisions. Check it out here.

Advancing Equity in Education: The Talkspace article emphasizes that true educational equity requires more than access—it demands that every student receives the support, resources, and learning environment they need to thrive. It highlights how mental health, culturally responsive teaching, and inclusive school policies play a critical role in closing opportunity gaps. Read more here.

Strengthening the Future of Foster Care: The article highlights the urgent need to improve outcomes for children in foster care by expanding support, stability, and long‑term opportunities. It emphasizes that many youth face significant challenges—such as trauma, inconsistent placements, and limited access to mental health services—and calls for reforms that prioritize family‑based care, stronger community partnerships, and better preparation for adulthood. The piece underscores that investing in consistent, compassionate support can help foster youth build brighter, more secure futures. Read full article here.

Grandparents are a vital resource in the child mental health crisis, says psychologist: As more than 40% of American teenagers report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a leading child psychologist says that grandparents and extended family have a vital role to play. Over several decades, America has increasingly become a society of I, not we. In many families and communities, preoccupation with individual achievement has eroded the values of kindness and caring in the lives of our children. Read more here.

The Growing Caregiving Crisis: Supporting the Well-Being of Family Caregivers: Across the country, millions of individuals are balancing work, family responsibilities, and the care of children, aging parents, spouses, or loved ones with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Recent national data show that one in four U.S. adults now serves as an unpaid caregiver, a 45% increase over the past decade. While caregiving can be deeply meaningful, it can also affect physical health, emotional well-being, finances, and employment. Parent Centers are uniquely positioned to support caregivers by connecting families with resources, fostering peer support, and recognizing that caring for the caregiver is an essential part of supporting the entire family. Read CDC’s: Disability & Health Information for Caregivers here.

Educating Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness: School House Connection has a fact sheet relevant to educating children and youth experiencing homelessness.

Parents fear fallout from Special Education Oversight Changes: Recent federal updates to special education policy have sparked mixed reactions among parents and disability advocates. There are significant concerns that these changes will weaken protections and create confusion for families navigating services as well as schools, districts, and states themselves. The article highlights a shared call for clearer guidance, stronger enforcement, and meaningful collaboration with families to ensure that every child receives the services they are entitled to. Read full article here.

Removal of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) - Haitian & Syrian nationals: The Supreme Court's recent decision is technical, but its practical impact is immediate: thousands of Haitian and Syrian nationals may lose authorization to work, pursue asylum, and remain in the U.S. The consequences will affect many children in schools, including those receiving special education services, and many mixed-status families. This post briefly explains the decision and its implications. Read more here.

The Benefits of Inclusion: The article highlights how inclusive education creates meaningful learning experiences for students with and without disabilities. It explains that inclusion—placing students of all abilities in shared classroom environments—supports stronger teaching practices, improved skill development, higher attendance, and fewer behavioral challenges. Read more here.

States split on whether juvenile justice should prioritize punishment or rehabilitation: A teenager charged with the same crime can face dramatically different consequences depending where they live. States are increasingly divided on whether juvenile justice systems should focus on punishment or rehabilitation. Some states are expanding diversion programs and trauma‑informed approaches, while others are adopting tougher penalties and making it easier to charge youth as adults. Read more here.

The National LGBTQ’s 2026 Faith and Policy Guide: The National LGBTQ Task Force has released its 2026 Faith and Policy Guide, a new resource designed to support advocacy, inclusion, and equity at the intersection of faith and public policy. This guide provides actionable insights, policy analysis, and community-building strategies for advocates, organizations, and faith leaders working to advance justice and support diverse individuals and families. Download the full guide here.

Navigating Mental Health and Substance Use Care: An Introductory Guide for Families: Families often face complex, confusing, and emotionally demanding challenges when supporting a loved one with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring conditions, yet many are unsure where to find information, resources, and support. This SAMHSA publication provides practical guidance to help families understand behavioral health systems, access resources, and support a loved one across different life stages and circumstances. Learn more here.

The New Military Family: staying together while living apart: For generations, military families were expected to pack up together every time orders arrived. Today, some families are making a different calculation. Read more here.

Native American Life Across Cities and Reservations: Native Americans today navigate life between urban areas and reservations, often balancing cultural identity with access to jobs, housing, and education. Many Native families move to cities seeking economic opportunity, yet still maintain strong ties to their tribal communities and traditions. At the same time, reservations continue to face long‑standing challenges such as limited healthcare, underfunded schools, and infrastructure gaps. This article underscores the resilience of Native communities and the importance of policies that support cultural preservation, economic stability, and equitable access to services—no matter where Native families live. Read full article here.

Healing the Growing Divide through Equitable Family, School, and Community Partnerships: The National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement (NAFSCE) has information on how equitable family, school, and community partnerships are needed to heal our nation’s growing divide. Access it here.

The Kid Angle: HR 1’s Big, Ugly Impact on Children’s Healthcare: First Focus on Children published this on July 9, 2026, highlighting the impact of HR 1 on the healthcare of poor children in the US. For more info, click here.

Schools are supposed to limit using restraint and seclusion to discipline kids – but parents I spoke with say the practice is wildly misused:  Jessica’s situation is one of dozens that are documented in the 2026 book, “No Restraint: Disabled Children and Institutionalized Violence in America’s Schools.” This book is part of the author’s research on how families of children with disabilities navigate public schools that use restraint and seclusion to discipline students. Read more here.

Does Social-Emotional Learning Work? The Collaborative for Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) discusses the impact of SEL and the latest research. Check it out here.

Accessible Document Sharing: How We Share Documents is Important For Accessibility: Accessible document sharing is essential because poorly formatted files can prevent disabled people from accessing information independently. Simple practices like tagged PDFs, OCR, accessible forms, and keyboard-friendly navigation remove common barriers. Designing documents with clear headings, alt text, readable fonts, and plain language improves accessibility for everyone. Learn more here.

Designing Classroom Accommodations That Help Students With Disabilities Succeed in College: High school educators play a critical role in preparing students for the expectations they will encounter beyond secondary education. Edutopia highlights practical ways schools can better support students with disabilities as they transition to college. The article emphasizes teaching self‑advocacy skills, helping students understand their learning needs, and ensuring they can independently access accommodations. Read more here.

Trauma & Toxic Stress

Childhood Adversity: Buffering Strength and Building Resilience: Check out this information and resources from HealthyChildren.org, a website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, here.