Empowering families, improving lives...everyday

ECAC is an organization dedicated to families and children of ALL backgrounds.  View ECAC’s Cultural Values Statement

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All of our services are provided at no cost to families!

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Empowering families

Improving lives

Discover ECAC

Welcome to the Exceptional Children's Assistance Center!

We help parents navigate the special education system, know their rights, and use their voice. We provide information, support, training and resources to assist families caring for children with special needs from birth to age 26.

What Parents are Saying

“I want to say thank you for all you do. The Parent Educator that worked with me was absolutely amazing.  I will keep your office always in my prayers and in my heart!” – Alanna Brewton

“I want to express a heartfelt thank you to you all for your work.  I am so thankful to have met everyone on staff, and your passion for what you all do is infectious” – Mayia Warren

Get Started

We support parents, families, and professionals by answering questions, providing key resources, and more

Connect with a Parent Educator

We help you determine the available options to best support your child’s education

Find Resources in Your County

Locate available resources in your area, including family support networks, school EC offices, and more

ECAC News  

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Support a Great Cause & Snag Your Piece of Rodeo History!
Published: December 4, 2024
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The 2025 Matthew C. Graziadei Achievement Scholarship Award
Published: December 3, 2024
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Spanish Tell us Something Good 2024 (948 x 648 px)
Premio Cuéntenos Algo Bueno 2024 – 2025
Published: October 31, 2024
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Tell us Something Good 2025 (948 x 648 px)
Tell Us Something Good 2024-25
Published: October 31, 2024
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We are family members of children with special needs ourselves

ECAC’s Parent Educators are experienced family members of individuals with special needs who are familiar with connecting to resources and support in North Carolina. They’ve made the journey and can guide others who may be overwhelmed or less experienced in the process. 

Many Parent Educators actively participate in community councils and advisory boards to provide a family perspective as plans and decisions are being made for our community.

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Parent Testimonial

Dear ECAC Team,

I hope this letter finds you well. I want to express a heartfelt thank you to you all for your work. To Mrs. Aimee Combs, I appreciate your continued advocacy alongside youth and young adults disabilities and for allowing me to have a place at the table. I am so thankful to have met everyone on staff, and your passion for what you all do is infectious.

When I connected with Mrs. Debra Pickens and reconnected with my friend and fellow advocate Billy Pickens, I had no clue what was ahead.  I had the honor of participating as a voice in the following events: The Duke Univ Health Equity Rounds, NCSU Family Leadership Summit, ECU Inclusion Summit and the Partners in Learning Conference, not to mention numerous YAT opportunities and events.

All of these opportunities and more have had a lasting impact on me and continue to set the standard in my relationships with other organizations as well. Thank you for investing in me, and the mission that I was called to fulfill through advocating, creating and serving our shared communities of disabilities. I look forward to more opportunities to build upon the relationships established, and more opportunities to assist, collaborate and learn from you all as you continue to impact our state, my generation as well as present and future advocates.

Sincerely,
Mayia Warren