ECAC is the state’s designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) and receives funding from the federal Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs.
Who We Service:
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- North Carolina parents and family members of a child from birth to age 26 with special needs
- Professionals who work with children with special needs
- Children and youth with special needs from birth to age 26

Why contact the PTI?
Families often reach out to ECAC’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) during times of concern or challenge – such as after receiving a new diagnosis, navigating a school issue, or preparing their child for the future. As North Carolina’s PTI, ECAC helps families connect with resources, understand their rights, and communicate effectively so they can make informed decisions and confidently support their child’s success.
Parent Educator services are offered at no cost to families. Our Parent Educators are all parents of children with disabilities themselves, and they bring not only deep empathy and understanding but also extensive knowledge of early intervention, special education, and the transition to adulthood. While ECAC staff cannot provide legal advice, they are highly knowledgeable about special education policies, parent rights, and school-related processes and are well-versed in navigating North Carolina’s network of services, supports, and resources.
If you would like to contact a Parent Educator, call (800) 962-6817 or use our online form.