Online and customized training
Caring for a child with special needs can be an incredibly joyful, complex, and emotional process for families. As a professional, you may not always have the time or expertise (in a field outside your own) to provide that support to a family. ECAC is here to help bridge that gap.
We are happy to help a family directly by providing 1:1 assistance or delivering a training to a group of professionals. Frequently requested training opportunities are listed online (links to training descriptions) or contact us if you would like to customize a training to meet your specific needs.
Working with educators and professionals to implement best practices for family engagement is one of our specialties!
Collaboration is a key value of our work. We work with nonprofit organizations, medical professionals, universities, school districts, social service providers and policy makers to engage families in meaningful ways to improve services.
We also provide specific training for professionals and families to enhance their skills for effective partnerships.
When and why do I suggest ECAC to a family?
- It is typically because a family needs additional resources related specifically to education
- We provide reliable, accurate information using person first, family-friendly language
- Our services are confidential and free of charge to families
- Families are contacted by a Parent Educator in a timely manner
- There are no eligibility requirements (we serve NC families regardless of diagnosis with a child up to age 26)
- We have both English- and Spanish-speaking Parent Educators
ECAC staff serve on various disability advisory committees both statewide and nationally. We stay informed and give families accurate information regarding policies and systems change. At each of these meetings and in our day-to-day work we come to the table bringing an inclusive, family-centered perspective.
When we refer to you
- A family or individual is in need of your services!
- You have information that could help a family or group of individuals
- You provide assistance that is outside of ECAC scope, but we know families need