Mosaic Minds Center For Autism & Neurodivergent Learning

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Parent Education Series

Parent Empowerment Workshop Series

Because No Parent Should Have to Navigate Special Education Alone.

Time
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Investment
$20 Per Workshop
Location
105 East 3rd Street, Washington, NC
Parent Education Series

Parent Empowerment Workshops

Because No Parent Should Have to Navigate Special Education Alone.

 

A year-round educational program designed to equip families with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools needed to become effective advocates for their children.

Time
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Investment
$20 Per Workshop
Location
105 East 3rd Street, Washington, NC

Parent Education Series

Parent Empowerment Workshop Series

Because No Parent Should Have to Navigate Special Education Alone

Time

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Investment

$20 Per Workshop

Location

105 East 3rd Street, Washington, NC

Parent Education Series

Empowering Families Through Knowledge

At Mosaic Minds Center for Autism & Neurodivergent Learning, we understand that raising a child with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, learning disabilities, speech and language challenges, executive functioning difficulties, or other neurodivergent learning needs can be both rewarding and, at times, overwhelming.

 

Families are often expected to participate in IEP meetings, review evaluation reports, understand special education laws, advocate for accommodations, and make important educational decisions without ever receiving formal guidance on how these systems work.

 

To help bridge that gap, we are proud to offer our Parent Empowerment Workshop Series — a year-round educational program designed to equip families with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools needed to become effective advocates for their children.

 

Whether your family is just beginning its journey or has years of experience navigating special education, these workshops provide meaningful guidance, practical solutions, and a supportive community committed to helping every child thrive.

We invite you to join us as we empower families, strengthen partnerships, and create brighter futures for neurodivergent learners throughout Eastern North Carolina.

Led by Dr. Jeannine Carrington

Founder and Executive Director of Mosaic Minds, these workshops combine nearly three decades of professional experience in special education, educational leadership, and family advocacy with the perspective of a parent who has personally navigated the journey of raising a child with neurodivergent learning needs.

October 26, 2026

Special Education 101: Understanding the Basics

Understanding the Foundation of Special Education Services

Special Education Services Special education can feel overwhelming for families who are new to the process. This workshop provides a practical overview of how special education works, who qualifies for services, and how educational supports are determined.

 

Participants will learn:

  • The purpose of special education
  • Eligibility categories and services
  • Parent rights and procedural safeguards
  • The roles of teachers, specialists, and school teams
  • How to navigate the special education process confidently

 

Benefits

Families leave with a clearer understanding of the educational system and greater confidence when participating in school meetings and decision-making.

November 30,2026

IEP vs. 504 Plans: Understanding the Key Differences

Which Support Plan Is Right for Your Child?

Many families are unsure whether their child needs an IEP or a 504 Plan. This workshop explains the differences, benefits, and eligibility requirements for each.

 

Participants will learn:

  • The purpose of an IEP
  • The purpose of a 504 Plan
  • Eligibility requirements
  • Accommodations vs. specialized instruction
  • How to determine which support best meets a child’s needs

 

Benefits

Families gain confidence in selecting appropriate supports and advocating for services that align with their child’s unique learning profile.

December 28,2026

Eligibility & Evaluations Explained

Understanding Testing Results and Educational Decisions

Evaluation reports often contain educational and psychological terminology that can be difficult to interpret. This workshop helps families understand assessment results and how schools use evaluation data to make decisions.

 

Participants will learn:

  • Types of educational evaluations
  • Understanding testing scores
  • Eligibility determination processes
  • Reevaluation requirements
  • Questions parents should ask during meetings

 

Benefits

Families gain the knowledge needed to understand reports, participate meaningfully in meetings, and make informed educational decisions.

January 25,2027

Understanding Accommodations & Modifications

Supporting Success in the Classroom

Accommodations and modifications can significantly impact student success. This workshop helps families understand what supports are available and how they can be effectively implemented.

 

Participants will learn:

  • Differences between accommodations and modifications
  • Common classroom supports
  • Testing accommodations
  • Executive functioning supports
  • How to monitor implementation

 

Benefits

Families leave with practical strategies to support academic success and ensure appropriate classroom supports are in place.

February 22,2027

Effective Communication: Advocating During IEP Meetings

Building Collaborative Partnerships With Schools

Many parents feel intimidated during IEP meetings. This workshop provides practical tools for effective communication and productive collaboration.

 

Participants will learn:

  • How to prepare for meetings
  • Questions to ask
  • How to communicate concerns effectively
  • Documentation strategies
  • Building positive relationships with school teams

 

Benefits

Families develop greater confidence and learn strategies that promote collaboration while effectively advocating for their child.

March 22,2027

Positive Behavior Supports & Emotional Regulation

Understanding the "Why" Behind Behavior

Behavior is communication. This workshop explores how emotional regulation, sensory needs, and environmental factors influence behavior.

 

Participants will learn:

  • Understanding challenging behaviors
  • Emotional regulation strategies
  • Positive behavior supports
  • Preventative approaches
  • Building coping skills

 

Benefits

Families gain practical tools for supporting emotional wellness and reducing behavioral challenges at home and school.

April 26,2027

Dispute Resolution & Parent Rights

Understanding Your Rights and Options

When disagreements occur, families need to understand their rights and available options. This workshop provides an overview of procedural safeguards and dispute resolution processes.

 

Participants will learn:

  • Parent rights under IDEA and Section 504
  • Mediation options
  • State complaint procedures
  • Due process hearings
  • Documentation best practices

 

Benefits

Families gain confidence in understanding their legal protections and available resources when concerns arise.

May 24,2027

Transition Planning Across the Lifespan

Preparing for the Next Step

Successful transitions require planning. This workshop explores transitions from preschool through adulthood.

 

Participants will learn:

  • Transition planning requirements
  • Postsecondary options
  • Employment preparation
  • Independent living considerations
  • Community resources

 

Benefits

Families gain practical guidance for supporting their child’s long-term success and independence.

June 28,2027

Supporting Academic, Social & Executive Functioning Success at Home

Strengthening Skills Beyond the Classroom

Learning does not stop when students leave school. This workshop provides practical strategies families can use to support learning and independence at home.

 

Participants will learn:

  • Homework support strategies
  • Organization systems
  • Time management skills
  • Social skill development
  • Executive functioning supports

 

Benefits

Families gain practical tools that promote confidence, independence, and academic success in everyday life.

July 27,2027

Multisensory Environments (MSE): Supporting Regulation, Learning & Emotional Wellness

Exploring the Power of Sensory-Based Support

Multisensory Environments provide opportunities for individuals to regulate emotions, improve focus, reduce stress, and support overall well-being.

 

Participants will learn:

  • What a Multisensory Environment is
  • Who can benefit from MSE experiences
  • Sensory regulation strategies
  • Supporting attention and focus
  • Incorporating sensory supports at home

 

Benefits

Families discover how sensory-informed approaches can improve emotional regulation, learning, engagement, and quality of life. “When individuals feel regulated, they are better able to learn, communicate, connect, and thrive.”

"When individuals feel regulated, they are better able to learn, communicate, connect, and thrive."

Ready to Register?

Limited seating available. Advanced registration is recommended.

Investment

$20 Per Workshop

Time

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Location

105 East 3rd Street Washington, NC 27889

Workshop Topics Include:

  • Understanding Autism & Neurodiversity
  • Navigating the IEP Process with Confidence
  • Understanding Section 504 Plans
  • Interpreting Educational & Psychological Evaluations
  • Building Effective School-Family Partnerships
  • Executive Functioning Strategies for Home & School
  • Positive Behavior Supports
  • Emotional Regulation & Sensory Strategies
  • Transition Planning for Adolescence & Adulthood
  • Preparing for College, Employment & Independent Living
  • Community Resources & Support Services
  • Parent Self-Care & Preventing Caregiver Burnout

 

Each workshop is designed to provide practical strategies that families can immediately apply to support their child’s educational, social, and emotional success

Why Attend?

Participants will learn how to:

  • Advocate confidently during IEP and 504 meetings.
  • Understand evaluation reports and educational recommendations.
  • Strengthen communication with schools and service providers.
  • Support learning and emotional regulation at home.
  • Access valuable community resources.
  • Connect with other families navigating similar experiences.
  • Build long-term plans that promote independence and lifelong success

 

Whether your family is just beginning its journey or has years of experience navigating special education, these workshops provide meaningful guidance, practical solutions, and a supportive community committed to helping every child thrive.

 

We invite you to join us as we empower families, strengthen partnerships, and create brighter futures for neurodivergent learners throughout Eastern North Carolina.

Frequency: Once per month, October 2026 through July 2027
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM (1.5-hour workshop)
Cost: $20 per workshop
Location: 105 East 3rd Street, Washington, NC 27889
Workshop Date Workshop Topic
October 26, 2026 Special Education 101: Understanding the Basics
November 30, 2026 IEP vs. 504 Plans: Understanding the Differences
December 28, 2026 Eligibility & Evaluations Explained
January 25, 2027 Understanding Accommodations & Modifications
February 22, 2027 Effective Communication: Advocating Successfully During IEP Meetings
March 22, 2027 Positive Behavior Supports & Emotional Regulation
April 26, 2027 Dispute Resolution & Parent Rights
May 24, 2027 Transition Planning Across the Lifespan: Preschool Through Adulthood
June 27, 2027 Supporting Academic, Social & Executive Functioning Success at Home
July 27, 2027 Multisensory Environments (MSE): Supporting Regulation, Learning & Emotional Wellness