Upcoming Family Engagement Sessions for Parents and Students with Special Needs in CMCSS
Clarksville, TN – CMCSS Special Populations Department to Host Family Engagement Sessions for 2025-26 School Year
The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) Special Populations Department is set to continue its Family Engagement Sessions, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of available support services for students with unique learning needs. The initial session for the 2025-26 school year is scheduled for Thursday, September 18, and will take place at the William O. Beach Civic Hall, located at 350 Pageant Lane. This event will run from noon to 1:15 p.m. and again from 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Importantly, attendance is free and is open to any families seeking insights or assistance related to special education.
The Family Engagement Sessions are structured to provide valuable information across five key areas, allowing families to select three topics of interest to dive into further. Each session is designed to equip parents with knowledge and strategies that can positively impact their children’s educational experiences.
Session Breakdown:
– Understanding Special Education: This session will cover crucial topics such as special education eligibility criteria and the distinctions between the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
– Supporting Learning at Home: Family members will learn how to enhance their children’s language and communication skills, recognize the signs and support strategies for dyslexia, and understand early childhood milestones.
– Social-Emotional Development: Attendees will explore the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in helping children cultivate resilience and emotional intelligence, along with positive behavioral strategies that parents can implement at home.
– Developmental Growth: This session focuses specifically on motor milestones essential for physical development during childhood.
– English Learners (EL): Families will gain insights into effective strategies to support English learners at home and how to navigate EL services for improved language development and academic success.
In addition to the September session, CMCSS plans to hold two more sessions later in the school year at Central Services South (1312 Highway 48), with additional information to follow.
These Family Engagement Sessions represent a commitment by CMCSS to actively involve families in the educational process, particularly for those with students who have special needs. By fostering an environment of support and understanding, the initiative aims to enhance collaboration between families and educators, ultimately leading to positive outcomes in student learning and development. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in these informative sessions to better advocate for their children’s educational journeys.
