Quincy CPAC outlines outreach, training and transition planning concerns for special education families

Representatives of the Quincy Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) updated the subcommittee on the group's goals for the year, focusing on caregiver resources, staff training, outreach to out-of-district families and transition planning for students approaching adulthood.

"I am currently the president. I'm solo this year," said the CPAC president (name not specified) while introducing the board. The presenters identified Emily Daggett as vice president, Amy Blue as secretary, Melissa as public relations officer, Darlene Wilson as treasurer and Taryn as a board member at large.

Why it matters: CPAC is a parent-led advisory body that works with Quincy Public Schools to identify family needs and host informational events. The council's priorities shape what trainings and supports parents can access locally and influence district engagement with families of students in and out of district placements.

CPAC said it used a survey to shape priorities; the group reported that 55.7% of respondents selected transition planning (preparing for an older child's future) as a topic of interest. Presenters described three main goal areas: - Resources and educational opportunities: CPAC hosts caregiver groups and plans presentations addressing topics such as student mental health and the new IEP format. The council recently hosted a presentation by Chuck Zuko of the Blue Method to explain the new IEP to parents and professionals. - Training for staff and caregivers: CPAC is building offerings to help parents carry school-based strategies into the home and to provide staff with additional training opportunities. - Engagement with preschool, out-of-district, and transition-age families: CPAC is trying to reach families whose children attend schools outside Quincy and to form a subgroup focused on students aged roughly 14 to 22 preparing for postsecondary pathways.

Presenters also described social and recreational inclusion efforts: CPAC organized gingerbread-house decorating events (including sessions at the RDLC learning center and preschool-focused sessions) and described collaboration with Quincy High culinary and career programs. On extracurricular supports, district staff earlier in the meeting said staff accompany students into activities as needed, citing two students in a Quincy High production and participation on the Lincoln-Hancock swim team with paraprofessional support.

Parents at the meeting raised concerns about supports after students age out of school-based services. One CPAC member said, "My son has been out of district for over 8 years now... it's a very daunting task and knowing that he doesn't have a community in his own town is very... scary, it's sad, it's frustrating." Another attendee who identified herself as Miss Lebo said, "I am so dismayed about the 22 year old myself," citing long wait lists and staff shortages in state services.

CPAC members described the shortage of adult day programs and long wait lists for DDS (the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services) services, and said many parents report difficulty finding community-based day supports for young adults who need substantial daily assistance. CPAC presenters said they want to explore community-based models and referenced Norwell's Friendship House as an existing volunteer-founded model that CPAC leaders have reviewed.

CPAC urged parents who need transition planning assistance to reach out; presenters noted existing district pathways such as the LEAP program and Quincy College offerings for ages 18'2. The group said it will continue to develop parent academies, trainings and resource pages and try new approaches to contact out-of-district families.

The meeting ended with thanks to CPAC for its volunteer work and for partnering with Quincy Public Schools on parent outreach and events.