Fair Haven Graded School Puppet Presentation
2025-01-30 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by Ross Hometown Chevrolet

Shelburne Community School Puppet Presentation
2025-02-05 08:00 - 17:00
Friendship Puppet Program

Watch: 2/6/25 Navigating Dispute Resolution in Special Education
2025-02-06 10:00 - 11:00
Watch the recording of the “Navigating Dispute Resolution in Special Education” workshop here.
This joint VFN & Disability Law Project (DLP) workshop is designed to empower parents with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate disagreements within the special education process. Families will learn about their rights under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), explore effective communication strategies, and understand key dispute resolution options including mediation, administrative complaints, and due process hearings. We will include examples of when each type of dispute resolution option may be appropriate. We will also cover parents’ most frequently asked questions about how and when to engage in dispute resolution.
Presenters:
– Cammie Naylor, (she/her), MSW, Esq. is a Staff Attorney with the Disability Law Project at Vermont Legal Aid, Inc. She is a graduate of Clemson University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Vermont Law School. As a former children’s therapist, Cammie has long advocated for the needs of children and their families. She joined Vermont Legal Aid as a Staff Attorney in 2017. She has a deep passion for protecting the rights of children and advocating within spaces where a child’s needs and rights intersect. Cammie advocates for children with disabilities regarding their rights in schools, and other individuals with disabilities who are facing legal problems like guardianship, access to health care, or discrimination because of their disabilities.
– Karen Price – Co-Director of Family Support – Education at Vermont Family Network

William B Tecler Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2025-02-12 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by Ross Mangino Chevrolet

Watch: 2/13/25 Demystifying Disabled Children’s Home Care (Katie Beckett)
2025-02-13 10:00 - 11:00
Watch the recording of the “Demystifying Disabled Children’s Home Care (Katie Beckett)” workshop here.
This webinar dives into Disabled Children’s Home Care (DCHC) which is sometimes referred to as Katie Beckett. DCHC allows children and youth under 19 with long-term disability or complex needs to qualify for Medicaid regardless of family income. In the presentation, we will provide an overview of the program, eligibility, application process, and the resources to help along the way. This presentation will be helpful to anyone interested in learning more about this alternative pathway to Medicaid, is considering applying, and/or works with families that might benefit from this program. It may also be helpful to those that would like a refresh on some of the program details and changes in the recent years.
Presenter: Kelsey Naro is the Health Systems Coordinator at Children with Special Health Care Needs (Vermont Department of Health). She is a social worker by training with experience in home health, care coordination, and public health systems.

St Albans City School Puppet Presentation
2025-02-20 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by the VT Department of Mental Health

Milton Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2025-03-13 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: The Vermont Graduation Readiness Tool
2025-03-13 13:00 - 14:00
Watch the recording of “The Vermont Graduation Readiness Tool” workshop here.
This workshop covers the concept of the graduation readiness tool and how IEP teams, which include parents/guardians should use it. The timing of graduation for students with disabilities can be hard to determine especially for students with complex and intensive needs. This tool helps the IEP team better “see” when graduation should happen because for students on IEPs graduation is not just about meeting the graduation requirements, it is also about reasonable and appropriate access to transition services. This tool helps teams make sure students are ready to graduate. This workshop reviews the new and improved second edition of this tool which has been just released this year.
Presenter:
– John Spinney, Postsecondary Transition Coordinator at the VT Agency of Education. John is in his 20th year at the VT AOE where he works to support systems that promote good transitions to post school life for students with disabilities statewide. John’s two youngest brothers were adopted as infants and both have Down Syndrome. John’s grew up being immersed in the disability world and is now the legal guardian for his two brothers who are in their 40s now.

IAA @ St Marks School Puppet Presentation
2025-03-20 08:00 - 17:00

Ripton Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2025-04-02 08:00 - 17:00

VFN Annual Conference "Navigating Transition: Empowering Journeys of Change"
2025-04-08 09:00 - 14:45
Our 2025 Annual Conference “Navigating Transition: Empowering Journeys of Change” was held in-person on April 8, 2025 at the University of Vermont – Dudley H. Davis Center from 9:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Watch: 5/1/25 The New Adverse Effect Rule
2025-05-01 13:00 - 14:00
Watch the recording of “The New Adverse Effect Rule” workshop here.
This session reviews the State’s new Adverse Effect rule and its impact on eligibility evaluations for disability identification, as well as the provision of special education and related services.
Presenter:

Ernie Wheeler – Educational Consultant at the Vermont Agency of Education. Ernie is a former school psychologist and a has been a member of the Agency of Education’s special education team for the past 24 years. In his current semi-retired role, he provides technical assistance to the field and parents, as well as processing the educational surrogate parent appointments on behalf of the Agency of Education

Cavendish Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2025-05-07 08:00 - 17:00

Shaker Road School Puppet Presentation
2025-05-22 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by DeNooyer Chevrolet

Mary Hogan School Puppet Presentation
2025-05-29 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: 6/5 Transition to Adulthood: Planning for Post-High School Success
2025-06-05 10:00 - 11:00
Watch the recording of the “Transition to Adulthood: Planning for Post-High School Success” workshop here.

While it’s important to be mindful of considerations for any child’s success after high school, it is especially important to intentionally plan for a successful post-high-school transition if your child has a disability. This workshop outlines life-wide parameters to consider in transition planning, when to start that transition planning, as well as how to develop a “trusted team” to help plan and carry out actions that will benefit your child post-graduation.

Presenter:

Katherine Barwin has been in education for over forty years. She served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, literacy coach, curriculum director, principal, and leadership consultant. She retired in June as a K-2 reading specialist for grades at Allen Brook School. She holds a Master’s degree in Reading, Language, and Learning Disabilities. She currently volunteers to help parents and schools work to develop programming that meets the needs of students who aren’t making gains.

Watch: Vermont’s Education Transformation: Impacts and Opportunities for Special Education
2025-06-24 15:00 - 16:00
Watch the recording of the “Vermont’s Education Transformation: Impacts and Opportunities for Special Education” workshop here.
The Vermont legislature has spent the majority of the session on sweeping education transformation proposals. These proposals impact both the delivery and funding of public education in Vermont, and have unique implications for special education. Join us to learn about the latest in this education transformation legislation, with an emphasis on how this might impact special education in our State. Participants will also receive updates on change to the Federal Department of Education and Vermont’s response to the uncertainty.
Presenter:

Meagan Roy, Ed.D. is the Coordinator of School Leadership Programs at Saint Michael’s College. Meagan has been an educator and leader in Vermont since 2002. She currently serves as the Coordinator of School Leadership Programs at St. Michael’s College. Previously, she has served as Superintendent of the Washington Central Unified Union School District, and spent more than a decade in the Champlain Valley Union School District as their Director of Student Support Services. She began her Vermont teaching career as an Intensive Needs special educator, and her professional endeavors are deeply linked to her beliefs about social justice and the need to ensure that public schools can serve all students. Meagan is deeply invested and engaged in education policy work at the state level, and has a particular interest in policy implementation at the local level. She is a past President of the Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators and serves as the Chair of the Commission on the Future of Public Education in Vermont. Meagan is a graduate of Simmons College in Boston, MA and completed her Master and Doctoral degrees in UVM’s Education Leadership and Policy Studies program. Meagan spends her free time with her family in South Burlington.

Watch: Providing a Free Appropriate Public Education During Staffing Shortages
2025-07-24 13:00 - 14:00
Watch the recording of the “Providing a Free Appropriate Public Education During Staffing Shortages” workshop here.
During this workshop, the VT Agency of Education reviews guidance designed to support Supervisory Unions and Districts (SU/SDs), as well as parents and families, in making equitable and individualized decisions about appropriate special education and related services for eligible students and children (ages 3 to 21 under IDEA and Section 504) when facing shortages of essential special education staff. Recognizing that the absence of essential personnel can create significant hurdles for schools and families alike, this session, led by the VT Agency of Education, provides a comprehensive review of newly developed and existing guidance. The workshop aims to clarify rights under IDEA and Section 504 in the context of staffing limitations, provide tools for effective advocacy, and foster a collaborative partnership with schools to ensure the delivery of meaningful and appropriate supports.
Presenter:

Cassie Santo – State Director of Special Education at the Vermont Agency of Education

Watch: Executive Functioning - 5 Powerful Shifts to Move From Chaos to Calm
2025-07-29 14:00 - 15:00
Watch the recording of the “Executive Functioning: 5 Powerful Shifts to Move From Chaos to Calm” workshop.
Your child’s brain has a “control center” that helps them think before acting, pay attention, adapt to changes, and find solutions. But some children struggle to develop this control center naturally, and that can turn simple daily activities into ongoing battles for the whole family. In this presentation, you’ll discover 5 powerful shifts that any parent can make, no matter what age your child is. These aren’t complicated techniques or expensive programs. They’re practical changes you can start using right away to help your child build these crucial skills. And the best part? These strategies work whether you have a preschooler, a teenager, or anything in between.
Presenter:

Natalie Raby is a certified parent coach who brings to this important work a combination of formal education in counseling, child development, and psychology as well as experience as a teacher, school counselor, and mother of four.

Watch: Being the Anchor for Your Child: Staying Calm in the Storm of Big Emotions
2025-08-14 13:00 - 14:00
Watch the recording of the “Being the Anchor for Your Child: Staying Calm in the Storm of Big Emotions” workshop here.
This workshop will be online using the Zoom meeting platform. If you are unable to attend the live presentation, you can still register and we’ll send you a link to the recording of the workshop which you can watch on your own time. We appreciate when you register as that data can support our grant reporting.
Are you a parent/caregiver of a child or adolescent (ages 5–18) looking for practical tools to manage intense reactions and challenging behaviors at home?
When emotions run high at home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to respond. This workshop offers foundational parenting skills to help you stay calm, connected, and confident—even in the most challenging moments. You’ll learn simple strategies to defuse and de-escalate situations without harming your relationship with your child, ways to repair after conflicts, and techniques to build stronger positive connections.
Whether you’re feeling stuck or just want to strengthen your parenting toolkit, this session will help you understand that you’ve got this—your presence matters, and with the right tools, you can guide your child through emotional storms and change the course of their challenging behavior.
Presenter:

Greeta Soderholm, LICSW, LACD. Greeta works as a Clinical Social worker at the Vermont Center for Children, Youth and Families at the University of Vermont Medical Center. She is trained and certified in Parental Management training (PMT) and has over 20 years of experience working directly with children and families.

Watch: Digital Wellness - Workshop 3: Digital Wellness for Families
2025-08-28 10:00 - 11:00
Watch the recording of the”Digital Wellness – Workshop 3: Digital Wellness for Families” workshop here.
Empowering Families in the Online World” is an online empowerment series presented by Grow Digital Skills.
In this third workshop information is shared on “Digital Wellness for Families” which includes:

Balancing screen time with offline activities
Setting up tech-free zones and times at home
Encouraging positive online interactions

Presenter:

Emmy Hilliard, VFN Co-Director of Family Support – Health and Grow Digital Skills Coordinator

Bethel Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2025-09-10 08:00 - 17:00

Hardwick Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2025-09-25 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: Parent Representatives in Act 264 and Coordination of Services (CSP)
2025-09-25 10:00 - 11:00
Watch the “Parent Representatives in Act 264 and Coordination of Services (CSP)” workshop recording here.
Act 264 was passed to ensure that public schools and community mental health/developmental services agencies work together with parents and guardians to coordinate services for better outcomes for children and families. A parent representative, or parent rep, is a person with lived experience who can help you navigate the Coordinated Service Plan (CSP) process. Learn how Act 264, or CSP, may be appropriate for your family and how parent reps can support you through the process.
Presenters:

Karen Price, VFN Co-director of Family Support – Education
Michelle Laliberte, VFN Family Support Consultant and Parent Rep
Nora Sabo, VFN Family Support Consultant and Parent Rep

Watch: What Does Vermont's Pathways to Partnerships Bring to the Table?
2025-10-02 10:00 - 11:00
Watch the recording of the “What Does Vermont’s Pathways to Partnerships Bring to the Table?” workshop here.
This workshop will introduce what Pathways to Partnership is and what it brings to Vermont families, students and community partners. Vermont’s Pathways to Partnerships (VT-P2P) project aims to facilitate a smoother transition for young people with disabilities into independent living, employment, continued education or training, and community engagement. This funding presents an exceptional opportunity for Vermont to develop meaningful partnerships and training programs aimed at fostering the post-school success of students with disabilities.
Presenter:

Liz Perreault, Vermont Pathways to Partnerships Project Director.
Liz has over 18 years of combined experience in state government, education, and workforce development, including leadership roles in the Plainfield School District and the Getting Ready to Work Program. As VT-P2P’s leader, she is dedicated to empowering students with disabilities through strong systems of support, student leadership, and successful career and post-secondary pathways.

Little Royals Williston Puppet Presentation
2025-10-03 08:00 - 17:00

Bakersfield Elementary Middle School Puppet Presentation
2025-10-09 08:00 - 17:00

Founders Memorial School Puppet Presentation
2025-10-16 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: Supporting Students in Exploring Dual Enrollment and Early College Opportunities
2025-10-16 10:00 - 11:00
Watch the recording of the “Supporting Students in Exploring Dual Enrollment and Early College Opportunities” workshop here.
This workshop outlines the ways that students can take advantage of statewide Dual Enrollment and Early College Programs. Viewers will learn specifics about both programs and about tools to help students, counselors, and families in the decision-making process, including assessing readiness.
Presenter:

Amy Dodge, Post-Secondary Programs Coordinator at the Vermont Agency of Education. Amy works to support school districts and students in exploring and accessing post-secondary pathways, including dual enrollment and early college opportunities. With a background as a student advisor, college counselor, and college instructor, Amy brings a broad perspective to her work, having advised students at both the high school and college levels. Her experience in both advising and teaching allows her to help schools and students navigate the transition from high school to higher education with confidence and clarity.

Irasburg Village School Puppet Presentation
2025-10-23 08:00 - 17:00
