Inclusive schools that have maintained success over time have a very important commonality: They engage family members in meaningful school and classroom activities. Family involvement is an important component in nurturing a school environment of acceptance and support.
 
The federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) provides funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for Parent Centers in every U.S state, in U.S. territories, and to serve the families of U.S. Military around the world.  These Parent Centers provide information and resources to educate parents and to help schools actively engage families in their children's education.  The Technical Assistance ALLIANCE for Parent Centers' maintains a Parent Center Directory on their website.  To connect with your state's Parent Center and learn more about the role of parents and families in supporting inclusive education, visit: http://www.taalliance.org/ptidirectory/index.asp.
 
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