Professional Development, education and family networking activities

A comprehensive set of professional development (in-service) activities are provided annually for Tri-County educators. Topics include policies and procedures, assistive technology, instructional methods, mental health needs or services, and student assessment.

Community members, especially those who work in community agencies and parents of children with disabilities, are frequently involved in learning activities offered through Tri-County. A parent mentor was recently employed by Tri-County and the Academic Development Institute in Lincoln. A state grant funds the parent mentor position to offer support to parents whose children receive special education services. The parent mentor helps foster understanding, parent involvement, community awareness and expanded educational and community opportunities for students with disabilities. An additional goal is to maintain strong, positive relationships between parents and educators. The parent mentor has the benefit of a parent advisory group, and works in conjunction with a state-wide project called the Parent Educator Partnership.