Family & Community Engagement

January Meeting - Planning for Making a Difference Awards

Thursday, January 22, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Zoom

Register for the January Local Task Force Meeting

The Local Task Force (LTF):

• Helps parents and schools work as a team
• Shares helpful information and resources
• Speaks up for students with special needs
• Gives feedback to improve programs and services

Who Can Join?

• Parents and caregivers
• School staff
• Community members
• Anyone who cares about helping kids with special needs

Meetings are Free!

• Held five times during the school year
• Open to the public
• Include updates, trainings, and helpful discussions
• Presentation topics are chosen by members. Your ideas are welcome!

 School Districts Invited to Join the Task Force

Families from the following districts and charter schools are welcome:

• Chester Community Charter School
• Chester Upland
• Chichester
• Garnet Valley
• Haverford Township
• Interboro
• Marple Newtown
• Penn-Delco
• Radnor Township
• Ridley
• Rose Tree Media
• Springfield
• Wallingford-Swarthmore
• William Penn

The DCIU Educational Surrogate Program helps the student's school do so.

An Educational Surrogate Parent

• Acts like a parent in special education decisions
• Can review school records
• Can agree to evaluations and placements
• Joins IEP meetings and can advocate for changes or help

When Is a Surrogate Parent Needed?

A school (LEA) can request one if:

• There is no legal parent or guardian
• The school cannot find the parent
• The child is an unaccompanied homeless youth