Local Educational Resources

Local Education Resources

Local Programs:

Arc's Family Resource Center
Borrow a DVD by contacting Ramona Neidig at 610-849-8076, x 25
The Arc's Resource Library has always been welcoming to ALL parents or anyone interested in issues related to cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities, autism, or a physical disability. If they have resources that will give you needed information, you are welcome to borrow from their library. New titles include: Attention Deficit Disorder: What Teachers Need to Know, Catching a Moving Train: High School Transformation & Special Education, FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education), and LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) Continuum.

Autism Special Education Support
Debra Schafer
PO Box, 973, Exton, PA 19341
610-363-1156
Email: ASPEDAdvocate@aol.comAutism special education coaching, advocacy and consulting, specialization in Asperger's Syndrome, parent/educator training on IEP's, special education and supporting autism spectrum children in school.

Casa Guadalupe Center
143 Linden St., Allentown, PA 18101
610-435-9902
GED preparation classes, English As a Second Language (ESL) classes, Homework Club for students in 1st-12th grades, After-School Programs for elementary and middle school students, Entrepreneurship Program (students learn how to set up a business either in the restaurant, fashion, or publication industry, which reinforces important academic skills as well as life skills), and Summer Program.

Community Services for Children (Headstart)
610-437-6000
Early education programs designed to address the special needs of low-income families. English As a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education and Family Literacy programs.

Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations of the Lehigh Valley
610-868-7800
Drop out prevention and literacy programs.

Even Start Program--Office at Community Services for Children, Inc.
1520 Hanover Ave., Allentown, PA 18109
610-437-6000, ext 2175
Family Literacy Program that provides adult education, GED, ESL prep; personal development, parenting and early childhood education. Eligible families should have a child ages 0-7 years.

Other Resources:

Disability Rights Network
Advance, protect and advocate for the human, civil and legal rights of Pennsylvanians with disabilities.

Educational Advocacy and Support Groups
View information on advocacy and support.

Education Law Center
Non-profit legal advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that all of Pennsylvania's children have access to a quality public education. Offers legal representation for parents and students in selected lawsuits that seek important reform, a variety of publications for parents, advocates and students, and free information service for families, advocates and others about students' legal rights.

Job Corps
A GED and job skills program for youth, ages 16-24 who have left high school. It is a residential program and federally funded. While they earn their GED, students can learn these skills/trades: auto mechanics, carpentry, health occupations, culinary arts, landscaping and other.

Lehigh County Conference of Churches
Aspires Mentoring, provides a positive one-on-one relationship with a caring adults, and trusted role model who listens to students who are in danger of not completing school.

Lehigh University--Lehigh Support for Community Living
Transition and Assessment: program assists adolescents with disabilities by offering educational services for school districts, support for students attending college, vocational services, private high school programming.

PaTTAN--Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network
View resources for special education including sample letters to schools (to request evaluations, IEPs, etc.), free trainings and publications.

Parent Education Network
Free publications and newsletters regarding the public education system and special education (IEP information, Finding a Job, Transition--The Bridge to Adult Living, Graduation, Evaluation & Testing, etc). Consultation and referral available for parents and caregivers.

Pennsylvania Department of Education
For information, regulations, laws and guidelines regarding the Pennsylvania education system (Grades Pre K-12 and Higher/Adult Education General Info), call 717-783-6913.

Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support Network Initiative Launches Web Site
The State Leadership Team of the Pennsylvania School-Wide Positive Behavior Support Network recently launched a new web site. It is one component in fulfilling the mission of the network which is to "support schools and their family and community partners to create and sustain comprehensive, school-based behavioral health support systems in order to promote the academic, social and emotional well-being of all Pennsylvania's students."

The Right to Education Task Force System
The Right to Education Task Force System was created as a result of the 1972 PARC Consent Agreement and established a local Right to Education Task Force in each of the 29 Intermediate Units. The primary purpose is to insure that the intent and spirit of the Right to Education Consent Agreement is carried out throughout the Commonwealth. You can identify your local chairs and co-chairs by going to the website. You can also view the Right to Education Handbook and identify meting times and activities.

Rights Now
Mary R. Hayes-Sharp, MEd
977 Natalie Lane, Coopersburg, PA 18036
610-966-5674 Accompanies parents and children to IEP meetings, examine plans for appropriate services, advocates for due process.

Second Chance
Allen High School: 126 N. 17th St., Allentown, PA 18104
484-765-5090
Dieruff High School
815 N. Irving St., Allentown, PA
A year round program for 17-21 year old parents who need to finish high school. Individualized instruction to get high school diploma. Parenting and career education. Child care, assistance with transportation provided.

Special Kids Network
Educational information available.