National publication recognizes U-CF – Chadds Ford Live

Director of Special Education Leah Reider, left, and Supervisor of Special Education Shannon Brown designed U-CF's U-PRISE Program. (Courtesy image.)

*** Updated 1:59 p.m.***

District Administration, a national publication for school district leaders nationwide, has honored the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District for its U-PRISE program.

The program, which began this past school year, is a place for parents/guardians of students with special needs to share ideas and information, discuss programs, network with other parents and community resources, collaborate with administrators, ask questions, seek advice, and learn more about special education processes. It was the brainchild of Director of Special Education Leah Reider and Supervisor of Special Education Shannon Brown.

Were excited to have this recognition, Brown said. Weve had a lot of support from the administration and parents, but this helps us get the word out more and will allow us to network with other districts.

She called the program a school, family and public partnership and said the families have been appreciative.

U-PRISE serves as a voice for students with disabilities, and their families, in order to promote positive outcomes for students in the district and to provide families with students with disabilities education, resources, and enhanced partnerships with the school district and the community.

"Parent involvement in their child's special education program means a lot to administrators at Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. But participation outside of the Individualized Education Program meetings was limited. When a survey showed parents had an interest in attending a special education support group, the U-PRISE program was created," said District Administration in its recognition of the U-CF program.

U-PRISE hosts an online community bulletin board with resources and information for families. Each district school also has a parent liaison who welcomes new families and acts as a resource for parents navigating the special education system.

To get more information about the program, go to the districts website or contact your students school.

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

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