Goal of the KEEP THE CONNECTION WORKSHOPSSM: to enable, equip and encourage parents to

advocate for their children with special needs.

Parents will receive effective communication skills and new understanding of respect to increase their selfconfidence, self-esteem and courage to see that their childrens rights to good education are honored.
Week 1: Introduction
Introducing ourselves
How this program works
Ground rules
Parents special interests

Week 2: Respect
What it is
What it is not
How to give it
How to get it

Week 3: The Art of Listening

The Mantra: Learn to listen, listen to
learn

What is effective discipline?

What works?
What doesnt?
Punishment vs natural consequences

Week 4: Compassionate Caregiving

What do children want from parents?
What do parents want from parents?
What is the how of compassion?
Compassion and setting limits,
boundaries,
Necessary conversations

Week 5: Feeling Empowered

How respect empowers
How mutual respect levels the playing
field
How to handle emotions when
challenged

Week 6: What rights do children have?

(Guest University of Baltimore Law
Center)
Distribute and discuss information
Open forum for questions and answers

Week 7: How to advocate for your

children (Chicquita Crawford BC SECAC
Baltimore City Public Schools)
What does it take to advocate for your
children?
What to do
What not to do

Week 8: Graduation
Certificates
Refreshments
Candidates for Training
This 8-week program is open to parents of special needs students in Baltimore City Public
Schools. Parents of special needs children in Baltimore County Public Schools are also
welcome, and all other persons interested in special education.
Chicquita MB Crawford, Independent Advocate (Maryland)/Chairperson of Baltimore City
Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (BC SECAC); Baltimore City Public Schools.
Facilitator: Molly Brown Koch, Director, KEEP THE CONNECTIONS WORKSHOPSSM,
Author, 27 Secrets to Raising Amazing Children, Columnist, Family Matters Baltimores Child
Magazine.