Virginia Department of Education's Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC)
REGISTRATION IS LIVE FOR THE SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED SERVICES INSTITUTE
The VDOE Division of Special Education and Specialized Populations’ Office of Special Education Instructional Services is offering a professional development opportunity on July 21, 2026 for speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists to attend a Related Services Institute.
This one-day training is designed to improve speech, occupational, and physical therapy practices in the school setting, including the delivery of specially designed instruction to students with disabilities. Sessions will address laws and regulations related to special education eligibility, evaluation considerations, collaborative practices for Individualized Education Program (IEP) planning and service delivery, evidence-based practices, documentation and progress monitoring, and requirements for assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication in IEP planning.
The training is free for attendees. Virginia public school employees attending outside of their contractual schedule will be provided a $200 incentive to participate in this VDOE-sponsored professional development. Please complete the Special Education Related Services Institute Registration Form by July 10, 2026. Space is limited.
For more information or questions about this professional development opportunity, contact Martha Montgomery, Evaluation, Eligibility, and Related Services Specialist, at Martha.Montgomery@doe.virginia.gov or (804) 802-3309.
Do you need help with interfering behaviors in your early childhood classroom?
VT T/TAC is excited to be partnering with Botetourt County to offer a free half-day professional development for early childhood teachers and teaching assistants who teach children ages 3-5. Programs invited include VPI, Head Start, and any other inclusive program serving young students with disabilities.
Occupational Therapist, Amy Kingery, will share practical strategies and tools to positively impact interfering behaviors in the early childhood classroom, setting early childhood professionals up for success. Join us and start the year with confidence, energy, and a positive hope for things to come.
Date: August 10, 2026
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: Lord Botetourt High School Auditorium, 1435 Roanoke Rd, Daleville, VA 24083
Participants are encouraged to bring your own water and snacks. Time will be provided to enjoy lunch on your own at local restaurants.
Please contact Margo Vaughan at mvaug74@vt.edu for more details or any questions.
Join VT T/TAC for a Six-Month Virtual Book Study
Target Audience: Teachers of students with complex support needs. Open to teachers who have not participated in previous cohorts.
- Kickoff virtual meeting on Monday, September 14, from 4:00-4:45 pm with a guest appearance from the author, Karen Erickson!
- Monthly virtual discussions on the second Monday of each month, September through February, from 4:00-4:45 pm with planned guest presentations from regional teachers from previous cohorts.
- Earn 20 contact hours, provided in February based on participation.
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The mission of the Training & Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) is to improve educational opportunities and contribute to the success of children and youth with disabilities (birth–22 years). This mission is two-fold; first, to increase the... read more about our mission
