History
The Parent Information Center
Established three decades ago with the belief that all children can succeed with the right support, the NH Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities, dba the Parent Information Center (PIC), provides a wealth of services designed to help parents understand their child’s special needs and the laws that govern the special education process. In 1995, PIC expanded its focus to serve all parents, not just parents of children with disabilities. PIC assists families and schools to increase parental involvement in children’s education with the goal of increasing student academic achievement. PIC is a pioneer in creating family/school/community partnerships that help parents of all students get involved in their child’s education. PIC also offers additional parenting support through workshops and resource and referral. From its inception to the present, the Parent Information Center has demonstrated an ability to identify and respond to the changing needs of children and families in N.H.
The Mission of the Parent Information Center is to guide and encourage families in supporting the unique learning potential of their children. PIC provides services to families, schools, and community agencies including: information, support and referral services, workshops, conferences and videotaped programs, and advocacy/leadership training series for parents, volunteers and youth.
PIC’s reputation as the provider of quality information and training is based on sound statistical evidence. The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) scores of the Parent Training and Information Center’s (PTIs) (including the NH Parent Information Center on Special Education) are the highest of any OSEP-funded project (Goldberg, National Alliance Conference). Additionally, data from the PTI’s most recent performance report (workshop evaluation summary, GPRA data sheets and test scores of PIC Volunteer Advocates and NH Connections’ reports) demonstrate positive and measurable outcomes from our training and information efforts.
PIC currently employs 31 people across 10 projects serving more than 10,000 individuals annually. Projects include this one (NH Connections); Parent Information Center on Special Education; NH State PIRC (Parent Information and = Resource Center) -- a parent Involvement Initiative for all families funded by the US DOE under NCLB; SSECT (Supporting Successful Early Childhood Transitions); Integrated Services (Medical Home Project); PLAN – Family to Family Health Information Center; Family Voices; Awareness and Access to Care for Children and Youth with Epilepsy; Education, Advocacy, Resources and Support for Families with Infants and Children who have a Suspected or Confirmed Hearing Loss (EARS) and the Multi-Sensory Intervention Through Consultation and Education program.
Annual grant funds currently total $1,620,701.
