Projects

Recruitment

The PDP is a resource of information concerning careers in special education and related services and special personnel preparation opportunities.  PDP staff members are available to answer questions, conduct or coordinate information sessions and as a referral source for persons interested in a pursuit of a career in the special education field.

The PDP operates COPE, a program for paraprofessionals completing a degree in special education. Participants receive full tuition assistance to complete the final two years of a bachelors degree.

The Family as Faculty program seeks to bring the perspective of family members to individuals considering a field in special education as well as those in pre-service training.  The voice of the family members of students with disabilities offers an enlightening perspective to many.

Retention

 SERVS (Support, Encouragement & Resources Vital to Success) - The PDP provides funds for all beginning ESE teachers (3 or less years in the classroom) in the five county region to access 15 hours of service through this program.  SERVS is a teacher support program which provides an on line directory of specially qualified personnel available to conduct in-classroom consultation and assistance. To visit the SERVS website click here .

The PDP is providing ongoing support to a small cohort of individuals completing a graduate degree in special education. As these individuals graduate they complete additional training and provide mentoring support to beginning teachers in their respective schools and districts.

Advanced Training

 The PDP provides tuition assistance to enable ESE teachers to meet endorsement requirements and to obtain “highly qualified” status for their respective positions. The TAP (Teacher Access Point) program is the vehicle for this support.

The PDP produces two monthly e-newsletters, News You Can Use-School Edition and News You Can Use-Early Childhood Edition, these newsletters routinely provide information about upcoming training opportunities on a wide range of topics, funding opportunities for various programs and projects as well as links to pertinent articles and news updates. If you wish to be added to our distribution list please send a request to guestaaed@fgcu.edu 

The Partnership regularly engages in collaborative programs and projects to bring specialized training opportunities to the region. These events and/or courses are advertised through our newsletters and appear on our web based calendar.