Parent Tools & Training

The WVU CED Family to Family (F2F) and Paths for Parents (P4P) programs offer several different webinars, tools and support groups to help parents and caregivers network, promote their child’s development and learn new skills.

• Family Support Groups

  Multiple in-person support groups for parents and caregivers, a weekly virtual support group, and a grief support group.

• Disability Awareness Puppets

  Designed to dispel fears, myths and misconceptions while helping children understand more about disabilities.

• Triple P Seminars

  General info about promoting child development for parents of children with disabilities up to 12 years old.

Virtual Speaker Series for Families and Caregivers of Children with Special Healthcare Needs

Join us for a laid-back, virtual speaker series designed specifically for families and caregivers of children with special healthcare needs. We know that life is busy, so we’ve made this series perfect for your lunch break—short, practical, and packed with info you can actually use.

Every session will cover a topic that’s top-of-mind for families, featuring expert speakers and real-life tips from other caregivers. Whether you need advice, resources, or just a little support, these sessions are here to help make your life a little easier.

At the end of the discussion, we’ll have an open Q&A session where you can ask follow-up questions or just chat with the experts. You’ll leave feeling more connected, empowered, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.

These monthly sessions are designed to fit into your lunch break, so grab a bite, tune in, and join a community of families who understand what you’re going through. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other, one lunch break at a time!

Hope to see you there!

Next session:

Virtual Speaker Series: Foster Care and Disability: Supporting Children and Families

Date: July 9, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Presenter: Kate Kosydar, Licensing Specialist, Necco Foster Care

Caring for a child with a disability in foster care comes with unique joys and challenges. This session will focus on understanding and supporting the needs of children with disabilities in foster care, including access to services, communication, and building stability.

Learning objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the unique needs of children with disabilities in foster care.
2. Identify ways to support a child’s development, behavior, and access to services.
3. Recognize the importance of maintaining family connections.
4. Describe what transitions (including returning home) may look like and how to support them.

Register for Foster Care and Disability: Supporting Children and Families

Save the Date: Upcoming Sessions

(click titles to register for individual sessions)

• August 27, 2026: Parent Connections
• September 22, 2026: Specialized Family Care Program
• October 22, 2026: Special Olympics West Virginia

Would you like to request a topic for upcoming webinars? If so, email Ali Shipman at alicia.shipman@hsc.wvu.edu.

View Previous Webinars

WV Waivers and Related Services webinar