The Parent Consultant Training Institute (PCTI)
“Profound! I was engaged and intrigued with all the vast range of topics, enthusiastic presenters and the collaboration of the group interactions was wonderful. As long of a day it was, I found myself daily wanting more, wanting to continue the discussions.” – PCTI Participant
Join us for the next Parent Consultant Training Institute (PCTI)! PCTI is an intensive training program designed to provide all families and professionals with a solid foundation in special education laws and procedures. Participants have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, network with each other, and become part of a community dedicated to supporting children in special education. This course is open to people with all levels of experience and is a great starting place for those interested in bringing their advocacy to a higher level.
Fill out our PCTI Contact Form if you would like to receive email updates regarding our 2026 PCTIs.
Why take PCTI?
Through PCTI, you will develop skills and knowledge to effectively support students in special education. Knowledge in special education law and student rights will help empower you to be an effective member of a child’s team. By the end of PCTI, we hope participants will be able to:
- Employ knowledge and understanding of special education laws, systems, and procedures, to support children and families in accessing a free, appropriate, public education.
- Refer to a set of quality, useful, and relevant special-education-related resources and know where to go to find additional resources to use in the special education process.
- Be a part of a community with other families and professionals and have access to ongoing networking opportunities.
- Utilize effective communication skills to engage with families and school districts.
What will I learn in PCTI?
PCTI consists of 40-54 hours of instruction and includes topics such as:
- Basic Rights in Special Education
- Federal and State Legislative History
- Special Education Advocacy
- Writing Measurable IEP Goals
- Effective Progress
- Supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families
- Healthcare and the IEP
- Neuropsychological & Educational Evaluations
- Discipline and Suspension
- Transition Planning and Assessments
- Family Engagement
- BSEA Mediation and Appeals
- The Office of Civil Rights & Section 504
PCTI is made up of informative presentations led by attorneys, educators, parents, state agency representatives, and FCSN Staff. As well as attend workshops, participants have opportunities, to discuss and reflect on content, and network with each other.
When does PCTI occur?
Check out our 2026 PCTI schedule below! We have different options to fit various scheduling needs.
Winter PCTI
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Saturday, January 10, 10am-3:30pm (In-person; virtual option available)
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Mondays & Wednesdays, January 12-29, 9am-12:45pm (Virtual)
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Saturday, January 31, 10am-3:30pm (In-person; virtual option available)
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Mondays & Wednesdays, February 2-11, 9am-12:45pm (Virtual)
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Saturday, February 14, 10am-1:30pm (In-person; virtual option available)
Summer Intensive
Asynchronous PCTI
Language PCTI
How much does it cost to take PCTI?
Parents: $295
Professionals: $350
PCTI often fills quickly and registration is required. Registration closes two business days prior to class or when the class roster is full.
Because we have limited seats in each course, we do not offer refunds after the start of the course.
If you have completed PCTI and would like to complete the course again as a refresher, you may complete the course a second time at half price. There are some opportunities to attend PCTI as a Teaching Assistant for anyone who has completed the PCTI within the last 3 years.
Are there opportunities for scholarships or financial aid?
We have a limited number of scholarships for parents and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities, provided on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact Emma Gregory at egregory@fcsn.org for more information.
Become an SESP
Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs) will receive a $100 refund for PCTI upon completing the course. PCTI graduates who become SESPs within a year of completing PCTI will also be eligible for a $100 refund.
What is the PCTI Internship?
Optional internships are available to those who complete the PCTI and wish to further develop their skills. The Information Center Internship includes training on the
following topics:
- Interview skills
- Issue identification
- Documentation of calls
- Dealing with challenging calls
- Orientation to our Information Center intake system
Interns are scheduled to provide 25 hours of assistance and learning in our Information Center.
The IEP clinic internship is available to the Information Center Interns. It provides an opportunity to practice the following skills:
- Reviewing IEPs and related documentation
- Working directly with parents to help them determine their child’s needs at school
- Assisting parents in communicating those needs effectively
- Documenting work done with parents
What other opportunities are there for PCTI graduates?
What’s New PCTI Newsletter
What’s New is PCTI’s Quarterly Newsletter, which provides all PCTI grads with useful information on special education policy updates, available resources, and upcoming events. Check out our previous issues below!
More to come! Is there any content you would like to see in our next issue? Email Emma Gregory at egregory@fcsn.org to let us know your ideas.
Monthly Networking Series
The Network Series is provided for PCTI Graduates, Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs) and Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) Chairpersons. Sessions are generally held on the second Thursday of each month during the school year (September-May) from 12:00 -1:00 PM as a Lunch and Learn conversation. The networking series provides opportunities to learn more about special education topics from guest speakers, ask questions, and share stories and experiences. All PCTI graduates, and SESPs, and SEPAC Chairpersons will automatically receive registration notifications for each session.