Parent Involvement
California Parent Organizations
Definitions and Contact Information
FRC – Family Resource CenterThe FRCs are part of the Early Start Program and are staffed by families of children with special needs. FRCs offer parent-to-parent support and help parents, families, and children locate and use needed services. Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates states to implement a comprehensive early intervention service system for all infants and toddlers with disabilities or at risk, and their families.
FEC – Family Empowerment Center
The FECs provide services to families with children with disabilities who are from the ages of 3 to 22. The FECs are funded by IDEA. The intent of the legislature is to ensure that parents, guardians, and families of children and young adults with disabilities have access to accurate information, specialized training, and peer-to-peer support. The California Association of Family Empowerment Centers provides information, resources, and technical assistance for a statewide network of local Family Empowerment Centers.
PTI – Parent Training and Information 
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Parent Training and Information Centers are parent-directed, non-profit organizations funded by the U.S. Department of Education, authorized under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and private sources. PTIs serve families of children and young adults with disabilities birth to age 22. They provide training, information, parent-to-parent support, advocacy, support groups and resources to develop the skills necessary to effectively participate in planning and decision making relating to early intervention, educational, and transitional services.
CPRC – Community Parent Resource Center
Community Parent Resource Centers provide information, education for families and professionals; parent-to-parent support; advocacy for children and families, transition to adult services for underserved and under-identified populations. They provide training and information to parents and people who work with parents to enable them to participate more effectively in helping their children.
Partners in Policymaking California
Partners in Policymaking California is an innovative, competency based leadership training program for adults with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities focused on “teaching best practices in disability, and the competencies of influencing public officials.”
FVCA – Family Voices of California
Family Voices of California is a clearinghouse for information and education about ways to assure and improve health care for children with disabilities and chronic conditions. They seek to ensure that the voices of families of children with special health care needs are heard at both the state and federal level when policies, votes and decisions are made.
