The Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities is continuing its commitment to supporting families and professionals with a new training series, “Inside the IEP: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators and Parents,” scheduled for Sept. 9 and 11.
The initiative comes in direct response to concerns raised at VIUCEDD’s annual Autism Conference in April 2025, where many attendees described the Individual Education Program process as overwhelming and intimidating. Recognizing the vital role IEPs play in securing the proper educational supports for students with disabilities, VIUCEDD has designed this training to provide clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies for those navigating the system.
“The general feedback that we’ve gotten from the community is that the IEP process is intimidating. By offering this series, we hope to give both parents and educators a fresh, new outlook on the process, which should be a rewarding and collaborative experience. All are welcome: parents and caregivers, teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, counselors, and anyone else who engages in the IEP process,” said Khalifa Thomas, assistant director at VIUCEDD.
Leading the workshop series is Chevell Simeon, a respected educator, autism advocate, and founder of the Virgin Islands Parents of Autistic Children. As both a professional and an Autism Mom, Simeon brings invaluable expertise and lived experience to the sessions.
Participants can expect practical tools for developing and implementing IEPS, as well as a deeper understanding of students’ rights and how to advocate effectively within the education system. One of the goals of the training is to break down the process into clear, manageable steps, allowing families to focus on ensuring that their children receive the education and support they deserve.
The IEP Training Series is open to families, educators, and professionals invested in improving outcomes for students with disabilities.
Community members who are interested in participating in the workshop series can register here.
For more information, contact Khalifa Thomas at 340-693-1322 or khalifa.thomas@uvi.edu.
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