Children's Law Center workshop will teach Forsyth County families about their rights in public education

The Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina is hosting a "Know Your Rights" workshop for students and parents in Forsyth County this week.

The purpose of the event is to educate and empower parents to be their child’s advocate in school. 

Hayley Lampkin Blyth, director of the Children's Law Center's education advocacy program, says they’ll discuss individualized education programs, or IEPs, as well as exclusionary discipline. 

“So, what to do if your student gets suspended or recommended for a reassignment to the alternative school," she said. "What are some advocacy tips for your student if they're facing exclusionary school discipline?"

She says they will also discuss some strategies to resolve disputes with the school district and answer any questions families may have about their rights in public education. 

“I think sometimes parents and families can be overwhelmed when they're walking into meetings, and they feel like they don't have all the information that they need to feel confident being an advocate for their student," she said. "And so the education advocacy program wants to be a resource for students and for families to feel like they really understand what their rights are.”

The workshop will be held Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Malloy Jordan East Winston Heritage Center. In addition to the discussion, there will be food, music, and a raffle for family passes to the new downtown children’s museum, Kaleideum.

Those interested in attending can find more information online at the Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina’s website. 

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.