October 2025
“Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.”
~ Bob Talbert
Welcome to the October edition of the Buzz from the Hub! With so many changes happening at this moment in time, we know how important it is to stay connected and to feel supported with reliable resources. Once again, this month’s newsletter brings you practical resources and events for every stage, from early childhood through young adulthood.
In this issue of the Buzz from the Hub you’ll find:
- A new infographic from NCPEID on Adapted Physical Education (APE) rights and services.
- Early childhood resources for engaging little learners.
- Guidance on school choice and education options.
- Tips for sharpening executive functioning skills in youth.
- The RAISE Adult Ally Podcast
- A parent video series on reviewing special education documents.
Finally, don’t miss the virtual events scheduled in October in the Upcoming Events section.
Best wishes and happy reading,
The CPIR Team
Featured Resource!
New Infographic from the National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID)
The NCPEID’s infographic, How Do I Get Adapted Physical Education Services for My Child in Special Education?, explains how students with disabilities ages 3‑21 have a right to physical education, including Adapted Physical Education (APE) if needed, in their least restrictive environment. It also explains why it is important for students with disabilities to participate in physical education and how to request/receive APE services.
View the infographic here.
Shareable Resources
Early Childhood |
How to Engage Your Child in the Early Years
Experiences that occur during the earliest years of life strongly impact the abilities of infants and toddlers to learn, move, and interact with others. In recognition of this, especially for children who are deafblind, the National Center on Deafblindness (NCDB) has compiled some resources to help families understand the critical role they play in fostering the early development of their child.
Find the links to the resources here.
Education |
Education Choice: School Choice Guidance and Resources for Parents, Families, States, and Local Education Agencies (LEAs)
The Department of Education (ED) has created a page with education choice related guidance and resources for parents, families, states, and local education agencies (LEAs). This page includes information on private schools, charter schools, homeschooling, magnet schools, and other personalized learning options.
Access the page here.
Youth |
How to Sharpen Executive Functions: Activities to Hone Brain Skills
This article published by ADDitude explains that executive functioning skills (EFs) range from working memory to cognitive flexibility to inhibitory control, and beyond. EFs power our daily functioning, future planning, and mental/physical health. It provides suggestions and ideas on how to improve core executive functioning skills through different activities, exercises, and games.
Read the article here.
Young Adults |
RAISE Adult Ally Podcast
The Adult Ally Podcast Series amplifies the voices of dedicated advocates who are driving meaningful change. Created specifically for the adult ally toolkit, funded by the RAISE Center, the series highlights the lived experiences of adult allies who actively support and uplift young people, centering their needs, aspirations, and agency through in-depth conversations.
Listen to the podcast here.
Parent Leadership |
How to Do a Document Review – Video Series
Parents can learn how to navigate and review special education documents through PACER’s 5-part video series. Each video is less than 5 minutes long and the series teaches parents how to do a solid special education document review. It also explains what to look for in the evaluation report, the IEP, and progress reports, and how they work together. Parts 3, 4, and 5 can also be viewed individually if a parent just wants a better understanding of each type of document.
Upcoming Events
Webinar Series: Powering Digital Accessibility Through Systemic Action
This free interactive webinar series will prepare state and local education teams to implement NCADEMI’s (National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction) Quality Indicators for the Provision and Use of Accessible Materials in PreK-12 Systems and will serve as a foundation for those considering their optional year-long targeted technical assistance (TTA). Enrollment in the TTA begins in January 2026. The sessions will consist of six focused 50-minute sessions, tailored office hours, and practical tools. Office hours will be offered between sessions to answer questions and provide additional support. Office hours are optional, not recorded, and will have a separate registration link.
Participate individually or with others from your state or district to learn how the Quality Indicators can lead to systemic change.
Dates:
Oct 9, 2025
Oct 23, 2025
Nov 6, 2025
Nov 20, 2025
Dec 4, 2025
Dec 18, 2025
Time: All sessions will begin at 2:00 PM ET.
Register here.
Addressing Challenging Behaviors – Training by the PACER Center
Academic, behavioral, and social expectations can overwhelm students with mental health, emotional, or behavioral needs and increase challenging behaviors. All children have the right to an education, even when behaviors get in the way. Join the PACER Center for this workshop to learn more about how you can support your child and address these challenges.
Participants will develop an understanding of:
- Mental health and behavior
- How to improve their response to challenging behaviors
- How to implement positive supports and interventions
Date: Oct 22, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Register here.
Looking for more events? Check out
the Hub Central Event Calendar
This e-Newsletter from the CPIR is copyright-free. We encourage you to share it with others. Scan our QR Code or click here to sign up to receive the Buzz from the Hub!
Publication of this e-Newsletter is made possible through Cooperative Agreement H328R230009 between OSEP and the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN). The contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or by the Center for Parent Information and Resources.
