--- title: 'Parent training centers: A free resource in your state' description: Parent Training and Information Centers provide free help to families whose kids have a disability. Learn about parent training centers and how to find a PTI. slug: parent-training-centers-a-free-resource author: Amanda Morin reviewer: Sheldon H. Horowitz, EdD published: '2019-08-05T15:36:14.575Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/3OQ5oFX9e4mlawbbvnD3EF/d9b6c683878c05df7e24293404a86db3/G1418536580.png source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/parent-training-centers-a-free-resource lang: en --- # Parent training centers: A free resource in your state As a parent or caregiver, you wear many hats. You’re a researcher finding out more about your child’s learning and thinking differences. You’re a teacher helping your child learn new things. You’re an advocate working to get support at school to help your child thrive. You may have a lot of questions about how to navigate the education system or where to go to find legal, medical, or other help for your child. Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) can lend a hand. ## About Parent Training and Information Centers The [Individuals with Disabilities Education Act](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/individuals-with-disabilities-education-act-idea-what-you-need-to-know) (IDEA) provides money for each state to have at least one PTI. The centers help the families of kids from birth to age 26 who have a disability. The main goal of PTIs is to give parents or guardians support and free information on how to make the most of their child’s education. The centers provide families with information about: - Specific disabilities and issues - Parental and child rights under IDEA, the [Americans with Disabilities Act](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/americans-with-disabilities-act-ada) (ADA), and [Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-a-504-plan) - Support groups, educational specialists, legal assistance, and other local, state, and national resources ## About community parent resource centers Some states have community centers in addition to PTIs. The community centers work mainly with low-income families or families that speak English as a second language. These centers make sure parents understand their rights in the special education process. The centers also help families communicate with schools and participate in their child’s education. ## How parent centers can help you Parent centers offer workshops and training sessions about IDEA, special education, and disabilities. They can also suggest ways at home to help kids who learn and think differently. You can call or email a parent center. Or you can visit a center in person. The people there can answer questions, give advice, or find the help you need. The centers often have lists of tutors, educational specialists, and special programs or schools. Many centers also have large libraries of helpful books, videos, and pamphlets. Some of this information is available at no cost. Some centers also send out newsletters. ## Finding a center near you Locating your state’s PTI can be a little tricky because the centers go by different names. In some states the names are straightforward, like PTI Nebraska. But New Mexico’s PTI is called Parents Reaching Out. A national website called the Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) has a [state-by-state listing of PTIs](https://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/). Taking advantage of a parent center can help you build a support network. Chances are good the people at these centers are parents who also have children with disabilities. They may understand your journey. --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/parent-training-centers-a-free-resource#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/parent-training-centers-a-free-resource","description":"Parent Training and Information Centers provide free help to families whose kids have a disability. 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