Back-to-School Parent Leadership Conference Empowers Columbia Families with Essential Educational Resources

Your Guide to the Back-to-School Parent Leadership Conference in Columbia

This past Saturday, parents gathered at Trinity Baptist Church in Columbia, S.C., for a much-anticipated event—the Back-to-School Parent Leadership Conference. After a hiatus, the annual gathering returned to the Midlands area, armed with helpful information for all the parents eager to support their children’s education.

Empowering Parents to Help Their Kids Thrive

The main goal of the conference is clear: to equip parents with the knowledge and resources they need to assist their children in overcoming challenges they might face in the classroom. With dozens of parents in attendance, the atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm as attendees explored various educational resources available in the community.

As J.T. McLawhorn, the President of the Columbia Urban League, pointed out, “It’s really important that we reach out to the community and give them the tools that they need in order to meet the achievement standards.” This sentiment echoed throughout the day’s events as parents learned how to become better advocates for their children’s educational paths.

Insightful Seminars and Valuable Resources

The conference offered an array of workshops and seminars tailored to address specific challenges parents may encounter. There were sessions on a variety of topics such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, and tackling challenges associated with autism.

Juanita Dean Bates, a Program Director with the Columbia Urban League, highlighted the importance of these discussions: “We have a panel talking about IEP’s and 504 plans and how to navigate that system within the school system. We have someone doing a seminar on bridging the gap with autism.” Over the years, many parents have felt lost navigating the educational system, and events like this help shine a light on the resources that parents can and should utilize.

Real Stories and Real Support

During the conference, attendees had the pleasure of hearing from Regina Williams, a retired educator and former Columbia Urban League Parent Navigator, who shared her personal experience. After spending over thirty years in education, Williams became aware of the crucial support her daughter would require when she was in elementary school. Her journey with obtaining the necessary resources, including IEPs and other support systems, ignited a passion within Williams to assist other families facing similar challenges.

“Helping parents and showing them, don’t ever give up on our child,” Williams emphasized. “There’s always a way.” Her encouragement resonated with attendees, reminding them that seeking support and understanding their child’s needs is vital to their academic success.

Looking Ahead

As the day drew to a close, many parents left the conference feeling more informed, prepared, and connected within their community. The Columbia Urban League has already begun planning for the next annual conference in 2025, eager to continue providing valuable resources to parents and families.

If you’re keen to stay informed about educational resources and programs in the Columbia area, make sure to keep an eye out for updates from the Columbia Urban League in the future. Connecting with community resources could be the key to unlocking your child’s full potential!

In conclusion, events like the Back-to-School Parent Leadership Conference not only empower parents but also offer a lifeline for families striving to support their children’s education. Remember, you are not alone on this journey!