CESA 1 - Family Engagement

CESA #1 provides information and resources for families through the Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative (WSPEI). Our goal is to assist educators and families to work together to promote effective partnerships through positive communication, collaboration, and training for the purpose of improving education for children and young adults with disabilities.

Services include:

information and referral
support and resources
education and workshops

WSPEI District Family Engagement Liaison (DFEL) Program

CESA #1 offers a WSPEI District Family Engagement Liaison Program (DFEL) to build family support and leadership capacity throughout the area. LEAs elect to identify a parent/guardian of a child with a disability who will be trained by the CESA #1 WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinator. The intended outcome of having a trained District Family Engagement Liaison (DFEL) is that the LEA will have a district resource for families and staff to go to for information, resources, and direct support. Identifying and training a DFE Liaison is one strategy that districts can employ to address Indicator 8.

The DFE Liaison Program operates in the following way:
First year of DFEL Program – Parent/Guardian is identified and completes the WSPEI DFEL Program Training Modules from WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinator. School districts may identify as many DFELs as they would like. Training is FREE.
Second year and beyond of the DFEL Program – The DFEL performs the role as the LEA’s Liaison by supporting families and educators in Special Education in their home school district. The DFEL receives support, training, and information from the WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinator throughout their tenure as the DFEL. LEAs are encouraged to pay their DFEL a small stipend for their work as the Liaison in their district. A $500 stipend/year is recommended.

Additionally, CESA #1 disseminates information to any and all parents/guardians and educators who request information through the Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative (WSPEI). (Indicator 8)
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