Workshop Overview:

Designed for both parents and teachers, this session provides a comprehensive overview of Extended School Year (ESY) programming and its role in supporting students with special needs. We will answer essential questions such as: What is ESY, and how do students qualify? What types of educational services are typically offered, and how do they help students maintain progress during school breaks? Additionally, we’ll discuss actionable steps for parents or guardians if they are unsatisfied with the district’s proposed ESY options. Join us to gain the tools and insights necessary to advocate for the best possible summer support for students and to collaborate effectively in planning their educational pathways.

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Speakers:

Melanie Young works as an education consultant/advocate and a cofounder at Thrive Advocacy Group. As a devoted advocate and educator for children with special needs, Melanie Young has had the privilege of teaching and advocating for students with special needs for over twenty years. Melanie has a broad range of experience spanning from preschool special education to transition-aged services. She is passionate about developing individualized programming to best meet each child’s needs.
Melanie’s career began when she acquired her PA teaching certification in both elementary K-6 and special education K-21. While teaching in the elementary and middle public school setting as a special education teacher, she earned her graduate degree from George Washington University specializing in special education transition. During this time, Melanie attended congressional hearings that sought to improve the lives of individuals with special needs. She volunteered at the Heath Resource Center, a national clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities.
In 2016, Melanie completed the intensive Wilson Reading Certification program, which led to the development of her private tutoring company, teaching individuals with dyslexia, Young Literacy Connection. Melanie worked as a Reading Specialist Independent Contractor for the Chester County Intermediate Unit. Melanie completed her Slippery Rock University’s Reading Specialist Certification program in 2020 and is a PA-certified Reading Specialist. In the summer of 2024, Melanie became a board member of the International Dyslexia Association serving Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Since 2018, Melanie worked for a local law firm specializing in education law as an advocate.

Maria Vetter works as an education consultant/advocate and cofounder of Thrive Advocacy Group. A versatile and devoted education consultant and child advocate, Maria Vetter has dedicated her career to children and their educational needs. She possesses a wealth of experience working with children.
Maria started her career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Maria worked in early intervention programs, summer camps, ESY, and various religious school programs ensuring that all children could access their environments. Maria has worked in public, private, and specialized schools in the area. As an educator, Maria provides trainings and lectures to education professionals, medical clinicians, and parents.
Maria increasingly pursued education and professional development. She has a B.S. in education from the Pennsylvania State University and a law degree from Temple University. Since 1996, she has dedicated her life to working with families and advocating.
Maria has considerable expertise in addressing a wide range of needs and disabilities, including Autism, ADHD,  language based learning differences, gifted support, traumatic brain injury, Fragile X Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Down Syndrome, Seizure Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Physical Disabilities, Deaf/ Hard of Hearing, Prader Willi Syndrome, and various behavioral issues. Maria also provides support with family law/ custody matters for education decision making. Maria sits on a number of professional boards, provides parent training, teacher workshops, and presents both locally and nationally.

CEU Certificate:

Register as “General – CEU Certificate” to receive a certificate of attendance to use toward your ALTA, CERI, IMSLEC, and Wilson CEU’s.

Registration:

We are thrilled to offer this workshop free of charge.

All donations received are tax-deductible and your contribution ensures IDA-PA can keep offering workshops, seminars, and tools at no cost to the community.

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