Announcing COPAA's 4th Cohort of SEAT, Apply Now!

COPAA is proud to conduct a year-long Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT)TM , the only nationally developed and recognized year-long course that provides participants with training to become a special education advocate. The course is based in part on the SEAT Curriculum TM  developed through a partnership between COPAA and Children's Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA) University Center for Excellence, University of Southern California on a three year demonstration grant funded by the U.S . Department of Education in 2005. The grant funded portion of the project ended in 2009, resulting in development of a model curriculum for advocacy training that was vetted through 3 cohorts under the direction of a 10 member National Advisory Board, and several members of the COPAA Training Committee, all of whom are nationally recognized special education advocates and attorneys.


This session is the fourth cohort for COPAA, using a web-based curriculum and distance learning.   This is an exciting adventure in training a diverse group of special education advocates, and we are looking forward to another rich and rewarding experience.
 
This training is the equivalent of two very challenging college courses.  The course is being offered as a combination of self-paced web learning, readings, group and individual assignments as well as live virtual classrooms.  The course schedule lays out the assignments required for each topic and the time/dates of the virtual classes.   Participants must have a computer, web access, frequent access to email and be comfortable with distance learning.

Participants are expected to complete work before the virtual classes to be able to participate fully in discussions. Typically, 5-6 hours per week is required to complete course assignments, attend online classes, and optional discussion groups. If an issue arises that prevents this from happening, participants should contact the instructors to discuss options.

* All Applications are subject to approval of the course instructors.

Please note that individuals participating must be eligible for COPAA membership.

SEAT Tuition: 

COPAA Members - $1,150.00 ( $345 due with application, $805 due upon acceptance)

Non-Members – $1,300.00 ( $390 due with application, $910 due upon acceptance. Includes one year of COPAA membership).

**30% of the tuition will be due when applying. Application deposit is fully refundable if not accepted the SEAT program. If accepted it is applied to course tuition.

*** Balance Due upon acceptance

Scholarship Discount:

A limited number of qualified individuals whose family income is at or below 2 x the federal poverty level or who have extenuating circumstances may apply for a SEAT registration fee discount. The discounted tuition amount is 30% of full tuition rate. Requests will be considered on first come basis. To apply for consideration you must complete the online application for SEAT and note in the comments box you are applying for a scholarship. Then send a letter of request with proof that you meet the poverty guidelines (i.e.,the first two pages of your federal tax return) to SEAT@copaa.org   A COPAA Representative will contact you to confirm eligibility and availability. Federal Guideline can be found here: http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/15poverty.cfm#thresholds

Deadline for scholarship discount applications is August 25, 2015. However, there is a limited number and they will be considered and awarded on a first come basis. 

Best wishes,

COPAA's Training Committee