As family support professionals, we often walk alongside families during some of their most joyful moments and some of their most challenging ones. This month, we're highlighting ways to strengthen our support for caregivers of children with disabilities by focusing on partnership, strengths, and connection. Whether you are building on years of experience or supporting a family in a new situation, we hope this month's feature article offers practical ideas, helpful resources, and a reminder that none of us has to do this work alone.
In partnership,
The Family Support Team at the Center for Schools and Communities
Supporting Caregivers of Children with Disabilities
You don't need to know everything about a child's disability to make a difference. Start by listening, build on what the caregiver already knows and the family's strengths, and help them find the resources, relationships and support that matter most to them.
Supporting caregivers of children with disabilities can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to family support work. You may wonder if you know enough to help. The good news is that you do not need to know everything about a child's disability to make a positive difference.
One of the most valuable things you can offer is a trusting relationship. Caregivers know their child better than anyone else. Many have spent years learning about their child's strengths, speaking up for the services their child needs and finding resources that work for their family. Your role is not to become an expert on the child's disability. Your role is to listen, learn from the caregiver and work alongside them.
Start by asking questions instead of making assumptions. Questions like these can help start the conversation:
What has worked well for your child?
What challenges are you facing right now?
What kind of support would be most helpful?
What are some of your child's strengths or interests?
These questions help you understand what matters most to the family and show that you value their knowledge and experience.
Remember that every family is different. Two children with the same diagnosis may have different strengths, different support needs and different family experiences. Rather than focusing only on the diagnosis, get to know the child and the family's goals.
Caring for a child with a disability can be stressful. Some caregivers may feel tired, worried or alone. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is listen, encourage them and recognize the hard work they do every day.
As you learn more about the family's needs, you can help them find resources that may be helpful. Before suggesting organizations or services, ask what supports they already have and where they would like more help. Some families may already have a strong support network. Others may appreciate learning about local parent groups, community organizations or disability-specific resources.
You are not expected to have every answer. You are part of a team. If you need help, talk with your supervisor, coworkers, or your program's state or national support organization. They may not have every answer either, but they can often help you find the right information or connect you with someone who does.
You do not have to know everything to make a difference. By listening, building trust, recognizing each family's strengths and helping caregivers find the support they need, you can become a valued partner in their journey.
Pennsylvania Special Kids Helpline is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at 1-800-986-4550
Family Support Team at the Center for Schools and Communities - contact information is at the bottom of this email.
Children's Trust Fund (CTF) Corner
Check out The Gateway Exchange
The Child Welfare Information Gateway launched a new resource in June 2026 called The Gateway Exchange. This monthly series will highlight best practices, innovative initiatives, and research in child welfare and family support. The first edition features information about supporting permanency for older youth in care including resources about effective, relationship-based youth engagement from the Quality Improvement Center on Engaging Youth in Finding Permanency.
Parents as Teachers Place
As we prepare for the 2025–2026 Affiliate Performance Report (APR), we encourage affiliates to begin reviewing the reporting requirements and available resources.
Guidance documents such as the APR Crosswalks, Visit Tracker APR Quick Guide, and a Visit Tracker tutorial video on APR Transfer can be found in the Data Support Workspace in OLIVER under the Tips Archive Tab. Please select the most recent date, June 22, 2026, of the tips archive to access these materials. These resources are designed to help you successfully complete your APR and answer many commonly asked questions.
If you have questions after reviewing the materials in OLIVER, please reach out to your Implementation Support Provider for additional support.
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Community Spotlight
KEYSTONE SCHOLARS jumpstarts educational savings by providing a $100 scholarship account for every child born to a Pennsylvania family on or after January 1, 2019.
Keystone Scholars sets the expectation at birth for every child in Pennsylvania to pursue some form of post-high school education, including community college, technical training, and apprenticeships, and it encourages families to start saving on their own early in the child’s life.
Parents can claim their child’s account at pa529.com/keystone. Only three pieces of information are needed:
Child’s date of birth.
State File Number from child’s Pennsylvania birth certificate.
Zip code used to file for child’s birth certificate.
Once claimed, parents may open a companion PA 529 account to start their own savings! Link the PA 529 and Keystone Scholars accounts together to watch the savings grow!
