Studies show that adopted children are referred for special needs support within the school system at twice the rate of non-adopted children. NCFA’s recent Profiles in Adoption research, also highlighted that the majority of families adopting from foster care have IEPs or 504 plans for their children. This course helps adoption professionals understand educational options and appropriately prepare and support parents who are navigating school-based support.

This course focuses on factors affecting an adopted child's academics, including early childhood trauma and deprivation, age at adoption, poor nutrition, cognitive development and attachment. Attention also is given to common school related behavioral challenges and diagnoses that can impact school functioning. The speakers highlight interventions for a child's success, with a focus on adoption-competent assessment, parental support and the importance of trauma-informed teachers.

Ryan Hanlon, PhD – President and CEO, National Council for Adoption
Dana Poynter, MS – Executive Director of Kentucky Office, Nightlight Christian Adoptions

Course length: 60 minutes

After attending this course, professionals will be able to:
• Describe the factors affecting adoptee’s educational outcomes.
• Identify common educational diagnoses and school-related behavioral challenges for adoptees.
• Examine assessments and interventions for improving adoptee’s educational outcomes
• Give examples of effective techniques, in working with parents and teachers, to support an adoptee’s educational needs

Course level: Beginning, Intermediate

Cost to register: $15
If you are a NCFA member, look for your discount code in the membership portal.
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National Council For Adoption, #1804, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 04/13/2023 – 04/13/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

This course does not offer credit for NJ or NY social workers. For more information on receiving CE credit please visit the FAQ tab. For additional information on the instructors please visit bit.ly/NCFAHanlon and bit.ly/NCFAPoynter.

Recorded on July 12, 2022.