The Center for Exceptional Families is the only Parent Training and Information Center in Arkansas. The purpose of a parent training and information center is to ensure that parents of children with disabilities receive training and information to help improve educational results for their children.

More than 35 years of research and experience has demonstrated that the education of children with disabilities can be made more effective by strengthening the ability of parents to participate fully in the education of their children at school and at home (see section 601 (c)(5)(B) of IDEA).

There are nearly 100 Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) in the US and it territories. These centers perform a variety of direct services for children and youth with disabilities, families, professionals, and other organizations that support them. Some of the activities include:

• Working with families of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, birth to 26.
• Helping parents participate effectively in their children’s education and development.
• Partnering with professionals and policy makers to improve outcomes for all children with disabilities.

For over 35 years, it has helped parents set high expectations for their children with disabilities and provided parents with the information and training they need to help their children meet those expectations.