Does Parents Helping Parents only serve families with young children who have special needs?
We help families who have children of any age with special needs. PHP’s staff receive calls from families with children from infancy through their child’s adulthood into their 50’s and 60’s! It is never too late to call! Adult siblings who have responsibility for the care of their sibling with a disability call PHP, too.
How can I find Family Resource Centers in my area?
Parents Helping Parents is based in San Jose, CA.
For children 0 – 3, here is a Directory for California.
For children 3 – 26, there are nearly 100 Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) in the US and Territories.
Find your Parent Center
Does PHP offer therapy?
Although Parents Helping Parents does not offer therapies of any kind, we are happy to provide information and direction on resources and referrals specific to your child’s or family needs.
Are all PHP events held at the PHP site in San Jose?
Most of our events are currently held virtually on Zoom. Please check our events calendar for event locations.
Can I drop into PHP and speak to someone?
Our offices are currently open by appointment only. Masks are required for entering the building.
Please call our main office number (408) 727-5775 or email us at info@php.com to schedule an appointment with one of our resources specialists
What kinds of support and information groups does PHP offer? And when do they meet?
PHP’s Special Interest Groups are specific to a certain condition/disability or language. A current list can be viewed on our Get Support page.
Most groups meet at a regular time each month. Some provide lectures by a variety of professionals on different topics of interest, while others primarily provide a social opportunity for parents/caregivers to talk together. Some groups provide a combination of these things. You are welcome to attend any support group meeting or lecture that is of interest and relevance to you. PHP staff also has information on non-PHP support groups in the community.
Can a PHP Staff Member go with parents to their IEP meetings?
With more than 56,000 children in the PHP service area, it is impossible to attend IEP’s with individual families. PHP Education Specialists are here to help you prepare and learn about your rights. We also offer ongoing training about special education so that we reach the broadest audience.
We encourage you to bring others to your child’s IEP–a friend, family member(s), and other people who know your child and are interested in their best outcomes. PHP may also be able to connect you to another family who is willing to attend your IEP meeting however inviting someone who knows your child and family is often very helpful.
When needed, PHP maintains a list of special education advocates and attorneys in our Community Resource Directory. Our goal is to give parents the tools they need to advocate for their children.
How can I find a Special Education Advocate or Attorney to help me with my child’s IEP?
Parents Helping Parents has a Resource Directory where you can search for special support your family needs, from advocates and attorneys. Click to find them in our Resource Directory.
Additionally, COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) maintains a database of advocates and attorneys. Go to Find A Professional on their website.
When I leave a message, how long will it take until someone returns my call?
Our goal is to respond within 24 – 48 hours. However, during busy times, it may take longer.
How can I get the school district to evaluate my child?
Use our Special Education Request Letter Writer to create a letter requesting an assessment. If you are concerned that your child is behind his peers in a specific developmental area, and you would like to see if the school district might offer services that would address the issue, then this tool will help you write a letter that gets results! Request an Assessment