Oklahoma Parents Center, Inc.

Oklahoma Parents Center, Inc. Our goal is to educate and support parents and professionals in building partnerships that meet the needs of children and youth with disabilities.

What is the Purpose of the OPC? The purpose of the PTI project is to help Oklahoma parents and families:
◾Better understand the nature of their children’s disabilities and their children’s educational, developmental, and transitional needs;
◾Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with their child’s educators and other professionals;
◾Participate in decision-making processes, including th

ose related to their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP);
◾Understand about the range, type and quality of options, programs and services, technologies, practices and interventions that are based on scientifically-based research;
◾Understand the resources available to assist their children at school and home;
◾Understand their rights as provided under IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004); and
◾Participate in activities at the school level that benefit their children and to participate in parental involvement activities.

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09/07/2026

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09/04/2026

Why I Teach Wednesdays: Jesse Madaffari

After 10 years with John Deere Corporation and 29 years in public schools, Jesse Madaffari continues to do what he loves most: being around students and helping them discover what they are capable of.

Jesse teaches students in grades 6–12 at Caney Valley Middle/High School, and after all these years, it’s the students who continue to inspire him.

“I love hearing their ideas,” he shared.

One moment this summer reminded Jesse exactly why his work matters.

A former student he had taught years ago reached out to thank him for teaching him how to weld. The student, who was missing depth perception in one eye, learned to approach welding by listening rather than relying on depth perception.

That student went on to win a contest to Tulsa Welding School and is now a certified welding inspector.

The message came at a meaningful time for Jesse. After his second knee replacement, at 70 years old, he found himself wondering how much longer he wanted to continue teaching.

That former student's message was his reminder that this work matters.

Jesse hopes his students remember his classroom as a place where learning was fun and exciting but he also wants them to leave with something that reaches far beyond academics like having the ability to think for themselves.

For the past 10 years, Jesse has carried the same message in his classroom:

“I am not here to teach you WHAT to think. I am here to teach you HOW to think.”

He wants every student to question everything, think critically and recognize their own worth.

“I tell each one, and show them, EVERY day just how special they are. They leave my class knowing their worth because I show them their worth.”

Jesse actually retired once. It lasted two weeks.

Now, he plans to keep teaching through his 73rd birthday which is a nod to the year he graduated high school (1973).

“I’m living my dream each and every day and hope that my students can do the same.”

Jesse, thank you for continuing to show up and challenge students to think for themselves each and every day!

09/04/2026

The words we use with children become part of the way they learn to see themselves and the world around them. A simple phrase like “you can do hard things” can feel very different than “it’s not that hard,” because children need support and understanding while they learn to manage big emotions and challenges. When we use encouraging, respectful language, we help children build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a positive sense of self. Our words can teach children that mistakes are opportunities to learn and that their feelings are safe to express. Taking a moment to choose our words carefully can strengthen our connection and help children feel seen, heard, and valued.

Remember - children may forget the exact words we say, but they often remember how those words made them feel.



Source: biglifejournal.com

📚 Understanding Your Child’s IEP — Virtual Workshop!Join the Oklahoma Parents Center for a helpful virtual workshop desi...
09/02/2026

📚 Understanding Your Child’s IEP — Virtual Workshop!

Join the Oklahoma Parents Center for a helpful virtual workshop designed to give families a better understanding of what is included in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). We’ll also discuss preparing for IEP meetings, resolving disagreements, and the important role parents play in the special education process.

📅 Friday, September 4, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM
💻 Virtual Workshop
🎤 Presenter: Lauren Gann
🤝 Co-Host: Amy Synar

✨ Whether you’re new to the IEP process or just need a refresher, this workshop is a great opportunity to learn and feel more prepared for your child’s IEP meetings.

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register!

09/01/2026

🎃👻 Who is decorating for Halloween this month?! 🕷️🧡

Are you team decorate as soon as September hits or do you wait until October? 😂

Drop a 🎃 in the comments if the spooky decorations are coming out this month! 👇👻

HAPPENING TOMORROW‼️📢 Sooner SUCCESS – On the Road is coming to Fairview!Join the Oklahoma Parents Center for an Overvie...
09/01/2026

HAPPENING TOMORROW‼️

📢 Sooner SUCCESS – On the Road is coming to Fairview!

Join the Oklahoma Parents Center for an Overview of OPC Services and learn about the valuable resources, support, and services available to Oklahoma families of children receiving special education services under IDEA.

📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM
📍 Northwest Technology Center
801 Vo-Tech Dr., Fairview, OK 73737

🎤 Presenter: Sharon Coppedge Long, OPC Executive Director

Come learn more about how the Oklahoma Parents Center can help families navigate the special education process and connect with helpful resources and support. 💚

📢 Sooner SUCCESS – On the Road is coming to Fairview!Join the Oklahoma Parents Center for an Overview of OPC Services an...
08/29/2026

📢 Sooner SUCCESS – On the Road is coming to Fairview!

Join the Oklahoma Parents Center for an Overview of OPC Services and learn about the valuable resources, support, and services available to Oklahoma families of children receiving special education services under IDEA.

📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM
📍 Northwest Technology Center
801 Vo-Tech Dr., Fairview, OK 73737

🎤 Presenter: Sharon Coppedge Long, OPC Executive Director

Come learn more about how the Oklahoma Parents Center can help families navigate the special education process and connect with helpful resources and support. 💚

08/28/2026

Happy Friday! 🎉

I’m excited to announce our first Newsletter for the BEST/STEP Summer Program 2026! 🥳

This allows us to get the word out about our hard work and dedication to our program! 📣

🎈Link to Our Newsletter: https://newsletter.transitionok.org/

We wanted to share our story as well as the stories of those who were involved in the program! 🤗

Thank you, everyone, for being involved! 🎊

Thank you, participants, for being part of our program! 🏆



University of Oklahoma Outreach National Center for Disability Education and Training-NCDET Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services

📚 Understanding Your Child’s IEP – Virtual Workshop!Join the Oklahoma Parents Center for a FREE virtual workshop designe...
08/28/2026

📚 Understanding Your Child’s IEP – Virtual Workshop!

Join the Oklahoma Parents Center for a FREE virtual workshop designed to help families better understand the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process! 💚

📅 Friday, September 4, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM
💻 Virtual Workshop
🎤 Presenter: Lauren Gann
🤝 Co-Host: Amy Synar

This workshop will cover what’s included in an IEP, how to prepare for IEP meetings, ways to address disagreements, and the important role parents play in the special education process.

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register!

Whether you’re new to the IEP process or just want a refresher, we’d love to have you join us! 🌟

Address

624 N. Hinckley
Holdenville, OK
74848

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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