Welcome to the CBNA Family Resource Hub. This space was created to make it easier for families to find helpful information, supports, and resources in one place. Our hope is that it helps families feel more informed, connected, and supported as they navigate school and planning for the future.
Staying Connected at CBNA
Strong communication between school and home helps students succeed. The resources below can help families stay informed about grades, attendance, schedules, meals, and important school information.
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
Allows families to:
- View grades and assignments
- Monitor attendance
- Access schedules
- View report cards & progress reports
- Update contact information
Executive Functioning Resources
Signs to Watch For
- Missing assignments
- Difficulty starting work
- Frequently losing materials
- Trouble prioritizing tasks
- Difficulty managing time
- Forgetting instructions or deadlines
Strategies Families Can Use at Home
Create Predictable Routines: Help your student follow consistent morning, homework, and bedtime routines.
Use Visual Supports: Post schedules, checklists, and planners where they can be seen daily.
Break Down Large Tasks: Help students divide big assignments into smaller steps with clear due dates.
Practice Time Management: Use timers, planners, and reminders to support planning and follow-through.
Reinforce Success: Recognize progress and effort, not just results.
Coaching Questions:
- What’s your plan?
- What do you need to get started?
- What’s the first step?
- What might get in the way?
Post Secondary Planning
Post secondary planning involves exploring the opportunities available to students after high school. Whether a student plans to attend college, enter a trade program, pursue an apprenticeship, join the military, or enter the workforce, early planning can help students identify goals and prepare for a successful transition.
Questions Your Teen May Be Asking
- What career interests me?
- Should I attend a two-year or four-year college?
- Would a trade school be a better fit?
- How do apprenticeships work?
- How will I pay for college or training?
- What accommodations are available after high school?
- What steps should I take during my junior and senior years?
How Families Can Support Post Secondary Planning
Start Conversations Early: Talk with your student about interests, strengths, and future goals.
Explore Multiple Pathways: College is one option, but students may also find success through trade programs, apprenticeships, military service, or direct employment.
Encourage Career Exploration: Help students research careers, salaries, educational requirements, and job outlooks.
Attend Information Sessions: Take advantage of college fairs, financial aid nights, and career exploration events offered through CBNA and community organizations.
Promote Self-Advocacy: Students should learn how to communicate their needs, ask questions, and access available supports.
Understanding Special Education
What Is Special Education?
Special education is a set of services and supports designed to meet the unique learning needs of students with disabilities. Students who qualify receive specially designed instruction (SDI) to help them make progress in the general education curriculum. Special education is Tier 3 support, providing individualized interventions beyond general education supports.
What Is an IEP?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document developed by a team that includes the student (when appropriate), parents/guardians, teachers, and school personnel. An IEP identifies:
- A student’s strengths and needs
- Annual goals
- Special education services
- Accommodations and modifications
- Transition planning (when applicable)
- Progress monitoring procedures
The IEP is reviewed at least annually and eligibility is reconsidered at least every three years.
Parent Rights & Procedural Safeguards
Parents are important members of the IEP Team and have specific rights throughout the special education process, including:
- Participating in meetings
- Reviewing educational records
- Providing or withholding consent
- Requesting evaluations
- Requesting Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)
- Utilizing dispute resolution options when disagreements occur
The NH Procedural Safeguards Handbook explains parent and student rights under IDEA and New Hampshire special education regulations.
Questions Families Often Ask
- How do I refer my child for special education?
- What happens after a referral is made?
- How does a student qualify?
- What is the difference between accommodations and specially designed instruction?
- How are parents involved in the process?
The Referral Process
- Referral. A referral may be made when there is concern that a student may have a disability that impacts educational performance. Referrals can be made by parents/guardians, teachers, school staff, or other professionals. Parents are encouraged to submit referrals in writing.
- Disposition of Referral Meeting. Within 15 business days of receiving a referral, the IEP Team meets to review available information and determine whether evaluations are warranted.
- Evaluation. If evaluations are recommended, parent consent is required before testing can begin. Once consent is received, the district has 60 calendar days to complete evaluations and determine eligibility.
- Eligibility Determination. The IEP Team reviews evaluation results to determine whether the student has an educational disability and requires special education services.
- IEP Development. If a student is found eligible, the team develops an IEP outlining services, goals, accommodations, and supports within 30 calendar days of eligibility determination.
Understanding the Age of Majority
In New Hampshire, students become legal adults at age 18. At this point, rights and responsibilities related to education, healthcare, and other important decisions transfer from parents/guardians to the student.
Families of students with disabilities are encouraged to begin discussing future decision-making needs well before the student’s 18th birthday.
What Changes at Age 18?
When a student turns 18, they generally have the right to:
- Make educational decisions
- Access and control educational records
- Consent to or refuse special education and related services
- Make healthcare decisions (unless otherwise legally assigned)
- Sign legal documents
- Register to vote
- Manage financial matters
Questions Families Should Consider
- Will my student be able to make informed decisions independently?
- What supports may be needed after age 18?
- Are there alternatives to guardianship?
- How will healthcare and educational decisions be managed?
- What steps should we take before the student’s 18th birthday?
Educational Consent Agreements
Families may continue participating in educational planning through signed releases or agreements when the student agrees.
Healthcare Release Forms
Discuss healthcare release forms so providers can share information with trusted family members when appropriate.
Guardianship
Guardianship is a legal process used when a student cannot make decisions independently. Guardianship may include:
- Medical decision-making
- Financial decision-making
- Personal decision-making
Guardianship Resources
New Hampshire Judicial Branch and Disability Rights Center NH provide guidance on guardianship, alternatives, and legal rights.