Exceptional Childrens Assistance Center Inc

Programs

1. ECAC serves as North Carolinas Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. ECAC has held this distinction since 1983. As the statewide PTI, ECAC supports families of children and youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs, from birth through age 26, in all 100 North Carolina counties.Our PTI staff provide information, training, and individualized support to families navigating early intervention, special education, and the transition to adulthood. We empower families and youth to understand their rights, make informed decisions, and become effective advocates. Services are provided in both English and Spanish.During the most recent reporting period, ECAC had over 27,900 individual contacts with families and professionals and conducted 233 training sessions statewide. ECACs website, www.ecac-parentcenter.org, received a record 373,044 page views, and our Facebook page has grown to over 22,100 followers, reflecting strong statewide engagement.

   $699,978 spent
   47% of program spending

2. Through a contract with the NC DHHS Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (formerly Vocational Rehabilitation), ECAC provides pre-employment transition services to students with disabilities.During the reporting period, 175 students received individualized training and support in job exploration counseling, workplace readiness, postsecondary education counseling, and self-advocacy. These efforts expand the Divisions capacity to reach and effectively serve students with disabilities statewide.

   $312,472 spent
   21% of program spending

3. ECAC holds multiple contracts with the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Office of Exceptional Children and serves as a funded partner of the NC DeafBlind Project. An ECAC staff member serves as Co-Director of the DeafBlind Project, supporting family engagement and providing specialized resources and assistance to families of children with DeafBlindness.Through the NC Systemic Improvement Plan (NC SIP) grant, ECAC engages a cadre of family leaders who speak to pre-service education majors at participating universities about the importance of family engagement. ECAC collaborates with DPI staff to develop trainings and resources for educators to increase family engagement by promoting positive home and school interactions and activities.

   $225,791 spent
   15% of program spending

4. All Other Programs Expenses ECAC is a member of the Region B National Parent Technical Assistance (RPTAC) Network, supporting 25 federally funded parent centers across 12 southeastern statesfrom Virginia to Florida and west to Texas. Through a contract with Parent to Parent of Georgia, an ECAC staff member serves as Co-Director of the Region B PTAC.In this role, ECAC provides board training, strategic planning, and technical assistance on topics such as reaching underserved families, nonprofit governance, fiscal management, and program evaluation.To ensure ECACs work remains family-centered and youth-driven, we engage the Family Advisory Board and Youth Advisory Teams. These advisory groups offer feedback, co-create materials, co-present trainings, and help plan events and outreach activities. ECAC continually seeks opportunities for families to use their lived experience to improve systems of care for families and youth.Family engagement and leadership are woven into every aspect of ECACs work. We are recognized as a state leader in family engagement, leadership development, and family-centered care. ECAC staff participate in more than 30 local, state, and national initiatives to…

   $144,461 spent
   10% of program spending

5. ECAC operates as North Carolinas federally funded Family-to-Family Health Information Center, supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This program provides one-on-one assistance to families and practitioners to promote optimal health and well-being for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their families.We advance systems of care that ensure families and health professionals work in partnership at all levels of shared decision-making. ECAC disseminates health-related information, training, and guidance to families and professionals, supporting collaboration and informed participation in healthcare planning.

   $81,382 spent
   5% of program spending

6. Through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Children and Youth Branch, ECAC administers stipends and expense reimbursements to families who participate in or are trained in evidence-informed strategies designed to reach and support more families statewide.This initiative helps families strengthen self-sufficiency and engagement through participation in Title V-funded activities.

   $38,828 spent
   3% of program spending

7. ECAC participates in the Innovative Approaches 2.0 Initiative, designed to improve systems of care for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) in Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln Counties. This initiative emphasizes a family-driven systems-change approach, ensuring that families play a central role in identifying and implementing community improvements that enhance care and access for CYSHCN.During the reporting period, ECAC worked to strengthen systems of care in two key focus areas:1.Health Care Transition supporting youth with special health care needs and families as they move from pediatric to adult care systems.2.Emergency Preparedness improving systems and community responses to ensure the safety and well-being of CYSHCN in emergency situations.Through this initiative, ECAC continues to promote collaborative, sustainable improvements in service delivery and family engagement in Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln Counties.

The 7 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $1,502,912.