Workshops & Professional Development
Professional development and educational workshops designed to strengthen knowledge, advocacy skills, and educational outcomes for caregivers, professionals, schools, and community organizations.
Workshops and professional development sessions are led by Dr. Diane Plunkett, an experienced special education professional, educator, and non-attorney advocate with more than 30 years of experience supporting children with disabilities, families, educators, and community-based professionals.
Her presentations combine professional knowledge, practical advocacy strategies, and an understanding of the complex systems that affect students and families. Sessions are designed to make challenging information understandable, relevant, and useful to participants in their everyday roles.
Conference planners, professional-development coordinators, and organizational leaders may download additional presenter and workshop information below.
Why Schools, Agencies, and Organizations Choose Steppingstone Services
Sample Workshop and Professional Development Topics
Understanding the Special Education Process
Building understanding of special education procedures, eligibility, IEPs, and 504 Plans.
Supporting Students with Disabilities
Practical strategies for supporting students in school, community, and home settings.
Foster Care and
Education
Understanding educational rights, school stability, and supports for children and youth in foster care.
Advocacy and Documentation Skills
Tools for organizing concerns, preparing for meetings, and communicating effectively.
Training Options at a Glance
Workshops and professional development sessions can be adapted to the knowledge, priorities, and available time of your organization.
Typical Session Lengths
Available formats may include:
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45–60-minute introductory presentations
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75–90-minute interactive workshops
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Two- to three-hour extended sessions
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Half-day professional development
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Multi-session learning series
Session length may be adjusted based on the topic, audience, desired level of participation, and learning goals.
Available Audiences
Training Options at a Glance
Workshops may be developed for:
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Parents and caregivers
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Foster, kinship, and adoptive families
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Educators and school teams
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Child welfare and foster care professionals
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Disability-service providers
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Parent-support and advocacy organizations
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Community agencies and nonprofit organizations
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Interdisciplinary professional teams
Level of Instruction
Programs may be designed at an:
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Introductory level for participants who are new to the topic
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Intermediate level for participants who have foundational knowledge
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Customized level based on the experience, responsibilities, and goals of the audience
Delivery Options
In-Person and Virtual Options
Sessions are available virtually and may be offered in person within the Kansas City metropolitan area and other Missouri or Kansas locations by arrangement. Availability, travel requirements, and related expenses are discussed before scheduling.
Customized Workshops and Professional Development
Training can be adapted to your organization’s audience, available time, existing level of knowledge, and desired outcomes.
Customization may include:
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Selecting or combining topics
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Adjusting the introductory or intermediate level
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Incorporating organization-specific scenarios or concerns
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Developing interactive discussion or case-based activities
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Creating participant handouts or practical planning tools
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Structuring a single presentation, extended workshop, or multi-session series
A brief planning conversation helps clarify the audience, learning priorities, preferred format, and most appropriate session length.
Steppingstone Services does not currently award independent continuing education credit. When appropriate, sponsoring organizations may determine whether a workshop meets their internal professional development requirements or may arrange for credit through their own approving body. Documentation such as a session description, learning objectives, presenter qualifications, agenda, and certificate of attendance may be provided upon request.