Access our student homelessness trainings.

Building Changes is pleased to offer virtual trainings for homeless student liaisons, school building staff, and community-based organizations in Washington State to help them better support students and families experiencing homelessness.

Upcoming Trainings in 2025:

• IEP/504 Advocate Training
  Tuesday, December 2 | 11:00am-1:00pm Pacific Time
  With our partners TeamChild, we will break down the difference between an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a 504 Plan. This training teaches families how to request evaluations, secure accommodations, and work effectively with school staff. Families leave with practical tools to advocate for services that help their child succeed and with knowledge of how to enforce their child’s special education rights.
  Register here
• Coalition Building for Advocacy
  Monday, December 8 | 10:00am-12:00pm PT | In-person at Pacific Tower (8th floor)
  Come build power together! We will share advocacy skills, learn from one another about pressing issues in our communities, and share strategies about how to use your voice and story to fight for systems change. This event is co-hosted by South King County Discipline Coalition, Southeast Seattle Education Coalition,  Supporting Partnerships in Education and Beyond, WA Communities for Children, and Building Changes.
  Register here
  

Upcoming Trainings in 2026:

• Meeting & Communicating with Decision Makers with National Network 4 Youth
  Thursday, January 22 | 10:00am-11:30am Pacific Time
  Tools for preparing and leading effective conversations with elected officials and staff, from framing your ask to building long-term relationships.
  Register here
• Know Your Rights: Attendance Policy Training
  Thursday, January 29 | 10:00am-12:00pm Pacific Time
  Led by the Office of Education Ombuds, this training will outline Washington State attendance laws and school responsibilities around excused and unexcused absences. Explains what schools can and cannot do when a student misses school, and the supports they must offer. Families understand how to protect their child’s attendance record, avoid unnecessary penalties, and push for supportive solutions when absences happen.
  Register here

To find recordings of our past trainings, see 2021-2023 Response to Student Homelessness Training Series