Exceptional Children
Exceptional Children Director
A Message from Jennifer Croymans, Director for Exceptional Children
Hello McDowell County Schools Families,
As the Director for Exceptional Children, I am incredibly passionate about recognizing and nurturing the unique abilities within every single one of our students. Here in McDowell County Schools, we believe that every child possesses extraordinary potential, and it's our privilege to help them discover and grow that potential.
Our commitment goes beyond academics. We are dedicated to supporting your child's holistic development—academically, yes, but also physically, developmentally, and emotionally. We understand that a child's well-being in all these areas is crucial for their success and happiness. From specialized learning strategies to fostering social-emotional growth and ensuring a supportive physical environment, our team is here to champion your child every step of the way.
We know that you, as parents, are your child's first and most important teachers. That's why we are so eager to partner with your family. Your insights, observations, and dreams for your child are invaluable to us. By working together, we can create a powerful network of support that empowers your child to thrive, overcome challenges, and celebrate every achievement, big or small.
This journey is a team effort, and we are thrilled to be on it with you. We are confident that by combining our expertise with your invaluable partnership, we can ensure every McDowell County Schools student feels celebrated, supported, and ready to reach for the stars!
Warmly,
Jennifer Croymans MCS Director for Exceptional Children
EC Parent Training Series: Learn. Connect. Support. Empower.
McDowell County Schools’ Department for Exceptional Children is excited to offer a 2026–2027 EC Parent Training Series designed especially for families of students with disabilities. Throughout the school year, families will have opportunities to learn practical strategies they can use to support their child’s learning, behavior, communication, self-regulation, and independence at home and at school.
Each training is designed to provide families with practical, easy-to-use information while strengthening the partnership between families and schools. Families may attend the session time that works best for their schedule.
2026–2027 Parent Training Topics
September — Making the IEP Work at Home
Using Explicit Instruction & Progress Monitoring
Families will learn how to better understand their child’s IEP goals, use simple explicit instruction strategies at home, and understand how progress is monitored.
October — Understanding Behavior Through Function
Using Positive Reinforcement Effectively
Families will explore why behaviors happen, how understanding the function of behavior can help adults respond more effectively, and positive reinforcement strategies that can be used at home and at school.
October 8, 2026 | 9:00–10:30 AM
October 15, 2026 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Both October sessions cover the same information.
December — Using Scaffolding & Visual Supports
Building Communication and Independence
Families will learn how scaffolding and visual supports can strengthen communication, establish routines, increase participation, and help children become more independent.
December — Using Scaffolding & Visual Supports
Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 9:00–10:30 AM
Thursday, December 17, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 PM
Both December sessions cover the same information.
March — Teaching Self-Regulation & Executive Functioning
Building Skills for Independence
Families will explore strategies for developing self-regulation, executive functioning, organization, problem-solving, and other important life skills that support greater independence now and in the future.
Thursday, March 11, 2027 | 9:00–10:30 AM
Thursday, March 18, 2027 | 5:00–6:30 PM
Both March sessions cover the same information.
Training Location
All sessions will be held at Pleasant Gardens Elementary School, 100 John Roach Drive, Marion, NC 28752.
We believe families are essential members of their child’s educational team. These trainings are another opportunity for us to learn together, strengthen the connection between home and school, and equip families with tools that support student success.
Learn. Connect. Support. Empower.
Stronger Together. Brighter Futures.
For additional information, please contact Jennifer Croymans, MCS Exceptional Children’s Program Director, at 828-652-6580 ext. 1206 or jennifer.croymans@mcdowell.k12.nc.us
The vision of the MCS Exceptional Children's Department is that students with disabilities will graduate prepared to live as independently as possible, attain meaningfulness careers, make appropriate choices and enjoy integration within our society.
