Exceptional Children Conference 2026 – Summerdale

overview faculty related courses This program is eligible for 3 hours of CLE credit in 60-minute states. In 50-minute states, this program is eligible for 3.6 hours of CLE credit. Credit hours are estimated and are subject to each state’s approval and credit rounding rules. Overview The Special Education Event Everyone Is Talking About If you work in special education law and advocacy, this is the event you cannot afford to miss. Each year, attorneys, hearing officers, advocates, educators, and parents come together at the ECC to tackle the most pressing issues in special education, learn from leading practitioners, and connect with colleagues from across the field. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, expand your network, or stay ahead of emerging developments, you’ll find it here. Big Issues. Real-World Solutions. Dive into more than a dozen engaging sessions led by professionals who live and breathe special education law every day. Explore the latest legal developments, practical strategies, and emerging challenges affecting students, families, and school districts. Connections That Make the Difference. Some of the most valuable conversations happen outside the classroom. Exchange ideas with experienced practitioners, meet new colleagues, reconnect with old friends, and build relationships that will strengthen your practice long after the conference ends. A Perspective You Won’t Find Anywhere Else. Many sessions are taught by teams of school district and parent/child attorneys, giving you the rare opportunity to hear both sides of the issues shaping special education law. Gain insight into different approaches, strategies, and perspectives—and become a more effective advocate as a result. Parents and Family Advocates Welcome. For parents and family advocates, the ECC offers practical guidance, trusted resources, and direct access to some of the most experienced professionals in the field. Learn how to navigate the system, advocate effectively, and connect with others who share your commitment to helping children succeed. Join the conversation. Gain fresh insights. Make valuable connections. Leave inspired and better equipped to make a difference for the children and families you serve. Gathering ground for: • Attorneys • Hearing officers • Advocates representing children, families, and school districts • School administrators and teachers • Anyone who wants to learn more about educational rights for children Planned by Practitioners. Designed for Practitioners. Presented in partnership with the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Legal Services for Exceptional Children Committee, this conference focuses on the most significant legal developments, emerging issues, and practical challenges facing special education professionals today. Faculty Jennifer Lukach Bradley, Esq. Jennifer Lukach Bradley, Esq. Ms. Bradley is a co-founding Partner of Bradley Goldsmith Law, LLC located in Wyomissing PA. Ms. Bradley represents clients across the state of Pennsylvania in all aspects of special education matters. In addition, she has represented juveniles charged with criminal acts as well as families facing PIAA disputes. Prior thereto, Ms. Bradley was an Assistant District Attorney in Berks County where she prosecuted defendants charged with felony and misdemeanor crimes. Ms. Bradley was also an adjunct professor in the Political Science Department at Albright College where she taught Criminal Law and Civil Liberties. Ms. Bradley graduated cum laude from Villanova University School of Law in 1999. She graduated magna cum laude with honors from Susquehanna University in 1996. Ms. Bradley is a member of the Berks County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. She is active in her church and her community where she volunteers for St. Ignatius Loyola School and Berks Catholic High School. Ms. Bradley also provides trainings to various organizations across the state of PA. She has also published articles for The Pennsylvania Lawyer and The Berks Barrister. In 2024 and 2025 Ms. Bradley’s firm was voted “Top Lawyers” in Berks County in Special Education and Juvenile Law. She was also presented with PBA’s Special Achievement Award for her dedication and commitment to ECC for the past 5 years. Aimee Rankin, Esq. Aimee Rankin, Esq. Aimee Rankin operates a solo education law practice, Rankin Legal LLC, dedicated to serving families and individuals. Prior to opening her own practice in 2022, Aimee was a Partner at Weiss Burkardt Kramer, a leading Pittsburgh education law firm representing public school district clients. Throughout her time as a legal advocate, Aimee has realized success for clients by using a collaborative, student-centered approach. Aimee has represented clients at all levels of state and federal court, as well as administrative agencies such as the Pennsylvania Office for Dispute Resolution, Office for Civil Rights and Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. Aimee has expertly handled special education cases, student discipline matters, employment matters, and Title IX investigations. Aimee graduated, magna cum laude, from the University of Mount Union with a B.A. in Sociology. She obtained her law degree from The University of Pittsburgh in 2008, where she participated as Senior Research Editor for The University of Pittsburgh Law Review. Aimee was named a Super Lawyer Rising Star for 2020-2022 and proudly serves as Co-Chair of the PBA Legal Services for Exceptional Children Committee. Rose E. McHugh, Esq. Rose E. McHugh, Esq. Rose McHugh is a trusted advisor to school districts and educational institutions, providing guidance on the many intricate legalities surrounding special education and student services. She works closely with administrators to navigate daily operational challenges, from policy development to potential litigation, and helps ensure that district policies remain compliant with ever-evolving state and federal mandates. Beyond her advisory role, Rose is a veteran of the due process hearing room, offering clients rigorous defense and strategic resolution strategies for complex educational disputes. Her formidable litigation skills are rooted in her foundational prior work with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office and the Montgomery County Adult Probation and Parole Department. These experiences afford her a level of courtroom aptitude that blends astute legal strategy with the seasoned instincts of a veteran litigator. A recognized and respected authority in her field, Rose is frequently invited to present on best practices at local, state and national conferences. She is a graduate of Widener University School of Law, J.D., and Carbrini College, B.A. Rose is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and before the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania. Need help navigating your CLE requirements? You have a lot on your plate. We’ll help you stay on top of your compliance — in PA and beyond. learn more Related Courses On-Demand Video CC Innovative Anti-Bias Programming City: Start Date:2022-10-30 20:00:00 End Date:2024-10-30 20:00:00 Length: Level:Various Topics:Education $149.00 ProPass Credits [{"jurisdiction":"Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board","status":"Approved","state":"Pennsylvania","credits":"","expiration_date":"October 30, 2027","speciality_credit":[{"category":"Elimination of Bias\/Diversity and Inclusion","state_category":"Ethics","credit":"2.0"}]}] Credit States Status Credits Earn credit until Add to cart On-Demand Video CC The Changing Title IX Landscape City: Start Date:2023-11-12 19:00:00 End Date:2025-11-12 19:00:00 Length: Level:Various Topics:Education $79.00 ProPass Credits [{"jurisdiction":"Supreme Court of New Jersey Board on Continuing Legal Education","status":"Reciprocity ","state":"New Jersey","credits":"","expiration_date":"November 12, 2026","speciality_credit":[{"category":"General","state_category":"General","credit":"1.2"}]},{"jurisdiction":"New York CLE Board","status":"Approved","state":"New York","credits":"","expiration_date":"November 12, 2026","speciality_credit":[{"category":"General","state_category":"Areas of Professional Practice","credit":"1.0"}]},{"jurisdiction":"West Virginia State Bar Continuing Legal Education Commission","status":"Approved","state":"West Virginia","credits":"","expiration_date":"November 12, 2026","speciality_credit":[{"category":"General","state_category":"General","credit":"1.22"}]},{"jurisdiction":"Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board","status":"Approved","state":"Pennsylvania","credits":"","expiration_date":"November 11, 2028","speciality_credit":[{"category":"General","state_category":"General","credit":"1.0"}]}] Credit States Status Credits Earn credit until Add to cart On-Demand Video CC The New Title IX Regulations: A 360 View Through the Lens of Higher Education 2024 City: Start Date:2024-06-11 05:00:00 End Date: Length: Level:Various Topics:Education $179.00 ProPass Credits [{"jurisdiction":"Supreme Court of New Jersey Board on Continuing Legal Education","status":"Reciprocity ","state":"New Jersey","credits":"","expiration_date":"June 10, 2027","speciality_credit":[{"category":"General","state_category":"General","credit":"2.4"}]},{"jurisdiction":"New York CLE Board","status":"Approved","state":"New York","credits":"","expiration_date":"June 10, 2027","speciality_credit":[{"category":"General","state_category":"Areas of Professional Practice","credit":"2.0"}]},{"jurisdiction":"West Virginia State Bar Continuing Legal Education Commission","status":"Approved","state":"West Virginia","credits":"","expiration_date":"June 10, 2027","speciality_credit":[{"category":"General","state_category":"General","credit":"2.4"}]},{"jurisdiction":"Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board","status":"Approved","state":"Pennsylvania","credits":"","expiration_date":"June 10, 2029","speciality_credit":[{"category":"General","state_category":"General","credit":"2.0"}]}] Credit States Status Credits Earn credit until Add to cart