FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER
Family Matters PTIC is the sole federally funded Parent Training and Information Center in Illinois, providing free special education training, IEP coaching, and advocacy support to families of children with disabilities ages 0-26 across all 102 counties.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1989
- HeadquartersIllinois, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER does
Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (FMPTIC) is a 501(c)-style nonprofit organization headquartered in Effingham, Illinois, founded in 1989 as a Family Support Program under the Illinois Department of Human Services and operating as a federally funded Parent Training and Information Center since October 2002. FMPTIC is the sole federally funded Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) in Illinois, a designation awarded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) under grants #H328M150037 and #H328M200072. As of October 1, 2025, the organization expanded its service area to cover all 102 Illinois counties, having previously served 94 counties outside the Chicago area. Its mission is to provide education, support, resources, and community linkages to families of students with disabilities ages 0-26 navigating the special education system under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
The organization's core service portfolio is delivered for free to families and comprises three integrated layers: (1) direct human support, including individualized 1:1 Educational Support Coaching, IEP document reviews, a toll-free helpline (1-866-436-7842), and administration of the Educational Surrogate Parent (ESP) Program on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education; (2) group programming, including virtual and in-person workshops, webinars, and a training calendar covering IDEA rights, IEP planning, Section 504, transition planning, and behavior/mental health topics; and (3) self-paced digital resources, including the COMPASS online course hosted on Thinkific, podcasts, printable materials, educator resources, and bilingual English/Spanish resources. The technology infrastructure is intentionally lightweight, relying on standard web and communication tools (Zoom, email, website) rather than proprietary platforms. Impact metrics reported for the current year include 5,241 families helped, 93 trainings provided, $10,038.08 in donations raised, and 75 volunteers onboarded.
FMPTIC's revenue model is government-grant-dependent, with primary funding from OSEP federal grants and secondary funding from the Illinois State Board of Education for ESP Program administration, supplemented by tax-deductible public donations. The organization receives no fees from end-user families. Distribution is delivered through a multi-channel approach: virtual self-serve (Zoom registrations via the public training calendar), direct one-on-one coaching (telephone/email), in-person enterprise events (minimum 15 attendees), and a community-based volunteer arm (COMPASS volunteers providing parent-to-peer support at educational meetings). The organization maintains a broad partnership ecosystem that includes Chicago Public Schools Office for Students with Disabilities, Illinois Elevating Special Educators (IESE), Birth to Five Illinois, STAR NET, LifeCourse Nexus, and various financial planning and assistive technology providers.
FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER
- Legal name
- Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center
- Website
- https://fmptic.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1989
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Family Matters PTIC is the sole federally funded Parent Training and Information Center in Illinois, providing free special education training, IEP coaching, and advocacy support to families of children with disabilities ages 0-26 across all 102 counties.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Special Education Support Services
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (6117), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Family Advocacy, Parent Training & Support Services (EDAJAKAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Parent & Caregiver Training for IEP Navigation (EDAKACAJ), Family & Parent Support Services (Parent Coaching, Advocacy) (EDAJALAK), Family Coaching, Parent-Mediated & Home Visiting EI Services (EDACAFAJ)
Keywords
Where FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Illinois
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Federal Government Grants: Primary funding comes from federal grants administered by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), through grant numbers #H328M150037 and #H328M200072. The organization also receives funding from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to administer the Educational Surrogate Parent (ESP) Program.
- Donations: The organization accepts tax-deductible donations from the public to support and expand services for families. Donations go directly toward supporting and expanding services and supports offered to families.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Other | Free services for all families - No cost to access |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (FMPTIC) is the only federally funded Parent Training and Information Center in Illinois, providing free education, training, individualized coaching, IEP reviews, and community linkages for families of children with disabilities ages 0-26. Services are delivered through one-on-one coaching, virtual and in-person workshops/webinars, an online self-paced course (COMPASS), a volunteer Educational Surrogate Parent (ESP) program, and a toll-free helpline. All services are provided at no cost to families, funded primarily by federal grants from the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
Product overview
Family Matters PTIC is a federally funded Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) providing a comprehensive suite of services for families of children with disabilities ages 0-26 across the state of Illinois. The organization operates as a single integrated service model combining direct family support (Educational Support Coaching, IEP reviews, toll-free helpline) with group programming (workshops, webinars, training events) and self-paced digital resources (COMPASS online course, podcasts, printable materials). Core offerings include the Educational Surrogate Parent volunteer program, Charting the LifeCourse planning tools, and bilingual resources in English and Spanish. As of October 1, 2025, FMPTIC expanded to cover the entire state of Illinois as the only federally funded PTIC in the state, funded by the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Parent Training and Information Services Federally funded Parent Training and Information Center providing education, support, resources, and community linkages for families navigating the Special Education system, serving students with disabilities ages 0-26 and their families statewide in Illinois.
- Educational Support Coaching Individualized 1:1 support for families working with Educational Support Coaches who help parents understand the IEP process, review required IEP forms, explore goals and concerns, and provide preparatory meeting strategies.
- Educational Workshops and Webinars Free training events and virtual webinars covering special education rights, IEP planning, Section 504, behavior and discipline, transition planning, and other topics upon request. Most trainings are conducted virtually with in-person options for groups of 15 or more.
- COMPASS Program A self-paced online course (COMPASS: Special Education Navigation) offered through Thinkific that equips families with tools and knowledge to navigate special education successfully. Also includes COMPASS Volunteers who provide parent-to-parent support at educational meetings.
- Educational Surrogate Parent (ESP) Program A volunteer program administered by the Illinois State Board of Education where trained volunteers attend IEP meetings, review educational records and evaluations, and advocate for services for students who need extra support.
- IEP Document Reviews Educational record reviews and IEP document guidance to help families understand their child's Individualized Education Program and ensure appropriate services and supports.
- Charting the LifeCourse Tools and Resources LifeCourse-based planning tools and monthly lunch and learn series that help students and families explore strengths, interests, goals, and support needs while learning self-advocacy skills and creating personalized planning tools for IEP meetings and transition planning.
- Toll-Free Helpline Free telephone hotline (1-866-436-7842) providing assistance with special education problems, concerns, information requests, and training opportunities.
- Self-Advocacy Programs Programs and tools including Youth Advocacy Groups and Self-Advocacy Skills training to help individuals with disabilities understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Educator Resources and Professional Development Resources for teachers, paraprofessionals, and school administrators including inclusion guidance, printable resources, and professional development content. Includes the Student-Centered Transitions FMPTIC Learning Series for educators.
Companies that use FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Illinois DeafBlind ProjectcoreCo-host of the Family Leaders Collaborative Conference 2026: Caring for the Whole Child. Partnership brings together trusted Illinois family-serving organizations to address mental health, financial planning, caregiver supports, and disability services.
- Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome AssociationcoreCo-host of the Family Leaders Collaborative Conference 2026: Caring for the Whole Child.
- STAR NETcoreCo-host of the Family Leaders Collaborative Conference 2026: Caring for the Whole Child.
- The Arc of Illinois Life Span ProgramcoreCo-host of the Family Leaders Collaborative Conference 2026: Caring for the Whole Child.
- The Arc of Illinois Family to Family Health Information CentercoreCo-host of the Family Leaders Collaborative Conference 2026: Caring for the Whole Child.
- U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)corePrimary federal funder of Family Matters PTIC. The organization is funded by grants from OSEP to serve as the Parent Training and Information Center for Illinois. Grant numbers: #H328M150037, #H328M200072.
- Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)coreISBE administers the Educational Surrogate Parent (ESP) Program. FMPTIC receives federal funding from ISBE to provide training and ongoing support for Educational Surrogate Parents. Also publishes the Illinois Dyslexia Handbook referenced in FMPTIC training.
- Illinois Department of Human ServicesminorOriginal funder of Family Matters PTIC as a Family Support Program in 1989.
- Illinois Elevating Special Educators (IESE)coreCollaboration on the Student-Centered Transitions: The FMPTIC Learning Series, a professional development series for educators.
- INFINITECminorPartner presentation on assistive technology topics. INFINITEC presents sessions on AT implementation and support for families.
- Chicago Public Schools Office for Students with DisabilitiescoreCollaborative partnership on the 'Your Child, Your Voice' Special Education Summer Series, presented by CPS OSD in collaboration with Family Matters PTIC.
- Early Intervention Training Program (EITP)coreCo-host of the Family Data Leaders Series for parents/caregivers of children with disabilities ages 0-5. Partnership focused on using data to improve programs and systems.
- LifeCourse Nexus Training and Technical Assistance CentercoreCollaboration on Charting the LifeCourse Monthly Lunch & Learn Series, using LifeCourse tools to empower students through self-advocacy.
- Birth to Five Illinois: Region 1-B-BminorBirth to Five Illinois hosts FMPTIC for the 'Healthy Minds From the Beginning' workshop. Partnership includes Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society and The Children's Clinic.
- Thrivent FinancialminorCollaboration on 'Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs' educational series. Michele Westmaas, Thrivent Financial Advisor, co-presents financial planning tools including special needs trusts and ABLE accounts.
- Every Step of the Way Resource CenterminorFMPTIC promotes the Catch-22 Resource Venue event hosted by Every Step of the Way Resource Center for individuals with disabilities ages 18 and older.
- Parents of Extraordinary Children (United Communities for Diverse Abilities)minorFMPTIC promotes the United Communities for Diverse Abilities Disabilities Resource Fair hosted by Parents of Extraordinary Children.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- PACER Center: PACER Center is a Minnesota-based Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) that provides identical services to FMPTIC—free parent training, IEP advocacy, workshops, and special education resources for families of children with disabilities. It is the most directly comparable PTIC operating in a different state under the same federal OSEP funding model.
- The Arc of Illinois: The Arc of Illinois is a statewide disability advocacy organization that FMPTIC partners with for conferences and resources. Provides overlapping family advocacy and disability services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Illinois, sharing customer segments and partnership footprint.
- Federation for Children with Special Needs: Federation for Children with Special Needs is the Massachusetts PTIC offering parent training, IEP support, and special education advocacy services. Operates under the same federal PTIC designation model as FMPTIC and serves an analogous role in a different state's disability services ecosystem.
- Parent Center Hub (CPIR): Parent Center Hub is the national network and technical assistance center for all OSEP-funded PTICs and Community Parent Resource Centers, of which FMPTIC is a member. Operates the same parent-centered training model at a national coordination level.
Emerging players
- Understood.org: Understood.org is a digital-first resource platform serving families of children with learning and attention issues. Offers online special education information and IEP tools that complement FMPTIC's in-person and coaching services, representing a digital-native emerging alternative for parent education.
- Wrightslaw: Wrightslaw provides online special education law and advocacy training resources for parents, including IEP training materials. Competes with FMPTIC's training calendar in digital content distribution while operating as a specialty resource rather than a full PTIC service provider.
- INCLUDEDEd: INCLUDEDEd provides special education advocacy and IEP coaching services in a multi-state model. Represents a potential emerging competitor offering parent coaching services similar to FMPTIC's Educational Support Coaching program but across multiple state markets.
Regional players
- Disability Rights Illinois: Disability Rights Illinois is a statewide protection and advocacy organization for people with disabilities. While focused on legal advocacy rather than training, it shares Illinois geography and overlapping client base (families of children with disabilities) with FMPTIC.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses3 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks4 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER social profiles
Digital presenceFAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER
What does FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER do?
Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (FMPTIC) is the only federally funded Parent Training and Information Center in Illinois, providing free education, training, individualized coaching, IEP reviews, and community linkages for families of children with disabilities ages 0-26. Services are delivered through one-on-one coaching, virtual and in-person workshops/webinars, an online self-paced course (COMPASS), a volunteer Educational Surrogate Parent (ESP) program, and a toll-free helpline. All services are provided at no cost to families, funded primarily by federal grants from the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
Is FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER a public or private company?
FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER founded?
FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER was founded in 1989. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER based?
FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER is headquartered in Illinois, United States, in the North America region.
How does FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Federal Government Grants are the primary driver. The others are donations.
Who are FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are PACER Center, The Arc of Illinois, Federation for Children with Special Needs and Parent Center Hub (CPIR). Emerging players are Understood.org, Wrightslaw and INCLUDEDEd. Disability Rights Illinois is listed as a regional player.
Does FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER have an API?
No public API is recorded for FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER.
What industry is FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER in?
FAMILY MATTERS PARENT TRAINING ANDINFORMATION CENTER's product category is Special Education Support Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJAKAK, Family Advocacy, Parent Training & Support Services, with a secondary code of EDAKACAJ, Parent & Caregiver Training for IEP Navigation. Its NAICS code is 611710 and its SIC code is 8200.