The Snoqualmie Valley and Riverview school districts are teaming up to help parents of special needs children find community, employment and educational resources for their families.

In the past, finding services for special needs youth have been hard to find. Nancy Meeks, special education director for the Snoqualmie Valley district, said similar Transition Fairs are normally held on the I-5 corridor, too far for many Valley families to attend.

The Valley Transition Fair, set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, at Chief Kanim Middle School, 32627 Redmond-Fall City Road, Fall City, is the first local fair to take place.

“We wanted to provide parents more information about agencies and opportunities for their children once they transition from school to adult life,” said Jodi-Ann Rodrigues of Riverview School District.

At the fair, families and students can meet with employment vendors and employment-related community organization, as well as representatives for health care, housing, community and technical colleges, and four-year institutions.

Both school districts hope that parents become more aware about how independent their child can be.

Families with children who have less obvious challenges, such as learning disabilities, are encouraged to attend. They can learn about vocational schools or support and requirements for college.

“There is always more that they can do, as far as living independently, employment and opportunities for recreation (and) leisure skills,” Rodrigues said.

For more information, contact Snoqualmie Valley School District’s Cyndy Curran-Bamburg at (425) 644-2042 or e-mail to ccurranbamburg@comcast.net. Or, contact Riverviews School District’s Jodi-Ann Rodrigues at (425) 844-4812 or e-mail to rodriguesj@riverview.wednet.edu.