Parent Mentor Program
The Ohio Parent Mentor Project began in 1991 when the need for additional family support was recognized. Today over 90 projects are currently found in school districts and educational service centers all across the state. Parent Mentors have one very important thing in common: They are all parents of children with disabilities and have first hand experience with their own school districts and communities. Promoting partnerships between parents and educators to increase successful outcomes for students is the common goal of every Parent Mentor Project. In their dual role as consultant and parent, mentors work to encourage continuous, positive communication between parents and educators.
(Parent Mentors typically work during the school calendar year)
WHAT IS THE JOB OF A PARENT MENTOR?
A Parent Mentor can help translate special education policies and procedures into understandable language for families and guide them through the special education process upon request. This includes the Evaluation Team Report (ETR) and the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). A Parent Mentor is familiar with federal and state special education laws and parent rights, as well as the differences between 504 (accommodation plans) and specialized instruction (special education). The Parent Mentor also serves as a "listening ear" for parents and staff, and if problems do arise, works to resolve differences through consultation and conflict resolution while maintaining a positive, collaborative focus on the student. Assistance is free of charge to families, as the Ohio Department of Education provides funding for Parent Mentor Projects to school districts through grants. Parent Mentors in Ohio currently receive professional development and training from the Center on Education and Training for Employment at The Ohio State University as well as continued support from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Also see: Ohio's Parent Mentor Project
The Parent Mentor routinely collaborates with school administration and teachers to discuss special education services and programming, promotes community opportunities for students of all abilities to participate in recreational and social activities, and provides information on area resources that may be of interest to families.
Check out this brief video, "Parent Mentor Explained”
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A Parent Mentor can help translate special education policies and procedures into understandable language for families and guide them through the special education process upon request. This includes the Evaluation Team Report (ETR) and the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). A Parent Mentor is familiar with federal and state special education laws and parent rights, as well as the differences between 504 (accommodation plans) and specialized instruction (special education). The Parent Mentor also serves as a "listening ear" for parents and staff, and if problems do arise, works to resolve differences through consultation and conflict resolution while maintaining a positive, collaborative focus on the student. Assistance is free of charge to families, as the Ohio Department of Education provides funding for Parent Mentor Projects to school districts through grants. Parent Mentors in Ohio currently receive professional development and training from the Center on Education and Training for Employment at The Ohio State University as well as continued support from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Also see: Ohio's Parent Mentor Project
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The Parent Mentor routinely collaborates with school administration and teachers to discuss special education services and programming, promotes community opportunities for students of all abilities to participate in recreational and social activities, and provides information on area resources that may be of interest to families.
Check out this brief video, "Parent Mentor Explained”
Family Support
Providing assistance and support to families of children and youth with disabilities is an essential element of the work of the Parent Mentor. Research has shown that children have more successful outcomes when their families play an active role in supporting their education. The Parent Mentor offers educational resources and opportunities to parents throughout the school year to help support them in participating in their children's education and in preparing for adult life. Listed below are just a few family resources. Further information on disabilities, special education laws/regulations, and other issues of concern to parents are available by email or phone.
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Samegoal Tutorial
For Twinsburg parents/guardians
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State Support Team Region 8 (SST8)
is an agency extension of the Ohio Department of Education offering regional services provided for Summit, Medina and Portage Counties. Training sessions for school staff or families are routinely offered and can be viewed on the calendar.
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Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence
OCECD and OCALI are the Ohio Parent Training and Information Centers.
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Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
OCECD and OCALI are the Ohio Parent Training and Information Centers
Family Support Links
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Snappywords
Exploring the World: A Comprehensive Wheelchair Accessible Travel Guide
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Understood
For learning and thinking differences