PARENT MENTORS

MISSION

The mission of the Parent Mentor is to provide the necessary support and resources, free of charge, to families of children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them.

The Parent Mentor Program is based on the assumption that students with disabilities will be ensured an appropriate and meaningful education if parents and educators can communicate effectively and put into place the partnership planning required by Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA).

Our responsibilities may include:

  • Clarify special education rules such as the Individualized Education Program (IEP), Evaluation Team Report (ETR), and the 504 plan

  • Help parents learn their rights according to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement ACT (IDEIA)

  • Explain district discipline practices and services, such as transportation and food service

  • Help families communicate with schools

  • Attend meetings with families as a Mentor

  • Connect families with each other for networking and support

  • Organize information workshops to help family members understand special education terms and procedures

  • Provide information about other services available locally

RESOURCES

· Cincinnati Public Schools-Special Education http://www.cps-k12.org/academics/special-education

· Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEIA) http://idea.ed.gov/

· Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) http://www.ocecd.org/

· Ohio Department of Education-Special Education (ODE) http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Special-Education