Families benefit from clear, trusted connections to people and programs that can support them as they navigate school systems, community services, and parenting challenges. This page highlights family support options commonly accessed by schools and families, ranging from local to statewide programs.
The information on this page is not supported by State Support Team 9 but is provided for your information.
Deb Bates
Parent Support Coordinator
Stark County Educational Service Center
Debbie.Bates@starkesc.org
330-492-8136 Ext. 1552
Deb Bates is employed by the Stark County Educational Service Center and serves as a Parent Support Coordinator for districts in Stark, Holmes, and Wayne Counties. Deb works with families who have children with disabilities and their school districts to develop effective partnerships.
For further information regarding the Parent Support Program, call or visit our website. To be placed on our Parent mailing list CLICK HERE.
For more than 30 years, Ohio Parent Mentors have helped families navigate local and state special education processes and services so that children with disabilities can get the most out of their educational experience. Using our lived experience and an evidence-based approach, we work in collaboration with families, schools, and agencies to create the conditions for success for your child.
Local Parent Mentor Contacts:
Amanda Lee
Parent Mentor - Canton City Schools
Special Education Department
Canton City School District
619 Tuscarawas St. W., Suite 515
Phone: 330-588-2147
Addy Taylor
Parent Mentor
Tri-County Educational Service Center - Wayne County
tesc_ataylor@tccsa.net
330-345-6771 Ext. 263
Parent and Youth Ambassadors (PYAs) are regionalized supports that help individuals, families, and youth access resources and answers to questions at the local level. Support is available before, during, or after a crisis at no cost.
PYAs can assist with a wide range of needs, including lactation support, finding childcare for a child with special needs, or navigating more complex situations involving multiple systems. They provide high-level coordination of support but do not serve as case managers, conduct home visits, attend appointments, or provide transportation.
You can make a request for support at Ambassadors@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov or by calling the DCY Family and Customer Support Center 844-234-KIDS (5437) *Option 5.
Ohio Parent to Parent (Ohio P2P) is a statewide peer mentoring program for family members, of any age, with a disability or special healthcare need. It matches parents, siblings, foster parents, grandparent, caretakers, etc with a Support Parent (SP) who have been through similar experiences. The Support Parent or Peer Mentor provides support based on your needs and issues relating to parenting and/or providing care to your loved one.
Parenting and Family Skill Building Programs
Parenting and Family Skill Building Programs
Some families may also benefit from evidence-based parenting and family support programs that focus on building skills, strengthening relationships, and promoting positive outcomes.
Examples include:
These programs are typically offered through community partners and may be recommended based on family needs.
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