Ohio's Parent Mentor Project
Definition
A Parent Mentor is the parent of a child with a disability employed by the local education agency to help school districts and families by providing training, support, and information services.
Mission Statement
The mission of Ohio's Parent Mentor Project is to provide the necessary support and resources, free of charge, to families of children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them.
Vision Statement
Districts have a responsibility to develop, support, and implement a system of education services for all students. The basis of Ohio's Parent Mentor Project is the expectation that students with disabilities be ensured an appropriate and meaningful education when parents and educators communicate effectively and operationalize the partnership planning required by IDEA. Districts choose to implement Ohio's Parent Mentor Project to promote this necessary and effective communication by providing information and support to families about special education issues and by providing a mechanism to convey the family perspective back to the system.
No Cost For Services
All parent mentor services are free of charge to families. The Ohio Department of Education provides the funds for Ohio's Parent Mentor Projects.
What does a parent mentor do?
- Guide families through the special education process;
- Helps families understand their rights and responsibilities;
- Provides information and resources to families and the child's schools. This includes education laws and district programs.
- Engages community services and other resources to support schools and families;
- Attends Individualized Education Program meetings and other meetings at parent or staff request;
- Listens and supports families and the child's teachers on an individual basis;
- Hosts information sessions or workshops for families and professionals;
- Connects families, schools, and community to benefit students with disabilities.
For more information on Ohio's Parent Mentor Project visit the Ohio Department of Education website https://parentmentor.osu.edu/