OHIO’S PARENT MENTOR PROGRAM

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE

CENTER OF LAKE ERIE WEST

Wendy Smenner

Parent Mentor

What does a parent mentor do? • Guides families through the special
education process;

• Helps families understand their rights and responsibilities;

• Provides information and resources to fami-lies and the child’s schools. This includes education laws and district programs.

• Engages community services and other re-sources 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.

Office is located at 3939 Wrenwood Toledo, OH 43623 419-214-3066
wsmenner@esclakeeriewest.org

Ohio’s Parent Mentor Program

Home & School Guiding Families Through the
Special Education Process

To access the Parent Mentors of Ohio website, go to:

www.ocecd.org	Ohio

Department of Education

OHIO’S PARENT MENTOR PROGRAM

Definition

A parent mentor provides information and support to families of a child with a disability and school districts. The mentor is a district employee and also is a parent of child with a disability

Guiding Families Through the Special Education
Process

Goal

School districts develop and provide a meaningful educational program for all students. The parent mentor works to support the relationship between the school and the family of a child with a disability. The school and family work together to provide a pathway for the child’s success. By working closely with parents and teachers, the parent mentor is an important part of the student’s educational team.

The Parent Mentor Program is offered by school districts. Mentors provide information and support to families about special education issues. Additionally, they make sure the district receives the perspective and input from families.

No Cost For Services

All parent mentor services are free of charge to families. The Ohio Department of
Education provides the funds for Ohio Parent Mentor projects.

Background

The Ohio Department of Education and the

Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities recognize the need for parents to be able to communicate back to the school. Parents of a child with a disability are in greatest need of this help.

Created in 1990, the Parent Mentor Program Promotes communication between the family and school. Parent mentors provide resources, guidance and support to families. They work with the school and families to find the best possible options for the child.

Currently, there are approximately 75 Ohio Parent Mentor Programs in Ohio. They serve Nearly one-third of the schools and families in Ohio’s school districts.

Ohio

Department of Education