PARENT MENTOR PROGRAM

ESC of Lake Erie West

What is A Parent Mentor?

A Parent Mentor is a parent of a child with a disability, and is a support network to school districts, and parents of children with disabilities or parents who have educational concerns about their children.

The Goal of the Parent Mentor:

GUIDE families through the special education process, including right and responsibilities.

LISTEN and provide support to families and educators on an individual basis.

PROVIDE INFORMATION and resources to families including education laws, district programs and services, and community resources.

ATTEND Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings and other meetings on parent or staff request.

Reasons to Call the Parent Mentor:

	I’m worried about my child moving from one school to the next.
	I feel alone and wish I could talk to another parent who understands my concerns.
	I have many questions about my child’s education but I forgot to ask them at the school meetings.
	I would like to be more involved in planning my child’s education. 	I am worried about my child’s progress and don’t know what to do. 	I feel like nobody is listening to my concerns about my child.
	I would like to have someone attend and support me at IEP and/or other meetings at school.

I understand what families go through to help their children succeed educationally and socially and value the support parents can offer one another!

Please contact me if you have any questions or are interested in services.

Wendy Smenner-Parent Mentor

419-214-3066

wsmenner@esclakeeriewest.org