
Parent Mentors are trained to help.
We are guides, collaborators, and, most importantly, we are peers.
Ohio Parent Mentors are parents of children with disabilities who provide free peer-to-peer support to other families of children with disabilities in Ohio. We use our first-hand experiences to work with school officials and guide families to increase the educational success of students who receive special education services. We help families navigate local and state special education processes and services so that children with disabilities can get the mot out of their educational experience. Together, we can help our students with special attention they deserve and find their pathway to educational success.
Here is a sample of some ways a Parent Mentor guides families through the Special Education process:
- Help families understand their rights and responsibilities,
- Attend the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) Meetings and other meetings at the request of families or staff.
- Listen to and support both family and educators on an individual basis,
- Provide information and community resources to families and schools,
- Host informational sessions, support/networking groups or training programs for families and educators,
- Engage community service agencies and other resources to support families and schools,
- Connect families, schools and community partners to benefit students with special needs.
- and so much more!
Your Local Parent Mentor

Sue Schroeder
419-581-9220 Call or Text
sue.schroeder@putnamcountyesc.org
Assistance for Families
PROGRAMS
Parent Seminars
Putnam County Help Me Grow birth up to age 3
Putnam County ESC Preschool Special Education age 3 to school age
Putnam County ESC School Age Special Education
Putnam County Board of Developmental Disabilities
RESOURCES
A Guide to Parent’s Rights in Special Education
STABLE Accounts for Children with Disabilities
Communication Disability Verification Form
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
TUTORIALS
Teaching Tips to Assist Parents
- Parents are Their Children’s First and Most Powerful Teacher
- Getting Ready to Toilet Train
- Making and Using Visuals
*Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI)
The Putnam County ESC Special Education Office has a library of books available for parents to borrow. The list of books can be viewed here.



