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Parent Mentor

A Parent Mentor is the parent of a child with
a disability employed to help parents navigate the special education process and to develop their skills to become the best advocate for their child. 

The Parent Mentor Program is funded through a grant from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) provided to local Educational Service Centers. The mission of the program is to provide the necessary support and resources to families of children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them.

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! 

In Putnam County parents can contact their local parent mentor at dolores.garcia@putnamcountyesc.org .  

 

 

Assistance for Families

 

Parent Library 

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. 

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION NEWS AND EVENTS 

OCALI and Ohio Department of Education invite educators, administrators and families to a new virtual learning series, InspirED.  InspirEd is designed to support learning and successful outcomes for children with diverse educational needs who are learning in a remote or virtual instructional environment. 

 

2021- 2022 Parent Meetings

November 1, 2021 Evidence-Based Practices for Home, Community, and School presented by Denise Sawan Caruso and Wendy Szakacs OCALI Consultants.  Listen to the recorded seminar https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-VUEIelxFZcnj3FcPcEydq1Q9vYe1umS/view?usp=sharing

 

October 7, 2021 6:30 pm ESC and Virtual
Dr. Ruth Aspy - Designing supports at home and school, and apply behavioral principles to target a skill.  Listen to recorded seminar https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JNWRP5DWzDGN_QrE8gTYBgtoN7wPI7JO/view?usp=sharing