Solon Schools Parent Mentor Program

You can view the Parent Mentor brochure below or view a printable version, Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat installed properly. See "About This Site" for more information on Acrobat and PDF files.

  • What Do Parent Mentors Do?
  • Why Do We Need A Parent Mentor?
  • For More Information...

    Who Are Parent Mentors?

    The Parent Mentor Project is a program funded through the Ohio Department of Education. This program is designed to support families in understanding the special educator process by providing the information needed to become effective partners for their children with special needs.

    A Parent Mentor is someone who has a child with special needs who recognizes how overwhelming the special education maze can be for a family. The mentor's role is to listen to the concerns expressed by parents and provide helpful information to address those concerns. The mentor's focus is on working with parents and school personnel to develop goals and strategies to maximize the learning process for the child.

    The ultimate goal shared by everyone (parents, teachers and administrators alike) is to ensure the academic success of all Solon students.

    What Do Parent Mentors Do?

    • Act as a liaison between the parents and the school
    • Guide parents through the Special Education process
    • Provide confidential support for parental concerns and questions
    • Supply information on Special Education services, policies and procedures
    • Link parents to support groups or other parents
    • Explain the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process and attend team meetings as needed
    • Provide information about Special Education and the law
    • Publish The OPEN Channel, a parent newsletter highlighting Special Education issues
    • Provide a Lending Library of materials to assist parents and professionals
    • Work cooperatively with OPEN (Organized Parent Education Network) to provide parent workshops and parent networking meetings

    Why Do We Need A Parent Mentor?

    DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT . . .

    • Your child and special education services?
    • State and federal laws regarding students with disabilities?
    • The assessment process and how a student is identified to have special education services?
    • The (IEP) Individual Education Plan and how parents are involved in its development?

    DO YOU WANT . . .

    • Information about special education resources?
    • Information about specific disabilities?
    • Information about OPEN (Organized Parent Education Network)?
    • Information about parent educational workshops?

    DO YOU NEED . . .

    • To talk to a parent experienced in the special education process?
    • Someone to accompany you to parent/teacher meetings?

    For More Information About Special Education Services including:

    • Testing, IEP development and information
    • The special education programs available in Solon Schools
    • Parent Workshops
    • OPEN

      CONTACT
      Donna Boss,
      Parent Mentor Coordinator
      at 349-8039

      Office Hours:
      Tuesday/Wednesday - ALL DAY
      Thursday - morning

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