Parent Mentor
Shana Arnold
Shana is the parent of two children in the district, one of whom has dyslexia. She uses her firsthand experience to help work with school teams and guide families to increase the educational success of students who may receive special education services. The parent mentor is a free service provided through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Contact:
Shana Arnold
Solon Parent Mentor
(440) 349-8039
shanaarnold@solonboe.org
Resources
Stay Connected
What Does a Parent Mentor Do?
Support & Advocacy
- Acts as a liaison between families and school
- Guides families and helps them understand their rights and responsibilities through the entire special education process
- Provides confidential support for concerns and questions
Resources & Education
- Supplies information on special education services, policies and procedures
- Explains the Individual Education Plan (IEP)/504 process and attends team meetings if requested
- Collaborates with OPEN to provide family presentations, workshops and networking events
Community Connection
- Links parents/guardians to local resources, providers and other parents/caregivers for support
- Publishes information in PTA newsletters highlighting special education topics as well as on the OPEN Facebook page
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 for 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?
Learn More
Please reach out to Shana Arnold 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: Shana Arnold, Solon Parent Mentor, at (440) 349-8039 or shanaarnold@solonboe.org.