Parent Mentor

Solon Schools Parent Mentor Program

Our Solon Parent Mentor is Joanna Innes. Joanna is a parent to a child with special needs. She uses her first-hand experience to help work with school officials 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. Joanna can be reached at joannainnes@solonboe.org or 440-349-8039.

What Does the Parent Mentor Do?

Acts as a liaison between parents/guardians and the school
Guides families and helps them understand their rights and responsibilities through the entire special education process
Provides confidential support for concerns and questions
Supplies information on special education services, policies and procedures
Links parents/guardians to local resources, providers and other parents/caregivers for support
Explains the Individual Education Plan (IEP)/504 process and can attend team meetings if requested
Provides a lending library of materials to assist parents/guardians and professionals
Works cooperatively with Solon's Organized Parent Education Network (OPEN) to provide presentations, parent workshops and parent networking meetings
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 are parents involved in its development?

DO YOU WANT . . .