ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center is receiving $25,000 to support its Parent Mentorship program. The federal funds are distributed through the Ohio Department of Education. A Parent Mentor is the parent of a child with a disability who is employed by a local educational service center to help school districts and families by providing training, support and information services.
The MVESC Parent Mentor program services include:
- Guiding families through the special education process and helping them understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Listening and providing support to families and educators on an individual basis.
- Providing information and resources to families and school personnel on education laws, district programs and services and community resources.
- Attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and other meetings at parent or staff request.
- Organizing and conducting information sessions or workshops based on the needs of families and professionals.
- Building collaborative partnerships among families, schools and communities to benefit students with disabilities.
All Parent Mentor services are provided to families free of charge.