The Parent Mentor Project granted to the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center is a very valuable service to our local school districts and the families in the four county region. Because of the size of the NwOESC, the Parent Mentor Project is able to impact 23 school districts in our service region, and thus numerous families through the support offered. The advantages are many. Our Parent Mentors are effective in reaching parents and schools to facilitate communication and the special education process for both groups. Their work helps resolve issues, provides new insight and ideas, and gives a fresh perspective to both parents and schools alike.
Our Parent Mentors serve as a guide to the special education process, listen and provide support to families and educators on an individual basis, and provide information and resources to families and school personnel. Our Parent Mentors work diligently to maintain a parent mentor resource library, including books, videos, periodicals, games, and DVD’s to assist in helping support students with disabilities, their families, and those who serve them.
Overall, the Parent Mentor Project strives to build a greater understanding and trust among families and schools, and ultimately impact the quality of services provided to children with disabilities.