Parent Mentor

The Strongsville Parent Mentor Program is here to help you and your child. We offer support and information to parents of special needs children. We give you the opportunity to be the best advocate for your child. This program is designed to foster parent and professional teamwork.

The Parent Mentor Program is funded by a grant from the state of Ohio. Ohio is currently the only state to have a parent mentor program, though several other states are beginning the process. Seventy-one projects are currently funded, representing 201 of Ohio's 611 school districts. Strongsville has had a parent mentor since 1994.

As a parent of a special needs child, parent mentors have experienced the sometimes difficult educational journey with their own child.

The Strongsville City School Parent Mentor Program offers:

• One-to-one support to parents, to help them learn their roles and responsibilities in their child's educational process. This can include attending I.E.P. (individualized educational plan) meetings, gathering resources and information needed by a parent, meeting with parents in person or talking with them on the phone.

• A quarterly newsletter with local, state, and federal information regarding special education.

• Presentation of workshops focusing on topics that will give parents a better understanding of their child's disability and ways to enhance their child's educational and daily living skills.

• Support and cooperation with all district professionals who provide services to students with special needs.

• Establishment of a communication link for parents of children with special needs through the State Support Team , workshops, and community resources.

• Explanation of the special education programs available through the Strongsville School District and Polaris Career Center.