April 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

ABCS OF IEPS

How could a parent mentor help me?

BY REBECCA MCCLARY, SPECIAL NEEDS MOM AND PARENT ADVOCATE

Most parents dread upcoming ETR/IEP/504 meetings. If these lengthy meetings make you feel uncomfortable, stressed or anxious, you are not alone! The idea of having your child evaluated for special education services does not come with warm fuzzy feelings. I get it … I have been there. Evaluations can take several weeks to complete, then you are expected to digest a significant amount of data in a matter of an hour. If your child qualifies, you then have to help create a 504 plan or an IEP. The initial process and the annual meetings can be overwhelming. During these meetings, our minds can easily go into overdrive and spin out of control. Some parents are nervous to ask questions, which is also understandable. This is where having a parent mentor with you can be beneficial.

What is the role of a parent mentor?

Think of a parent mentor as a tour guide. Your tour guide will be the one to share knowledge and information about a place that is unfamiliar to you. You can ask your tour guide questions to gain clarity. This is the job of a parent mentor. As a parent mentor, I guide parents through the evaluation process, meetings, and I’m available for any concerns thereafter. I explain special education terms, results on evaluations and offer suggestions and ideas for each child’s individual needs. Prior to meetings, I educate them on the process and the rights they have as parents. During meetings, I support parents by prompting them with pre-written questions and ideas, if they forget to ask and become their note-taker. Most importantly, I model ways for parents to advocate for their children. Being a special needs mom for (almost) ten years, I have been in the parent’s shoes and I still am today.

When should I reach out to a parent mentor?

My response to this question is, now! The sooner you reach out for support, the more support a parent mentor can provide. Many parents establish long-lasting relationships with their parent mentor. Having this support system can give parents a peace of mind knowing they have someone to contact at any time. Many parents will wait until they have outsourced all their resources and are left feeling hopeless. Having someone lined up from the very start can save you a lot of stress in the long run!

What should I look for in a parent mentor?

Parent mentors come with all different types of backgrounds. You will have to decide what experience you want your mentor to have. Some mentors, like myself, have lived experience. I have been in your shoes before. I spent countless hours crying, confused and alone before I sought help from someone. Now, I want to help others through and share my knowledge. Other mentors have a background in social work or school psychology. Think about what experience would be most helpful for you and seek a mentor with that background. Majority of mentors can work with parents state-wide, or even throughout the country.

Always remember, you know your child BEST! I remind every parent, I get the privilege to work with, of this. As a parent mentor, my job is not to tell you what is best for your child, but rather give suggestions or ideas for you to research, think and make decisions about. You will always be the voice for your child. I will be the voice to guide you, support you, encourage you and help you advocate for your child’s needs. I know this is not always easy, but you can do it! With the right support, resources, and knowledge, you can have peace about your child’s special education needs.

Would you like to connect? Feel free to reach out to me.

Phone:330-936-6986

Email: parentmentorsolutions@gmail.com