special education parent liaison program parents as partners

1. Special Education Parent Liaison Program Parents as Partners

2. Parent Liaison Program Overview School success for students with disabilities requires the concerted efforts of: school home community If parents are not actively involved, students suffer.

3. Parent Liaison Program Overview Two primary reasons why some parents feel uncomfortable with teachers, principals, and other school personnel: Lack of Communication Lack of Trust

4. Parent Liaison ProgramOverview Lack of Communication exists when: School system is perceived as having all information and parents none Parents perceive there is a lack of access to appropriate information

5. Parent Liaison Program Overview Lack of Trust exists when: inconsistencies in the information being provided by educators lack of follow through by educators with agreed upon issues

6. Parent Liaison Program Purpose The purpose of the Parent Liaison Program (PLP) is to address the issues of parents of students with disabilities.

7. Parent Liaison Program Focus The focus of the program is: Parental Empowerment Parent Advocacy

8. Parent Liaison Program Mission The mission of the Parent Liaison Program is to: assist and support families of children (ages three to 21) with disabilities foster understanding, trust and communication amongst all stakeholders

9. Parent Liaison Program Goals The Parent Liaison Program is driven by four specific goals: Increase parental awareness of services Provide training on federal and state laws Encourage parental participation Resolve amicably conflicts before they escalate into major disputes

10. Parent Liaison ProgramWhat Does it Do? Promotes a working relationship between parents and educators Promotes understanding of the special education process in schools Consults with parents to provide direction related to special education issues Provides emotional support through �parent to parent� sharing

11. Parent Liaison ProgramStaff Members The Parent Liaison Program is staffed with a Parent Liaison Program Supervisor and 4 Parent Liaisons.

12. Parent Liaison Program Supervisor Operates under the supervision of the Director of Instructional Support. Works in collaboration with the Special Services Department. Addresses the special education issues of parents. Empowers parents by providing information and training. Services as a �bridge� between parents and school personnel.

13. Parent Liaison ProgramWho are the Parent Liaisons? Parent Liaisons are volunteer parents of students with disabilities who are available to assist other parents. Parent Liaisons work under the supervision of the PLP Supervisor. Parent Liaisons assist the PLP Supervisor by providing information, training, and one-on-one support to parents in five geographical areas of Baldwin County.

14. Resolving Concerns and Conflicts � Where to Start? In order to resolve concerns or conflict, parents should first address them with the staff member who is most directly involved. General Education Teacher Special Education Teacher School Administrator (at any time) Special Education Resource Consultant

15. Resolving Concerns and Conflicts � Where to Start? Continued Special Services Supervisors Special Services Coordinator If all else fails, Parent Liaison Program Supervisor Mediation Due Process

16. Parent Liaison Program Public Awareness Local newspaper announcement PLP brochures mailed to parents PLP brochures placed in Doctors� Offices, Headstart Programs, Daycare Centers, etc. Town Meetings Monthly advertisement in local newspaper Web Site

17. Parent Liaison ProgramMotto �Advocating Without Alienating�