Parent Mentor Program

What is the Parent Mentor Program?

Currently, there are approximately 100 Parent Mentors in Ohio. They serve more than one-third of the schools and families in Ohio’s school districts. Parent Mentors offer all services free of charge to families.

More information about Ohio’s Parent Mentor Program is available at https://parentmentor.osu.edu.

What is the role of a Parent Mentor?

Parent Mentors work in collaboration with families and the school to help students in special education reach their educational potential. Services include:

• Support families by answering questions and helping them understand their child’s educational rights and services.
• Guide parents through the ETR (Evaluation Team Report), IEP (Individualized Education Program) processes, meetings, and school communications.
• Connect families with resources, community services, and support networks.
• Collaborate with schools to strengthen the relationship between families and educators.

Parent Mentors don’t make decisions for families but instead act as a trusted partner and mentor, offering insight from both personal experience and professional training.

If you have a question or concern or need guidance, our Parent Mentor is available to assist.