Parent Mentor

• Our Parent Mentor is Kendis Bender.  Kendis Bender is a parent to a child with special needs. She uses her first-hand experience to help work with school officials and guide families to increase the educational success of students who may receive special education services. The parent mentor is a free service, provided through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.  Kendis Bendercan be reached at Bender@esclc.org  or 440-324-5777 ext 1167 .

What Does the Parent Mentor Do?

• • Acts as a liaison between parents/guardians and the school

  • Guides families and helps them understand their rights and responsibilities through the entire special education process

  • Provides confidential support for concerns and questions

  • Supplies information on special education services, policies and procedures

  • Links parents/guardians to local resources, providers and other parents/caregivers for support

  • Explains the Individual Education Plan (IEP)/504 process and can attend team meetings if requested

  • Provides a lending library of materials to assist parents/guardians and professionals

  • Publishes information in PTA newsletters highlighting special education topics 

Why Do We Need A Parent Mentor?

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT . . .

• • Your child and special education services?

  • State and federal laws regarding students with disabilities?

  • The assessment process and how a student is identified for special education services?

  • The (IEP) Individual Education Plan and how are parents involved in its development?

DO YOU WANT . . .

• • Information about special education resources?

  • Information about specific disabilities?

  • Information about parent educational workshops?

DO YOU NEED . . .

• • To talk to a parent experienced in the special education process?

  • Someone to accompany you to parent/teacher meetings?

For More Information About Special Education Services including:

• • Testing, IEP development and information

  • The special education programs available in the Oberlin City Schools

  • Parent Workshops

CONTACT:  Kendis Bender, Parent Mentor Coordinator, Bender@esclc.org  or 440-324-5777 ext 1167 .