Based on federal legislation parents are to be participants in special education for their school districts (Indicator #8).  A district can participate with this initiative by working with DPI and CESA 8 by including a parent liaison at the district level. This project is primarily funded through an IDEA Discretionary grant, but local funding is necessary.

Activities for the parent liaison in cooperation with CESA 8 are as follows:

• Assist with gathering and disseminating materials and information to  parents.

• Setup a parent resource library.

• Organize reimbursements to district parent liaisons.

• Attend training and regional meetings to gain knowledge about the special education process and services, and be available to share with parents, teachers, and administrators.

• Mentor support and provide information to parents

• Assist districts with parent meetings/advisory councils on an ongoing basis.

• Provide workshops for parents (IEP, Communication, Bullying, etc.)  Provide Family Engagement Facilitator at the District level.

For more information, contact:

Sara Nerenhausen, Director/Family Engagement Coordinator

Statewide Information and Support at 833.879.7734 is another option for families to call as part of a statewide support system.