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LGCA State Support Team 4

Parent Mentor

PARENT MENTOR UPDATES & NEWS

I am Michelle Frygier and I am the Parent Mentor for Geauga County through the ESC of the Western Reserve. A unique aspect of this position is that Parent Mentors provide guidance based on a combination of training and personal first-hand experience. I am also a parent of a child with a disability and I know it can be overwhelming and confusing at times and this is when the Parent Mentor can assist and offer some support and information. 

PLEASE SEE THE WINDOWS ON THE RIGHT FOR INFORMATION ON PROGRAMS, ARTICLES & MORE! 
I am always exploring new information and opportunities to post so check back often for articles, opportunities for programming, and for updated information on all aspects of special education. 
                                                                                                                             
Presented at the Let’s Connect Conference, May 2, 2023
With 300+ attendees, Michelle Frygier, with Jaina Gandolfi, presented “Transition Tips and Resources from a Unique Perspective as Parent Mentor and a Special Needs Parent” at the Let’s Connect Conference in Columbus, Ohio, May 1-2, 2023. Let's Connect provided practical learning, takeaway tools and resources, and regional and statewide networking opportunities to help support those who work directly with school districts to improve outcomes for every child.

Our ACHIEVE and STARS Students Had So Much Fun at their Halloween Party! 
We had so much fun joining ACHIEVE staff and students (pictured here) for a fun day of Halloween activities, crafts, lunch and special treats!
Halloween party

WHAT IS A PARENT MENTOR?

A Parent Mentor is the parent of a child or children with a disability who is employed by the local Educational Service Center to help families and school districts by providing support, information, and training services. Since it is vital that districts and families work together in a positive and productive fashion to benefit all students that are served by an IEP, 504 plan or with any special accommodation, the Parent Mentor is available to facilitate communication between families, teachers, and administrators, all the essential people of the child's planning team. Working together, as a unified team, can empower your child to succeed, not only in school, but in the years to come.

The Geauga County Maple Leaf featured an article on my role as Parent Mentor in Geauga County on March 4, 2021. Here is the link to read the article.

HOW PARENT MENTORS PROVIDE SUPPORT

Parent Mentor Venn diagram

A Parent Mentor is a guide to help you navigate the special education process and to develop your skills as an advocate, the best advocate for your child. The role of the Parent Mentor assists by:


  • Guiding families through the special education process

  • Helping families understand their rights and responsibilities

  • Providing information and resources to families and the child’s schools. This includes education laws, district programs and updated information about special education

  • Engaging community services and other resources to support schools and families

  • Attending Individualized Education Program meetings and other meetings at parent or staff request

  • Listening to and supporting families and the child’s teachers on an individual basis

  • Connecting families, schools and communities to benefit students with disabilities

  • Helping families through the transition process from preschool to school and from high school and beyond

  • Hosting information sessions for families and staff members

HOW PARENT MENTORS ARE FUNDED

There is no cost to you for Parent Mentor services. The Ohio Parent Mentor Project is funded through grants from the Ohio Department of Education.

DISTRICTS SERVED

Berkshire Local Schools
Cardinal Local Schools
Chardon Local Schools
Kenston Local Schools
West Geauga Local Schools

CONTACT INFORMATION

Michelle Frygier is picturedMichelle Frygier
Parent Mentor, Geauga County
Phone: 440-635-6713

BROCHURE AND FAMILY LETTER

Letter to families from 2022-2023 Parent Mentor
Informational handout provided by the Ohio Parent Mentor Project